Keys to Winning the Big Game - Part 2

In part 1 we talked about the first 2 keys to winning the big game – Ball Control and making your free-throws & lay-ups.  The last 2 fundamental keys to winning the big game are:

1.  Ball Control (time of possession)

2.  Free-Throws & Lay-Ups

3.  Minimizing Turnovers

4.  Rebounding

(3)  Minimizing Turnovers – You can’t win the big game by giving up the ball.  In order to win the big game, you must not only win the turnover battle, but you must set a goal of how many turnovers your team will not exceed and work to achieve that goal.  My high-school coach set a goal of 10 TO’s or less every game.  While that may seem extreme, the fact is, if your team can average less than 10 TO’s a game, then you will have a chance to win every game you play – especially the big game.  Also, while everyone knows about turnovers such as traveling violations, dribbling violations, and bad passes/balls that are dropped, not everyone knows that bad shots should be considered turnovers as well.  Bad shots are a not a stat that can be easily tracked as turnovers, but coaches and players should understand that forced shots lead to defensive rebounds, which can lead to opponents points.  Rushing the shot is just as good as giving the other team the ball, so players need to be disciplined in executing the offense and being patient – working hard for the GREAT shot.

(4)  Rebounding – Teams that are not very skilled on the offensive side of the ball can still beat the best teams if they win the rebounding battle.  On the defensive side, it’s important that your team only gives up 1 shot every possession and take away the second & third chance opportunities from your opponent.  You can take 10-20 points a game away from your opponents score just by winning the defensive glass.  You can also add 10-20 points a game to your score by winning the offensive glass.  Winning the offensive glass will give you second chance opportunities, and if you capitalize on those opportunities, you can swing the scoreboard by 20-40 points!  Rebounding is the very reason why non-powerhouse college teams have a chance every year to win the NCAA tournament.  Winning the glass and capitalizing on your possessions will help you win the big game!

Coach CJ

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