Badminton How To Play

I remember watching that Adamson-UE game last season where coach Nash Racela made that telling comment - "Buti na lang sa fourth, we were able to recover." His team held University of the East to just one field goal in the final quarter, and that defensive masterclass got me thinking about how crucial late-game execution is when chasing statistical milestones. See, I've always been fascinated by players who can achieve that elusive double double - scoring at least 10 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in a single game. It's one of those benchmark performances that separates good players from game-changers.

During my years covering collegiate basketball, I've noticed most players approach this completely wrong. They either force bad shots early trying to rack up points or camp under the basket sacrificing defensive positioning. The Adamson game taught me something different though - sometimes you need to pace your contribution across all four quarters. Their big man actually recorded his double double precisely because he didn't chase numbers in the first three quarters but dominated when it mattered most. That fourth quarter defensive stand created multiple fast break opportunities and second chance points that pushed him past the threshold.

The real challenge isn't just about accumulating stats - it's about understanding game flow. I've seen too many talented players stuck at 8 points and 9 rebounds with two minutes left because they didn't recognize how the game was unfolding. What separates successful double double hunters is their ability to read defensive schemes and identify mismatches. For instance, if you notice the opposing team's big man is in foul trouble, that's your cue to attack the basket more aggressively for both scoring and rebounding opportunities.

Here's where those five proven strategies for achieving a double double become crucial. First, you need to establish position early - not necessarily for stats, but for presence. During that Adamson game, their center averaged 12.3 rebounds per game throughout the season by consistently boxing out within the first six seconds of every possession. Second, develop what I call "statistical awareness" - mentally tracking your numbers without becoming obsessed. Third, understand timing - sometimes you need to be aggressive early, other times you need to conserve energy for critical moments like that fourth quarter surge. Fourth, diversify your contribution - if your shot isn't falling, focus on offensive rebounds and putbacks. Fifth, and this is the one most players ignore, communicate with teammates. I've seen point guards deliberately miss shots knowing their big man is in perfect rebounding position.

The numbers don't lie - players who consistently record double doubles typically have a usage rate between 22-28% and touch the ball approximately 45-50 times per game in scoring positions. But what the stats sheet doesn't show is the basketball IQ required to convert those touches into productive outcomes. That Adamson player I mentioned earlier? He finished with exactly 15 points and 11 rebounds that game, but what impressed me was how 8 of those points and 4 rebounds came in that dominant fourth quarter. He understood when to elevate his game.

Personally, I believe the modern game has made double doubles slightly easier for versatile players - we're seeing more guards achieving them through points and assists rather than traditional points and rebounds. But the fundamental principles remain the same. It's about sustained contribution rather than sporadic brilliance. The true masters make it look effortless because they're working within the flow of the game rather than forcing statistics. Next time you're watching a game, watch how the best players position themselves during dead balls or timeouts - that's where double doubles are often born, through preparation rather than desperation.