Basketball Coaches Guide to Substitutions

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Basketball Coaches Guide to Substitutions

Posted on December 15, 2010 at 7:15 PM

The art of substitution is a key ingredient in becoming an outstanding basketball coach. Some coaches have a real knack for how and when to substitute, whereas others struggle to make the right decisions.

Correct substitution is never mastered, but if a coach will study when and how to substitute by watching other coaches and getting to know the real strengths and weaknesses of his own team, the coach can become very good at substituting. One basic rule must be used as a guide.

Substitutions should be made to strengthen the team's chances of victory! Whether the substitution is to relieve a tired regular or to withdraw a basketball player who is performing poorly, the replacement should be made with this basic rule in mind.

To correctly substitute, one prerequisite is necessary. A coach must know his basketball players-- their strengths, their weaknesses, and their condition, both physical and mental. If better rebounding is needed, he must know which of his reserves best meet this necessity. If better shooting is needed, he must know which of his reserves is the most dependable basketball shooter. The same is true if a better defender is needed, or more speed, or better ball-handling.

The times and situations where substitution is necessary include:

1. To replace a tired player

2. To replace a player who is playing poorly

3. To replace a player who is in foul trouble

4. To convey information

5. To maintain morale

6. To make a defensive or offensive substitution

7. To set up a press

8. Because of an injury.

9. To maintain discipline.

10. When players mentally are not ready to play.

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