COACHING POINTS
A closeout situation is a great example of a "big advantage." Not only is the defender out of position, but his momentum is running away from the hoop. To capitalize on this opportunity players should be thinking "shot first" and look to utilize "zero second decision making."
"SHOT FIRST"
By thinking "shot first" the player will get his feet into an optimal shooting stance. If the defender closes harder than he anticipated, he can than shot fake and widen his stance into a driving position. Executed the other way, thinking drive first, players will often catch the ball with a wide stance and than not be able to get their feet back under them for a shot, when their defender does not closeout.
"ZERO SECOND DECISION MAKING"
If the player is able to make a decision whether to shoot or drive before the ball arrives to him, he gains the extra advantage of being able to counter the defense if they close out on him hard. In this situation they can utilize the "go and catch." Which means "go" meet the ball, before it gets to you, and "catch" it on the run.
VIDEO EXAMPLES
1. Closeout Breakdown
