Fraction! Some of you likely start to break a sweat just hearing that word.

Relax, we won't get too deep into math today.

However, there is one fraction that can help with one of the biggest offensive problems all teams face - turnovers.

Not only do turnovers prevent your team from scoring, they also create easy scoring opportunities for your opponent.

This can sometimes frustrate coaches who want to see their team focus on ball reversals and paint touches. We know those things lead to more efficient offense.

It's not rocket science. Analytics show 2 conclusive facts:

1. More ball reversals = higher points per possession (ppp)
2. Paint touches each = higher points per possession (ppp)

In fact a recent study shows:

• No ball reversal or paint touch = .706 ppp
• 1+ ball reversals = .935 ppp

And look what happens if you get a ball reversal AND a paint touch on the possession...

• 1+ ball reversal AND a paint touch = 1.189 ppp

Those differences are incredible. And yet, it's not the knowing that's the issue. Almost all coaches know paint touches and ball reversals result in better offense.

The challenge is the doing. Too often, players throw bad passes or drive single gaps. These plays often result in turnovers.

So, how to combat that? With a little math.

Use this tip from Coach Bob Martin's Screening Game to pass better and score more.

Coach Martin's teams have been one of the best offensive teams in Georgia in recent years.

They rank among the state leaders in:

• 3 point percentage
• Assist to turnover ratio
• Offensive rebound percentage

How The Rule Of 1/3's Leads To More Ball Reversals

Coach Martin suggests dividing the court into thirds.

As you can see, the court is roughly divided into 1/3's. The middle third is a little smaller, but using the lane line (or a step outside them) gives a good visual landmark to players.

The problem comes when players attempt to pass from the outside of one third of the court to the outside of another third.

These are long passes that are in the air for a long time. They often turn into a "pick 6," to use football terminology.

Coach Martin offers this rule - you want the passer or the receiver to be near the closest border of their third.

This eliminates long passes and reduces turnovers.

There are 2 ways this happens. If the ball handler has their dribble, it's generally their responsibility to shrink the distance of the pass.

In this diagram, 2 wants to maintain their spacing to give 1 room to drive. If 2 ran to the edge of the outside third, 1 would not be able to drive left.

Thus, 1 should shorten the length of the pass by dribbling towards 2.

If the dribbler has used their dribble, then it's the receiver's responsibility to make the pass shorter.

In this example, 1's dribble is dead.

Seeing this, 2 sprints towards the ball to make for an easier pass.

You might be wondering about skip passes. Well, as Coach Martin says, skip passes are part of his offensive attack. . . if the receiver's defender is in the help.

In the example above, x2 is in a help position, opening up a skip to 2.

By making passing easier, the rule of 1/3's will dramatically increase your ball reversals. Players will be in position to make and receive passes. This allows for crisper ball movement that keeps the defense in rotation.

Why Playing In 1/3's Results In More Paint Touches

Not only does playing in 1/3's reduce your turnovers, it makes it easier for your players to attack the basket.

Coach Martin teaches players to attack opposite of the pass. Why? Because there's more space there.

When you play in 1/3's, you bring the off ball defender towards the ball. This can happen in 2 ways:

• 1's dribble pulls the defender towards the ball.

• This gives 2 more room to attack opposite of the pass on the catch

The same principle applies when 2 has to come to the ball as well.

• 2's cut to the ball brings x2 to the ball as well

• This creates more space to the outside in the outer third for 2's attack.

Here's a picture of what this looks like in action

Turn Theory into Action: Training with the 1/3 Rule

Once you explain the concept of 1/3's, you'll want to incorporate it in practice.

If you have court tape, use that to create your 1/3's.

If not, use the lane lines as your thirds. Place additional cones in line with the lane lines by half court so players not facing the rim can see where each third starts and ends.

Visual cues are really helpful for players. The concept of playing in 1/3's will help them understand spacing, which is one of the hardest things to teach..

With practice, you'll see your team recognize when their teammate needs space, and when they need support. Once that happens, you will get the benefit of better shots and fewer turnovers . . . and more W's!

Looking For More Conceptual Basketball?

If you want to teach your players the concepts necessary for high level basketball, check out Bob Martin's Screening Game.

Coach Martin is one of the best teachers around. His methods have helped build one of the elite teams in the state of Georgia.

In the brand-new The Screening Game Offense, Coach Martin covers all the elements of elite offense - screening, cutting, spacing, shot selection, transition, and more. He also takes you through the Green Light Shooting Drills he uses to develop elite shooters.

To celebrate the launch of this new offense, you can get 20% off (this week only).

Incorporating his concepts and teaching methods will help your team score more with a fast-paced, ball sharing offense that allows you to play the tempo that best suits your team.

What do you think? Let us know by leaving your comments, suggestions, and questions...

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