(1) Q: What are end of clock situations? 

A: End of clock situations occur when either the shot clock or the game clock is nearing the end of time.

(2) Q: How do we defend during end of clock situations?

A: There are generally three main end of clock situations: end of the shot clock, end of the game clock during a quarter or half, and end of the game clock at the end of the game. We will review general strategies for each, however many specific situations will depend on the exact time, the exact score, the personnel on the court, the number of team fouls committed, etc (which will be discussed in more advanced settings).

(3) Q: How do we defend during the end of the shot clock? 

A: When the shot clock has reached towards the end (usually around 5 seconds or less), the offense will usually be very rushed to get a shot (some teams may panic and make poor decisions). If proper defense is played, the chance the offense will take a high percentage shot becomes lower. It is very important not to foul during this time.

(4) Q: Why is it very important not to foul during the end of the shot clock?

A: If it is a non-shooting foul, the shot clock will usually reset back to at least 14 seconds, giving the offense another chance with more time. If it is a shooting foul, you are now giving the offense high percentage free throws instead of a more-likely low percentage shot. Fouling on a low-percentage shot - especially at the end of the shot clock - is called bailing out the offense. Going for steals or blocks is even more discouraged during this time, since it runs the risk of causing a foul when a low percentage shot is likely anyways.

(5) Q: How do we defend during the end of the game clock at the end of a quarter/half. 

A: If the offense has a good strategy, they will most likely wait until under 10 seconds to start their offense, and try to get a high percentage shot with under 5 seconds left (shooting before 5 seconds will allow the defense to retrieve the ball and have another shot at offense). Normal defense generally should be played.

(6) Q: How do we defend during the end of the game clock towards the end of the game? 

A: This will depend on the score: if you are leading, behind, or tied.

(7) Q: How do we defend if we are leading towards the end of the game. 

A: If you are leading, the goal generally is to run time off the clock (so the game ends sooner with your team leading). It is important not to foul; this not only gives the offense high percentage free throw opportunities, but it also stops the clock. You can continue playing normal player-to-player, 1/4-court defense, taking less risks.

(8) Q: How do we defend if the game is tied towards the end of the game. 

A: If the game is tied, the most important goal is to force a low percentage shot so that the game can be continued in overtime. It is best to keep the ball out of the best ball-handlers’ and best scorers’ hands. Play normal defense and don’t foul.

(9) Q: How do we defend if we are behind towards the end of the game. 

A: The goals when behind are to stop the clock as much as possible and to get the ball back as quickly as possible. As time starts to run out (usually under 2 minutes), it may be advantageous to foul the offense to stop the clock. You will want to know who the poorest free throw shooters on offense are, so that you force them to shoot the free throws. Allow them to get open so they get the ball and you can foul them. Conversely, those who are better free throw shooters, do not let them catch the ball. If they do get the ball, try to force them to pass. You can now also take more risks trying to steal the ball. Go for the steal, then if you miss you will usually get called for the foul.

SKILLS DRILLS

Skills Drill #1 - End of Clock Defense (End of Shot Clock)

Play 5v5 live with the ball starting at the top of the key. The offense has 7 seconds to score; defense ensure proper defense with no fouls (no bailouts).

Skills Drill #2 - End of Clock Defense (End of Game Clock - Behind)

Similar to Skills Drill #1, however the defense is now behind and must foul/try to steal the ball. Coach will identify who the strong and poor free throw shooters on offense are. Offense has 20 seconds to score though will not try to score immediately. The offense will also try to keep the clock running by attempting to not get fouled.