Purpose: To work on attacking the zone defense when the ball goes to the baseline. This is a good place to attack from as the offense has now gotten behind the defense. Drill: Four offensive players on one side of the floor as shown. Three defenders playing a zone in a similar manner to the diagram. The drill begins with O1 passing to O2 on the wing. O2 dribbles at the defensive forward forcing the forward to stop the penetration. O2 then passes to O4 on the baseline. O4 drives baseline for … [Read more...]
Star Passing Drill
Purpose: The Star Passing Drill is useful in the development of passing skills, as well as focus and concentration. Drills: Five players will form the five points of a star, as shown. One player starts with the basketball and passes to the second player on the right. Continue this process for as long as you want. Coaching Points: Practice all the various types of passes such as chest, bounce, one-hand (left and right), and overhead. Variations: Have the players change direction … [Read more...]
Ball Drops
This drill is taken from our book, The Complete Basketball Strength & Speed Program Purpose: To improve speed and accleration off the start. Also develops and improves reaction time. Great for basketball players to improve first-step quickness. Drill: Two people are needed for this drill. You will also need a ball or two (my preference is to use a racquetball or tennis ball). The drill is performed as follows: Each person stands about 5-20 feet apart, facing each other. The … [Read more...]
Step Into Gap Drill
Purpose: The 'Step Into Gap' drill teaches the players to move into the 'gap' after making a pass against a zone. Drill: Two lines at the top as shown. O1 and O4 pass to their respective coach (C) or fellow player. O1 and O4 curl either down or to the top. O1's coach passes the ball back to O1 and O4's coach passes back to O4. O1 and O4 each take the shot. Coaching Points: Players should work at making good passes, faking a step one way and curling the opposite way, and also getting ready … [Read more...]
Backdoor Play
This backdoor quick hitter from the box set is great when facing tough man to man defensive pressure. When the point guard (1), gets the basketball across halfcourt and towards the top of the key, #2 and #3 both cut hard from the low block to the wing. #1 can choose to go to either high post for the pass. In this diagram, #1 chooses #5. As #5 receives the pass, #3 cuts backdoor for a pass from #5 for a layup. Note: This is essentially a timing play. Ideally, the guards cutting to the wing … [Read more...]
The Swing Offense
The swing offense, made popular by Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan, is a very effective offense when executed properly. The players must make precise cuts and set solid screens. With the swing offense, it is also essential that the timing of the cuts, screens and passes be performed in good manner. 1) The Swing Offense This diagram shows the beginning setup and positions for the players when running the swing offense. The point guard (1) brings the ball up on the right side of the court. You … [Read more...]
Attack the Diamond Drill
Purpose: The 'Attack the Diamond' drill is very similar to the 'Attack the Box' drill. The main difference, however, is the emphasis placed on the offensive players. Drill: The defense sets up in a 4-man diamond zone as shown. The four offensive players set up as shown. The offensive players attack the diamond by emphasizing diagonal passes and quick passes to the corner. Coaching Points: Many zone principles apply here such as penetrating the gaps and making skip passes. However, the emphasis … [Read more...]
Attack the Box Drill
Purpose: The 'Attack the Box' drill allows the offensive players to work against a box zone using any of the 21 Zone Principles discussed. Drill: The defense sets up with 4 players in a box zone as shown. Four offensive players are in a 1-2-1 offensive set as shown. The offensive players attack the box using the zone principles. Coaching Points: As a coach, you can also have the offensive players work only on specific principles such as penetrating the gaps, making skip passes, setting … [Read more...]
Tag Cutter to Closeout Drill
Purpose: To help the defensive player learn how to fight through a downscreen. Drill: Player 1 starts the drill by setting a downscreen on the low block for player 2. O2 will cut around the screen to the elbow. The defender should 'tag' the cutter and go around the screen with him. Once past the screen, take the inside route to closeout. Many coaches, in this instance, will teach X2 to go over the screen (between the screen and his teammate, X1 -- X1 is not shown but he would be guarding … [Read more...]
Amoeba Defense
The Amoeba Defense is somewhat of a gambling zone defense that can be quite effective at disrupting your opponent and creating numerous fast break opportunities. The amoeba defense was made especially famous by Coach Jerry Tarkanian and his great UNLV teams of the 80's and 90's. If you're interested in learning more about The Amoeba Defense from Tark, head over to The Film Room and watch his video, The Modified Amoeba Zone Defense right now! This and all other videos are only available to … [Read more...]