Perfecting Perimeter Play

Talking to Coach Kevin Sutton about player development this last week. Coach Sutton does a lot of individual development work for Nike. He talked to me about developing perimeter players and gives us 11 skills needed for success on the perimeter:

1. Understanding the Game: An understanding of the game means a perimeter player knows about spacing on the floor, how to move without the basketball, taking good shots and making the correct decision based on time and score.

2. Ball Handling/Dribbling: Your perimeter players must have a fundamental knowledge of how to execute and effectively use a variety of dribbling techniques, including the crossover, spin, between-the-legs, pound, around-the-back, and below-the-butt. Plus, there is a difference between dribbling in the open, full-court setting and when the defense is closely guarded in the half-court.

3. Passing: Knowledge and proper execution of the following passes are critical to your perimeter players'' success as well: chest, bounce, overhead/outlet, one-hand-push, and around-the-back. Also, guards must realize they aren't the only ones who need the ball, so knowing how and when to feed the post is important.

4. Footwork: Guards must be balanced in their footwork and have the Triple Threat (pass/shoot/dribble) position mastered so they are ready to attack the defense. Pivoting also is key for perimeter players so teach them about front, reverse and jab series pivots.

5. Shooting: Most players want the opportunity to shoot the ball. Be sure your guards are ready for this responsibility by stressing the importance of the shooting game. Guards must understand how to catch and shoot, how to create their own shot, and how to use ball screens.

6. Shooting Part II (Free Throws): More than just getting to the line, guards must knock down their free throw attempts. Made free throws puts pressure on the defense and allows the individual guard to boost his or her point total. Great perimeter players strive to attempt at least 10 free throws a game.

7. Learning: Being a student of the game entails understanding the opponent, as well as knowing the spots on the floor where you have a better chance of successfully knocking down a jumper. Plus, being a student of the game knows how to get to that spot as well.

8. Versatility: Coaches love players who are versatile and have the ability to be plugged into a number of different positions. Instruct your players to be more than a point guard or more than a shooting guard. You want players who can play multiple spots.

9. Physical & Mental Strength: Perimeter players never should tire of moving without the ball. And, they should not fatigue when under heavy pressure, even if that means dealing with tight defense while running the offense. On the mental side, perimeter players must understand every pass is not coming their way, even if they are open. Guards must also possess "clarity of thought", meaning pressure situations do not rattle them.

10. Playing at Different Speeds: By moving from fast to slow and slow to fast, guards place a tremendous amount of pressure on the defense. For example, guards are fast to their spot in the offensive set, then slow as they come off the screen. Playing slow off the screen enables that perimeter player to have more control, allow the play to develop and eventually explode after making the proper decision.

11. Involving Teammates: Teammates work hard to get open for passes, so guards must be ready to reward them, which leads to greater team success. By being a great passer, guards force teammates to move intelligently without the ball as they expect a pass when they are open. Great guards also know how to communicate with everyone on the floor. Their voices provide either positive or negative reinforcement based on what the situation requires to get the maximum performance out of the entire team. Finally, great perimeter players know how to involve teammates by using them properly and timely as screeners.