Scoring more points is the desire of every basketball coach and team at every level. Both fast break and half court offense can lead to putting points on the board. Knowing how to teach players how their shot selection and shot distribution is a keen skill all coaches must master. This article focuses on defining each term and how they differ.
When I hear coaches talk about their offensive frustrations, I often here these two terms; shot selection and shot distribution. At times these two are used interchangeably. They are not only different, they are separate parts of efficient offensive play.
Shot Selection is about the kind of shot taken by a particular player. Do your players know specifically what kind of shots you want them to take?
Remember, they don’t have to agree with you but they do have to comply. Key–A good shot for one player is a bad shot for another.
Shot Distribution is about how many shots each player should take. Do your players
specifically know how many shots they should take relative to their playing time? As a coach, determine a preferable shot distribution per player and evaluate your game stats accordingly.
Key–Some players need to take 15 shots while other players should take 2 or 3.
As the coach if you have not devised a system of shot selection and distribution, what are the chances that your players and parents understand? It is up to you to teach the value of offensive efficiency to your team. It is very important to have all parties on the same page in terms of offensive rules and philosophies. Ease the frustration on your players by establishing boundaries around your offensive structure. The kind of shots and who takes those shots will help your team as a cohesive offensive unit. Cancer is built up in teams when specific roles are not established.
Take the time to clearly relate this to your team this season.
Randy Brown
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