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...]
Team Blitz Drill
Purpose: A continuous fast break drill that focuses on transition offense and defense and forces players to make quick decisions. Drill: The Team Blitz starts with a line of players along each sideline (team 1 and team 2). Three members of Team 1 start on the court at the top of the key area, middle player with the basketball. Two members of Team 2 start in the opposite lane from Team 1 and are ready to defend. To start, Team 1 begins dribbling down the court in an attempt to score … [Read more...]
Secure Basketball Fast Break Layup Drill
Purpose: This is a simple enough basketball drill but it covers an important, often overlooked aspect of transition basketball -- securing the loose ball! Points are often given away because what should be an easy grab and finish for a layup winds up in players booting the ball, travelling, or turning it over in some fashion. This basketball transition drill specifically works on securing a loose ball and then dribbling hard to finish with a layup. Drill: Players form 2 lines as shown, with … [Read more...]
Simplified Zone Press Break
I always seem to be changing offenses or defenses based on personnel. However, I have never changed my press break; its simple, effective, and can flow into any game plan. Alignment and duties: Always goes to the left of the basket, looking for the ball. He is our primary ball handler and our first option. Streaks down the floor setting up on the right wing, looking for a transition Breaks right looking for inbound pass. Always goes to the ball after the basket as the inbounder. … [Read more...]
4-on-4 Transition Recover Drill
Purpose: To teach defenders to get back quickly on defense and to help teammates who are slow in recovering. Offensively, players will work on their transition and fast break offense. Drill: This drill begins in a 4-on-4 halfcourt setup. The players play 4-on-4 until either a shot is made or the defense secures the rebound on a missed shot. When the ball is rebounded by the defensive team, they will quickly outlet the basketball and push it upcourt in a fast break situation. If the … [Read more...]
3-on-2 with Chaser Drill
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...]
Quick Break Middle Attack
The Quick Break Middle Attack is a sort of inbounds set / fast break play hybrid that you can use when the defense is pressuring you fullcourt man-to-man. You may find it especially useful when you are being pressured in a late-game situation and there are mere seconds left on the clock but enough time to dribble down and get a decent shot attempt. Obviously this play will be run from a time-out or dead-ball situation. When the official hands the basketball to O4, he runs the baseline … [Read more...]
Outlet and Fill Drill
Purpose: To work on making the outlet pass and filling the lane in a fast break situation. To work on receiving the outlet pass and quickly dribbling downcourt. Also develops a variety of skills necessary for an effective fast break such as passing, jump stops, and finishing. Drill: Two players on the court with one basketball. O1 starts under basket with the basketball. O2 starts in outlet area. O1 begins drill by tossing the basketball off the backboard and jumping up to secure the rebound. … [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...]