Read the Defense. Attack Space. Learn How to Play.

Basketball IQ isn’t about having more moves — it’s about making better reads.

At Next Play Basketball, we teach players to stop guessing and start reading the game. Every catch gives information: Is the defender tight or off? Is help sitting at the nail? Is the closeout under control or flying past?

The best players aren’t hunting moves. They’re hunting space.

Basketball IQ Starts With Reads

Confidence grows when players learn what to look for. Instead of playing fast for no reason, they learn to play on time — seeing pressure, angles, and help before making a decision.

Attack Space — The Simplest Rule

If the defense gives space: shoot.
If the defense flies at you: drive the closeout.
If help rotates: make the next pass.

You don’t need a huge “bag.” You need reads.

Closeouts Tell the Truth

A closeout means the defense is late — your job is to respond:

• Out of control → attack downhill

• Under control → move it and re-space

• Late from help → catch-ready shot or quick drive

The Two-Dribble Rule

One habit we emphasize at Next Play:

Make your decision within two dribbles.

Two dribbles keeps the advantage alive. Over-dribbling lets the defense recover.

Learn How to Play — The Next Play Mentality

Great development isn’t memorizing moves. It’s learning how to:

read pressure
attack space
punish closeouts
make the next pass

That’s how players become confident decision-makers — and dependable teammates.