Purpose: To work on transition offense and defense in a progressive manner. The Progressive Transition Drill works on all the various situations a team will face in a game; 1-on-0, 2-on-1, 3-on-2, 4-on-3, and 5-on-4. Develops conditioning and decision-making in a competitive, game-like situation. Drill: In this diagram, 'W' = white jersey and 'D' = dark jersey. If your players wear reversible jerseys, then 4 players will be in darks and 5 players will be in whites. This full court drill sets … [Read more...]
4 Threat Inbounds Play
The 4 Threat baseline out of bounds play is run against a man-to-man defense in the last few seconds of the game. With a couple of catch-and-shoot options, there should at least be enough time on the clock to catch and shoot the ball cleanly. This play is best run when you are down by 1 or 2 points. There is an option or two that may lead to a 3-pointer, but if it's unavailable you probably won't wind up getting a good look for '3'. If you do get a 3-point shot from this play, it very well may … [Read more...]
Front the Post Drill
The Front the Post defense drill is used to work on fronting the post player and to react to passing around the perimeter. The post defender attempts to continuously front the post throughout the duration of the drill. The objective is to stop the post player from flashing open and receiving the pass. Purpose: The defensive purpose is to continually front the offensive post player and to teach the defensive post player to react quickly to where the basketball is passed on the perimeter. The … [Read more...]
21 Strategies for Better Zone Offense
The following 21 Zone Offense Strategies will help your zone offense be more effective and more dominant. These strategies are basically individual or team tactics you can utilize against any zone defense - and with any zone offensive system - to help you move the basketball and the defense to create open scoring opportunities. Zone Strategy 1: Pass and Move O1 passes inside to O5 and moves to the right or left away from the defender, preferably to the direction that the defender's back is … [Read more...]
Around the Horn Box Set Play
The Around the Horn Box Set Play is a quick hitter that creates an open shot or scoring opportunity by giving one player, the point guard, a screen from each of the other four players. Timing is essential in this play but if it's executed correctly, you will find yourself with an open jump shot -- or better yet, an open layup! As the point guard, O1, dribbles up the floor and nears the top of the key, he passes to 3, who has popped out from his spot on the elbow. If 3's defender tries playing … [Read more...]
Sprint and Defensive Stance Drill
Purpose: To develop the conditioning, mental toughness, and speed that is required on the basketball court. Drill: Split the team in half. Have one half of the team line up on the sideline and the other half about 5 feet behind them. Players should utilize the full length of the sideline and give themselves plenty of room. On the whistle or 'Go' command, the front line will sprint 16 widths of the court, touching each line. Also on the first whistle, the second line will get into a defensive … [Read more...]
5-on-2 Competitive Rebounding Drill
Purpose: To develop determination in defensive rebounding. The defensive rebounders, being at a great disadvantage, must work hard to get the rebound. Drill: 2 defensive players begin by positioning themselves in the lane. 5 offensive players begin outside the lane in normal team offensive positions. Also, if you have a basketball rebounder, this is an excellent drill to utilize it. The drill starts with the shooter (a manager or coach) taking the first shot from anywhere in the half court. … [Read more...]
Box Reversal to Back Screen
In this baseline out of bounds play, four players set up in a box set with a player on each low block and a player on each elbow. The ultimate objective is a close range jump shot or layup but there are a couple of chances for a 3-point shot as well. When the official hands the basketball to 1, 4 slides up and sets a diagonal screen for 3 who cuts to the ballside corner. 1 passes to 3. (If open, 3 can shoot the basketball). Once the pass is inbounded to 3, 5 cuts to the ballside wing by … [Read more...]
10 Fundamental Ideas for Building Your Zone Offense
Many teams are unprepared for playing against zone defenses. That is why a lot of teams employ a zone defense. Playing against a zone is not rocket science, but we often make it more difficult than it should be. It is impossible (and very unwise) to ignore zone defenses because at some point you will be forced to play against one. As the coach, it is imperative that you equip your players with the knowledge and techniques necessary to beat a zone defense. The following 10 fundamental ideas … [Read more...]
2-Ball Dribbling Relay Drill
Purpose: To teach basketball players to dribble with either hand to develop hand-eye coordination. Also develops ballhandling skills through competition. Drill: Divide the team into equal squads. You may only have 2 squads or you may have more...it all depends on the number of players you want per squad. 2 basketballs are needed for each squad. Each squad should station themselves with half of their players on each baseline; lines across from each other. Each player at the front of the line … [Read more...]