Constructing Your Championship Team

What comes first, the system or the players?  This is the question that basketball coaches have been debating for years.  Now, before you start defending one side or the other, know that there really isn’t a right answer.

The main thing is to be versatile.  When coaching basketball, you always have to adapt to the ever changing world that is “coaching basketball”.  Your team may look dramatically different from the start of the season to the end due to injuries, suspensions, drop outs, etc.

I mean, are you still going to run a Flex Offense now that you’re forced to insert three natural big men in your roster? Of course not. 

Which is why when it comes to selecting players, you should not solely focus on finding the perfect player for your system.

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What’s really important is to have “basketball minds” at every position.  And by “basketball minds” I mean players who truly have the fundamentals down pat.

Normally players, who have their fundamentals down, are products of high quality drills and effective practices.  Click Here to get Access to Great Illustrated Defensive Drills and Complete Practice Plans

“So, what are the key attributes I should look for when selecting players?”

Well, let us break it down for you by position.   

The Point Guard

The point guard runs the offense and watches the backcourt. His role is so important to the team that he is really an extension of the coach on the floor. He must have these qualities:

·        Instinctive knowledge of the game.

·        Complete control as a ball handler.

·        Possesses great court vision to read defenses.

·        Athletically fast and quick on his feet.

·        Must be defensively sound.

But above all, his ego must not interfere with his basketball judgment.

The Off-Guard

The off-guard or shooting guard is generally the better shooter of the two guards. The qualities that he needs to possess are:

·        Instinctive knowledge of the game.

·        Good ball handler.

·        Good skills as a passer.

·        Possess speed and is quick on his feet.

·        Solid defender.

·        Consistently able to hit from 15 to 20 feet.

·        Must know how to move without the ball.

He must also be a student of the offense so that he can step in for the point guard and run the offense.

The Center

The center is arguably one of the most important players on the team. Normally, he is the tallest player on the floor. The qualities he must possess are:

·        A monster on the boards.

·        A dependable scorer at short and mid range.

·        Defensive leadership, always talking to his teammates.

·        Able to see the floor and hit the open man if his shot is not there.

·        Able to read how he is being defended and to takes advantage of this when he is posting-up.

·        Must have strong hands, good upper body strength, and good jumping ability.

The Small Forward

The small forward is the most gifted player on the team. He should possess the following characteristics:

·        Athletically gifted.

·        Adequate rebounder.

·        Solid passer.

·        Sound ball handling skills

·        Superb all-around defender.

Most of all the Small Forward must be a good scorer, capable of shooting from anywhere from the wings, around the key, and under the boards.

The Power Forward

Like the point guard, the power, or strong forward, does not receive much recognition. Usually, if he's doing his job well, his role as the player doing the "dirty work" is taken for granted. He must possess the following:

1. Monster on both sides of the glass..
2. Adequate passer.
3. Adequate scorer.
4. Play big in the paint.
5. Great defender.

The Power Forward must stand up to the opposition and be an “enforcer” at both ends of the court.

The Sixth Man or Role Player

This is the coach’s best friend.  He is the guy who has set aside his ego so that he can come off the bench at a moment's notice and fall right into the flow. He's able to do whatever is necessary to help his team win.

Sometimes his role calls for him to score, play exceptional defense, or a combination of the two.  Whatever he's capable of doing, the sixth man is an important component to the game. He satisfies his coach's quest for an advantage, particularly when the game is close. He's a spark plug, capable of picking up the tempo when play gets sluggish.

Since he doesn't start the game, the sixth man must study the game tempo and prepare himself mentally so he is able to adjust to flow of the game the moment he steps on the floor.

More than anything else, he gives his team quality minutes when he plays. As a coach, you must know the sixth man's capabilities and limitations. You need to know how long the sixth man can deliver these quality minutes before losing his effectiveness to the team.

Coaching basketball at a high level is something that takes dedication, courage, commitment, and perseverance.  As you grow as a basketball coach, you will naturally have a good idea as to what qualities you’re looking for in each position, and in each system, making coaching basketball a snap!

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