Panel discusses why timeouts go beyond setting up last second plays
In a one possession game with just seconds left on the clock. Most in the gym know a timeout is coming. Drawing up a last second play is always one of the top uses of a timeout. But where do coaches also need to call them? Since every timeout should be used to the fullest, here are other key examples where our panel says timeouts matter.
Timeouts impact momentum
I think using timeouts to halt momentum is a good use of them. Basketball is a game of momentum and if you need to burn a timeout to stop a run and try to get some momentum back, I think that's the most important time to use one.
---Matt Carlson, Star Courier
Big timeouts often follow big baskets
Timeouts are frequently used by teams who need to regroup and cool an opponent's momentum after they've gone on a run. But some coaches use them right after they've scored a big basket in a game and it sort of adds emphasis to how big that hoop might have been. I once saw a team call a timeout and do nothing; the players and coaches just stood around and looked at each other. But most are used to review strategy and occasionally by coaches to vent frustration and demand focus and effort.
---Mike Trueblood, Galesburg Register-Mail
Giving breathers to a short bench
If your team does not have a lot of quality depth and you are playing in a big conference game or postseason game I think using an extra timeout, with about a minute or two left in the first or second quarter, is often overlooked to help keep your best player fresh and on the court. The only exception is if your team is on a run and have a big lead.
---Jeff Holt, Daily Review Atlas
Call time to regain focus
I would say using one to try and stop the run of an opponent. Sometimes you just need a little break and breather to regain your focus and the best time for that is a timeout during an opponent's run.
---Scott Holland, McDonough County Voice
Avoid wasting possessions
A lot of coaches save their timeouts for the late stages of the game not only because they want to be able to draw up an important play, but in many cases because they want to be able to save an important possession. With two minutes left in a close game it’s nice to have a timeout in your back pocket to bail out a player trapped in the corner. And if you know the possession arrow is not in your favor a quick timeout before a jump ball situation develops is vital to avoid wasting an opportunity.
---Jackson White, WCI Sports