The Wing Clear zone quick hitter is designed to get an open shot, potentially a layup, by utilizing a clear out, a double or staggered screen, a low post flash, and ball reversal. The Wing Clear quick hitter begins with the point guard, O1, dribbling toward a wing player. In this diagram O1 dribbles toward O2 but he could go to either side. Dribbling at O2 in this play tells O2 to clear out to the other side of the lane. As O2 clears out, he also tries to screen a middle zone defender for O3, … [Read more...]
Weakside Help and Recover Drill
Purpose: To stop ball penetration by teaching defenders to become proficient at helping and recovering. Drill: This drill has four offensive players and two defenders. The initial alignment is shown here in diagram 1. A coach has the basketball on the wing, three offensive players are on the perimeter, and the fourth offensive player (O3) is standing out of bounds. The defenders, X1 and X2, are in help position and see both their offensive player and the ball. The drill begins with O2 … [Read more...]
Bump Shooting Drill
Purpose: To teach basketball players to concentrate on their shot, even while they are being 'bumped' or fouled during the act of shooting. Drill: Have the players form a line at a spot on the court. A coach or manager stands near the spot where the players will shoot the basketball. The Bump Drill begins with the first player in line dribbling by the coach and going up for his shot. The coach will slightly push the shooters' hip, arm or shoulder as they shoot. The shooter must learn to … [Read more...]
Basketball Fartlek
Purpose: To improve basketball conditioning. Specifically, to develop aerobic and anaerobic capacities. Drill: Have all players line in a single file line on the outside of the court. The players should be spaced about 3 to 4 feet apart from one another. The entire team will begin to jog around the outside of the basketball court, making sure to stay outside the court. Once the players begin jogging, O1 will sprint past the entire line, take the lead position, then slow to the original … [Read more...]
How to Break a Press Defense
The chances are good that you will come across a few pressing teams during the season. The chances are even better that you will be pressed if you are ahead in the waning moments of a close game. Are your players prepared? You may have installed a press break offense to help them counter a pressing defense, but have you taught them HOW to break a press? Are they aware of the nuances that will allow them to more easily break and attack pressure defense? The following 6 tips can be applied when … [Read more...]
One Dribble Shooting Drill
Purpose: To develop the skill of shooting off of one hard, quick dribble. Drill: Two players and a ball per basket. If space is an issue, you can place more than one 2-man groups at a basket; just shoot from different spots. O1 has the basketball under the basket and O2 stands at the top of the key. O1 passes to O2. O2 receives the pass, takes one hard dribble to the elbow, then pulls up for a jump shot. Repeat as O2 moves from elbow to elbow. Continue in sets of ten for a total of fifty … [Read more...]
Defending the Dribbler with Momentum
Purpose: To work on defending the dribbler who has already begun dribbling upcourt, much like in a pressing defense situation. Drill: X1 begins with the basketball at the free throw line extended. O1 begins on the baseline. The drill starts with X1 rolling the ball to O1 and then sprinting and touching the halfcourt line with a hand. X1 then comes back in a defensive position and attempts to stop O1 from advancing the ball up the floor via the dribble. O1 will begin dribbling once he receives … [Read more...]
Basketball Boot Camp Circuit
Purpose: To develop conditioning and proper footwork through various basketball-related movements. Drill: The players will form one line under the basket. The first player will begin just to the outside of the lane line and will always face the opposite end of the court throughout the entire drill. Each player will execute the following movements and skills: Sprint to halfcourt. Defensive slide to the far side of the center circle. Backpedal to the foul line. Defensive slide to the … [Read more...]
10 Ways to Get Your Star Player Open
It's not every season you have that one star player that can seemingly score at will, however, it will happen. There is also a good chance that some opponent will attempt to contain whoever your best offensive threat may be, regardless if he is a that one special player. If you expect to get the maximum contribution from your best offensive threat, you must be prepared for every situation. Your entire team must know how to help their pressured teammate. The following 10 pointers will help you … [Read more...]
Mikan Drill Variation
Purpose: To work on shooting the layup. More specifically, to develop the skill of going up strong after securing an offensive rebound. Drill: A player and a basketball at each basket. If needed, place a few players at each basket. They can simply rotate taking turns. The player tosses the ball high off the backboard and jumps for the rebound. Grasp the ball and rip it down to a position no lower than the chin. After rebounding, the player will jump back up strong for a layup. Use the left … [Read more...]