Howie Landa is one of the most renowned and highly respected basketball coaches of all time. A member of 10 separate basketball halls of fame, Landa has achieved success at every competitive level at which he has played and coached. In the 1950s, he starred at Lebanon (PA) Valley College and competed in the Eastern Pro League. He then coached at Mercer (NJ) County College for 26 years, winning the National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association title two times in four appearances and earning … [Read more...]
Lipscomb 35 Shot Drill
Purpose: To work on and improve shooting with the variety of shots and moves in this shooting drill that can be performed alone or with a partner. Drill: You need a partner, a basketball, and a basket. The drill is performed as follows: First 5: Layups off of one or two feet guarded by teammate. Try to make the lay-up clean. Take a couple of dribbles in from an angle and shoot it off the glass. Second 5: Call for basketball from partner and shoot mid-range jump shots. Move to new spot … [Read more...]
Score Against Two Drill
Purpose: To work on offensive ball handling and scoring ability. This drill helps to develop offensive ball skills and dribble moves that are required in order to score against two defenders. Drill: Three players per basket; one offensive player and two defensive players. A defender starts with the basketball. The drill begins with one of the defenders handing the basketball to O1. O1 attempts to score against the two defenders, X1 and X2. Perform for specified number of attempts, scores, or … [Read more...]
Transition Dribble Drive Drill
Purpose: To develop ballhandling skills and change of direction moves when dribbling, specifically in a transition situation. Drill: Form two lines of players at midcourt as shown in the diagram. At least the first 2 players in each line should have a basketball. (This drill can also be performed during an individual workout). O1 starts by dribbling to the first cone and executing a dribble move. He continues to the second cone and executes another dribble move and then drives in for a layup … [Read more...]
3 Post Scores Drill
Purpose: To work on the skill of posting up to receive a pass from the perimeter and then scoring against a defender. Drill: O5 starts under the basket with a defender behind (X5). Each 'M' in the diagram stands for a manager (could also be coaches and/or additional players). Each 'manager' has a basketball as they will be the passers. O5 starts by facing his defender. He then steps in, seals the defender and posts up. O5 can call for the basketball from any manager. Once he receives the … [Read more...]
Triple Threat Drill
Purpose: To learn the triple-threat position and to practice getting into the triple-threat from a V-cut. To practice making a move out of the triple-threat position. Drill: Form a line on the right wing with the coach or passer at the top of the key. Use more than one basket and/or place a line and passer on the left wing if you have a number of players. The first player in line begins the drill by executing a V-cut to the block and back to the 3-point line area. He will receive the pass … [Read more...]
Individual V-Cut Drill
Purpose: To learn how to make a fundamentally sound V-cut. This drill incorporates footwork, 1-on-1 moves, and shooting useful in developing the ability to get open and being able to make an scoring move once you have the basketball in your hands. Drill: The player begins in one of the corners. Cones can be placed on the court as shown, but are not necessary. They are mainly used to demonstrate the spots on the court where the player will begin each V-cut. The player begins by placing the … [Read more...]
Pivot and Score Drill
Purpose: To work on moving into the pass, pivoting away from the defense on the reception, making a move and scoring. Drill: Three lines, or three players, as shown in the diagram. O1 line is the passer, O2 is the receiver, and X is the defender. O2 moves in the direction of the pass from O1. As he receives the ball, he stops and pivots away from the defender (X) who has moved into position from the side. After the pivot, O2 makes a move and dribbles in quickly for a layup or pull-up … [Read more...]
1-on-1 Rollout Closeout Drill
Purpose: This drill helps the offensive player work on scoring from the elbow area while being closely defended. The defensive player works on closing out effectively and defending on-ball scoring moves. Drill: O1 begins on a low block and X1 starts on the opposite low block. O1 rolls the ball out at a diagonal angle toward the opposite elbow area and runs out, picks it up, and pivots to face the basket. As O1 rolls the basketball and goes after it, X1 will go hard across the lane and plant … [Read more...]
1-on-1 Fast Break Drill vs. Defender
Purpose: To work on scoring in an open court, one-on-one situation. Also simulates the point guard being tightly defended in a half-court situation. This is an excellent fast break drill, dribbling drill, and breakdown drill -- teaching the dribbler to make quick and effective moves to score. Drill: Begin with a line for dribblers at half court and follow these rules: The defender will begin no more than 10 feet away from the offensive player. The offensive player begins at the back of the … [Read more...]