This play from the Zipper set utilizes a pick and roll to create an easy scoring opportunity. This particular zipper pick and roll play can be run to either side. For the purpose of our description, it is being run to the right side. O1 dribbles over to the right wing as O3 sets the down screen for O3. O3 makes the zipper cut to the top and receives the pass from O1. As O3 receives the pass, O5 moves toward the top to initiate the pick and roll. Also at the same time, O2 clears from … [Read more...]
3 V-Formation Inbounds Plays
The V-Formation is advantageous in that it spreads the defense and creates open cutting and passing lanes. Option 1: Doublecross O1 and O2 cross and cut to opposite corners / short corners. O2 goes first. O3 and O4 cross and cut down opposite sides of the lane. O4 cuts first. O3 should be open but O5 can make the pass to whoever is open. Option 2: Double Screen O1 and O2 move shoulder to shoulder at the free throw line as O3 cuts toward the ball and receives the pass from O5. O3 must be … [Read more...]
1-4 Elbow Play
'Elbow' from the 1-4 high set is designed to get a jump shot from the elbow area. A few cuts and screens also create other potential scoring options. O1 enters to O3 on the wing and cuts through to ballside corner. O4 screens away for O2. O5 sets an on-ball screen for O3 and then sets a downscreen for O1. O3 uses the on-ball screen and looks to penetrate and get a jumper from the elbow area. If help is lacking, he may be able to get deep into the lane or go all the way to the basket. If … [Read more...]
Defensive Cutthroat
Purpose: To teach players either 3-on-3 or 4-on-4 defensive skills in a gamelike situation. The focus is on halfcourt defense and, more specifically, the defensive philosophy you want your players to abide by. Drill: This drill can be performed either 3-on-3 or 4-on-4. This will depend on your preference and the number of players you have available on your team. 4 offensive players line up outside the three-point line. 4 defensive players line up along the baseline. The additional team … [Read more...]
Bomber Secondary Fast Break Offense
Our 'Bomber Secondary Fast Break Offense' looks to attack and score with several options leading to inside or mid-range scoring opportunities. Wings make sure to run wide. Post players run opposite of ball then break to ball side block and post up hard. Our first look is always to the post. If the post is not open we can either reverse the ball back to the 1 and they enter the ball to the post, look to drive, or continue to pass the ball to the 4. Or 2 may decide to just throw a skip pass … [Read more...]
Sprint Recovery Drill
Purpose: To help players understand the importance of never playing defense from behind the ball, especially when in a full court pressure situation. Players must work at not only stopping the dribble but staying with their assignment the entire play. Drill: Two players start in the corner; O1 has a basketball, X1 is on defense. A third player, O2, starts near the midcourt line. O1 starts the drill by dribbling up the sideline. X1 must get ahead and cut him off. When O1 is cut off, he … [Read more...]
Box Set 'Two' Play
The Box Set 'Two' Play utilizes an on-ball screen, flare screen, and diagonal cut to create multiple scoring opportunities. The players start in a box set. O2 steps out to set an on-ball screen as O1 dribbles to the right wing area. O4 cuts from weakside low post to ballside corner. As O1 gets to the wing, O5 sets a screen for O2. O2 flares to weakside wing to receive the pass from O1. If open, O2 may have the shot or drive. As O2 is receiving the pass, O3 comes up to set a backscreen for … [Read more...]
Closeout and Contest Dribble Drive Drill
Purpose: To work on closeouts, stopping the dribble-drive, and overall 1-on-1 defense. The offensive player gets to work on scoring off of a dribble move. Drill: Utilize baskets and groups or have all players at one basket. The players will be under the basket but off the court. The first player in line is on the baseline with a basketball. An offensive player starts at the free throw line. To begin, the first player in line rolls the basketball to the offensive player (in diagram, X1 to … [Read more...]
Free Throw Shooting Practice Chart
One of the most important, yet under-practiced, aspects of the game of basketball is free throws. We've all seen professionals that can hit from deep or glide to the basket and play above the rim, but what about when they go to the line and clang big free throws...It happens a lot! Many big games, whether ahead or behind, come down to teams that can shoot free throws consistently. Free throws cannot be something that is practiced every-so-often. It also cannot be something practiced in an … [Read more...]
Defend the Lane Drill
Purpose: To work on defensive principles when guarding the dribbler who penetrates the lane. Helps to develop footwork and man-to-man defensive skills. Drill: Two players begin as shown in the diagram. O1 has the basketball while X1 defends. For the sake of this drill, X1 starts slightly out of position so he is basically giving up the lane penetration. On 'Go', the defensive player must cut off the dribbler in the lane to force a turn or crossover. The defender must stay in the stance and … [Read more...]