With this baseline inbounds play, a staggered screen is used to create space for a lob pass to the rim. This play can be used anytime, but might also be an effective out of bounds play when there is no time for a catch and shoot. When the official hands the basketball to 3, 2 cuts across the lane. 2 and 5 set a staggered screen for 4, who cuts hard to the basket. If open, 3 will throw a lob pass to 4 in front of the rim. After 4's cut, 2 pops out to the short corner. If the lob to 4 isn't … [Read more...]
5-on-0 Secondary Break Drill
Purpose: To work on the secondary break and to develop the ability to get into your offensive sets off of transition. Drill: Five offensive players space themselves around or near the lane. When the coach yells 'shot!', the players box out their imaginary defenders and the coach makes or misses a layup. One of the players grabs the rebound, at which point the players will run their secondary break the other way. (If the shot is made, the ball should then be inbounded -- see next … [Read more...]
No Hands Hell Drill
Purpose: To improve team defense techniques, fundamentals, and movements. Also improves communication, concentration, and toughness. Drill: The No Hands Hell Drill is a 5-on-5 team defense drill. The defense begins in the quarter-court (top of key) and they must play with their hands behind their backs. After :30 seconds, the defense can use their hands and must not allow the offense to score for the full duration of the possession. The duration should usually be :45 to :60 seconds. If your … [Read more...]
Laker Lob Play
This set play for a lob was executed by the Los Angeles Lakers against the Orlando Magic during a game on 2/13/11. The point guard, 1, has the ball on the left side. 1 passes to 4, who then passes to 3 on the right wing. On the pass to 3, 2 cuts hard to the ballside corner. After passing to 3, 4 uses a backscreen set by 5 and breaks to the basket, looking for the lob pass from 3. This is a pretty simple play to run but it is key that 2 times his cut properly. If he cuts too soon, the … [Read more...]
13 Offensive Concepts to Consider
The 13 offensive concepts below came from some clinic notes by Mike Fratello. These are things you may want to consider as you develop your offensive philosophy. Don't just focus on the big things ... remember to consider all areas of offense and how you will handle certain situations. If you can gain a couple of points here and there during the course of a game, it may make a big difference! Below are Coach Fratello's 13 Offensive Concepts to Consider: Power Offense: An offense designed to … [Read more...]
Double Screen Clear Out Sideline Play
Double Screen Clear Out is an inbounds play run from the defensive sideline. It can be used in the last few seconds of a quarter, half, or game when a score is needed. Depending on the amount of time left, it is helpful to inbound the basketball as far up the court as possible and advanced quickly so that time isn't wasted having to dribble the full length. In setting up the play, 1 should be your best one-on-one guard. He also must be able to get open without the help from a teammate. The … [Read more...]
9 Principles for Attacking Pressure Defenses
Expect pressure. At one point or another, your offense can expect pressure. It may be from an opponent that pressures the entire game or simply a team that employs pressure to help them get back in the game. Regardless of how teams pressure and when they choose to do so, expect it to come. Now that you can expect it to come, make sure you prepare for it. Pressure will kill you if you're not prepared for it. Therefore, drill against pressure in practice and teach your players concepts that will … [Read more...]
Eagle Transition Drill
Purpose: To work on the transition from offense to defense and defense to offense. The offensive players work on getting back quickly to stop or slow down the offense. The defensive work on the transition to offense by pushing the ball and attacking the defense. This drill requires players to hustle and anticipate. Drill: 3 players on offense and 3 players on defense. Additional players are in the 'outlet' position out of bounds. An offensive player begins the drill by shooting the … [Read more...]
Triple Threat Drill
Purpose: To learn the triple-threat position and to practice getting into the triple-threat from a V-cut. To practice making a move out of the triple-threat position. Drill: Form a line on the right wing with the coach or passer at the top of the key. Use more than one basket and/or place a line and passer on the left wing if you have a number of players. The first player in line begins the drill by executing a V-cut to the block and back to the 3-point line area. He will receive the pass … [Read more...]
T Set Inbounds Options
This out of bounds play from a 'T' formation can be run against man or zone defenses and has a couple of options or counterattacks to utilize when the defense attempts to make adjustments. When the official hands the ball to 1, 2 will run off a screen being set by 5 and 3 runs off 4's screen. 2 or 3 may be open for three-point or perimeter jump shots. After setting the screens, both 4 and 5 should seal their defenders as they may be open for a pass or lob from 1. If you have run this play … [Read more...]