This offensive breakdown drill is simple but very useful in teaching the block-to-block cross screen. It allows the players to focus on the footwork and movement used in setting and utilizing the low post cross screen, rather than worrying about defenders. Purpose: To teach the block-to-block cross screen and have players work on setting the screen, using the screen, and finishing with a strong power move. Drill: 3 players and 1 basketball at each basket. Players 4 and 5 begin on the low … [Read more...]
Sideline Delay Offense
The Sideline Delay Offense can be used at end-of-game situations when you are in the lead or simply whenever you want to control the tempo and possibly get an easy layup opportunity. Once the basketball is successfully brought upcourt against the defense, the players should move to the following positions: Players 3, 4, and 5 are alongside (but outside) of the lane. Player 2 is outside the three-point line and about midway between the lane and sideline. Player 1 controls the ball and uses … [Read more...]
10 Fundamental Ideas for Building Your Zone Offense
Many teams are unprepared for playing against zone defenses. That is why a lot of teams employ a zone defense. Playing against a zone is not rocket science, but we often make it more difficult than it should be. It is impossible (and very unwise) to ignore zone defenses because at some point you will be forced to play against one. As the coach, it is imperative that you equip your players with the knowledge and techniques necessary to beat a zone defense. The following 10 fundamental ideas … [Read more...]
2-Ball Dribbling Relay Drill
Purpose: To teach basketball players to dribble with either hand to develop hand-eye coordination. Also develops ballhandling skills through competition. Drill: Divide the team into equal squads. You may only have 2 squads or you may have more...it all depends on the number of players you want per squad. 2 basketballs are needed for each squad. Each squad should station themselves with half of their players on each baseline; lines across from each other. Each player at the front of the line … [Read more...]
Defender Towel Drill
Purpose: To improve defensive quickness and foot movement when playing on-the-ball defense by not allowing the defensive player to use his hands. Drill: 1 offensive player with a basketball and 1 defensive player with a towel begin at the baseline. The offensive player starts at the baseline facing the opposite basket. The defensive player gets in a defensive stance about 3-4 feet from the offensive player. The defender holds one end of the towel with the left hand and the other end with the … [Read more...]
5 Make 30 Shooting Drill
Purpose: To teach players to be more effective in their shooting and shot preparation. This team shooting drill will also develop passing, receiving, and communication skills as well as the ability to shoot under pressure if made into a competitive drill. Drill: For this drill, there are 7 at a basket; 5 shooters and 2 rebounders. The rebounders can be coaches, managers, or extra players. There are also 3 basketballs at each basket. The shooters will call a rebounders name in order to … [Read more...]
1-4 High Continuity Zone Offense
The 1-4 High Continuity is an effective zone offense to employ against odd-front zones such as the 1-2-2. The point guard, O1, can initiate the offense to either the right or left side. In this diagram, O1 starts by dribbling to the right. As he goes right, O4 steps out to the the 3-point line to receive a pass from O1. O5 pins the guard on the elbow. As O1 passes to O4, O2 and O3 slide down to their respective corners. After pinning the guard at the elbow, O5 looks to slide into … [Read more...]
2-Line Competitive Shooting Drill
Purpose: To work on receiving a pass and shooting the basketball in a competitive situation. Also helps the passer work on making good passes to a shooter. Drill: Form two lines, one at each free throw line extended. Each line has 2 basketballs. The drill starts with the first player in line A cutting toward line B to receive the pass. Upon receiving the pass, he should square up and shoot, following his shot. After following up his shot, he will switch to the line of players that passed the … [Read more...]
2-Ball Rebounding Drill
Purpose: To teach basketball players to make a continuous effort to go for the ball when offensive rebounding. Conversely, to teach defensive players to blockout, rebound, and make the outlet pass. Drill: This rebounding drill is 3-on-3 competition between the offense and defense. Two coaches or managers act as shooters / outlet receivers. The drill begins with a coach shooting the basketball. If the defensive players gain control, they outlet the ball to either coach. If the offensive … [Read more...]
Baseline Cross with Double Downscreen Play
This is great play for getting the basketball into the low post or for creating an open jump shot opportunity for a shooter. The play starts with 1 dribbling to the wing as 2 sets a cross screen for 3. After setting the cross screen, 2 uses a double screen being set by 4 and 5. 1 can pass to 3 in the low post after the initial cross screen. If 3 is not available, he will look to pass to 2 at the free throw line / top of key area for a jump shot. … [Read more...]