USING POINT SYSTEMS TO REINFORCE BEHAVIOR, HABITS AND PHILOSOPHIES

via several people on twitter

Point systems are used in our everyday lives and even more so in the lives of players.  Point systems are used with driver licenses, grading, video games, apps and much more that players see and use every single day.  As coaches, we can use point systems to help create player behavior, habits and team philosophies.  Listed below are some of the ways I have used or have seen point systems. 
 
Point systems for areas on the floor:
This is a way to emphasize actions, paint touches, rotations while on offense.  Many coaches have there own philosophy when it comes to seeing things before a team shoots the ball.  It may be getting 2 reversals in before a shot or getting a paint touch before a shot.  Whatever your philosophy is, you can add point values to it to increase the chance your team will execute it.  I like to add point values while playing 3v3, 4v5, or 5v5 and it is added to the teams total score (ex. if a team scores on a layup and gets a paint touch then there score would be 3) Here are some examples of using point systems for areas on the floor:
 
Post touch= +2
Paint touch = +1
 
Ball reversal= +1
 
2 Ball reversals= +1
 
Point systems for shot selection:
We often hear coaches and fans complain about a player’s shots selection.  On most teams, every player may have a different what is considered good shot and bad shot.  Some players are great 3 point shooters and some aren’t.  Some may have a really good pull up and others may not be able to shoot off of the dribble.  As coaches, we also have our own philosophies on what kinds of shots we want our team getting.  Some coaches may be a 3 and paint, while others may emphasize paint and mid range.  It can be hard getting players to understand what is a good shot and poor shot.  Point values can help players better understand what type of shot the team wants and what type of shot they want.  Below is an example of a shot selection point system:
 
Layup= 3 points
Catch and shoot= 2 points (This can be a 3 pointer or within a players range)
Pull up or contested shot= 1
Turnover= 0
 
Points systems for rebounding:
Rebounding can be something coaches spend a lot of time on and have specific drills for.  I like to emphasize rebounding in all of our drills and games.  A simple way to emphasize rebounding is to give rebounds value.  Adding points to offensive or defensive rebounds to emphasize the habit.  Below are some examples of point values to rebounding:
 
Offensive rebound= 2
Defensive rebound= 1
 
Offensive rebound= 1
Defensive rebound= 2
 
Points systems for negative outcomes:
Instead of always adding points to emphasize habits, you can subtract points from a team for something negative the team did or didn’t do.  Examples are turnovers, offensive rebound given up, not running back on defense, arguing with official, not communicating, etc.  Examples:
 
Every turnover= -1
Offensive rebound given up= -1
 
 
Point systems can be implemented into any part of your practice that you wish and areas you want to emphasize.  I would suggest keeping the point systems simple and not emphasizing too many things all at once because it can get difficult for players, coaches or managers to keep track of scores.  Be clear on your explanation of point values so players know what to keep track of and do not have false scores.  Point systems can also help keep drills and games competitive.
 
Thanks for reading! If you have and comments or questions please feel free to ask or comment.  

Written by Jordan Petersen