The 1-3-1 Zone Defense is an excellent zone defensive system that can greatly confuse and disrupt opposing offenses. The strength of the 1-3-1 lies in taking away the perimeter shot, as well as being able to pressure and trap with some minor adjustments. In this article, we will discuss the standard 1-3-1 zone defense along with some alignment nuances that can help strengthen this defense for your team and personnel. The above diagram shows the basic formation of the 1-3-1 zone defense. As … [Read more...]
You Can’t Fake Sweat Performance T-Shirt [Limited Quantities Available]
We recently ran a special offer through our newsletter for these unique Hoops U. / You Can't Fake Sweat performance t-shirts. Though it was a limited time offer, we do have very limited quantities still available! To get this one-of-a-kind performance t-shirt for yourself or for your team, order now! Basketball coaches and players know that you can't fake sweat! That's why we think you'll love the shirt we've designed for you with our friends at You Can't Fake Sweat. You Can't Fake … [Read more...]
Box Cutbacks
Box Cutbacks is a baseline out of bounds play from the box set formation. This simple-to-execute out of bounds play gives a couple of scoring options with one being in the paint and one on the perimeter. When the official hands the basketball to O1, O5 steps high as if he'll be setting a screen for O2. O5 then quickly cuts back to the ball. At the same time O5 is stepping high, O2 steps to the weakside as though he will be using a screen. O2 then cuts back and across to the ballside … [Read more...]
Dribble-Drive Weak Flash Play
This basketball play utilizes inside screening to create a great shot opportunity against a 2-3 zone defense. Players O4 and O5 set up below the low block and/or behind the defender. This play can be run to either side, just as long as the players know what to do depending on where the point guard initiates the pass. For our example, we are running this to the right side of the floor. O1 passes the basketball to O2. O2 drives baseline in an attempt to draw the baseline defender to … [Read more...]
Sprint-Slide 1-on-1 Drill
Purpose: To work on defensive footwork, closing out, and defending the ball in a one-on-one situation. The offensive player also gets work in trying to score against a single defender. Drill: Offensive players starts on one low block, defensive player starts on the opposite low block. Coach, manager, or third player stands at baseline with the basketball. The drill begins with the coach or passer rolling or tossing the basketball to the top of the key. As soon as the ball is rolled, O1 … [Read more...]
Protect the Basketball Toughness Drill
The Protect the Basketball Toughness Drill simulates blocking out, however, the objective is to keep your opponent away from the basketball. This is a toughness drill for both players as one attempts to protect the basketball, while the other player attempts to get the basketball. Drill: A basketball is placed in the middle of the free throw circle. To accommodate more players performing this drill at once, use all available free throw circles in your gym. O1 starts at the top of the key … [Read more...]
High/Low Zone Offense
This High/Low Zone Offense is a simple basketball continuity offense that is effective against zone defenses, particularly even-front zone defenses such as the 2-3. The movements are simple to execute and therefore allow it to be an effective offense for youth teams that come up against a zone. It is also an efficient zone offense for higher level teams. Even against better 2-3 zone defenses, scoring opportunities can be created because this simple offense does a great job in overloading the … [Read more...]
Split the Post Offense
The Split-the-Post Offense is a basketball offensive system run out of a 2-1-2 alignment. It is simple to execute and can be effective if you lack players with low post skills and abilities. With the Split-the-Post Offense, you have a high post player and 4 perimeter players. This is an effective offense to use with youth basketball players. It can also be an effective 'quick hit' play to use with older players. This diagram shows the beginning 2-1-2 alignment with two guards at the … [Read more...]
Let Technology Organize Your Team
By Stephanie Myers, TeamSnap Content Manager We’ve all been there before: a new season is just around the corner, which creates a lot of excitement, but also a lot more work. Coaches are meeting a new set of players and parents, evaluating each player for individual and team success and finding new and exciting ways to develop skills while still focusing on the fundamentals. And that doesn’t even take into account all of the administrative duties! It’s easy to get overwhelmed as a season … [Read more...]
3-on-3 Defensive Transition Reaction Drill
Purpose: To work on getting back on defense and recovering quickly to defend an offensive player. Also helps develop communication skills and conditioning. The offensive players get work on scoring in a fast break situation. Drill: The offensive players O1, O2, and O3 start along the baseline in position to run a 3-lane break. X1, X2, and X3 are the defenders. They will begin in the corner and X1 has the basketball. The drill begins with X1 handing the basketball to O3. Immediately, … [Read more...]