Purpose: To build rebounding skills through the use of lateral movements and footwork. Players must execute proper block out technique while on the move. Drill: Three players at a basket as shown. Two wings and one at the top. The players who are not actually rebounding the missed shot exchange positions with one another. The drill starts with O1 shooting the basketball off the backboard towards O3. O1 and O2 then interchange positions. O3, who now has the ball, shoots it off the … [Read more...]
Jump to the Ball Drill
Purpose: To practice the conversion from on-the-ball to off-the-ball defense. Many players think that their defensive responsibility ends when the player they are guarding passes the basketball. Good defenders will react, anticipate, and play good defense rather than be lazy. Drill: 2 offensive players and 1 defender guarding the player with the ball. O1 makes the pass to O2 on the wing. X1 'jumps to the ball' as the pass is made; staying in a low denial stance to prevent the give-and-go … [Read more...]
2-on-2 Competitive Give-and-Go Drill
Purpose: To practice the give-and-go in a competitive 2-on-2 situation. The offensive players will work on running an effective give-and-go and the defensive players work on properly defending the give-and-go. Drill: The team is split into two teams, O and X, with the lines starting approximately between the three-point line and midcourt. The drill begins with O1 dribbling to an area near the free throw line extended. O2 fakes backdoor and then receives a pass on the other side of the lane. … [Read more...]
2-on-2 Competitive Rebounding Drill
Purpose: To teach proper rebounding within a game-like situation. The 2-on-2 setup allows the rebounder to focus on either blocking out (defensively) or going after the missed shot (offensively). This drill is also excellent in developing inside moves and the ability to finish strong. Drill: This 2-on-2 drill starts with O1 and O2 vs. X1 and X2. O1 starts with the basketball and throws a pass to either X1 or X2, who then shoots. Play all shots as a miss, even if it goes in. (If you have a rim … [Read more...]
Reversal for 3
This sideline out of bounds play is specifically looking for a three-point shot. You might find it useful when starting a half or quarter to get your best shooter an open 3. When the official hands the ball to O2, he looks to pass to O1 or O3 (whichever player pops out high). After passing, O2 cuts toward the baseline and uses a doublescreen set by O4 and O5 to get open for a three-point shot in the corner. While O2 is cutting, O1 is dribbling to the top and then reverses the ball to an open … [Read more...]
Go Up Strong Shooting Drill
Purpose: This drill helps instill the habit of strong ball control on layups. Many players lose the ball and/or lose control if they are bumped even just slightly on the shot. This can cost points and you cannot count on the officials seeing every bit of contact. Drill: Split into 3 groups at a basket. Group O1 will line up facing the basket from any angle/spot on the court. This spot should be changed frequently when doing this drill. Another group (O2) starts near the basket, while group O3 … [Read more...]
3-Man Straight Break Drill
Purpose: To teach the players how to properly fill the lanes on a fast break. Drill: This is a simple drill that can be used to work on fast break techniques. The wing players stay wide and make a sharp cut to the basket while the middle player executes a jump stop at the foul line and makes a good pass to a cutting wing. The wing players should plant their outside foot and make a sharp cut to the basket. The players can go down in groups of three or they can go down and back in their … [Read more...]
2-2-1 Zone Press Basics
The 2-2-1 Zone Press was first made popular by Coach John Wooden's early UCLA teams. This article explains Coach's basic player responsibilities when executing the 2-2-1. The objective of the 2-2-1 Zone Press is to force the offensive into certain areas and situations. The diagram below shows where the players should line up as the ball is inbounded. 2-2-1 Player Assignments X1 is responsible for guarding the player that receives the inbounds pass. Actually, X1 invites the inbounds pass to … [Read more...]
4-Man Help and Recover Drill
Purpose: To teach the defender to closeout, defend on-ball, jump to the ball in denial position, recover to defend the shot and blockout. This drill also stresses quick and efficient defensive footwork. Drill: Three offensive men start as shown in the diagram. The defensive man starts about midway between the baseline and free throw line with a basketball. To start the drill, the defender passes the ball to the offensive point man. The point catches the ball in triple threat position as the … [Read more...]
Pick It Up Ball Handling Drill
Purpose: To teach the offensive players to protect the basketball and keep it from getting stolen. Also teaches defensive players to be quick in attempting to steal the ball from the offensive player. Drill: Five players start on the baseline and 4 basketballs are placed on the free throw line. On command, the players run to get a basketball. The player without a ball must try to steal one from another player. The four players with a ball must stay in the front court. Run drill for :30 seconds … [Read more...]