1) This 'screen the screener' play is a nice play to run as a secondary option to the fast break. The point guard, O1, brings the basketball to right wing as the others arrange themselves in the box set. This play is essentially designed for O2, probably the best scoring threat. As O1 dribbles over to the wing, O2 sets a cross screen for O3. If O3 is open, feed him the basketball in the low post. 2) After setting the screen, O2 moves up the weakside of the lane, utilizing a … [Read more...]
Backdoor Play
This backdoor quick hitter from the box set is great when facing tough man to man defensive pressure. When the point guard (1), gets the basketball across halfcourt and towards the top of the key, #2 and #3 both cut hard from the low block to the wing. #1 can choose to go to either high post for the pass. In this diagram, #1 chooses #5. As #5 receives the pass, #3 cuts backdoor for a pass from #5 for a layup. Note: This is essentially a timing play. Ideally, the guards cutting to the wing … [Read more...]
The Swing Offense
The swing offense, made popular by Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan, is a very effective offense when executed properly. The players must make precise cuts and set solid screens. With the swing offense, it is also essential that the timing of the cuts, screens and passes be performed in good manner. 1) The Swing Offense This diagram shows the beginning setup and positions for the players when running the swing offense. The point guard (1) brings the ball up on the right side of the court. You … [Read more...]
Turn the Corner Drill
Purpose: To develop the dribble-drive -- adding explosiveness to the move. Drill: Line or player at top. Coach/player with basketball on the wing. The player makes a V-cut away from the ball and cuts back hard to top, receiving the pass. Upon receiving the pass, the player will fake, then dribble at the cone and turn the corner sharp for a layup. Plant the outside to change direction and speed. Variation: Be sure to go both ways, left and right. You could also add a jump shot as they … [Read more...]
4 Around 1 Power Motion Offense
1) The 4 around 1 Power Set Motion Offense can be a useful offensive set if you have player you would like to isolate. This is an inside attack that enables a team to take advantage of favorable matchups, to get high percentage shots, and to get into the bonus situation quickly. The formation takes the shape of a box with the 'power' player (5) inside and the other four players spread on the perimeter. The 'power' player sets up well above the block and simply follows the ball as it is … [Read more...]
Twins
1) The 'Twins' quick hitter is designed to get a layup. In the opening set, O1 has the ball at the top, O2 and O3 are on the low block, O4 is at the free throw line and O5 is stacked above O3. 2) The play starts with O2 and O3 cutting to the wing. O1 has the option of going to either side. In this diagram, O1 goes left -- if he had gone to the right, O5 would need to slide over to the left block to clear the low post area. O1 passes to O2 on the wing. 3) After … [Read more...]
V-Cut Drills
The V-Cut is a method of getting open to receive a pass on the basketball court. It is called a 'v-cut' because the cut is made in the shape of the letter 'V'. As the diagram below demonstrates, a v-cut is generally made by a player on the perimeter cutting toward the lane, planting hard on the outside foot, and then cutting hard back to the perimeter to receive the pass. The v-cut is useful because more often than not, you need to move to get open. If you're standing still and tightly guarded, … [Read more...]
2 Corner Set Basketball Play
The '2 Corner Set' quick hitter is designed to get a quick shot, especially in the clutch or in late game situations. 1) The opening set begins with O1 at the point, O2 and O3 in the corners, and O4 and O5 stacked side-by-side at the free throw line. 2) O2 starts the play by making a straight line cut towards the top, but then cutting quickly backdoor. O2 can stop and post up on the block for a pass from O1 who is dribbling hard to the wing. If O2 does not post up, he will … [Read more...]
Turnover Play
The Turnover Play is a nice play to run when you have just committed a turnover the previous time on offense. The intent of this quick hitter is to get a good shot by one of your best players. The play begins as shown in the diagram; O5 can either start high (if his defender plays behind) or he can start low and flash to the high post. O1 will begin the play by making a weakside entry pass to O5. O5 will then make a pass to O3, who has made a v-cut to get open on the wing. These two … [Read more...]