Decisions Not Just Drills
When it comes to teammates not passing you the ball, what do you think is true more often? The “He’s a total ball hog” theory or the “He just didn’t see you that time” theory. Take a moment to think about it because your answer reveals a lot more about you as a player than you might think…
You have no doubt witnessed the immaturity of a player who believes in the ball hog theory. Their lack of basketball IQ is revealed in the following scenario:
They get wide open one time, yell for the ball, don’t get it, and then walk around pouting for the next few minutes, bringing the entire energy of the team down.
But that’s not you, right?
Good!
So do you know what that teammate’s problem is in the example above?
What they fail to understand, is that while they may have been open that one time in the game, they probably didn’t LOOK very open to their teammate.
And guess what?
Teammates aren’t perfect and neither are you. Every player misses open teammates all the time. So get over it and move on!
In fact, no player should expect to get the ball even half of the times they are open. You should expect something more like one out of ten. Therefore, you should start thinking about ways to help you get the ball more often.
That’s what this week’s Think the Game Thursday is all about.
Let’s dive in.
9 WAYS TO GET THE BALL MORE OFTEN
Whether you’re fighting for that crucial separation on the wing, looking to create space in the middle of the court, or simply trying to outsmart a tight defense, getting open is the first step to making big plays.
In this short video, PGC’s Director Dustin Aubert breaks down nine tried‑and‑true strategies that will have you shaking off defenders, finding the soft spots in any coverage, and becoming the go‑to option every coach loves. Ready to elevate your game? Let’s dive in!
You Only Need One Play, if Your players can Read
The 76ers turned a single offensive concept into a relentless scoring engine, and the way they tweak it on the fly offers a masterclass in modern NBA strategy. These are the key ideas you can apply to coaching, scouting, or just appreciating the game at a deeper level.
An “empty” pick‑and‑roll with built‑in safety valves
Instead of a traditional ball‑handler‑screen‑roller combo, Philadelphia adds two extra levers:
A high‑slot player (VJ Edgecomb) hanging just beyond the three‑point line.
A slipping screener (Barlow) who can pop out for a quick finish when the defense leaves him uncovered.
The set starts with Maxey and Embiid running a pick‑and‑roll on the left wing. From there, the offense can finish in a dozen ways—dunk, layup, floater, three‑pointer, or a rapid outlet pass—forcing the defense to constantly guess.
Takeaways for Coaches
- Two finishers – each set needs a primary and a secondary option ready the moment the first is stopped.
- Safety‑valve shooter – place a player just past the three‑point line who can shoot or act as a fast outlet, forcing the defense to stay honest and opening the lane.
- Slip screen – teach bigs to slip the pick‑and‑roll at the right moment; it can turn a regular roll into an uncontested dunk when the defense over‑commits to the roller.
- Scanning & decision‑making – train players to take a quick “mental photo” of the defense before the pass, as Maxey does, to choose the best option fast.
- Gator Action – have a pre‑planned, rapid 0.5‑second pass to a ready scorer for when opponents blitz, turning pressure into an easy bucket.
Why “Decision‑Making” Beats “Just Drills” (and How to Teach It)
Coaches who focus only on repetition miss the moment a player has to choose-speed, confidence, and game‑IQ suffer as a result. In our latest PGC post we break down a simple, repeatable framework that:
Shows players the game before it happens – visual cues and situational prompts that let them anticipate the next move.
Sharpens split‑second choices – drills that embed decision points, not just shooting form or footwork.
Builds leadership on the floor – letting athletes own the “what‑if” scenarios they’ll face in real games.
Ready to move past endless drill racks and start shaping thinkers? Read the full guide
Click the image below to read the full article “How We Teach Decisions, Not Just Drills” and start reshaping your practice plan today.
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About PGC
PGC Basketball provides intense, no-nonsense basketball training for players and coaches. Our basketball camps are designed to teach players of all positions to play smart basketball, be coaches on the court, and be leaders in practices, games and in everyday life.
We combine our unique PGC culture with a variety of teaching methods and learning environments to maximize the learning potential of those that attend our sessions. In addition to spending 6-7 hours on the court each day, lessons will be reinforced through classroom sessions and video analysis.
Our goal at PGC is to empower you with the tools to fulfill your basketball dreams, while also assisting you in experiencing the joy of the journey.
To learn more about PGC Basketball, including additional basketball training tips and videos, visit our YouTube Channel or find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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