ARE YOU PLAYING THE ODDS?

One of the most important lessons for a young player to learn about the game of hoops is that “playing the percentages” is what ultimately wins not only games, but championships.

Here are a few examples of high percentage basketball:

 When you notice that a team runs 75% of their plays from the right side of the court (because their PG can’t go left), use the percentages to your favor and force the PG to the left.

 Learning where the ball will likely come off the basket on a missed shot (see previous post on "Dead Time"– link) gives you an advantage in rebounding.

 Teams that don’t get 70 percent or more of their points from the paint rarely win championships. So shut down the paint and force them into shooting low percentage shots... from outside.

 Teams that win championships almost always force more turnovers than their opponents.

 Teams that make 80 percent of their free throws as a team, and shoot more free throws than their opponents almost always win.

 Teams that give up the fewest points in transition almost always win.

Playing percentage basketball is playing smart basketball by increasing the odds of getting more possessions than your opponent, and more possessions equates to more scoring opportunities.

The point is this, although talent will often keep your team in the game, playing the percentages will dramatically increase the odds of your team winning.

(thanks Alan Lambert)