My Basketball Soul

  The Modern Big Man: Thriving in Today’s Up-Tempo Game Basketball is changing—and with it, the role of the “big man.” Gone are the days when size alone guaranteed a spot in the rotation. In today’s up-tempo, pace-and-space era, bigs must do more than clog the lane. They must be versatile, mobile, and skilled enough to contribute on both ends of the floor in dynamic ways. As coaches, we must ask: What does it take for a modern big to survive—and thrive—in the modern game? Offensive Demands on Today’s Bigs The modern offense doesn’t allow for passengers. Bigs must be active participants from the moment a possession begins: Quick Outlet Decisions : The rebound is only the start. A big who can secure the board and immediately trigger transition with a sharp outlet pass sets the tone for fast-break basketball. Transition Skills : It’s no longer enough to trail the play. The modern big must run the floor hard, apply pressure on the defense, and be comfortable dribbling or pas...

  In today’s game, the role of the guard has evolved far beyond simply bringing the ball up the court. Modern guards must be versatile, dynamic, and able to impact both ends of the floor. The demands are high — and so are the rewards for players who commit to developing a complete skill set. Whether you’re coaching youth players or preparing athletes for the next level, here are the offensive and defensive qualities every future-ready guard should master. Offensive Skills: More Than Just a Scorer Early Options in Transition A great guard gets open for the first or second pass in transition, giving the team immediate scoring opportunities before the defense sets up. Attack With the Dribble They use the dribble aggressively to push back defenders, break pressure, and create scoring chances. Move Without the Ball Guards create advantages not only with the ball, but also by making smart cuts — V-cuts, L-cuts, and backdoor reads — to free themselves. Shoot Before the ...