Purpose: For the offensive players to work on 3-on-2 fast break skills as well as 3-on-3 principles. For defensive players to work on playing solid defense and preventing the quick basket. Drill: The drill starts as shown in the diagram with three members of team 1 in a 3-on-2 situation against two defenders from team 2. As soon as the dribbler or basketball crosses halfcourt the next member of team 2 sprints and touches the halfcourt circle and then chases to help out on defense. If … [Read more...]
Baseline to 3-on-2 Transition Drill
Purpose: To develop fast break skills by having the offensive players work on scoring in transition from an advantage situation and to teach defensive players to hustle back on defense to stop the fast break. Drill: 5 players will line up across the baseline, as shown. A coach is in the painted area with the basketball. The inside 3 players are on offense, the outside 2 are on defense. To begin, the coach will pass the basketball to one of the 3 inside players. On the pass, the outside … [Read more...]
Closeout and Cut Off Drill
Purpose: To work on closing out effectively while still being able to cut off dribble penetration. Drill: One defensive player, one offensive player, and one passer needed for this drill. The passer stands at the top of the key with a basketball. The defender starts on the low block (X1) and the offensive player starts on the wing (O1). 'C' passes the basketball to O1 on the wing. X1 closes out on O1 from his position on the low block. O1 attempts to drive against X1 and can go … [Read more...]
Defend Both Low Posts Drill
Purpose: To work on defending the low post on the high or ball side. Develops ability to deny pass into the post as well as defending the low post player from scoring once he does receive the basketball. Also allows offensive players to work on posting up and scoring from the low post. Drill: One defender and two offensive players needed for this drill. Also need 2-3 coaches/manages/passers. Player x5 must defend both low post players in this drill (though not at the same time, of … [Read more...]
1-on-1 Fullcourt Zigzag with Closeout Drill
Purpose: To work on individual transition defense and closing out on the shooter from a transition situation. Drill: Use 2 lines as shown. O1 and O2 both have a basketball and are being defended by X1 and X2. X1 and X2 defend the zig-zag dribble downcourt. The offense isn't really "trying" to beat the defender but if the defender is playing too lazy, go right ahead. Defensively, just remember to stay low in a solid stance and change direction quickly. As the offensive player nears the … [Read more...]
Iba Cowboy Drill
I came across this drill in a stack of some old handouts. This drill is named after legendary Oklahoma State University Coach Hank Iba. This is a fantastic drill -- not only for the skills it develops, but also that it greatly builds toughness! Purpose: To teach players the skills of help defense and taking a charge, getting on the floor for a loose ball, and to score in the lane against defensive contact. Drill: Three players are needed along with a coach at the top. If you have them, … [Read more...]
3-on-2 Halfcourt Transition Drills
Purpose: To practice and develop decision-making abilities. To practice finishing in a fast break or transition situation. The focus is normally on offense with this drill, but it also helps defenders learn to work from a numerical disadvantage. Drill 1: 3-on-2 Drill: 2 defenders start in the lane as shown. 3 offensive players start at the half court line, basketball in the middle. Additional players will wait in lines behind half court. The drill begins when O1 starts dribbling to attack … [Read more...]
2-on-1 Wing Shot and Defend Drill
Purpose: This combination drill works on a variety of basketball skills and fundamentals. The offensive players work on dribbling, passing, jump stops, and layups or jump shots. The defender works on stopping the dribbler and then recovering to help defend the wing shot or drive. Drill: Two offensive players near midcourt, one in the middle with basketball and one near the sideline. One defender begins at the free throw line. O1 begins by dribbling toward the lane, forcing X1 to defend … [Read more...]
5-on-5 Change Drill
Purpose: To improve defensive transition and the ability to match up quickly, stop the ball, and communicate effectively and efficiently. Drill will also work on offensive transition and improve conditioning. Drill: 5-on-5 on one end of the basketball court. The five offensive players are running the offense as normal while being defended by the five defenders. On coach's whistle or by calling 'change', the offensive player with the basketball will simply drop it or set it on the ground. The … [Read more...]
Deny the Inbounds Toughness Drill
Purpose: To work on the ability to fully deny an inbounds pass. The main purpose with this drill, however, is as a toughness drill. Drill: The players set up as shown, with an inbounds passer, a offensive player, and a defender. The defender, X2, faces O2 and attempts to deny the pass attempt being made by O1. If O2 receives the pass, he will then try to score the basketball. X2 will attempt to stop him from scoring. Normal inbounding rules apply -- O1 only has 5 seconds to pass … [Read more...]