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Click to view Bryan2337's profile Community Moderator 40 posts since
Aug 21, 2007

Nov 6, 2007 10:23 AM

What do you do about a ball hog?


I don't care what level you play at, we have all played with one?

The ball-hog.

This is the guy (or girl) that refuses to pass the rock. You know that as soon as you pass him the ball he's going to shoot it.

No matter how many defenders are guarding him or how open you are, that shot is going up.

He's the guy that is screaming for the ball as soon as it crosses mid-court.

Maybe this person is the best scorer on your squad, but I'm guessing that his fade away 30 footer is a lower percentage shot compared to a cutter in the lane.


So my question is, what do you do if a ball hog is on your team?

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Click to view Active Sara's profile Active.com Staff 1,015 posts since
Oct 2, 2007
1. Nov 9, 2007 3:52 PM in response to: Bryan2337
Re: What do you do about a ball hog?
True story. Everybody knows a ball hog and I bet nobody thinks they are ever the ball hog either. That's the #1 problem. So through the years I've handled it in different ways, but learned that the best way to deal with it is to be upfront with them in a nice way obviously. Often times the ball hog doesn't realize their teammates don't want them doing what they are doing since no one has ever told them. So tell that ball hog! But remember to be nice...he is a teammate :)
Click to view edwinsyip's profile Rookie 2 posts since
Mar 1, 2008
2. Jun 13, 2008 4:06 AM in response to: Bryan2337
Re: What do you do about a ball hog?
i agree with the whole confronting in an adult and calm way. at the same time though, play your game. it's tough to get another person to modify their game according to you or the team, rather. but, you can modify your own game or add to your game as well, just as easily.


that means, crash the boards, move without the ball, work for position on the post, give screens. no matter how big of a ball-hog that person may be, all players will recognize a hard working player. especially if you give the ball-hog a screen, close-out the defense and roll hard to the basket. after a while, that person will realize the effort and work that that player is putting in.


if the ball hog never ever gets better, at least you will. you'll have acquired so much more skill, hustle, and overall good work ethic that you'll probably end up on a higher ranked team or a better division where they recognize that type of play.