Purpose: Work on defensive rebounding techniques, blocking out, and executing a solid outlet pass. Drill: This rebounding drill requires three players, a coach/manager, and a basketball. The defensive player (X1) begins a couple feet below the free throw line. O1 and O2 begin on each wing. The coach/manager starts at the top of the key. Coach passes to either O1 or O2. X1 closes out on the shooter who shoots the ball. X1 contests, calls 'shot', then boxes out the shooter. After boxing out, X1 … [Read more...]
Flash Middle Overload Zone Offense
The Flash Middle Overload zone offense is designed to put pressure on the middle of a zone defense, especially an even-front zone such as the 2-3 zone defense. The continuity is simple; keep flashing players into the middle of the zone. O1 can initiate the offense to either wing. In this diagram, O1 starts by passing to O2 on his right. At the same time, O3 flashes middle while O4 fills the wing area vacated by O3. O5 flashes to the ballside low block. If nothing is available, O2 reverses … [Read more...]
3 on 3 Survival
Purpose: To work on team and individual defensive skills in a competitive 3-on-3 setting. By nature of the drill, players are encouraged to work hard and competitively. Players will also learn to work together offensively and further develop their individual skills within the team concept. Drill: This is a half-court drill with 3 offensive players vs. 3 defensive players. The offense attempts to score in any way possible. The defense attempts to stop the offense from scoring and gain … [Read more...]
4-on-2-on-2 Drill
Purpose: To teach offensive transition principles, poise, and teamwork in a fun and fast-paced drill. Drill: Team O1 starts at midcourt with the basketball and goes 4 on 2 versus Team X1 Two players from Team X1 begin at midcourt outside the sideline. When O1 begins across midcourt, the two extra defenders sprint to the midcourt circle and then become 2 more defenders to make it 4 on 4. Team X1 rebounds a miss (or takes it out of bounds after a made shot) and goes 4 on 2 against Team O2, … [Read more...]
3-Man Weave Rebounding Drill
Purpose: To build rebounding skills through the use of lateral movements and footwork. Players must execute proper block out technique while on the move. Drill: Three players at a basket as shown. Two wings and one at the top. The players who are not actually rebounding the missed shot exchange positions with one another. The drill starts with O1 shooting the basketball off the backboard towards O3. O1 and O2 then interchange positions. O3, who now has the ball, shoots it off the … [Read more...]
Jump to the Ball Drill
Purpose: To practice the conversion from on-the-ball to off-the-ball defense. Many players think that their defensive responsibility ends when the player they are guarding passes the basketball. Good defenders will react, anticipate, and play good defense rather than be lazy. Drill: 2 offensive players and 1 defender guarding the player with the ball. O1 makes the pass to O2 on the wing. X1 'jumps to the ball' as the pass is made; staying in a low denial stance to prevent the give-and-go … [Read more...]
2-on-2 Competitive Give-and-Go Drill
Purpose: To practice the give-and-go in a competitive 2-on-2 situation. The offensive players will work on running an effective give-and-go and the defensive players work on properly defending the give-and-go. Drill: The team is split into two teams, O and X, with the lines starting approximately between the three-point line and midcourt. The drill begins with O1 dribbling to an area near the free throw line extended. O2 fakes backdoor and then receives a pass on the other side of the lane. … [Read more...]
2-on-2 Competitive Rebounding Drill
Purpose: To teach proper rebounding within a game-like situation. The 2-on-2 setup allows the rebounder to focus on either blocking out (defensively) or going after the missed shot (offensively). This drill is also excellent in developing inside moves and the ability to finish strong. Drill: This 2-on-2 drill starts with O1 and O2 vs. X1 and X2. O1 starts with the basketball and throws a pass to either X1 or X2, who then shoots. Play all shots as a miss, even if it goes in. (If you have a rim … [Read more...]
Go Up Strong Shooting Drill
Purpose: This drill helps instill the habit of strong ball control on layups. Many players lose the ball and/or lose control if they are bumped even just slightly on the shot. This can cost points and you cannot count on the officials seeing every bit of contact. Drill: Split into 3 groups at a basket. Group O1 will line up facing the basket from any angle/spot on the court. This spot should be changed frequently when doing this drill. Another group (O2) starts near the basket, while group O3 … [Read more...]
3-Man Straight Break Drill
Purpose: To teach the players how to properly fill the lanes on a fast break. Drill: This is a simple drill that can be used to work on fast break techniques. The wing players stay wide and make a sharp cut to the basket while the middle player executes a jump stop at the foul line and makes a good pass to a cutting wing. The wing players should plant their outside foot and make a sharp cut to the basket. The players can go down in groups of three or they can go down and back in their … [Read more...]