Purpose: Against a 2-3 zone defense, utilize a shallow cut and a flare screen to get a scoring opportunity for a good shooter. O1 brings the ball upcourt and then dribbles to the left wing. O3 executes a shallow cut through the top of the 2-3 zone defense to the top of the key. At the same time, O4 cuts out to the corner and O5 flashes from the right block to the left block. O1 passes to O3 and O3 reverses the ball to O2. After reversing the basketball, O2, O5 flashes back across the lane … [Read more...]
Box Staggered Reversal
A sideline inbounds play that starts in the box set formation, it gives scoring opportunities by way of a quick reversal and a staggered screen. Additional options give other scoring chances as well. When the official hands the ball to O2, O5 sets a screen for O1, who pops out and receives the pass from O2. O5 will pivot back to the ball after setting the screen to become a secondary outlet. After passing, O2 receives a staggered screen from O3 and O4 and continues to opposite corner. O1 … [Read more...]
Overplay Drill
Purpose: Learn to force opponents away from normal offensive starting positions and to keep them from receiving the basketball. Drill: Place 2-3 groups of two on the court as shown. The offensive players should be in 'normal' offensive positions so that the defenders can see if they are forcing them away from the basket. The offensive twosomes attempt to pass the ball while the defender, using good footwork and balance, attempt to stop the completion of the pass. The receiver should attempt … [Read more...]
Dribble, Stop and Jump Shot Drill
Purpose: To work on shooting the jump shot off the dribble. Develop the skill of executing the pull-up as a help defender is closing in. Drill: O1 begins by dribbling toward the free throw line. X1 cuts over to a good defensive position between O1 and the basket, forcing the pull-up shot. O1 stops and shoots the jump shot. X2 retrieves the rebound, passing out to O2 and the drill continues. Lines rotate clockwise. … [Read more...]
Zone Coverage Defensive Drill
Purpose: To show the zone defender what size area he should cover in a game. Drill: Have four offensive players passing the basketball in one area as shown in the diagram (of course, use an area that coincides with the type of zone defense you are employing). Have the defender, X1, move as quickly as possible to establish what coverage area is his responsibility. Coaching Points: Do this with each of the 5 zone areas (there are 5 zone areas because there are 5 defenders). Do this one … [Read more...]
Defensive Slide and Change-of-Direction Drill
Purpose: To teach defensive footwork (defensive slides, pivoting, and change-of-direction) in a fullcourt, game-like setting. Also a good drill to build pressure defense and overall conditioning. Drill: Place 7 cones on the court as shown. Players begin at a corner of the baseline facing the near basket and guarding an imaginary offensive player. Each defender slides with bent knees, staying low, and moving laterally until reaching the cone. Once at the cone, he pivots (reverse pivot) and … [Read more...]
1-4 Low Drive Play
The 1-4 Low Drive Play is a simple to run and very effective if you have a point guard that is good in a 1-on-1 situation. O1 begins at the top while the other four players are spread along the baseline. O1 dribbles on his defender to either the right or left side. In this diagram, O1 dribbles to the right. O3 moves to get open for a potential pass and three-point shot. O2 cuts to the top to replace O1. O5, upon seeing O1 drive in his direction, steps out to the short corner. Stepping out … [Read more...]
Conditioning Free Throw Drill
This is a good free throw drill to utilize when you are stressing conditioning, particularly in the preseason or early season. Divide the team as desired at the available baskets in your gym. The rules are simple and as follows: Each time a players steps to the line, he will shoot a one-and-one (or bonus) situation. If he misses the first attempt, he runs 2 laps around the gym, sprinting the sidelines and jogging the baseline. Because he missed the front end of the one-and-one, he does not get … [Read more...]
Mismatch Rebounding Drill
Purpose: To work on defensive rebounding in a competitive setting made even more challenging because the defenders are at a disadvantage. Drill: This rebounding drill is a mismatch drill where the two defenders attempt to out rebound the three offensive players. A coach or manager will shoot the basketball while the defensive players try to gain the rebound and outlet the ball to the coach. The offensive players also try to secure the rebound. If the offense gets the rebound, they attempt to … [Read more...]
How to Defend the Flex Cut
Many offenses, even if they do not specifically run the Flex offense, they will often utilize the baseline flex cut. This article will help you learn how to defend the flex cut. When defending the baseline flex cut, it is preferrable to body up and force the cutter low and possibly out of bounds to take him out of the play. By forcing the cutter low, the player defending the screener can also stay close so he cannot step back into the lane and get a pass after screening. The main objective is … [Read more...]