Here is a really nice baseline out of bounds play from the box set that UAB used to get a late-game 3-pointer. This 3-point shot helped them upset 3rd seed Iowa State in the second round of the 2015 NCAA tournament. Below the diagram and description of this play, watch a video clip of this great play. When the official hands the basketball to O1, O2 moves up to set a screen for O3. O3 dives hard to the low block area. After he rubs past the O3 defender, O2 cuts out to the ballside … [Read more...]
Seven Cardinal Principles of Offensive Play
We are sharing this article, "Seven Cardinal Principles of Offensive Play", from the book Championship Basketball by Adolph Rupp. Though first published in 1957, these principles are quite applicable in today's game. For more plays and coaching concepts from Adolph Rupp, be sure to join Hoops U. today. Enjoy! Let me say, to begin with, that there are no secrets in basketball. There are coaches who, when the principles of basketball are explained to them, do not find the answers sufficiently … [Read more...]
2 Kentucky Quick Hitters: 4-Out, 1-In High Set Inside & Outside Cut
These 2 quick hitters from the 4-Out, 1-In High set are from the University of Kentucky, albeit a bit old-school. Both of these quick hitters were designed by one of the all-time great basketball coaches, Adolph Rupp. Even though old-school, these will work just as well today in getting an easy basket. Both plays are similar and can be specifically called or it can be left up to the player making the initial pass which way he wants to cut. Let's take a look. No. 1 passes to No. 4 and … [Read more...]
Backspin Review
:: A Hoops U. Basketball Review :: Author: Pete Strobl Available from: CoachStrobl.com Backspin, by Pete Strobl, is a fascinating book that is part basketball, part memoir, and part motivational. Altogether, it was hard to put down until I was finished reading! As the sub-head on the cover states, Backspin is "one player's journey from the U.S. to Europe and back again". You'll journey with Pete as he takes you from high school to NCAA Division I Niagara University. You will also go … [Read more...]
Dribble Tag
Purpose: To practice ball-handling, controlling, and protecting the basketball on the dribble. Also helps to develop vision and reaction. This is a fun youth basketball drill but can be used at any age (older kids will have fun because they probably played this when young). It's a fun way to end practice and also a great drill for camp situations. Drill: Place half the team inside the three-point area at one end of the court and half at the other end. Each player has a basketball. The … [Read more...]
Triangle Rebounding Toughness Drill
Purpose: To work on rebounding, aggressiveness, and toughness in a competitive drill. Drill: Three players at a basket with a coach or manager and one basketball. The players set up as shown; one on each block and one in the middle of the lane. The coach 'shoots' the basketball off the rim and the three players go after the rebound. The player who rebounds the basketball attempts to score against the other two players. The ball is live until someone scores. Repeat until predetermined … [Read more...]
5-on-5 Transition Scramble
Purpose: To work on making good, quick offensive and defensive transitions, especially when tired. To practice smart decision-making in transition. To practice dealing with chaotic and unplanned situations. To improve conditioning and build stamina. Drill: Divide into two teams for a full-court scrimmage. Five players from each team are on the court. A coach or manager is on each sideline at midcourt. Drill begins in the halfcourt with the offense attempting to score against the defense. … [Read more...]
3-on-2 Continuous Drill
Purpose: To practice the offensive fast break and the the decision-making and finishing skills required. Also to practice defending the fast break from a disadvantage in numbers. Drill: Divide into two teams, one team on each sideline. The first three offensive players start at midcourt with one basketball. The first two defenders start in the lane. The three offensive players attack the defenders until they score or turn the ball over. When the basketball is secured by the defense, … [Read more...]
Box Cross Double Down Play
This play from the box set formation does a nice job in creating two potential scoring opportunities. While the first option will most likely be defended, the second option often creates an open jump shot. The players set up in the box set formation, as shown. The play can be run to either side, but it should be noted that the player on the opposite low block from the point guard should be able to score in the low post and the player on the same side as the point guard should be able to … [Read more...]
How Psychology Affects Athletic Performance
The infographic and content below comes to us courtesy of the Ohio University Online Master's in Coaching Education program. While many people may not think it has that much of an impact, it’s been proven that psychology plays a central role in athletic performance. Studies show that over ten psychological factors can affect performance in either a positive or negative way, depending on the situation itself. Things such as goal setting, personal awareness, routine, concentration, meditation, … [Read more...]