Category: Coach Vic's Instruction and Advice
Type: Philosophy
PLAYING WITH TEMPO
Tempo is the rate of speed at which players play basketball. Teams should try to play at the highest possible speed. On the other hand, speed alone can be counterproductive. Just as the rate of speed at which a person drives a car should depend on highway conditions and the driver's skill and experience, so the rate of speed at which teams play basketball should be determined by such variables as game strategy and the players' skill and experience.
Consequently, the tempo of play should be increased at certain times and decreased at others. The score or the time remaining in the game may dictate a change in tempo. With a minute or so remaining in the game, a team with a one or two point lead is likely to slow the tempo to allow time to run out.
At other times, the skill and experience of the opposing players will dictate the tempo. When the tempo of play increases beyond the skill and experience levels of a team, the quality of its play deteriorates. Players hurry their shots, commit rule violations, and throw inaccurate passes. A basic game strategy on offence and defense is to play at a tempo that is beyond the capabilities of the opponent. Conversely, a team with less experience or skill should attempt to slow the tempo of play to a level that, at best, will allow them to play on equal terms with their opponents or that, at least, will reduce the number of their opponent's scoring attempts and keep the score respectable.
A classic example of a team controlling tempo occurred in Sydney in the Lithuania/US men's basketball game. The Lithuanians gave the Americans a run for their money, primarily by controlling the tempo of the game. In slowing the tempo, the Lithuanians gave the Americans few opportunities to score in transition and reduced significantly the number of ball possessions by the US. The fewer ball possessions, the fewer the opportunities to score. Lithuania lost by only 9 (85-76), the closest any team has come to the Dream Team since it became part of the Olympics.
Submitted by: Vic Pruden
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