Against full-court pressure defenses, passing is generally the best weapon. However, against full-court man-to-man pressure, a strong ball handler may be the most effective weapon. Once the basketball has been inbounded and it's in the point guard's hands, his teammates may clear out of the backcourt so that the dribbler can bring the ball up the court against his defender in a one-on-one situation. The dribbler should try to stay in the middle of the court and dribble with his head up, … [Read more...]
Fast Break after Stolen Pass Drill
Purpose: To teach the concept of quickly transitioning from defense to offense and converting a stolen pass into a cheap basket at the other end. A stolen perimeter pass is a great opportunity for a quick basket and should be capitalized upon whenever possible. Drill: Place 3 lines on one end of the floor, as shown. The first player in each line will start at about the free throw line / free throw line extended. The coach will throw the ball to any one of the 3 players, who either passes to … [Read more...]
Double Stack Box Play
From a stacked box set, this out of bounds play creates several possible scoring options such as a lob, 3-pointer, or low post-up. O3 inbounds the basketball with O4 and O5 on the blocks and O1 and O2 lined up directly behind them. When the official hands the ball to O3, O2 screens down and inside O4. O4 reverse pivots to the lane looking for a possible lob pass from O3. O2 pops out to the corner after setting the screen. As O4 curls into the lane, O1 fakes inside then cuts off O5 to the … [Read more...]
Trailer Weave Drill
Purpose: To improve passing and finishing skills in a fast break situation. Also improves and develops overall conditioning. Drill: Form four lines on the baseline as shown. One of the outside lines will be designated as the 'trailer' (O1 in this diagram). The ball starts two lines away from the trailer line. Players O2, O3, and O4 will execute a 3-man weave down the court. As they begin, O1 sprints down the court and upon reaching the top of the key extended, makes a diagonal cut to the … [Read more...]
Double-Down Defense Drill
Purpose: To teach the perimeter defender to collapse and double-team the offensive post player. Essential to work on if you choose to double an opposing team's post player. Drill: One offensive player starts with the basketball on the wing with a teammate posting up on the low block. Two defenders match up against them. O5 posts up while X5 plays a 3/4 low deny defense. On the pass from O1 to O5, X1 collapses and double-teams on the high side of O5. O5 can attempt to score or pass back out … [Read more...]
2 Dribble Elbow Shooting Drill
Purpose: A simple 2-person shooting drill that is effective at practicing shots from an often open area against most defenses. This shooting drill creates repetition and helps the shooter become familiar at shooting off the dribble from the elbow areas. Drill: 2 players and 1 basketball at a basket. O1 starts under the basket and acts as the passer and rebounder. O2 begins at the top of the key. O1 passes to O2. O2 catches the basketball and takes two hard dribbles to the elbow, squares up, … [Read more...]
4-Across Stagger Curl
From the 4-across set, this baseline out of bounds play creates a shot opportunity right in the heart of the defense. When the official hands the ball to O3, O4 pops out to the top as O3 lobs a pass to him. O4 is essentially posting up for a lob pass while keeping his defender away from the ball. After passing the basketball, O3 cuts hard to the weak side and curls around a staggered screen set by O5 and O2. O4 looks to make the pass to O3 in the lane. O3 can take the shot or take a dribble … [Read more...]
7 Principles for Attacking Half Court Zone Defenses
The following 7 strategies are necessary and helpful when attacking zone defenses. Regardless of the zone defense formation, you should be teaching your players these concepts so they will understand zone defense weaknesses and learn to be successful against zones. Rapid Ball Movement The basketball should be moved quickly with the pass. Passes can be made much faster than the zone can shift; therefore, openings will be found against even the toughest of zones. Utilize skip passes when … [Read more...]
2 and 3 Player Shell Blockout Drills
Purpose: These two simple rebounding drills break down the skill of defensive rebounding. The defenders must work on the ballside blockout and the helpside blockout, depending upon their position to the shooter. Drill: 2 offensive players and 2 defensive players, as shown. Also, have a manager or coach as the shooter. I generally don't like to use other players in rebounding drills because the attempt is to miss the shot -- I don't want players practicing to miss! The shooter will shoot from … [Read more...]
3 Around 2 Middle Clear Through Offense
The 3 Around 2 Middle Clear Through Offense is designed to utilize a quickness advantage and mid-range game of your post players. It can be run as a set with options or as an offense in and of itself. With smart movement and ball control, this offense can reverse itself if a shot isn't initially available. It isn't an exact 3-2 offense because the post players are spread wider than the lane. It also is not a true 5-out offense because they aren't all the way out to the three-point line … [Read more...]