Coach Arnold "Red" Auerbach was the head coach of the Boston Celtics from 1950-1966 where he won over 900 games and 9 NBA titles. Upon retiring from coaching, he worked until his death in 2006 as the Celtics general manager, president, and vice chairman ... winning another 7 NBA titles! In 1953, Coach Auerbach wrote Basketball: For the Player, the Fan, and The Coach. This book was highly influential and was translated into seven languages and reprinted many times throughout the '60s and … [Read more...]
Tip and Go Backscreen Jump Ball Play
Get a quick score from the opening tip with this jump ball play that utilizes a backscreen to create a layup. O5 will tip the jump ball to O3. On the toss, O2 releases and breaks over to the ball side ahead of O3. O3 passes the ball to O2. O4 takes a step into the circle and backscreens the opposing center. O5 breaks off the screen toward the basket. O2 passes ahead to O5 for the layup. If a defender stays in the middle of the court area, O2 can look to penetrate to the hoop and … [Read more...]
Defend Both Low Posts Drill
Purpose: To work on defending the low post on the high or ball side. Develops ability to deny pass into the post as well as defending the low post player from scoring once he does receive the basketball. Also allows offensive players to work on posting up and scoring from the low post. Drill: One defender and two offensive players needed for this drill. Also need 2-3 coaches/manages/passers. Player x5 must defend both low post players in this drill (though not at the same time, of … [Read more...]
Quick Break Middle Attack
The Quick Break Middle Attack is a sort of inbounds set / fast break play hybrid that you can use when the defense is pressuring you fullcourt man-to-man. You may find it especially useful when you are being pressured in a late-game situation and there are mere seconds left on the clock but enough time to dribble down and get a decent shot attempt. Obviously this play will be run from a time-out or dead-ball situation. When the official hands the basketball to O4, he runs the baseline … [Read more...]
Backside Screen and Skip Play vs. 2-3 Zone
This can be run as a quick hitter against a 2-3 zone defense and it can also be taught as a technique to be used against a 2-3 zone, even if it isn't specifically called as a play. This play is especially effective against a 2-3 when the bottom outside defender has a tendency to move too far into help position. O1 starts by passing to O2, who immediately passes back to O1. O1 quickly reverses the basketball to O3. O2 slides down into the open gap as O4 screens the defensive … [Read more...]
Attack the Zone Short Corner Play
This out of bounds play to be run against a zone defense attacks the zone where they are most vulnerable, the short corner. There are a few scoring options as well as a reversal to attack both short corners. When the official hands the basketbal to O2, O5 turns to screen for O4 who pops out to the short corner. O4 can take the shot, if open. O5 should also look for a seal and quick pass in case his defender overcommits to helping on the screen. If nothing was available initially, O1 … [Read more...]
1-on-1 Fullcourt Zigzag with Closeout Drill
Purpose: To work on individual transition defense and closing out on the shooter from a transition situation. Drill: Use 2 lines as shown. O1 and O2 both have a basketball and are being defended by X1 and X2. X1 and X2 defend the zig-zag dribble downcourt. The offense isn't really "trying" to beat the defender but if the defender is playing too lazy, go right ahead. Defensively, just remember to stay low in a solid stance and change direction quickly. As the offensive player nears the … [Read more...]
Ballscreen Dribble Drive Kick Out Play
This play is designed to get a quick shot attempt. It might be most useful in end-of-game situations where a quick 3-pointer is wanted but a 2-pointer is okay as well. The players set up with a good three-point shooter in each corner and two good screeners at the elbow area. The point guard is bringing the basketball upcourt. As O1 brings it across midcourt, O4 and O5 step out to set an on-ball screen. O1 has the option to use either screener (in our diagram, he is going to his … [Read more...]
High-Low Triangle and 2 Attack Play
This play is effective against a team that employs a triangle-and-2 junk defense. It uses a high-low action that allows for either a three-point shot attempt or a pass into the lane. This simple quick hitter can also be used against a 'normal' zone defense with some effectiveness as well. The players set up as shown in the diagram. The two players being defended man-to-man (O2 and O3) set up in each corner. The player in O5's position should also be a threat to shoot from three-point … [Read more...]
2 Zone Offense Inside Out Shooting Drills
Purpose: To work on shooting utilizing shots that you will get against a zone defense, specifically when executing the inside-outside pass opposite. To help players learn the benefits of the 'pass opposite' when playing against a zone defense. Drill #1: Inside Outside Pass Opposite O1 passes to O4 in the low post. O4 turns and passes opposite to O2 for the shot. Coaching Points: O4 should keep catch ball and keep at chin level or above head. O2, instead of simply standing … [Read more...]