Purpose: To help the players practice the following skills: right- and left-handed layup, right- and left-handed hook shot, power move, and ball fake to power move. This is also a great conditioning drill. Drill Procedure: Drill #1: Right and Left Hand Layups. Player stands to the right of the basket, inside the foul lane area at point 'X'. Drill begins with the player taking a right-handed layup, catching the ball before it hits the floor, and executing a left-handed layup from the left … [Read more...]
Moving Without the Basketball Drills
Purpose: This series of basketball drills teaches the players five moves to make without the basketball in order to get open; the backdoor cut, buttonhook cut, square cut, fade cut, and dip move. 1) Drill: Moving without the ball is one of the most important aspects of the game and also one of the least worked on. The following five moves are essential in developing a complete player. In the following five drills, the players begin at the foul line extended and execute each of the five … [Read more...]
Post Player Fundamental Drills & Moves
In today's game, it seems as if post play is taught less and less as post players continue to develop a more 'all-around' game. While I do agree that having an all-around game is necessary and beneficial, post players - as well as any player - can be that much more difficult to defend with a good repertoire of inside and post up moves. These fundamental drills and inside moves should be worked on daily in practice during the season, and individually during the offseason. You will see the … [Read more...]
Jab Step and Crossover Drill
Purpose: To teach the various possible moves off of a jab step and how to get open to receive a pass. Drill: The offensive player will perform a V-cut to get open. The player starts on the wing and will make a cut toward the same side low block. If on the right side of the court, as in the diagram, he will plant the right foot and then pivot back up the lane toward the passer. When he comes toward the ball, the player shall give an outside hand (or both hands) as a target for the … [Read more...]
Double Box Set Play
This play is designed as a quick hitter to get O3 open for a shot. O1 dribbles to the left wing, O4 and O5 set a double screen for O3, looking for the shot. 'Double' can also be run to the other side for O2. The players should know what to do to either side, depending upon the point guard's choice. [adrotate banner="8"] … [Read more...]
No Foul, No Jump Ball Drill
Purpose: To teach the players to be strong and to make strong moves around the basket area while being fouled in a competitive situation. Drill: Players of about equal size pair up at a basket. They play 1-on-1 under the basket, keeping the ball in the shaded area as shown. There are no fouls or jump balls in this drill. The first player to reach 10 baskets wins. Coaching Points: The coach must make sure the players do not get carried away and use excessive physical contact. The point is … [Read more...]
Offensive Putback Rebounding Drill
Purpose: To instruct offensive players in how to get offensive rebounds and to finish by scoring the basketball. Drill: At least three players and coach/manager are needed at each basket. In the diagram, 'C' is the coach; 'O1' is the rebounder; and each 'X' is a rebounder. The drill begins with the coach having two basketballs. He will start the drill by tossing one ball up against the backboard. Player 1 rebounds the shot and puts it into the basket. As soon as the first ball goes through … [Read more...]
Double Stack Low
Double Stack Low is a simple zone quick hitting play intended to get a jump shot from the weak side. With this setup, it will work best against an even front zone such as a 2-3 or 2-1-2. 1) The play starts off with O1 (this should be your best jump shooter) bringing the ball to the middle. O1 calls the play (any number or name is fine). 2) Player's O2 & O3 pop out to the wings to receive the ball. 3) O1 passes the ball to O2. Once the two low post … [Read more...]
Basic Flex Offense
The flex offense is a patterned, continuity offense that makes effective use of backscreens to create easy and open scoring opportunities. There are also other cuts, flashes, and movements to create open shots. The flex offense diagrammed here is the basic flex offense. The flex requires good offensive spacing and good timing between the passes, picks, and cuts. There are certainly other options that can be utilized though these are the basics. Check out even more Flex Actions over at The … [Read more...]
99 Wisdoms from Wooden
This page is in honor of Coach John Wooden (1910-2010). Much can be learned from this great man known quite simply as 'Coach'. He was so much more than simply a basketball coach, however. He was a great leader, teacher, husband, father ... an example for us all. What follows below are 99 of Coach Wooden's quotes (one for each year of his time on earth); words to live by, if you will. Would you like a copy of Coach Wooden's Pyramid of Success like the one seen in the image above? Click here … [Read more...]