Foul line SituationsWhat follows is an example of one area of the game where we can develop savvy, foul line situations. It has been my experience that dead ball situations are an excellent place to start to teach savvy. Since the game is stopped there is more time for the thinking brain to be engaged rather than the habit or emotional brain. Remember that this is not something that can be used in a late game situation. The foul shot taken early in the game can be just as important.

Too huddle or not huddle?At the international level the referees will not allow teams to huddle and then enter the lane on the second shot. There can be a BRIEF connection of the players before the shot before the officials administer the first shot. Therefore it is not something we want to do with our teams even when we play in Canada.

A concern with huddling is the players rushing into the key on the second shot. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the players are often not focused on their next actions. Many errors seem to occur from lack of concentration. The stoppage in play gives the players a chance to scan the opponents. Based on their knowledge and understanding of the situation and positioning of the players they can construct a plan to take advantage of the situation. This is more difficult when the players are rushed to get in position.

The foul shot is a good time for connection. The two players not in the lane can easily connect with each other or the coaching staff. Other players can connect through eye contact, body language (signals) or verbal communication.

Foul shot alignmentBy rule, no players, not in the lanes, may align below the foul line extended until the ball hits the rim. This makes the wing spot a prime location for the players outside the lane. The player who controls this spot is always closer to any long rebound.

If the offensive opponent is not involved in rebounding this spot does not need to be filled. It is recommended that the two defensive

players line up to the outside of offensive players to prevent this spot from being filled. Even if the offensive player attempts to go to the middle the defender is still slightly closer.

The offensive player can align herself in the lane spaces based on her advantage. Does she want to be close to the defensive player or far away?

Offensive strategiesThe call of the play can be verbal or hand signal. It can be based on knowing where a teammate most likely misses or by a predetermined intentional miss.

Louie – leftThe offensive rebounder on the left rips up under the defensive rebounder boxing her out and drags her under the basket. This action also creates a screen on the low defensive rebounder on the right side. The offensive rebounder on the right cuts to the middle. One of the outside players times her cut with the ball hitting the rim and cuts to the vacated area on the left. The other outside player is the safety.

The offensive players need to be taught to grab the rebound, but also where to tip the ball to the open space occupied by a teammate. The players also need to be aware of the time and score. On the rebound are they using a put back, immediate action a quick attack or setting it up.

Roger – rightThis is the same as Louie only it is run on the right side.

Note: sometimes teams do not send the outside player and just used the rip cross screen action by the two low offensive rebounders.

Mike – middleThe bottom offensive players use a swim technique to compete to get below the bottom defensive rebounders. One of the top players, #3, times her run to when the ball hits the rim, to come down the middle. A double Mike can also be run where both players come in for the middle.

Down three pointsOn the intentional miss the ball is tipped to the outside players sliding to the three point line.

If the shooter is the best three point shooter a screen on the defender boxing out is a very effective technique.

OKC had the shooter throw the ball hard off the rim back to the shooter, who turned and passed to Westbrook running up for the three point shot. Not easy to do without practice.

Defensive technique

Boxing out the shooterThe footwork used here is very important. It depends on the size and distance the player can cover in a single step. Taller players can take one step. Smaller players may need to use a crossover step plus one more step.

Boxing out from the low positionOne of the biggest mistakes made is stepping at the basket first. This allows the offensive player to

Drive the defender under the basket. Use her leaping ability to her advantage

because there is no contact Access to go screen the other side of the

lane

Step to the inside foot of the shooterThe low defender wants to get as close to the offensive player as possible. Step with her inside foot at the shooters closest foot. Make contact!

Double teamAgainst a great offensive rebounder the defence may sandwich the offensive rebounder with a double team.

Cover the shooterMany NBA teams use an outside player to cover the shooter. The timing can be tricky if an intentional miss is in place.

Face guardIn extreme situations teams have face guarded the great rebounder.

Practicing foul shotsWhen players are shooting foul shots it is an excellent time to practice their offensive and defensive rebounding techniques.

Shooting in a group of threeEach player will take three shots, attempting to make the first two, intentionally missing on the third. The non-shooters are working on their offensive and defensive rebounding techniques. They use a different one on each shot. If an offensive rebound is gained they play 2 -1 vs the one defender. If the ball goes in or a defensive rebound is obtained the next shot is taken.

Players can also practice coming from the outside to get to the rebounding spots. They need to time the run so that they cross the three point line as the ball hits the rim.

Practicing with two players

Missing on purposeHitting the front rimThis can be a difficult shot since the margin of error is very small. The ball usually rebounds straight back and down

Missing to a sideI have had more success with players aligning with the white square on the backboard. Shoot the ball higher than normal to hit the inside of the white line. This will make the ball flip up and usually to the side of the intended miss.