Purpose: To demonstrate a defensive emergency situation that allows the defense to practice against an offensive advantage. Drill: 4 defenders, numbered 1 through 4, line up along the free throw line extended, facing the baseline. 4 offensive players line up just inside the baseline, facing the other end of the court. A coach is standing on the court with a basketball. The coach will pass the basketball to one of the offensive players who will proceed up the court with his teammates. Just as … [Read more...]
3-on-3 with Open Post Drill
Purpose: This drill is mainly used to focus on the defensive side, but is also good for working on offensive movement. It helps to teach closing the gap defensively and reacting to post passes. It also places added pressure on the defense because of the extra offensive player. Drill: 3 offensive players start around the perimeter and the 4th starts on the low block. 3 defensive players start along the baseline as shown. The drill begins with X1 passing out to O1. X1, X2, and X3 sprint and … [Read more...]
Run-Shuffle-Run Intensity Drill
Purpose: Work on defensive movements (run, shuffle, backpedal) in an intense setting. Also improves conditioning in a basketball-specific way. Drill: This drill begins with the players in a line at a baseline corner, as shown. The players, one at a time with a gap between each other, will run to the midcourt, shuffle across the midcourt line to the other sideline and then run to the opposite baseline. Without stopping, they will then shuffle across the baseline, backpedal to midcourt, shuffle … [Read more...]
Rush Drill
Purpose: Teach the defensive player to retreat quickly in a disadvantage situation and to possibly hold up the offensive players long enough for help to come. Drill: Have 3 lines under a basket as shown. The player in the middle line will begin with the basketball. The middle player will execute a speed dribble to the other end of the court and shoot a layup while the two outside players sprint down and secure the rebound. The player who scored the layup must now sprint back on defense to the … [Read more...]
1-on-1 Zig-Zag Drill Series
Purpose: To work on defending the ball handler in a full court, transition situation. There are 3 sections with this drill that can be practiced individually or fully integrated within a team practice setting. Though not a drill with an offensive emphasis, the dribbler will also get to work on ballhandling and scoring. Drill 1: Defensive Zig-Zag: 1 offensive player, 1 defensive player. Start on one end of the court and continue to opposite baseline, staying between the sideline and free … [Read more...]
Influence the Dribbler Drill
Purpose: Work on the ability to pick up the dribbler at halfcourt by giving pressure, not by backing up. This drill is perfect for when you desire to pressure the dribbler immediately upon reaching the frontcourt. Drill: 1 offensive player with a ball begins on the baseline. 1 defender at halfcourt. The defender will pick up the dribbler as he reaches the midcourt line. The idea is that you do not start retreating when the dribbler arrives; you want to slow up the dribbler or make him pick up … [Read more...]
Reaction Rebounding Drill
Purpose: Teach players to react quickly when a shot is taken and to compete for the rebound. Drill: The coach stands on the free throw line with a basketball; 2 lines of players behind. The first 2 players stand next to each other in front of the coach, facing the basket. On the shot, both players must react and attack the basketball -- only one can get the rebound! Once rebounded, next 2 players step up. For a variation, you can play so the 'winner' stays. Coaching Points: Go up tall, come … [Read more...]
Two Ball Line Passing Drill
Purpose: To develop passing skills, peripheral vision, and quick hands. Drill: Line up players as shown with one player out in front of the line. The player in front, O1, has a ball and the first player in the line has a ball. Player O1 begins by passing to the second player in line; at the same time, the first player in line passes to O1. O1 catches and passes to the third player, while the second player passes back to O1. This continues down the line and back. Rotate. Coaching Points: Be … [Read more...]
3-on-2 to 2-on-1 Drill
Purpose: To work on the transition game where the offensive is at a man advantage. The emphasis of this drill is dependent upon your fast break strategies and whether you choose to focus on the offense or defense. Drill: Form three lines on the baseline as shown. Two players, X1 and X2 line up on either side of the halfcourt line. The first three players in line begin by tossing the ball off the backboard, making the outlet pass and breaking down the court. On the toss, the two defenders will … [Read more...]
Box Chase Speed Drill
Purpose: To develop footwork, quickness, agility, speed, and balance with a fun and competitive drill. Drill: Set up 4 cones in a box formation as shown; about 15-20 feet apart. One player will start at each cone (4 players needed for this drill). The players will follow the pattern shown on the diagram: Sprint from cone A to B Slide from cone B to C Backpedal from cone C to D Slide from cone D to A Following the pattern, each player attempts to catch the person in front of them. If they … [Read more...]