This article and diagrams will cover the basic principles for playing an aggressive and effective 3-2 zone defense. This defense is not utilized so that the players just stand around and let the offense attack. In the 3-2 zone defense, we want to be the aggressor. The defenders must move quickly and with purpose. We do not allow teams to penetrate the zone and we strive to keep the ball out of the middle. The defenders will wave their arms, try to steal the ball, and encourage the offense to … [Read more...]
Four Double S Play
This basketball set play, out of doublestack low set, makes use of four 'doubles': it's a doublestack set that includes 2 doublescreens and one double staggered screen. The side this play is run to can be determined by the point guard, O1. Whichever side he starts dribbling toward, the opposite low guard will utilize a screen to get open on the wing. In this example, as O1 dribbles to his left, O3 cuts hard to the left wing off of a doublescreen set by O2 and O4. From the previous diagram, … [Read more...]
1-4 Low Middle Stagger Play
Get an open 3-point shot with this play out of the 1-4 low alignment. Also a great play that can be used to attack the lane with a middle drive. O1 dribbles the ball up the side (left side in this diagram, but either side will work). The other players align themselves in a 1-4 low set. As O1 dribbles across the top of the key extended, O5 will set an on-ball screen for him. O1 drives into the middle of the floor. O4 slides into the low post. O1 may have a shot from the lane or a dump pass … [Read more...]
Staggered High Cut Swing
This sideline out of bounds play is designed to attack the defense immediately. A variety of screen/cut options are available which will create great shot opportunities. When the official hands the ball to O3, O1 cuts to the top off O4 as O2 clears to the ballside corner. On the pass to O1, O2 cuts to the weakside wing off staggered screens from O4 and O5. O1 utilizes the dribble to improve the passing angle to O2. O2 may have a three-point shot, otherwise he can drive to the basket. If he … [Read more...]
5-on-5 Catch Up
Purpose: To work on transition defense by getting back quickly, stopping the basketball, and communicating effectively in a disadvantage situation. Drill: Five offensive players line up on the baseline. Five defensive players line along the free throw line extended across from the offensive players. A coach starts behind the defenders with a basketball. The drill starts with the coach passing to any one of the five offensive players. Once the offense receives the ball, they will transition … [Read more...]
Box the Shooter Rebounding Drill
Purpose: Work on defensive rebounding techniques, blocking out, and executing a solid outlet pass. Drill: This rebounding drill requires three players, a coach/manager, and a basketball. The defensive player (X1) begins a couple feet below the free throw line. O1 and O2 begin on each wing. The coach/manager starts at the top of the key. Coach passes to either O1 or O2. X1 closes out on the shooter who shoots the ball. X1 contests, calls 'shot', then boxes out the shooter. After boxing out, X1 … [Read more...]
Flash Middle Overload Zone Offense
The Flash Middle Overload zone offense is designed to put pressure on the middle of a zone defense, especially an even-front zone such as the 2-3 zone defense. The continuity is simple; keep flashing players into the middle of the zone. O1 can initiate the offense to either wing. In this diagram, O1 starts by passing to O2 on his right. At the same time, O3 flashes middle while O4 fills the wing area vacated by O3. O5 flashes to the ballside low block. If nothing is available, O2 reverses … [Read more...]
3 on 3 Survival
Purpose: To work on team and individual defensive skills in a competitive 3-on-3 setting. By nature of the drill, players are encouraged to work hard and competitively. Players will also learn to work together offensively and further develop their individual skills within the team concept. Drill: This is a half-court drill with 3 offensive players vs. 3 defensive players. The offense attempts to score in any way possible. The defense attempts to stop the offense from scoring and gain … [Read more...]
4-on-2-on-2 Drill
Purpose: To teach offensive transition principles, poise, and teamwork in a fun and fast-paced drill. Drill: Team O1 starts at midcourt with the basketball and goes 4 on 2 versus Team X1 Two players from Team X1 begin at midcourt outside the sideline. When O1 begins across midcourt, the two extra defenders sprint to the midcourt circle and then become 2 more defenders to make it 4 on 4. Team X1 rebounds a miss (or takes it out of bounds after a made shot) and goes 4 on 2 against Team O2, … [Read more...]
3/4 Court Two Long Play
This sideline play is designed for those times you take the ball out on the sideline in the backcourt but want or need a quick score. It can be run at any time as you might try to score quickly from this play. It is also a useful last second play if you're ever in the position of needing a basket from a backcourt side out of bounds. When the official hands the ball to O3, O5 fakes to the ball and then goes long. At the same time, O2 screens down for O4 and then across for O1. O4 cuts long and … [Read more...]