1. Good teams do no put the basketball on the floor
Analysis proves otherwise. Even solid passing game teams do allow their players to put it on the floor. The dribble is used to score, improve passing angles, create scoring opportunities for teammates, and escape trouble.
2. Good teams do not allow 1 on 1 play
Analysis shows that 1 on 1 play is effective for both women and men. Good offensive teams break their opponents’ defense down and 1 on 1 play is critical to achieving this goal. They keys to 1 on 1 effectiveness are recognition and timing. Good teams have players that recognize legitimate opportunities within the team concept, and use the move to not only create a shot for themselves, but also for teammates. A coach must teach spacing and spot ups if they want to maximize the efficiencies of the 1 on 1 move. In addition, good teams do not allow 1 on 1 play on initial entry movement unless they enjoy a clear advantage. Usually, against good teams, the most effective 1 on 1 moves come after 2 or more court reversals.
3. The ball screen is obsolete
Analysis shows that the ball screen is effective. Many top teams use it, and with great success. Against good defenses, teams use the ball screen after 1 to 2 court reversals or after 4 to 5 passes. As with both the use of the dribble and 1 on 1 play, ball screens are more effective when the coach teaches spot ups and proper weakside spacing.
4. A team must have a center for effective low post play
Analysis showed that come of the top men’s and women’s teams in the country developed strong low post attacks without a true center. They flashed forwards or guards into the strongside low post, or they set solid off the ball screens to create mismatches in the low post area. In many games, pass selection, spacing, and patience all had more of a negative impact than size on low post play.
5. A player/team must have quickness to effectively penetrate a defense
Naturally, blur quickness was an advantage for point guards, but tape analysis showed many excellent teams with average speed point players. They good teams structured opportunities for the perimeter players to penetrate. Ball screens, high post step outs, and flash cuts all provide ball penetration within the defensive perimeter. The ability to break down a defense is critical to offensive success. The top teams structured their attacks to feature the strengths and hide the weak areas of their players. Winners found effective methods to penetrate, even without good quickness at the point guard spot.
