LEVEL 3Situationalall

The Free Throw Isn't Over

FIG. 14FREE THROW REBOUNDALL FORMATS

A free throw is the most predictable shot in basketball, which makes its rebound the most winnable. Everyone knows exactly when the ball goes up, so the fight is pure positioning and timing. On defense, the inside players must hit their box-outs the instant the ball leaves the shooter's hand. On offense, you're allowed to lose the first spot and still win — step through the gap as the boxer-out settles. Most players relax at the line. Treat every free-throw rebound as a live possession, because it is one.

READ THIS

The shooter's release is the starting gun — watch for the lane defenders sealing on it, or failing to.

DO THIS

Defense: make first contact on the release. Offense: swim through the gap as the ball leaves the hand — position is won in that half second.

COACHING LINEAGE

Tom Thibodeau

Help defense positioning: one pass away, always. Be early, not late.

Pat Riley

Transition aggression — push before the defense sets. The best offense happens in the first six seconds.

IN THE SITUATION ROTATION

You are at the line for one free throw, down two, with four seconds left. The opponent has no timeouts, but neither do you. Make it and you are down one, needing a steal or foul; miss it on purpose and a tip-in ties the game, if your team can win the scramble.

Appears as a Situation of the Day · 5v5

An opponent lets a shot fly from the left wing while you guard a player on the right side. The instant the ball goes up, you feel your man take their first hard step toward the rim, hunting the offensive rebound.

Appears as a Situation of the Day · 5v5