This zone offense set play incorporates a couple of skip passes to create an open jump shot. It sets up best against an even-front zone such as the 2-3 but can be useful against any zone defense. Players set up as shown with O4 and O5 on each low block, O2 and O3 at the free throw line. O1 dribbles to the left wing and O2 pops out to the top of the key to replace him. O3 fades to the opposite wing. O5 posts up and O4 stays active and in weakside rebounding position. Once at the left wing, O1 … [Read more...]
Two Pick-and-Roll Introduction Drills
Purpose: To introduce the pick-and-roll technique to your players. To develop the skill of running the pick-and-roll within your offensive system. Pick and Roll Off the Dribble Drill: This introductory drill to the pick-and-roll is a 2-on-2 drill. Two offensive players start out at the top with two defenders guarding. In this drill, O1 starts by dribbling to his left. O2 sets the on-ball screen for O1 to the left side of the key. O1 changes direction to run her defender into O2. O1 must now … [Read more...]
Quick Backdoor Play
The Quick Backdoor Play is a quick hitting basketball play that is especially useful against teams that pressure and/or overplay on defense. Utilizing this quick play helps keep defenses honest and forces them to make snap-quick decisions. This play can certainly be set and run at any time, however, I think it is most effective to run immediately as bring the ball into the frontcourt. As the point guard, O1, brings the ball up the court, he should not be directly in the middle. He should … [Read more...]
15 Rules & Principles for Attacking Zone Presses
Regardless of what type of full court zone pressure you may be facing and how you choose to attack it, these rules and principles will help your players better understand how to be effective against the pressure. Move to areas away from the defenders. As the zone rotates, be aware and alert and move to a new open area. Always attack toward your basket. Don't pass sideways or backwards unless absolutely necessary for safety. Force the defense to attack the basketball where you want them to. … [Read more...]
Sideline Wall Out of Bounds Play
This sideline out of bounds play starts with a 'wall' of three players on the free throw lane line. It creates a couple of possible scoring options. When the official hands the basketball to O1, he passes it inbounds to O2. O2 must be able to get open on his own if he is tightly guarded (V-cut, L-cut, post-up, etc). After passing the ball inbounds, O1 cuts down toward the wall. He has the choice to cut on the high side or low side of the wall. This choice will ultimately depend on what his … [Read more...]
3-on-2 Halfcourt Transition Drills
Purpose: To practice and develop decision-making abilities. To practice finishing in a fast break or transition situation. The focus is normally on offense with this drill, but it also helps defenders learn to work from a numerical disadvantage. Drill 1: 3-on-2 Drill: 2 defenders start in the lane as shown. 3 offensive players start at the half court line, basketball in the middle. Additional players will wait in lines behind half court. The drill begins when O1 starts dribbling to attack … [Read more...]
High-Low Pick and Roll Pop Play
This play utilizes an on-ball screen from the wing that gives the ballhandler options to score and/or pass the basketball. The screener, by reading the defense, can opt to pick and roll or pop back out for the jump shot or 3-pointer. To initiate the High/Low Pick and Roll Pop, O1 dribbles toward the wing and passes to O2. He follows his pass and cuts through to the ballside corner. As O1 clears, O4 steps out to set an on-ball screen for O2. O2 uses the screen to look for his own shot or … [Read more...]
10 Questions to Ask When Scouting Pressure Defenses
The chances are pretty solid that at some point during the course of your season you will go up against a team that will press you in the full court. As you scout any upcoming opponents who employ a pressing defense, the following questions should be asked. Once you can answer these questions, you can plan your attack accordingly. Is it a zone or man-to-man press defense? This is the most important thing to know. If it's a zone, study what type of zone so you'll know how to attack it. If it's … [Read more...]
Flare Iso Pick and Roll Play
The Flare Iso Pick and Roll Play can be a very useful quick hitter coming out of a timeout or even at the end of a quarter or game. This play can be used when a 3-point shot is needed or when you simply want to isolate a guard on the wing with the option to drive or use the pick and roll. The players set up in a box formation with the point guard at the top. The play is initiated when O4 sets a backscreen for O3 who cuts out to the wing. At the same time, O5 sets a backscreen for O2 who cuts … [Read more...]
Sideline Wheel Play
The Sideline Wheel out-of-bounds play is designed to create a layup from two possible initial actions. If the layup is not available, it also adds an aspect of continuity to create a shot opportunity or to progress into your offense. When the official hands the basketball to O2, O1 cuts hard to the ballside top to receive the pass. As O1 is receiving the pass, O4 cuts hard to the wing/top area. O1 quickly reverses the basketball to O4. (This is a bit of a timing play as O4 doesn't want to cut … [Read more...]