The line play is often used when inbounding against zone defenses. This variation of the typical line play utilizes a couple of screens to create an open jump shot. Players form a line as shown, with the player nearest the ball starting at about the ballside elbow.When the official hands the basketball to O1, O3 cuts hard to the basket. O1 can certainly make the pass if O3 is open. O5 screens the closest defender on the left. O4 screens the closest defender on the right. O2 steps into … [Read more...]
Contain Drive and Jump to the Ball Drill
Purpose: To work on containing a dribbler and then reacting to the pass by jumping to the ball and denying the return pass on a cut to the basket. Drill: Two players needed for this drill; O1 is on offense with the basketball and X1 is on defense. Two coaches, managers, or additional players are needed with one on each wing ('C' in the diagram). O1 will start with the basketball near the midcourt line. X1 will start just below the free throw line. O1 will start dribbling and advancing with … [Read more...]
1 vs. 2 Rebounding Drill
Go beyond working on rebounding with this drill that also incorporates competition, toughness, and intensity. This drill requires three players; two players on defense start in the lane. One player on offense starts at the free throw line. A coach or manager has a basketball and can shoot from anywhere. When the shot is taken, O1 attempts to secure an offensive rebound. X1 and X2 block him out to secure the defensive rebound. If O1 secures the rebound, he should attempt to score against the … [Read more...]
1-4 Cross Screen
This out of bounds from a 1-4 set works especially well against teams that look to tightly guard the offensive players. The inbounds passer has 3 potential passes for scoring options, as well as the safety valve. You might find this to be a less effective scoring play if the defense sags off, thereby taking away the cuts to the basket. In a 1-4 out of bounds set, the players position themselves in a 1-4 set, as shown, while the inbounder takes that ball out from the baseline. When the … [Read more...]
2-on-2 Closeout and Help Drill
Purpose: To develop the ability to properly react on a pass to either closeout on the basketball or to move into help position. This drill also converts into a live, competitive 2-on-2 situation. A coach or manager starts with the basketball and stands near the basket. O1 and O2 start outside the three-point line. X1 and X2 start in the lane near the low block but in front of the coach so they can't see where he will pass the ball. The drill begins when the coach passes the basketball to … [Read more...]
Hi Flare Play
This play out of the 1-4 High Set utilizes multiple options to get an open shot attempt. The players set up in a 1-4 High Set as shown. 1 passes to 2 on the wing. 5 & 3 set a staggered flare screen for 1. 3 pops to the top for ball reversal. 2 can pass to 3 if open off the flare screen. 2 can also drive baseline which may be available if his defender overhelps in the middle. 2 passes to 3 at the top 3 passes to 1 on the wing and runs inside cut to the corner 1 can look for 3 … [Read more...]
5 Keys to Playing Fast Effectively
Every player I meet or talk to wants to play fast. They want to get out, push the ball up the court and try to score as quick as possible -- which is great! However, the vast majority of these players do not understand what it means to play fast effectively. Getting out and pushing the ball is an excellent way to play because it creates the ability to attack offensively before the defense gets a chance to set up which can create easy scoring opportunities. Yet, before you can really commit to … [Read more...]
In-Season Competitive Skill Development Drills
Basketball season is in full swing. This means coaches have been implementing game plans to take on the next opponent. Players don't have the opportunity to get in the skill development needed during practice as they should. So, it's very important for players to find time on their own to work on their skills. I believe coaches should have some competitive drills for their teams to build competitive spirit and that would make players want to get in extra work. The drills should be short, but … [Read more...]
1-4 Wings Through Screen Option
This is a nice quick hitter from the 1-4 high set because it gives the shooter two screen options with which to choose. It's also a good way to enter into your normal motion offensive system. The players set up in a 1-4 high set as shown. O2 goes over or under O5 and cuts to the opposite wing. O5 dives to the low block. O3 clears through to the opposite corner. O1 makes the pass to O2 on the wing. O4 clears out to the ballside corner. O3 has the option of making a flex cut off of O5's … [Read more...]
Stack 3 Zone Defense
The Stack 3 Zone Defense is an effective defense that can be used against a team with an excellent guard. It will also work well against a team with no inside threat. The Stack 3 Zone Defense is so named because of how the defensive guards are in a "stacked" position near the free throw and three-point lines. The other three defenders align themselves in a baseline zone formation. The Stack 3 Zone Defense is most similar to a 1-3-1 zone defense because the slides and coverages are kept the … [Read more...]