Starting from a box set formation, this play begins with a dribble entry to the wing. The initial look is in to the low post but if that is unavailable there are several other options available throughout this quick hitter. O1 dribbles to the wing area as O5 and O3 set a double screen in the lane for O2. After setting the screen, O3 cuts diagonally up and across the lane as O4 slides down to the weakside low block. O5 posts up on the strongside low post after setting the screen. O1 is on the … [Read more...]
High Cross Screen Box BLOB
From the box set formation, this baseline out of bounds play utilizes a high cross screen to create an easy shot opportunity. When the official hands the ball to O1, O5 fakes inside as if he's going to receive the pass and then cuts to the corner. O5 sells the cut and O1 should make the pass fake to draw O5's defender out with him. O3 moves toward the defender guarding O2 while calling out 'back screen'. O2 jabs to the sideline, setting up a cross screen by O4 (who is setting a cross screen … [Read more...]
Ballside to Helpside Defense Drill
Purpose: To teach proper conversion from ballside defense to helpside defense and vice-versa. This drill also helps to develop consistent effort, not being lazy, determination and proper footwork. Drill: X1 (ballside defender) takes on the line/up the line defensive stance. X2 (helpside defender) takes a flat triangle stance with shoulders parallel to the line between ball and man. The defenders must remain in a good defensive stance and be light on their feet anticipating movement. The … [Read more...]
Defending Point Guard Penetration
Purpose: A point guard that has the ability to penetrate from the top can be a nightmare to defend. This drill will help teach how to stop and help penetration once the on-ball defender is beaten off the dribble. The help, rotation, and total team defense must be stressed. Drill: O1 starts out beyond the top of the key and uses dribble penetration to get into the lane. X2 steps up into the lane to a) stop the dribble, b) deflect a pass, or c) take a charge. X3 fills in behind and helps in … [Read more...]
Inside Pick-the-Picker Play
This play works best when O2 is a great shooter. The basic play is run for O2 to come off a double stagger screen set by O5 and O4 for a jump shot from the corner. After running the set described above a few times, O2 may become a decoy as the defense attempts to help. Instead of passing to O2, the play will go to O5. O5, after setting the screen, rolls to the ballside low block. O4 helps open him up by setting a back screen on O5's defender. … [Read more...]
2-Man Elbow Shooting Drill
Purpose: This is a simple basketball shooting drill that is useful in practicing shots from a common crease/opening against most defenses. This drill creates repetition in shooting from the elbow area, thereby presenting familiarity within an offense to gain attempts from these spots. Drill: O1 has the ball and begins under the basket as the rebounder/passer. O2 begins at the elbow (left elbow in this diagram). O2 then moves quickly to the right elbow -- staying low with target hands ready. … [Read more...]
Full Court Speed Passing Drill
Purpose: This is a good pre-practice or warm-up drill that involves conditioning, passing/catching, conditioning, and layups. Drill: 6 players (X's) take positions on the floor as shown in the diagram. O's take position on the baseline, each with a basketball. The drill begins with O1 passing to X1 and sprinting straight down court looking for a return pass from X1. O1 then passes immediately to X2 and receives the return pass; still sprinting downcourt. O1 then passes to X3, receives the … [Read more...]
Closeout and Jump to the Ball Drill
Purpose: To improve closing-out skills and 'jumping to the ball' when a pass is made. Drill: The players form 3 lines as shown. Coach is at the top of the key and a manager or player is on each wing. The coach will slap the ball to start and each player will run hard toward the coach in a closeout position at the free throw line. When the coach throw the pass to a manager, each player must jump to the ball so they are in a position to deny the ball back to their imaginary offensive player. … [Read more...]
5-Man Weave to 3-on-2
Purpose: To develop teamwork and the ability to score against pressure. This is also a great focus drill that can develop mental toughness and improve on transition skills ... both offensively and defensively. Drill: Players form five lines, as shown, with the basketball in the middle line. Five players will weave to the opposite end of the court and shoot a layup. The 5-man weave is much like the oft-used 3-man weave, however, the rule here is to pass and go behind two players: O1 passes … [Read more...]
Post Player Ball Roll Head Fake Shooting Drill
Purpose: To develop the head and shoulder shot fake from in the low post. The head and shoulder is necessary and essential to getting a shot off in traffic and to possibly draw a foul. Drill: The player, with a basketball, begins at the right elbow. He starts by rolling the basketball along the lane line towards the baseline. Staying low, the player follows the basketball to the block area, picks it up, squares to the backboard, pump fakes and then shoots a power layup (dunk, if … [Read more...]