Purpose: To improve 1-on-1 defense; both in denying your opponent the basketball and in denying him from scoring. Drill: The offensive player starts on the low block and makes a cut to the wing. The defender attempts to deny the pass. If the offensive player receives the pass, it becomes a 1-on-1 situation (2-3 dribbles max). Coaching Points: Deny entry pass Force offensive player toward the corner Make the offensive player catch the ball as far out as possible … [Read more...]
Full Court Movement Dribbling Drill
Purpose: To improve ball handling and dribbling skills by working on a variety of full-court dribbling and movement skills. Drill: Perform this drill individually or with an entire team. Start on the baseline. The following are the movements to be utilized: Controlled Full Court Dribble with explosion: Perform three dribbles and explode at the free throw line / halfcourt / free throw line. Jump stop at opposite baseline, switch to left hand, and repeat going back down the court. You may also … [Read more...]
Outlet Pass and Go Drill
Purpose: Work on passing and outlet passing, conditioning, finishing (layup). Drill: This drill needs a minimum of 10 players to perform (12+ works even better). Place at least two rebounders at each basket and at least two shooters at each hash mark. Also place a passer on each side of the halfcourt circle. The drill begins with each rebounder tossing the ball off the backboard, rebounding, and then turning and making an outlet pass to the first player in line at the hash (who has stepped … [Read more...]
Tap and Finish Drill
Purpose: This simple individual drill is designed to strengthen and improve hand-eye coordination, left and right hand skills, rebounding, and the ability to 'finish'. Drill: The player will stand with a basketball facing the backboard on the right side of the rim. The shoulders should be square to the backboard. To begin, the player will toss the ball off the backboard and tap it, one-handed, 5 consecutive times. The player should jump to tap as if going for a rebound; the feet should not be … [Read more...]
Quick Break Transition Offense
The Quick Break Transition Offense is an early offense you can use following your opponents missed shot or turnover. It's a transition from defense to offense that, while not being a full-blown fast break, it allows you to push the tempo and score quickly with an easy, early shot. The first diagram here shows the transition following a missed shot and rebound. The point guard (O1) moves to the outlet area to receive a pass from the rebounder (O5). O2 moves to the middle area of the court as a … [Read more...]
Team Post Passing Drill
Purpose: This drill emphasizes teamwork, coordination, timing, and good communication. Players develop post passing and outlet passing skills and are forced to see the entire floor. Drill: Players will form two lines at the top, as shown, with a player on each block and a player on each wing. The first player in each line has a basketball. The first player in each line passes to the wing player on their side of the court. Each wing player will then pass to the post player using a bounce or … [Read more...]
Step Across the Post Drill
Purpose: To teach the post defender how to work in defending the post when the ball is rotated by way of a pass. Good offensive players will work to seal off the defender to get a pass inside. Maintaining continuous post defense is necessary. This drill focuses on the defenders footwork and learning to play more with quickness rather than strength. Drill: Two offensive players with a ball on the perimeter. One offensive post player and one post defender. The defender will start by … [Read more...]
Contest the Shooter Drill
Purpose: To work on shooting while a defensive player is running at you. To focus on the shot from various areas on the court that you may shoot from during a game. Drill: Player 'X' begins under the basket with a basketball. Player 'O' can start at any spot on the floor; generally from spots where he/she will shoot during a game. X begins the drill by passing to O. After passing, X runs at O to contest the shot (hands up, yelling, etc). O's goal is to concentrate, focus, and hit the shot. … [Read more...]
Challenge Layups
Purpose: To develop the ability and skill of making layups under defensive pressure. Drill: The players will form two lines at and near midcourt. Wherever you want the lines to start, the defensive line should start about 10 feet behind the offensive line. The players must stay behind their respective cones until the basketball is touched by the offensive player. The drill begans as a coach passes the ball to the offensive player, O1. When O1 receives the ball, he will speed dribble and … [Read more...]
Bull in the Ring Drill
Purpose: To develop the skill of passing against one or two defenders. Drill: Players will form groups of four; 3 passers and one defender. (See variation below for other option). Use any circle on the court such as the free throw circle or center jump circle. Each group will also need one basketball. In the diagram, the top part demonstrates this drill while the bottom demonstrates the variation. The three offensive players must always be touching the circle with one foot while playing … [Read more...]