Competition matches up teams against players who may be very skilled and those who need to work on their game. Every game is unique: a team which has a clear physical advantage in the first game of a tournament might only be evenly matched with their second round opponent. Certainly, practice and training can improve physical performance factors. Another way to generate an advantage on the court is to establish a mental edge. Teams that get into the heads of opposing players benefit from errors due to frustration, aggressiveness and resignation.
Move Constantly: Fitness is a physical performance factor but the ability and the resolve needed to move constantly is not correlated to skill. An athlete who is determined that they will not get tired will benefit from open lay-ups in transition and while cutting to the basket and they will wear out the player who is guarding them. Key tenants of this theory include beating the ball down the court (in offense and defense), reading and reacting and taking advantage of the smallest opportunity. Often, the defender lets up after the pass is made; immediately cutting to the basket or for a return pass enables the offensive player to win the short race for the ball.
Play Proactively: The athlete who initiates the action determines how the sequence will play out. On defense, players should do most of their work before the ball arrives (forcing the catch away from the basket, move the post away from the paint, influence the opponent adjust their position to catch the ball, make contact before the player receives the ball). Likewise, the offense should score before the defense has set up. This will make the other team think twice about taking a tough shot without enough players back. Plan for the next play; establish enough room to execute a ball move after the catch or visualize the move-counter sequence beforehand.
Punish Mistakes: The opponent must feel that any mistake will be quickly and severely penalized. A bad pass becomes a lay-up at the other end, losing balance leads to a high percentage catch and shoot, slow rotation leaves someone open and a missed box out results in a putback. These consequences will remain in the back of their minds and will pressure their performance.
While guarding the ball, keep the feet moving and stay balanced. Do not reach but use active hands in case the ballhandler is sloppy. Away from the ball, play in the passing lanes and prepare to box out; as soon as possession is gained, start the fast break. Always read and react, thinking ahead: good decisions and anticipation can compensate for a lack of quickness and explosiveness.
Limit their Chances: Reduce the opponent’s chances to score. If they feel that they only have a couple of options, they will become discouraged (also, it becomes easier to predict what will happen next). Play disciplined team defense so the opposing ballhandler feels that they are going 1-on-5. Consistent communication – either loudly while play is ongoing or quietly during a break – keeps everyone on the same page. Contest every shot, force the cut back after the dribble starts and box everyone out. The opponent must feel that if they cannot generate a top quality shot, they will fail.
Expand Your Own: On offense, find the best shot for the team. Never take it personally; if it becomes a 1-on-1 battle between two players, emotion may take over. When two teams battle, the one that pulls together best will win. Great teams share the ball because even an amazing athlete cannot outrun a great pass. Know what comprises a good shot for yourself and your teammates and stick to the high percentage shots during games (practice is for experimentation). Glory on the scoresheet is fleeting but when a team wins there is more than enough success to go round.
Wait for the Right Moment: Use ball fakes and dribbles to change the passing angles and remain patient so that nothing is forced. Crash the board so that the opponent must defend for a long period of time. When the opposition is dispirited, a key putback or open three is even more impactful. The team that can extinguish the fire within their opponent will outlast them during the toughest games.