How to Force an Opposing Basketball Team to Shoot Quickly
Although both teams in basketball have a shot clock that can range from 24-seconds in the NBA, WNBA, and international play, to 30-seconds in the women’s NCAA game, to 35-seconds in the men’s NCAA game, there may be times where you want to force the opposing team to shoot more quickly.
Below, we are going to discuss how to force an opposing basketball team to shoot quickly and the benefits of forcing an opposing team’s shot. We will also discuss specific defensive schemes you and your team can draw up to force the opposing team to take a quick shot.
Why Force the Opposing Team to Shoot Quickly?
Typically, a good shot in basketball is one in which the offense has had the time to breakdown the defense and to find an open shooter. Additionally, a good shot may be considered so if there is a breakdown in the defense leading to an uncontested drive, layup, or dunk at the basket.
However, by forcing an opposing offense to shoot the ball quickly, you are not allowing them to settle into a good shot nor giving them the time to find an open one. Rather, you are forcing a shot that is likely to be off-balance and likely to result in a missed shot.
Reasons Not to Force a Quick Shot
There are a number of differing ways that a defensive team can force a quick shot. However, in an attempt to force a quick shot, you may inadvertently provide enough spacing to allow for an open shot by another player or a drive to the basket.
It is important, when deciding to play for a quick shot attempt, to do so strategically and in a calculated manner. Doing so too often and doing so without warrant will not only lead to fatigue by your own team but also for the possibility of the opposing team to take advantage of your defensive scheme to make an easy bucket.
Forcing a Quick Shot by the Opposing Team
When it comes to forcing the opposing team to take a quick shot, you must do so both strategically and as a team effort. Forcing a quick shot must be done so by the entire defensive team and cannot be done by a single individual or player.
One way to force the offensive team into a quick shot is to play strong defense on all players except the ball handler. This way, the offensive player with the ball has no means to make an outlet pass or to pass the ball to another player. With no other options, the player with the ball will feel forced to take the difficult, solo shot.
Another way to force the opposing basketball team to shoot quickly is to create a sense of urgency or chaos. If the other team feels that they have no option but to shoot the ball, then they will do so. However, creating that sense of urgency or chaos is difficult.
One way to create a sense of urgency or chaos is to play tough, man-to-man defense. If you play tough man-to-man defense and create a sense of confusion and chaos, an offensive player may feel pressured with the ball where they feel that a shot is warranted.
Another great way to force an opposing team to shoot quickly is to give them enough space to do so. While paradoxical in the logic, a quick shot does not necessarily have to be a forced one.
However, if you play zone defense and allow some spacing between yourself and the offensive team, particularly near or close to the three-point line, then the offensive team may believe they are getting a good shot, though they are not.
Lastly, if you are looking to force a quick shot by the opposing basketball team, you should up the tempo of your own play. Typically, many basketball teams follow the energy of the other team. If you can create a high-energy, loud, quick paced game, then the opposing team may try, and fail, to keep up.
Conclusion
When it comes to forcing an opposing basketball team to shoot quickly, there are a multitude of options at your disposal. However, playing a defensive scheme that looks to force a quick shot can be detrimental to your own energy levels and a mistake can allow an easy, uncontested shot by the offense.
Rather, look to play to where the opposing team shoots quickly towards the end of a quarter and when the opposing team is tired and fatigued. Take advantage of their weaknesses and prey on their vulnerabilities. In addition, play in a high, up-tempo manner which forces the opposing team to react and mimic, leading to turnovers and missed shots.