Strategy - plan for special situations

At all times, coaches should know which players need to be in the game and why. They should also have some deliberate and strategic play calls at their disposal. The following represent a small list of the many eventualities for which every coach must have a plan:

• who to put in if the best player/shooter/defender/ball-handler/rebounder is hurt or has too many fouls (for that stage of the game)
• a late game three pointer is needed
• end of shot clock or game clock out of bounds play (sideline and/or baseline)
• an intentional miss of a free throw (which side, where is positioning, what is movement, how to miss)
• up by three points with little time left on the game clock and the opponent has the ball (to foul or not)
• down by five with enough time for two expected possessions
• subbing offense for defense and vice versa (if possible based on stoppage of play)
• a small and fast lineup (which five players should be in the game)
• type of trap or defense to promote a turnover and recovery of the ball