Speed Kills

The DNA (the building block) of Melrose basketball is transition basketball. Years ago (when my daughters were playing) an opposing coach told me that the toughest part of facing Melrose was knowing you had five players running hard all the time.

We want athletic players who can run, because we can create numerical mismatches ("numbers") to defeat the press and attack before zone defenses can set up.

Here are some principles from Morgan Wootten, legendary DeMatha High School coach about the fast break:

• See the whole floor
• Pass ahead to the open player
• Run!
• Play under control
• Let the play unfold
• Read where the advantage lies (read and react)
• Force the defense to play you
• Run the lanes wide 
• Identify the easy play
• When attacking the middle, stop at the foul line to trigger the play
• Use the chest pass NOT the bounce pass
• Receive the ball (eyes, feet, hands)
• Talk

Things to AVOID

• Don't decide what to do before the play unfolds
• Don't make too many passes
• Don't leave your feet to pass
• Don't pass to a player in poor position

Note the QUICK OUTLET, SPACING, HOW LITTLE DRIBBLING OCCURS