1/2 Second

by ed riley copyright 2002

Basketball is a game of opportunities. You either take advantage of them or they are gone in a flash. Most opportunities are made or lost in literally a 1/2 second. When I tell my girls this they snicker and think the ole fart has lost it again. So here is reality!

How much is a 1/2 second? If a basketball is an estimated 100 feet long ... If a player can run the length of the court in 5 seconds, then they are traveling at 20 feet per second. So how much is a 1/2 second? It's 10 feet! See, I did pass basic 2nd grade math when I was in the 4th grade.

1/2 second = 10 feet, pretty impressive isn't it?

What can you do in 1/2 a second?

1. If you have your player beat by one single foot, you should drive to the basket. 1 foot is less than 1/2 a second. Drive every time, the only way they can stop you is to foul you.

2. If you are on a fast break and have your defender beat by 1/2 a second, DO NOT STOP, PULL UP, AND TAKE THE SET OR JUMP SHOT! Do the layup every time, bar none! If you have them beat, why let them catch up?

3. If you have the ball close to the basket and your defender is even a half second out of place, you can do a quick drop step and take it strong to the hoop. Normally you can make it and get fouled to boot.

How about missed opportunities?

1. You are 12 feet from the basket with the ball. Your defender is within a half second of you. If you hesitate, even for the slightest moment, your opportunity for a wide open shot is HIS-TOE-REE!

2. Your post player is fighting for position. They suddenly gain position and throw out that hand, giving you a target. They are telling you to pass it NOW! If you hesitate, that opportunity is lost.

3. You have the ball. A teammate flashes into the paint with a defender trailing them. If you don't pass it to them immediately, don't pass it at all, it will be too late.

4. You get the rebound, a teammate sprints downcourt looking for a leading pass fopr a fastbreak. If you don't see them immediately or if you hesitate, don't try the pass. The opportunity doesn't stay open that long.

Basketball is an extremely fast paced game. To be successful, you have to take advantage of your 1/2 second opportunities. He who hesitates ..... loses by a half second!