We are no longer "Coming Soon" ... you can now join the all-new Hoops U. Basketball Coaching Academy! Yeah, we posted this information but we're not doing our official launch for a couple of weeks. Get in during our 'pre-launch' launch and we'll send you 2 free video downloads (your choice!) Since we launched Hoops U. Insider back in 2009 we have added other facets such as our Basketball Coaching Development Program. In an effort to simplify things for you and to upgrade some technical … [Read more...]
High-Low Post Play Kick Out Options
This High-Low Post Play can be run as a set play against a zone defense or, if you allow more freedom on offense, it can be a breakdown drill to teach your players where to move against a zone when they don't have the basketball. It can be run to either side ... in our diagram we are starting with O1 passing to O2 on the right. O4 flashes to the ballside elbow and O2 passes him the basketball. O4 looks first for O5 sealing the defender behind him, then for his own shot. If O5 is not … [Read more...]
Corner V-Cut for Shot Drill
Purpose: To work on moving without the basketball and getting open by use of a V-cut. Also works on catching and scoring via the shot or dribble. Drill: Player in corner, passer at top with a basketball. If this is a team drill, have a line in the corner and/or use multiple baskets. To begin, O1 makes a move to the baseline, pushes off with the foot closest to the baseline and then steps toward the passer to receive the pass. As O1 catches the ball, he can square and take the jump … [Read more...]
Pete Newell’s 9 Baseline Post Moves against Tight Defense
The following 9 post moves are designed to take advantage of the open baseline when the defender is playing close and to the middle. The moves are either on the catch or created through solid footwork. Baseline Power Move 1 When looking over the inside shoulder, the post player sees that the defender is playing close and on the high side. The post player reads that the baseline is open. With the back vertical and a low center of gravity, the player makes the pivot and takes a long step … [Read more...]
Box Cross Screen Play
This simple baseline out of bounds play is often quite effective at getting a layup. When the official hands the basketball to O1, O3 cuts to opposite side of lane and screens O5's defender. (O3 should also turn to basket as he sets the screen). O5 runs his defender into O3 and then cuts across the lane. If the screen is effective and there is no switch, O5 will be open to receive the pass from O1 for the layup. If the defenders switch, O3 can step in, seal the defender on his back … [Read more...]
Anticipation and Help Drill
Purpose: To help defensive players improve their anticipation and rotation to help on penetration. Drill: 2 offensive players and 2 defenders. Also 2 'penetrators, one in each corner and 2 coaches or passers. One basketball. The two coaches/passers position themselves at the deep wing area. The two unguarded 'penetrators' are in the corners and the remaining four players go two-on-two against each other. The drill begins with the two offensive players going live against the two … [Read more...]
Free Throw Knockout Game
Purpose: To practice pressure-filled, competitive free throw shooting. Also a drill/game that is a great way to end practice. Drill: Players line up around the free throw lane. The goal of the Free Throw Knockout Game is to eliminate players one at a time until there is only one player left. Each player will rotate through and shoot one free throw at a time. A player is eliminated when he misses the free throw and the player behind him makes his. A player can only be eliminated if the … [Read more...]
Pass Back Shooting Drill
Purpose: To work on perimeter and mid-range shooting, specifically after passing and stepping in to receive a return pass and take the jump shot. Drill: Passer on the wing. One line at the top, first two players in line have a basketball. The first player in line passes to the coach on the wing, steps in with a 1-2 step, receives the return pass and shoots the basketball. Player should rebound his own shot and return it to next player in line. Switch to other side for next time … [Read more...]
Post Kick-Out Zone Offense Shooting Drill
Purpose: A drill to teach zone offense passing and movement skills that works on a variety of aspects such as feeding the high post, moving without the basketball, and catching at the ready to shoot. Drill: Two lines and a coach or passer needed for this drill. The coach stands at the elbow / free throw line area. One line starts at the top and one line on the wing. Players, or at least the first couple of players in line O1 should have a basketball. The first player in line 1 passes the … [Read more...]
Helpside Deny Flash or Stop Dribble-Drive Drill
Purpose: To work on off-the-ball defensive techniques, specifically in denying the post flash and stopping the dribble-drive. Drill: 4 offensive players and 1 defender are needed for this drill. 2 offensive players are at the top, each with a basketball. The other 2 offensive players are at the corner/wing area without a basketball. The defender stands in the middle of the lane. A coach stands on the baseline out of the vision of the defender. The drill begins when the coach points to … [Read more...]