Purpose: To work on transition offense and defense in a progressive manner. The Progressive Transition Drill works on all the various situations a team will face in a game; 1-on-0, 2-on-1, 3-on-2, 4-on-3, and 5-on-4. Develops conditioning and decision-making in a competitive, game-like situation. Drill: In this diagram, 'W' = white jersey and 'D' = dark jersey. If your players wear reversible jerseys, then 4 players will be in darks and 5 players will be in whites. This full court drill sets … [Read more...]
Ball Ahead Transition Drill
Purpose: To develop the foundation of your transition offense by practicing the outlet pass and full court finish. Also a useful conditioning drill. Drill: Two players and two coaches or managers are needed for this drill. The players start as shown (O1 by the backboard with the ball and O2 in the outlet area on the wing). A coach or manager stands on each side of the court at about the midcourt line. O1 begins by tossing the ball off the backboard, grabbing the rebound, then making an outlet … [Read more...]
4 Passes Drill
Purpose: To improve passing, communicating, and conditioning. Drill: Players form three lines; one at a baseline and two lines at about the free throw line extended on the same side of the court. The 4 Passes Drill is performed as follows: O1 tosses ball off backboard, rebounds it, throws an outlet pass to O2, then sprints down the lane line to the opposite basket. O2 turns and throws a baseball pass to O3. O3 throws a bounce pass to O1, who is sprinting from the other end. After making … [Read more...]
3-Man Straight Break Drill
Purpose: To teach the players how to properly fill the lanes on a fast break. Drill: This is a simple drill that can be used to work on fast break techniques. The wing players stay wide and make a sharp cut to the basket while the middle player executes a jump stop at the foul line and makes a good pass to a cutting wing. The wing players should plant their outside foot and make a sharp cut to the basket. The players can go down in groups of three or they can go down and back in their … [Read more...]
Sprint Shooting Drill
Purpose: To practice shooting a jump shot in a fast break situation at game speed. Drill: Nine players and six basketballs are needed, though you can use less if necessary. All six passers (O) have a basketball. On 'Go', the three X's run their fast break lanes. The three passers pass to the player in their lane. The three shooters shoot, get their own rebound and then fill the three passer spots. After passing, the three passer's sprint out in their respective lanes down the court for a … [Read more...]
Cycles
Purpose: To teach and develop transition offense in a game-like situation. The focus and emphasis for this drill is on the offense but it will also work on transition defense and is a fabulous drill to build game-type conditioning. Drill: This drill requires 10 players (5 on offense, 5 on defense). Two defenders (X4, X5) wait out of bounds on the opposite baseline, while three defenders (X1, X2, X3) wait out of bounds on the starting side of the court. The five offensive players begin on this … [Read more...]
Lion Fast Break Drill
Purpose: To teach players the fundamentals of a 3-man fast break. This full court drill also incorporates passing, rebounding, outlet passing, throwing a baseball pass, and conditioning. Drill: Form three lines along a baseline with the basketball in the hands of a wing player. As the three players proceed upcourt, the wing passes to the middle player who passes to the opposite wing. The middle player receives a return pass, dribbles to the foul line and performs a jump stop. Middle player can … [Read more...]
Fast Break after Stolen Pass Drill
Purpose: To teach the concept of quickly transitioning from defense to offense and converting a stolen pass into a cheap basket at the other end. A stolen perimeter pass is a great opportunity for a quick basket and should be capitalized upon whenever possible. Drill: Place 3 lines on one end of the floor, as shown. The first player in each line will start at about the free throw line / free throw line extended. The coach will throw the ball to any one of the 3 players, who either passes to … [Read more...]
Trailer Weave Drill
Purpose: To improve passing and finishing skills in a fast break situation. Also improves and develops overall conditioning. Drill: Form four lines on the baseline as shown. One of the outside lines will be designated as the 'trailer' (O1 in this diagram). The ball starts two lines away from the trailer line. Players O2, O3, and O4 will execute a 3-man weave down the court. As they begin, O1 sprints down the court and upon reaching the top of the key extended, makes a diagonal cut to the … [Read more...]
Partner Fast Break Drill
Purpose: Work on offensive transition, finishing the fast break, and conditioning. Drill: 2 players are required to perform this drill. With a team, have the next two go when the previous pair finish. The drill begins with O1 tossing the ball off the backboard and then rebounding the ball. He will then outlet the ball to O2, who immediately dribbles the ball up the middle of the court. O1 sprints down the wing. O2 will perform a jump stop at the free throw line area and pass to O1, who is … [Read more...]