Trailing Phoenix by one with twelve seconds to play, Toronto called timeout to set up the final shot. The Raptors inbounded to Hedo Turkoglu, who endeavoured to penetrate, lost the handle, and forced a fadeaway jumper. The poor shot was the result of Turkoglu’s slip, not the set but the shot still lacked viable alternatives to the primary option. Posting Chris Bosh against Amare Stoudamire would have been definitely feasible but how could coach Jay Triano better incorporate the Raptors’ young players into these pressure situations?
During climatic moments, mental and somatic anxiety heightens. The latter can be controlled by training players to reach their Ideal Performance State, focusing on proper nutrition and excellent fitness. The former is a more delicate coaching dilemma but the solution begins with confidence.
Players must feel that they are able to make a shot under pressure. The SportsCenter era has made the final seconds of each game a sheer spectacle and even young players sense greater stress. They may also seize up on defence and allow penetration, forget to box out, or neglect to rotate so coaches; coaches must address performance at both ends of the court. If players believe that they can make a big shot, it is likely that they will remain calm and follow correct form.
Experience is important. Every part of practice should include some element of pressure and running the clock during all drills is imperative. All actions should have a consequence or a reward. When a player makes a shot to avoid a team suicide, it empowers them for bigger moments. During these part-method drills or scrimmages, coaches should ensure that all players have equal opportunities to perform.
Discussions with players help. Coaches should go beyond positive feedback. Before games, coaches should ensure that everyone understand the key concepts of the game plan. After the game, coaches should debrief the players in order to improve. If there has been a failure, anlysis is required to improve the process and soothe heartbroken players. By understanding the mental state of the players, coaches can better address physical performance on the court.
All plays should put every player in a position to succeed. If a player cannot make a corner three point shot, they should not idly stand in that spot; it is the coach’s responsibility to move that player to a high percentage scoring position. Standing still, unbalanced and unready, is not an acceptable alternative. Players should be taught how to pass and how to make decisions under pressure. Teammates should constantly communicate. If a play has been run a dozen times in practice – with multiple outcomes – everyone will feel more comfortable when it must be done to win the game.
Some players may not want the ball under pressure. A coach should be aware of this sentiment and address the problem so that by the end of the year, the team has five players who will not hesitate to take a clutch shot and drill it.
Personally, I think that the Los Angeles or Chicago sets would have created more passing options for Turkoglu. It was a unique situation so it should not be attributed excessive weight. Had the team stopped Steve Nash (one of the best clutch performers in the Association), it would not have been necessary to score; Toronto would have merely needed to inbound the ball to win.