We give a very special thank you to Coach Michael Lang for sharing this play. You can find more from Coach Lang over at the Hoops U. Members Area. Avery High Line is a different take on the 'normal' line out of bounds play. In most instances, coaches run 'line' against zone defenses. They also set the line with the low player near the low block. In this version, the intent is to run this against a man-to-man defense. As you'll notice from the diagram, the players also set the line … [Read more...]
Zipper Isolation Play
Zipper Isolation Play is a basketball play from a box set formation that utilizes a couple of zipper cuts to get your best scorer in a one-on-one isolation situation. It is a nice quick hitting basketball play when you need a basket from one of your best players who can create their own shot. The players start in a box set. The point guard should dribble opposite of the player you want to isolate. In our example, O1 wants to get O2 in isolation, therefore, he dribbles to his right. So … [Read more...]
Triple Stack Lob Play
This basketball play is part of our 2015 "12 Plays of Christmas". See all 12 basketball plays here. Triple Stack Lob Play is an excellent play when a lob pass is wanted. This play can be successful against teams who overplay and/or overextend their defense. It can also be a great play to run as a last second option. Many teams shy away from defending hard for fear of fouling ... this lob play will force the issue! Players set up as shown, with three players in a stack along the free … [Read more...]
Box Pick-and-Roll Drive Option
This basketball play is part of our 2015 "12 Plays of Christmas". See all 12 basketball plays here. Box Pick-and-Roll Option is a fantastically simple basketball play from the box set formation. It is especially useful for a team that has a point guard who can penetrate and score effectively. It is also a good play in that it allows for other options should the point guard penetration get defended. Players set up in a box formation. As O1 brings ball across midcourt, O4 and O5 step up … [Read more...]
The 12 Basketball Plays of Christmas
12 days of Christmas? That's cool ... but why not get the 12 Plays of Christmas!! Beginning on December 13th and ending on December 24th, we will be posting a new basketball play to Hoops U. That's 1 play a day for 12 days! We'll be including quick hitters, inbounds plays, buzzer beaters, and more so you can start teaching your players and dominating the competition right away! It's also a great way to add a dozen more plays and ideas to your basketball playbook! Come back to this … [Read more...]
High Post Backdoor Play
This is a basketball play for all levels that creates a layup opportunity from a backdoor pass. Simple enough for youth basketball teams to run and out of the oft-used box set formation, you'll find easy scoring chances with this play. From the box set formation, the low players (O2 and O3) cut out to the wing. O1 passes to O4 in the high post. O2 cuts backdoor to the basket. O4 passes to O2 for the layup. Coaching Tips: O1 can make the entry pass to either high post player. As … [Read more...]
Hoops U. Basketball Coaching Academy
Hoops U. Academy is now a part of HoopsU.com! Join Today! Be Better. To simplify things for you and us, the Hoops U. Academy membership site is now becoming a part of HoopsU.com. This members-only division of HoopsU.com is the type of content you expect from Hoops U -- just more of it, more in-depth, and more often! As a member of, you will receive new and original content almost daily! No need to wait around for weeks or months to get your publication, newsletter, or website … [Read more...]
The Compensations of Inspirational Basketball Coaching
We share the following inspirational basketball coaching concepts from Forrest C. "Phog" Allen's book, My Basket-Ball Bible. Written in 1924, this book and Allen's ideas are still relevant today. I love learning from those who have come before us! Inspirational Coaching: Compensations Never lose sight of your opportunity to direct by personal example, not only the habits of your men, but their reflected habits in a vast coterie of boy-worshipers. Always strive to be worthy of the trust … [Read more...]
Basketball Blocking Pad Sale
Hi coach! I just got into a brief discussion on Twitter about our Blocking Pads & Shields. I was going to offer a special discount to the couple of coaches who were tweeting ... but then I thought why leave you out of the offer? So ... I'm not going to leave you out! Starting right now, you can save 20% on our blocking pads, shiver pads, and defender shields! Head over to the Hoops U. Store Blocking Pad department through Friday, July 31, 2015 and get 20% off any and all of our … [Read more...]
Basketball Coaching Tips for Beating the Press
Press defenses are generally employed to force the offense out of their comfort zone: to speed them up, to create chaos, to force turnovers. As an offense having to go against a press defense, there are some fundamental tips and guidelines you can follow to help your team beat the press. Attack the press. This goes to how you choose to beat the press but it also goes to attitude. Players often become timid when pressured. Part of that is on developing skills through practice and … [Read more...]