Recently I have been in conversations with players and fans of the game of basketball about how dramatically the game has changed in recent years. Where the 3 point shot is the main arsenal of teams.
The conventional center banging in the low block is almost dead and replaced with post players that can shoot at range. Players now are not locked into one position instead can play a range of positions.
I have been thinking long and hard about the trends that are occurring in basketball. After all, I need to be ahead of these trends so I can coach more effectively. All these trends have brought me to one conclusion. Every player on the floor needs to be able to play each position on the floor; regardless of height.
Why should young players learn to play every position on the floor
A versatile player is a massive asset to a team. Coaches look for this. Recently in the tryouts for the Sydney Comets representative team we the coaches were looking to fill all primary positions with players that can play multiple positions.
This gives coaches the flexibility to move players into different positions to capitalise on mismatches. For example, if we have a long small forward that is good at defending. We can task this player to guard a really good off the dribble shooter.
Long players can play a step or two back, containing the speed and ball skills of the player and most importantly challenge the shot in the air if there’s a quick pull up.
This is one of a million scenarios that can be played out.
Not convinced? Here’s another example. What about a 5 man that can shoot the 3 at a good percentage. Stretch 5’s are a common thing now in the NBA. They create huge space allowing good penetrating guards to be able to operate without basket coverage.
5 man sitting at the 3 point line will draw his defender away from the basket and committing to defend their player opening up the key.
How do learn to play every position
Guards (Point guards and shooting guards)
- Learn to post up
- Learn to play with your back to the basket (creating shots and making passes)
Forwards
- Develop a good mid range shot
- Learn to shoot the 3 point shot consistently
- Plenty of ball handling work so you can dribble with defenders in close proximity
- Learn to defend guards
Centers
- Learn to shoot the 3 point shot
- Develop a very good mid range game
- Be able to dribble the ball up the floor with mild ball pressure
The 3 and D myth
I hear a lot of people talk about the 3 and D player. For those who don’t know, a 3 and D player is a player that only really concentrates on playing good defense and can hit the 3 point shot. These are the primary areas these players are used for.
One of the best 3 and D players in today’s game is Klay Thompson. Actually, I’d say he is the best!
Note: if you are looking to be a good defender check out an article I wrote about the mentality needed to be a good defender.
Where do I think the NBA will be in 5 years
From the trends that I am seeing with how versatile players are becoming. I feel the NBA will be a very tall league. Currently the average height is 6’7” but I feel that the point guards are getting taller and taller. Good example is Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ben Simmons.
This then makes it all the more important as a coach to be able to train players on all facets of the game. Even if you are a tall player it is imperative to teach them ball handling and shooting at range.
In all, I am excited to see the future of basketball and the moulding of versatile players. It will bring a lot of excitement to the game BUT for all those young players out there settling on just shooting. Be warned, your position might just become redundant.
Happy ballin,
Coach Anthony