Game Scenario Coaching

When a player is faced with a decision when the result of the game is on the line, it is the coaches hope that they will learn either positively or negatively from the choice they make and the subsequent outcome. The coach also has to learn at the same time so they are prepared for the same situation in the future. The cues for a coach to recognise this though are very different to those of a player. We have highlighted 9 potential end of game scenarios and some options for you to consider what you would do. These could be perfect end of practice scenarios to put to your players at the end of a practice and see what they come up with.

Watch this clip from Boston v Portland in the NBA for a good example of the value a coach can bring in this type of situation. However a lot will ultimately be based on Player IQ and calmness in game situations, like this example from LeBron James. Here is an example from the WNBL, what was the play here ?

It would be impossible to list the hundreds of different situations that will occur in a game but lets examine a few of the most common ones and what the coaches options are in those crucial situations. A lot of these answers will be guided by your philosophy and teams approach.

Scenario 1

There is a minute left in the game and the score is tied. What are you instructing your players to do ? We don’t suggest this moment of genius from Andre Miller.

1. Take the best available shot?
2. Run the same offence you have run all game and trust the process?
3. Have a specific shot for this ?
4. A combination of 2 and 3. Play what’s in front of you till a certain point and then know what to go to ?

Scenario 2

The score is tied, your team is on defence with a minute left.

1. Pressure the offence and try to force a turnover ?
2. Forget the scoreboard and play the ball ?
3. Try and call a timeout to set up a specific defence ?

Scenario 3

You are trailing by 1-3 points and it’s your ball with 24 seconds left.

1. Don’t worry about the clock, try and get the go ahead basket
2. Run the clock down to make it a one possession game
3. Take a shot with 5-10 seconds left so even if you miss a rebound opportunity is there.

See an example here from the Perth Lynx v the Sydney Flames.

Scenario 4

You are ahead by 2 but the opposition has the ball with no more than 10 seconds left.

1. Trust your defence to get the stop
2. Instruct players to foul sending them to the line. Make sure your players know they cant foul a player in the act of shooting.

Here is an example of what Rajon Rondo did for the Celtics v the Sixers and one from Southside Flyers v Sydney Flames

Scenario 5

You just went down by 2 with 15 seconds left.

1. Get and go and attack in transition
2. Call a timeout
3. Advance ball to halfcourt and call timeout

See how this scenario played out in Melbourne v Townsville WNBL.

Scenario 6

Your opponent has the ball out of bounds and they are up by 2 with 10 seconds left.

1. Foul immediately when ball is inbounded
2. Instruct players to hard trap and attempt a steal first
3. Double team the opponents best foul shooter so they don’t get the ball

See how this exact scenario played out in a UC Capitals v Melbourne Boomers game and an example from Syndey Flames v Southside Flyers.

Scenario 7

Your opponent has the ball and you lead by 3 with 2 seconds left.

1. Pressure the inbounder so they don’t get a clean look for a pass ?
2. Don’t guard inbounder and focus on covering first player to pop open ?

Here is Rajon Rondo again for the Kings v the Hawks.

Scenario 8

You have the ball down by 3 with 1 minute left

1. Look to score a 2 pointer quickly then foul immediately ?
2. Look to score a 2 pointer quickly then play solid defence until a certain point then foul ?
3. Run a play for a 3 point shot ?

Scenario 9

Defending last shot when score is tied, What would you do in this scenario ?