In another post describing why I don’t teach plays to young players, I make the case for focusing on basic skills development rather than memorizing a playbook or a “system”. It’s been my experience that the best players make their mark by deviating from the set play or motion and instead do something “smart” that leads to points. Coaches rarely teach players how to be smart because they need all the practice time they have just to drill them on this week’s plays or reinforce the system. We marvel at how smart these players are and encourage the rest of the team to emulate them but provide no instruction in just how to do that. Some coaches even head in the opposite direction and discourage anyone who deviates from the book.
I think it’s not only possible to teach basketball intelligence, but I think it should be taught from day-one. Basketball intelligence can be boiled down to a few questions that each player should ask themselves as they play. These questions form the core of being a smart player and each step can be embellished and refined as a player’s basketball intelligence skill grows.
Question 1: Are my teammates doing something especially smart?
Typically, this is a question that the point guard asks when bringing the ball up the court, but it should be a question that every player is asking all the time. Is someone cutting to the basket unguarded? Then pass them the ball! Has a post pinned their opponent and is now between their opponent and the basket? Then pass them the ball! Don’t hesitate, just do it! You’ve got to have your head up and be facing your team if you want to see these things when they happen and respond immediately.
Question 2: Can I just beat this guy (or girl)?
If you’re the point guard you should be asking this question all the way up the court. Is your opponent guarding you too close? Has he placed one foot too close to you so that you can attack his foot? Does he have too much momentum coming toward you? Then take the ball to the basket! Don’t hesitate, just do it! Worst case, you’ll create a 5 on 4 advantage. One of your teammate’s opponents will have to pick you up, leaving your teammate a free path to the basket – then, answer to question 1, pass them the ball!
Question 3: Is someone coming to pick for me?
Another smart thing that your teammate may be doing is picking for you. It really helps if you and your team has been taught how to properly pick and roll. In that case, close on your opponent if necessary, and wait for the pick to set. Then cut! Don’t hesitate, just do it! If no one is coming to pick for you, it may be because you’re out of position, too far from the basket. In that case, get ready to pass. If necessary, dribble briefly to create a clear passing lane. It helps if you haven’t already dribbled and then picked up your dribble. Resist the urge to dribble immediately when you receive a pass. Instead, face the basket and get in a triple threat position. Take a moment (at least a second) to see what your opponent and your team are doing.
You’ve just passed the ball to a teammate… Question 4: Has my opponent lost focus?
When you pass the ball to a teammate several things will happen. First your opponent’s eyes and head will follow the ball. They may also reposition their body to better see the ball. Mostly, they will relax. They’re no longer on-the-spot to prevent ball penetration so their adrenaline will fall a little, and their muscles will relax a little. This is your opportunity to perform a back-door cut to the basket! Don’t hesitate, just do it! You can help your opponent relax by appearing to relax yourself. Stand a little more upright. Take a slow breath. But know your goal. Be the member of your team who’s doing something smart! If you’re close the basket you might be able to use this opportunity to pin your opponent on your back and away from the basket. Don’t announce your self by clapping your hands or calling for the ball. Expect your teammates to have their heads up and be watching for you to do something smart.
Question 5: Can I pick for a teammate?
This may already be part of the play or system, but it can be even more effective – and unpredictable if it’s not. Note that your opponents are already expecting someone to pick the ball but they’re not ready for you to pick away from the ball. Think about picking for a teammate on the opposite side of the court. If not, execute a good cut to get separation and receive the pass. It might be opportunity for a back-door cut if you’re being overplayed.
That’s it!
Drill your team to ask themselves these five questions, in this order, with every pass of the ball…
You’ve just received a pass. Assume a triple threat position, head up, shoulders facing the basket (for a point guard, at this point they’ve just passed half court with the ball).
- Is my teammate doing something smart? Get them the ball so they can score!
- No… Can I just beat this guy? Take the ball to the basket and dump the ball to a teammate whose opponent has been forced to guard you!
- No… Is a pick coming? Close, wait for the pick to set, cut, bounce pass!
- No… pass the ball to a teammate. Has my opponent lost focus? Cut to the basket or pin him!
- No… Can I pick for a teammate? Then do it! And don’t forget that you can also pick for teammates who don’t have the ball.
No… Then get open for a pass. Now that you’ve got the ball… Repeat! Slow down and think through each question until it becomes habit.
Put five smart basketball players on the court who’ve never played together before and this will be their entire offense.