Getting geared up for another year. One thing I have really noticed the last 2-3 years is how important it is as the C to be very patient after a made basket.
As the C, you rarely have to move quickly from one end to the other. After a made basket, there is no rush to get back and set up.
On a made basket, the tendency for the Trail is to get their ass back, set up on th ebaseline, and accept the oncoming post players. That's drilled into our heads.
The Lead takes care of the inbounds play after the made basket. Does the OB count. Starts the 10-count.
The C has a tenedency to relax and not pay attention too much. This is a prime time to lose focus and not help with anything. You're in no rush to get back, you might be helping with the second wave of playerson a press situation...Not a whole lot to do.
How many times do cheap shots or hard contact occur after a made basket? A lot more than you realize. Players positioning/crashing hard for rebounds that never occurred. Fired up players turning quickly to bolt back down floor and running into opponents. This all occurs off-ball, and the only guy to see these things, and manage it if necessary, is the C.
The point: As the C on a made basket, make a conscious effort to freeze and watch the big picture as the players clear out. You have plenty of time to get back, help on the press, and get in position for the subsequent play. By doing this, you are prepared to prevent non-basketball stuff that could escalate and create issues--especially if something big is missed.
