A few thoughts on playing with a lead

• The ability to maintain a lead depends to a degree on the team's ability to accept the opponent's challenge and to continue to do the things that helped get the lead in the first place.

• The leading team is generally more cautious--sometimes overcautious. The leading team generally tightens up and the leading team often becomes complacent and senses victory much too soon.

• Many times in the large lead situations, good players have the tendency to play like their opponent and this can not be tolerated.

• Maintaining the lead depends on steady offensive and defensive efforts which are at least comparable to those of the opponent. It depends on maintaining momentum, continuing to do the things that have proven successful. A team improves by playing to its potential not by conforming to the losing team's effort. 

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A Season In Words by Dan Spainhour

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