This out-of-bounds play can create a layup opportunity by setting a screen on the initial screener. If the defense over-helps or does not help at all, one of two players should be open for an easy layup. When the official hands the basketball to O3, O5 sets an upscreen for O2 who pops out to the corner. O4 screens the screener, setting a diagonal pick for O5. O4 opens up to the ballside low block. O1 flares out deep ballside as a safety valve. … [Read more...]
1-on-1 Help Blockout Drill
Purpose: To teach helpside defense but at the same time not forget rebounding responsibilities. Drill: O1 begins by passing to O2. The defender, X1, should go from deny position to helpside position. O2 then drives to basket and pulls up for a jump shot. The defender attacks the penetration as soon as the ball goes on the floor. If the defender stops the ball far enough, he goes and boxes out his original man. If O2 gets to block or lane, defender boxes O2 out. Coaching Points: … [Read more...]
1-3-1 Double Stack Flash
The Doublestack Flash is a good zone offense set play to run against a 1-3-1 zone defense. 1) The play begins with O1 dribbling toward O3. O3 cuts through the lane and out to the weakside corner/wing. O2 slides over into the gap at the top of the key. 2) O1 passes to O2 cutting into the gap at the top. On the pass, O5 flashes in front of the center defender or screens down on the defensive center. O4 cuts behind O5. O2 passes to O4 for a possible shot attempt. 3) If O4 … [Read more...]
1-2-3 Skying Drill
Purpose: To improve and develop explosive leg strength, conditioning, and reaction time. Drill: This drill requires a coach or additional person who can give the verbal commands. Position 1 - is a quarter-squat stance Position 2 - is a half-squat stance Position 3 - is a full-squat stance The drill begins with the athlete(s) assuming the quarter-squat stance. From this position, the coach will call out a number -- 1, 2, or 3 voice command. Once the number is called, the coach will … [Read more...]
How to Break Pressure Defenses
:: From the Hoops U. 'How-To' Series :: The purpose of this article is to help the basketball player by giving specific tips, techniques and an understanding of how to beat pressure defenses such as full court presses and half court traps. Basketball coaches will also benefit from this article by sharing these ideas with your players. For specific offensive sets to help beat pressure, check the 'Attacking the Zone Press' page. As an offensive player going against either a full court press or … [Read more...]
7 / 7-Up
7 (and the 7-Up variation) are simple baseline inbounds plays you can run against a zone defense. The hard flashes often create open layup opportunities and once the defense sags to stop that, an opening is created for a 3-point shot. 1) Seven When official hands the basketball to #3, #1 and #2 break hard to the corners. #5 picks a side and flashes to the low block. #4 goes hard to the opposite block. If ball side guard does not get the ball, he will release as the safety valve. 2) … [Read more...]
Turnover Play
The Turnover Play is a nice play to run when you have just committed a turnover the previous time on offense. The intent of this quick hitter is to get a good shot by one of your best players. The play begins as shown in the diagram; O5 can either start high (if his defender plays behind) or he can start low and flash to the high post. O1 will begin the play by making a weakside entry pass to O5. O5 will then make a pass to O3, who has made a v-cut to get open on the wing. These two … [Read more...]
UCLA Series
Purpose: To teach and improve footwork needed in offensive and defensive skills; to improve the athlete's ability to execute the basic types of dribbles. Drill: This drill is performed the length of the court. Set up four lines per court along one of the baselines, as shown in the diagram. The UCLA Series consists of the ten maneuvers described below: Change of Direction Cut. All players begin by taking three steps to the right. They plant the foot in the direction they are moving (in this … [Read more...]