This out of bounds play from a 'T' formation can be run against man or zone defenses and has a couple of options or counterattacks to utilize when the defense attempts to make adjustments. When the official hands the ball to 1, 2 will run off a screen being set by 5 and 3 runs off 4's screen. 2 or 3 may be open for three-point or perimeter jump shots. After setting the screens, both 4 and 5 should seal their defenders as they may be open for a pass or lob from 1. If you have run this play … [Read more...]
Medicine Ball Squat, Press & Chase
Purpose: To develop greater power and speed into acceleration. Improve first step quickness and explosiveness. Drill: Hold a medicine ball in front of chest and squat down to a 1/2 squat position. Drive from your heels to your toes as you explode forward off the ground at approximately a 45 degree angle, extending the arms and pressing (throwing) the ball as far as possible. Upon landing from the explosive launching start, accelerate and chase (sprint) past the rolling medicine ball. Coaching … [Read more...]
Box Diagonal Play
This out of bounds play starts out in a box set and utilizes a diagonal backscreen to create a layup opportunity. When the official hands the ball to O1, 4 cuts hard to the corner. 4's defender will usually go with him because he is on the ball side. If 4's defender stays inside, 4 will be open for a jump shot. At the same time, 5 makes the diagonal cut and sets a screen on 2's defender as 2 cuts to the weakside low block. After setting the screen, 5 rolls to the basket on the ball side. If … [Read more...]
Individual V-Cut Drill
Purpose: To learn how to make a fundamentally sound V-cut. This drill incorporates footwork, 1-on-1 moves, and shooting useful in developing the ability to get open and being able to make an scoring move once you have the basketball in your hands. Drill: The player begins in one of the corners. Cones can be placed on the court as shown, but are not necessary. They are mainly used to demonstrate the spots on the court where the player will begin each V-cut. The player begins by placing the … [Read more...]
1-and-1 and Run Free Throw Drill
Purpose: To practice free throw shooting in a pressure situation. Drill: The 1-and-1 and Run drill can be done at the end of practice as an actual drill, or the coach can pick players out during practice. The premise of the drill is simple; if a player misses the front end of a 1-and-1, the team will run a 10-second drill (full court down & back sprint). If he misses the back end of the 1-and-1, the team will run to half-court and back. To perform this during practice, at random times I … [Read more...]
1-4 Blue Devil Handoff Play
This play from the 1-4 high set was executed to perfection by the Duke Blue Devils in their comeback win against UNC on February 9, 2010. A 3-point shot was converted by Seth Curry while Duke was working their comeback from a 16-point deficit. The 1-4 Blue Devil Handoff play starts with the players in a 1-4 high set as shown in the diagram. O1 has the ball on the right side of the court. O3, on the right wing, cuts through the lane to the weakside. O4 steps out from his position at the elbow … [Read more...]
By the Ear Passing Drill
Purpose: To teach the concept of passing the basketball 'by the ear' and to develop the basketball players ability to make the pass through defensive pressure. Passing 'by the ear' works nearly every time if performed correctly. For example, a low ball fake gets the defender to drop his arm. Bringing the ball back and then passing 'by the ear' of the defender is virtually unstoppable. As defenders, we are not used to or comfortable having our hands up by our ears. Therefore, a pass zipped right … [Read more...]
3 Across High Pass Cut Option
This is a great out of bounds play you can run against either a man-to-man or zone defense. It has 2 options ... either option can be called or simply run, depending on how one player is being defended. This out of bounds play sets up with three players lined up across the free throw or mid-lane area, with O5 in the middle. O2 starts at the top of the key. O5 starts approximately 5-10 feet away from the basket. O1, taking the basketball out of bounds, throws a high pass to O5 if he is being … [Read more...]
Head Up Dribble to Pass Drill
Purpose: To work on dribbling with the head up to see the entire court and finding the open player to pass the basketball. Drill: Split the team so that 4-6 players take a spot somewhere in the far half court and the remaining players begin at the baseline. 3 cones are needed just beyond the three-point line as shown. The coach or manager stands near the free throw line. The first player on the baseline dribbles to either the left, middle, or right cone as the coach calls which to dribble at. … [Read more...]
2-on-1 Tip-In Rebounding Drill
Purpose: To develop aggressiveness in rebounding, body control and balance, and timing during contact. Drill: Three players at a basket; one offensive and two defensive players. The offensive player works at keeping the ball alive until he successfully taps it in the basket. O1 stands a couple of feet in front of the rim with a basketball. The defenders, X1 and X2, start on each side of the lane, with at least one foot touching the lane line. O1 tosses the basketball off the backboard and … [Read more...]