How to Size Up a Forward's Skills When Watching College Basketball

Forwards ' the next two biggest players after the center ' are integral in jacking up the pace and score of a game.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Watch how well the forwards set screens. Are they freeing up the post player?

2. See if they're helping the center block shots and pull down rebounds.

3. Notice how often they drive for the hoop. A forward should be able to use the low post as well as shoot from outside.

4. Observe how well the forwards guard on defense. Is the zone effective? Is the player-to-player coverage sufficient? How easily do players slip past on their way to the hoop?

5. Watch how quickly the forwards react to outside shooters. Do they intercept with ease?

6. Notice whether a forward does the little things, like blocking out.

Tips & Warnings

• "Everything is grounded in team concepts," says Chuck Cooperstein, play-by-play announcer for the NCAA Radio Network. "The good teams don't play individually outside of what the other four guys are doing, otherwise you're going to get beat."

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