Coaching basketball doesn’t require expertise in sets plays, quick hitters and half court offense. Coaches on all levels need the ability to evaluate the talent they have and try to put players in positions to maximize their abilities within an offensive scheme based on how that team attacks the basket well. (See Five Training Keys to Getting Quicker for Basketball.)

The challenge for coaches is to keep their concepts athlete-friendly so the team will take ownership of what coaches want them to achieve on the court. Coach Emmanuel Adigun of Pratt High School (Kansas), who led his 2011-2012 team to a 24-2 record, shares his approach to coaching basketball offense.

Coach Emmanuel Adigun’s Offensive Philosophy

I value the importance of spacing, court awareness and player production placing. “Player production placing” means putting your players in spots and situations on the court where they can be successful. Court awareness gives players the opportunity to see the game happening and improves reaction times. Good spacing gives players opportunities to make plays. I have a saying that I repeat to my players before every game: “space and play.” (See also 8 Ways to Become a Better Basketball Player.)

My overall offensive philosophy is simple and based upon 3 important rules:

1. When you catch the ball, don’t look to run the play, look to make a basketball play.
2. Maximize what you do best (screening, cutting, shooting, etc.), and stay away from what you don’t do well.
3. Shoot two to three times as many “good” shots as the other team.

Finally, it’s tough to have a philosophy if you don’t have quality players to support it. That said, you cannot expect other people to develop your players to a point where they can execute your philosophy. Do it yourself.