Over the course basketball the past few years I have had the opportunity to interact with many basketball the small coaching community and the topic of scouting comes up more frequently then not. There are two driving schools of though in terms of scouting for success in high school basketball. The first being the fundamental school of thought which breaks down individual player strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies. The second being a more hybrid form of scouting which takes a look at certain aspects and tactics that often decide the outcome of basketball games.
At last here are the top 5 things to scout to assure you give your team the best possible means for success.
1. Scout out-of-bounds plays. In the high school game teams often use out-of-bounds plays as a scoring opportunity; especially from underneath the basket. Teams with a success rate of more then 65% in their out-of-bounds sets should be taken seriously. Keep an eye on the sets teams use, what point in the game they use them, and who they are trying to get the ball to; then adjust your defense accordingly.
2. What fundamental team skill do they execute well. For example the Utah Jazz made a living with the fundamental pick and roll series. Scout your opponent for their fundamental skill. No need to break down player by player if you understand their fundamental skill for each teams athletes will be involved in this skill. Skills to look for--pick and roll (high and side), screening (cross, curl, flare), cutting, and high/low. Remember these may take many forms, but if you do your job and scout the skill then you can prepare your team to trump the skill no matter how it is used.
3. Quarter by quarter break down of shots taken or offensive sets executed. Just like us all we are all born either right or left handed. Teams are no exception, more often then not teams will be more comfortable on one side of the floor. Know which side this is and set your defense to take your opponent out of their comfort area.
4. Coaches are creatures of habit. Understand these habits. We had a veteran coach in our league that would always--no matter the case--call a time out in the first minute of the game. Use these habits to your advantage. Understand what a coach's habits are and use them in your favor. Areas to look for what defensive or offensive pattern will a coach turn to after a timeout, when will they often call a timeout, what are their substitution patterns, in late game situations what are their tendencies, and most importantly do they tend to use only things they have shown before or will they toss something new at you--if so, what?
5. Have a plan to turn to in late game situations. Rely on your system to give you a chance to win the game, but have a plan for when the game is close in the final minutes. Who should you foul? What are the teams late game tendencies? Will they stall? How will you counter a stall? If it comes down to one shot what play will you run knowing the defense you will most likely see? What players will be on the floor in the closing seconds?
Take these 5 steps on how to scout to win and watch you teams have success on the floor. Develop a scouting system such as this to eliminate hours of film breakdown while preparing for this weeks rival.
To learn more about basketball offenses, defensives, drills, and read articles relating to the game of basketball visit Coach Mac's Basketball Resources.
Coach Mac's Basketball Resources http://www.coachmac-basketball.com
Coach McKinnis' Books Avaliable at Coach Mac's
'Coach Macs Continuity Offenses from Oregon Small School Programs'
'The Sting Attack: 5 Out Motion Series'
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