An experienced, well-coached team closing out games in a variety of situations is a beautiful aspect of team sports. In this season’s NBA Playoffs, the San Antonio Spurs were a well-oiled machine featuring veteran presence, star power, and outstanding organization from the coaching staff. Observing San Antonio's success and cool performance in the clutch is inspiring. The following article will detail 7 steps to improving your team's Late Game Efficiency and while we never may reach the level of the Spurs, step by step every team can improve.
Establish an Offensive Identity
Every team needs an offensive identity. Common questions for coaches to consider include: who are our best players? Where do these best players like to score? How can we create easy baskets? Who is our best post scorer? Who are our best perimeter shooters? Which players on our team can create using the dribble? And the list continues. Every player on the team must understand this identity and be on the same page. Teams that "Know One Another" have an advantage in pressure-filled late-game situations. Coaches can help themselves by defining clear rolls on the team and creating a clear "Pecking Order" on the practice court before situations occur. Problems accepting rolls or dealing with egos and personalities can be handled in many positive ways when coaches are proactive in practice.
Define Bread and Butter Plays
Once an offensive identity has been established and the team has a complete understanding of the offensive system and philosophy, coaches should watch their team closely and decide what sets or plays they perform best. No matter how many set plays a team runs, they will be better at some than others. Some sets will simply "Fit" the personnel and some players may have more "Confidence" or "Comfort Level" with specific sets as compared to others. Along with knowing which players are preferred to "have the ball in their hands", coaches should have their team prepared with "Bread and Butter" or "Money" plays. Teams should feel good about the specific set plays they run for a post touch or three point look or isolation for that big basket. Again, working ahead of time on such situations in practice is a key.
Prepare for Special Situations
Spending time in practice working on time and score situations is critical for players and teams to gain experience. But coaches must create a system that is simple for players to understand and complete in covering game-situations. Late-Game Endline, Sideline or Fullcourt plays are just as important to a team as their "Bread and Butter" half court sets. Having a few good plays for special situations that involve late-clock from all over the floor is the mark of an organized offensive attack that is well prepared for success. Keeping things as simple as possible while providing a high-quality play helps a team execute under pressure and provides them with their best chance to win.
Spend time with Decision-Makers
Spending extra time in discussion and watching video with on-court decision-makers is another important part of this process. Basically, two areas of late-game decision-making should be involved. First, point guard play is critical in helping organize a team. Spending time in discussion and in film analysis with point guards can help get everyone on the same page. When a floor general knows how to "Milk the clock" for a final shot or understands who to get the basketball to and how to get it to them, a team can dramatically improve their efficiency. Second, the "Go-to-Guy" or player who will make the decisive play, must be considered. Helping the "Difference-Maker" understand shot selection and what type of shot is appropriate also requires extra attention. Without question the extra time spent with these late-game decision-makers can make a major difference.
Practice Timeouts
While many coaches work on all kinds of special situations, often overlooked is a simple "Timeout". Stopping practice to create a timeout and emphasizing the carryover from the short discussion immediately to the next play can help teams to execute in a game. Gradually, challenge the team to be more precise with more detail or challenge an individual from the practice timeout to the next drill. Drawing up a game winning set and giving the team a chance to convert to end practice can also be a very positive way to finish the day’s work on a high.
5-on-0 to 5-on-5
Like other aspects of teaching, 5-on-0 sets provide repetition and opportunity for players to learn details. Immediately working from 5-on-0 to 5-on-5 sets helps teams get comfortable with "Bread and Butter" plays or special sideline/endline/fullcourt late-game situations. Instructing players and teaching the team starts with the identity and philosophy before progressing to the on-court execution. Providing practice time for these special situations can go a long way in helping improve a team's play in the clutch.
Drills
The last part to consider is special drills which challenge a team to "Think on the fly". First, a team can play a "2 minute game" to a created score situation. Players can compete in a game-like practice setting emphasizing these important late-game decisions. Coaches can find time for teaching and discussion between "2 minute games". Another excellent way to practice late-game efficiency is a Stop to Score conversion or a Score to Stop conversion. Either way, a team must get a defensive stop immediately followed by a big basket (or score then stop), before moving on. Such situations build up the team trait of "Stop-Ability" and also prepare for crunch time offensive possessions.
In summary, organization, practice, and hard work will help every team improve on their late-game efficiency. Coaches can put their teams in a position to be successful by creating a clear identity, establishing understanding of philosophy, and discussing potential decisions. Repetition and experience from practice will also go a long way in increasing the chances of a successful response in pressurized game situations. While our teams may never been as efficient as the admirable San Antonio Spurs, we can all be better. And that improvement can be inspiring!
