There is a steady increase of post players that can step out and make deep shots. They are called bigmen that can space the floor. Basically saying that you can step out and make long range shots. This is important because now teams can play with 4 players on the perimeter forcing defenders to space on the perimeter opening up opportunitites to attack the basket or swing the ball for open shots.
I think there are many attributes to a good big that can space the floor.
1. DONT WASTE TIME OR SPACE
Shot makers don’t think they shoot. If the ball is swung to you and it’s in your range just shoot the ball. It’s important to be shot ready all of the time. Legs bent and having your hands positioned where you want the basketball like a catcher showing his pitcher where he wants the ball. Don’t think or hesitate just step into your shot and shoot the basketball. Also the quicker you can get your shot off the faster and more out of control defenders will be trying to get at you.
2. ALWAYS BE MOVING
When your point guard or wing player is trying to penetrate off the dribble especially on your side of the court relocate on his penetration. This gives them more room to operate in as it not only takes you out of the picture, but it also takes your defender with you giving them more of an advantage of making a play without defenders clogging the lane. If you watch some of the great shot making bigmen in the league. Channing Frye, Dirk, Ryan Anderson all are great shooters as well as very good at moving to open spots on the floor. Don’t stand still and give your opponent the advantage of clogging the paint, if you see your wing player about to make a play relocate to an open spot usually opposite of where he drives.
3 DEVELOP THE ABILITY TO PUT THE BALL ON THE FLOOR AT LEAST 1 DRIBBLE.
The great thing about being a big that can make shots is you cause defenders to close out out of control to get to your shot. This gives you the opportunity to put the ball on the floor to get to the rim or reposition to get a better look. As coaches we always talk to our defenders about closing out to shooters and running 3/4 of the way there and then choppy steps the rest of the way. Lets be honest that doesnt happen. If you can make shots you put the fear of God into defeders. When you catch the ball on the perimeter and you are shot ready that defender that was in help position is going to sprint out at you to get a hand at your shot. This is the perfect opportunity to put the ball on the floor, usually by using a fake and driving. Stay low on the fake and the dribble and the only time that you shoud come up is when you shoot the basketball. Work on getting to the rim on one dribble as well as putting the ball on the floor right and left for a mid range jumpshot.
4. ALWAYS LOOK TO MAKE THE EXTRA PASS
The only thing tougher than a big that can make shots is a big that will pass up a shot to give to a teammate for a better shot.The idea behind this post is to give you information on how to develop as a big that can space the floor. Don’t try to be one that just jacks up shots, that won’t create value in your game. Be a bigman that can step out and make shots but also have an understanding of what the difference is between a good shot and a bad one. Understand that if you can make shots defenders will sprint out from help position to get to your shot, also other defenders will leave their men to help on you which will open up shots for your teammates. It will make you that much tougher to guard if you are able to make shots and spot open players.
CLOSING
Having the skill of making shots is a great one to have, but don’t live on the perimeter. You need to have a post game on the block to go to as well. Develop a package of one or two moves to go to on the block. It could be a jumper over your shoulder or a jump hook in the lane. Always look to get better and expand your game. Below I posted a video on Channing Frye and the different shots that he gets in a game. Thank you for your time and if you need anything please feel free to contact me at info@hoopconsultants.com
