This play is designed to get a quick low post scoring option. Simple enough to run at all levels, this quick post-up set can be an easy way to take advantage of a possible mismatch. If you have a player who can score in the low post and he is being guarded by a weak defender, this play can get him open for a nice scoring opportunity. The play can be run to either side, especially if both of your wing players are capable in the low post. When this play is called, the side is determined by … [Read more...]
Crash the Glass Offensive Rebounding Drill
Purpose: To develop the mindset and ability of 'crashing the glass' to go after offensive rebounds. Drill: A coach stands anywhere on the court with a basketball. The players line up at the free throw line. When the coach shoots the basketball, the first player in line goes after the rebound. The player must rebound the basketball in the air with both feet off the ground. To add a gamelike dimension, have the player finish by making a basket once he has secured the rebound. … [Read more...]
Screen the Zone Last Second Play
In late-game situations, many teams with a lead will defend by playing a zone defense. Certainly for some teams, the zone is their main defense. For others, they may choose to do so because they do not want to get beat on a play to the basket. Regardless of their reasoning, it is important to have a play that you can go to in a last-second situation against a zone defense. This 'Screen the Zone' play will work best against a 2-3 zone defense. You might get a quick, easy bucket (if the defense … [Read more...]
Flex Point Lob Play
This quick hitter, from former Miami (Ohio) coach Charlies Coles, goes well within a flex offense but it can be run no matter type of offense you employ. A fine play from a great coach. RIP Coach Coles. O1 dribbles to either side (in our diagram, he goes right). O1 then passes to O4 who has cut from low block to elbow / top area. As in a normal flex offense, on the pass to O4, O2 makes a flex cut to the opposite low block. With this play, however, instead of O1 screening down for O5, … [Read more...]
Criss-Cross Double Screen
This is an effective play from the box set formation that creates multiple shot opportunities by having 2 players criss-cross (scissor-action) a double screen. O1 dribbles to the left as O4 and O5 step into the lane to set a double screen. O2 cuts high to the top and O3 cuts low to the ballside short corner. O4 steps back to the ball after the cutters have gone through. O5 dives to weakside low block area to be in weakside rebounding position. O1 can pass to O2, O3, or O4. It is … [Read more...]
Triple Double Play
This is called 'Triple Double' because it includes 3 double screens throughout the entire play. This is a nice play with multiple scoring opportunities that can give defenses fits. The players set as shown with a low double stack on one side. Play can be run to either side with our diagram showing it to the right. O1 dribbles to the right side as O3 comes off the doublescreen being set by O4 and O5. If open, O3 should take the shot. O1 and O2 then set a doublescreen for O4, who cuts to the … [Read more...]
Iba Cowboy Drill
I came across this drill in a stack of some old handouts. This drill is named after legendary Oklahoma State University Coach Hank Iba. This is a fantastic drill -- not only for the skills it develops, but also that it greatly builds toughness! Purpose: To teach players the skills of help defense and taking a charge, getting on the floor for a loose ball, and to score in the lane against defensive contact. Drill: Three players are needed along with a coach at the top. If you have them, … [Read more...]
Free Throw Defensive Rebounding Drill
Purpose: To practice the skill of blocking out and rebounding a missed free throw. All too often, coaches will remind players to "rebound" on a free throw or to "block out the shooter". Those are great reminders, but have you spent time and practiced rebounding free throws? This drill is designed to help your players learn to stop the shooting team from getting a second chance off of a missed free throw. It is also designed to get them to better communicate. Drill: Players line up around the … [Read more...]
10 Tips to Better Rebounding
Rebounding is an essential part of winning basketball games. I won't say it's overlooked, but I think many coaches don't emphasize the importance enough. Games are won and lost in a variety of ways but if your team consistently loses the rebounding battle, you will find yourself on the losing end more frequently. Rebounding is a skill but it is also a mentality. The best rebounders understand how to rebound but they will also do whatever it takes to secure the rebound. Rebounding is all about … [Read more...]
Outlet and Fill Drill
Purpose: To work on making the outlet pass and filling the lane in a fast break situation. To work on receiving the outlet pass and quickly dribbling downcourt. Also develops a variety of skills necessary for an effective fast break such as passing, jump stops, and finishing. Drill: Two players on the court with one basketball. O1 starts under basket with the basketball. O2 starts in outlet area. O1 begins drill by tossing the basketball off the backboard and jumping up to secure the rebound. … [Read more...]