The 1-3-1 Rotational Zone Offense is designed to keep the offensive players moving. Teams will often do a good job of moving the ball against a zone defense, but they do a poor job of moving players. If you have ever seen your team stand around against a zone, this offense may be just what you need. This 1-3-1 offensive set with the rotational pattern will keep players moving to open up passing lanes and to overload the zone areas. The players can be placed in this offense as shown in the … [Read more...]
Double-Team and Steal the Pass Drill
Purpose: To work on defensive double team pressure and the anticipation of a pass with the intent to steal. The focus is on defense but it will also benefit offensive players as they will be working on passing under pressure. Drill: This drill uses 3 offensive players and 3 defensive players. O1 dribbles the ball across halfcourt while two defenders (X1 and X2) attack O1 to double team. O1 will then try to pass to O2 or O3. X1 and X2 should be working on proper double team technique -- … [Read more...]
Rooster Game
Purpose: This drill is simple, fun and serves one purpose -- to develop quickness of hands and feet. Drill: Utilize the circles that are on the court and place 2 players in each circle (if your court doesn't have any more than just the center circle, you can also use squares or boxes formed by court lines painted down -- or even set up some cones). The players score points by touching the knees of the other player. Each player can use his hands and arms to block tries at his knees but cannot … [Read more...]
Cross-Court Block Outs
Purpose: To develop defensive rebounding blockout techniques. Also develops intensity and toughness. Drill: Form two lines with one at the free throw line extended at the sideline. The other line at the midcourt line. The sideline is the defensive blocker and the middle is the offensive rebounder. The basketball is placed on the floor in the free throw circle. On whistle or signal from coach, one player from each line goes for the ball. The defensive blocker must make contact and hold contact … [Read more...]
Cycles
Purpose: To teach and develop transition offense in a game-like situation. The focus and emphasis for this drill is on the offense but it will also work on transition defense and is a fabulous drill to build game-type conditioning. Drill: This drill requires 10 players (5 on offense, 5 on defense). Two defenders (X4, X5) wait out of bounds on the opposite baseline, while three defenders (X1, X2, X3) wait out of bounds on the starting side of the court. The five offensive players begin on this … [Read more...]
1-4 Short, Long, or Lob Options Play
This quick hitter from the 1-4 set has three great scoring options. There are two possible layups and one three-point shot option. In the first option, O1 dribbles off a high screen set by O5 while O2 dives to the low block. As soon as O1 reaches the wing area, O2 goes up and sets a diagonal back screen for O4. O1 could make the pass to O4 for a layup. This is the first option. As O2 sets the back screen, O5 slides down and screens for O2. O1 can pass to O2 for a three-point shot. This is … [Read more...]
Lion Fast Break Drill
Purpose: To teach players the fundamentals of a 3-man fast break. This full court drill also incorporates passing, rebounding, outlet passing, throwing a baseball pass, and conditioning. Drill: Form three lines along a baseline with the basketball in the hands of a wing player. As the three players proceed upcourt, the wing passes to the middle player who passes to the opposite wing. The middle player receives a return pass, dribbles to the foul line and performs a jump stop. Middle player can … [Read more...]
2-on-2 Practicing the Slide-Through Drill
Purpose: Some teams will only switch on defense. Some will only slide through screens. Some will teach both options. Possibly, the best defensive teams can do both if they communicate well. The purpose of this drill is to teach players how to cooperate while sliding through the screen to keep good defensive position. Drill: 2 offensive players and 2 defensive players at a basket. The 2 offensive players are basically working the pick and roll, but they may also work a handoff or any crossing … [Read more...]
2-on-2 Practicing the Switch Drill
Purpose: Some teams will only switch on defense. Some will only slide through screens. Some will teach both options. Possibly, the best defensive teams can do both if they communicate well. The purpose of this drill is to practice the switch. Drill: 2 offensive players and 2 defensive players at a basket. The 2 offensive players are basically working the pick and roll, but they may also work a handoff or any crossing action. On the screen, the defensive players should both communicate by … [Read more...]
Chase the Dribbler Drill
Purpose: To teach the dribbler to protect the ball when he is pressured. Part of being a good ballhandler is having the ability to control the dribble while pressured. This is evident when defenses throw double teams at you or even in end game situations where you are attempting to run out the clock. Drill: Place two lines under the basket and one line at midcourt. The first person in line at midcourt starts dribbling. As he crosses the center line, he is met by the first two players from the … [Read more...]