A simple quick hitter from the box set, the 'Flash High, Pass Low' play is an efficient basketball play useful in getting an open layup attempt. Good for any level of play, it is an effective play for youth basketball teams because it is easy to run. Obviously, that makes it easy to run at all levels, but it would also be easier to defend. Young and beginning defenders might be found trailing the screen and standing when his opponent cuts. The play begins in a box set, as shown, with the … [Read more...]
Think to Succeed
The following quote comes from George Matthew Adams (1878-1962). Mr. Adams was a newspaper columnist and founder of the George Matthew Adams Newspaper Service. This quote is a great reminder to us to always be thinking. If you're not thinking, you're not succeeding! "We can accomplish almost anything within our ability if we but think we can! Every great achievement in this world was first carefully thought out... Think -- but to a purpose. Think contructively. Think as you … [Read more...]
25 Traits of Entrepreneurs
According to Earl Nightingale, co-founder of Nightingale and Conant Corporation, entrepreneurs possess 25 traits. You may or may not be an entrepreneur but I think you will also find successful basketball coaches share these traits as well. Here are the 25 traits ... along with a brief explanation: DRIVE a high degree of motivation COURAGE tenacity and persistence GOALS a sense of direction KNOWLEDGE and a thirst for it GOOD HEALTH taking care of one's … [Read more...]
The Sacred Acre
A new book hits the shelves today. I haven't read it yet, but I will step out on a limb and say that it is a book you need to read! The book is titled The Sacred Acre: The Ed Thomas Story. If you don't know the Ed Thomas name or if you have forgotten the story, watch the video clip below. Be prepared to shed some tears. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukodLTOTens I hope there were some tears of happiness while you watched that. Obviously it is a very sad story, however, the actions … [Read more...]
Building a Basketball Program: The First 30 Days
Coach Bob Starkey and Coach Jim Boone are doing something unique over the next 30 days you may be interested in. Coach Jim Boone was recently hired as the Head Men's Basketball Coach at West Virginia Wesleyan University. Starting on Monday, August 15th, 2011, he will be sharing what he is doing each day as he begins building for a championship. He will be sharing this information on Coach Starkey's blog, Hoop Thoughts. More from Hoop Thoughts: So here’s the deal! Jim reports to West … [Read more...]
High-Low Post Drill
Purpose: To teach the post players the basics of flashing to the high post and then looking for the low post teammate on a pass or for their own shot. Drill: This drill uses four defenders set up in somewhat of a box zone. The drill starts with #1 passing to #2. #4 flashes to high post elbow looking for a pass from #2. Upon receiving the pass, #4 looks to #5 pinning his defender. If #5 is not open, #4 can also look for his own shot or kick it back out to a guard. Coaching Points: If … [Read more...]
Support A Basketball Guru
Do you know the name Pete Newell? If you're like me, you probably had heard of his 'Big Man Camp' that he ran for many, many years. You may have also heard his name mentioned by other coaches from time to time. It's even possible that you read a few books by Coach Newell such as Basketball According to Knight and Newell Volume 1 or Basketball According to Knight and Newell Volume 2. Are you aware, however, that Pete Newell coached the University of California to the 1959 NCAA Championship? Or … [Read more...]
Weak Side Forward Drill
Purpose: To emphasize defensive help-and-recover technique. The weakside forward steps in to stop penetration of the offensive player to the basket and then recovering to guard own player. The defensive guard practices dropping down to ball line to give help in the opposite low post. Drill: Player 1 drives the baseline so that X2 must give help to teammate. The defensive guard on top (X3) drops as far as the ball goes in order to help out. X1 must stay with own player who has driven … [Read more...]
3 Quick Hitters vs. a Triangle and Two
It isn't often that you come across a Triangle and 2 Defense, but if and when you do see it, you will want to be able to run something simple against it. The following diagrams discuss three different quick hitters that can be run against a Triangle and 2 defense. Quick Hitter 1: O3 dribbles toward O4 at the elbow. O4 cuts down and replaces O5 as O5 slides up to the elbow opposite of O3. O2 clears out with his defender. O3 passes to O5 for the shot. If the defense comes up on O5, he … [Read more...]
How to Shoot a Layup
:: From the Hoops U. 'How-To' Series :: Layups are the easiest and most basic shot in basketball. They are also the first type of shot that players should learn. There are certainly a variety of layups that players can utilize and we'll discuss them below. It is important, however, that players master the fundamental progression. That is, learn the basic layup before attempting reverse layups, finger rolls, etc. Footwork is the biggest factor in shooting a layup and they need to master the … [Read more...]