Special Note: This play originally appeared in the March 1974 edition of "The Coaching Clinic", a monthly publication published by Prentice-Hall, Inc. It was submitted by my dad, Jim Alfonso, back when he was a freshman boys coach (he is now retired after many successful years as a track coach, referee, and history/physical education teacher ... as well as being a successful husband and father!). Here is the "About the Author" as printed in the publication" Jim Alfonso is a graduate of … [Read more...]
Corner V-Cut for Shot Drill
Purpose: To work on moving without the basketball and getting open by use of a V-cut. Also works on catching and scoring via the shot or dribble. Drill: Player in corner, passer at top with a basketball. If this is a team drill, have a line in the corner and/or use multiple baskets. To begin, O1 makes a move to the baseline, pushes off with the foot closest to the baseline and then steps toward the passer to receive the pass. As O1 catches the ball, he can square and take the jump … [Read more...]
2-on-2 Screening Game
Purpose: To practice using and reading screens in a live, game-type situation with defenders. Drill: Two offensive players, two defensive players, and one coach or passer at the top. This is a live situation right from the start of the drill. The two offensive players can either downscreen or backscreen for each other in an attempt to get open. Ultimately, their objective is to score. If the ball is passed to the wing, the player down low can post up. If a shot is not available, they … [Read more...]
Two Pick-and-Roll Introduction Drills
Purpose: To introduce the pick-and-roll technique to your players. To develop the skill of running the pick-and-roll within your offensive system. Pick and Roll Off the Dribble Drill: This introductory drill to the pick-and-roll is a 2-on-2 drill. Two offensive players start out at the top with two defenders guarding. In this drill, O1 starts by dribbling to his left. O2 sets the on-ball screen for O1 to the left side of the key. O1 changes direction to run her defender into O2. O1 must now … [Read more...]
Dribble Screen Handoff Drill
Purpose: To teach the skill of executing a dribble handoff within your offensive system. To help players develop scoring ability in a two-man game. Drill: Form two lines as shown. O1 has the basketball. O1 dribbles low with the outside hand (right hand) toward O2's defender. When O1 gets about 5 feet from the defender, O2 fakes to his right by taking a hard step or two and then cuts by O1 for the handoff. O2 dribbles in for a layup. After the layup, the next group of two performs the drill. … [Read more...]
Read the Screen Drill
Purpose: To practice the footwork and movements required when making various cuts off of a screen. To learn how to read screens so you can make the proper cut based on the defender's actions. Drill: 3 lines of players, 1 line at each wing and 1 line at the top of the key. The players at the top have a basketball. The first player in the top line will make a pass to either the right wing or left wing and then screen away for the opposite wing. Have the cutters perform different cuts such as … [Read more...]
Continuous Low Post Cross Screen Drill
This offensive breakdown drill is simple but very useful in teaching the block-to-block cross screen. It allows the players to focus on the footwork and movement used in setting and utilizing the low post cross screen, rather than worrying about defenders. Purpose: To teach the block-to-block cross screen and have players work on setting the screen, using the screen, and finishing with a strong power move. Drill: 3 players and 1 basketball at each basket. Players 4 and 5 begin on the low … [Read more...]
Diagonal Downscreen Drill
Purpose: To teach proper offensive downscreen techniques. Can also be drilled for defensive teaching purposes as it is useful in helping your players learn to defend and fight through the downscreen. Drill: Two offensive players, two defensive players, and one coach or passer needed for this drill. O1 starts near the top of the key with a basketball while the O2 starts on the opposite low block. A defender guards each offensive player. The coach is on the wing. Offensive Concepts: O1 … [Read more...]
Post Kick-Out Drill
Purpose: To work on passing out of the post when double teamed. The perimeter player works on passing and relocating while the post player works on executing a timely and accurate kick-out pass. Drill: Players work in groups of 4 (2 offense, 2 defense). One of the offensive players is on the wing and the other is in the low post. Each is guarded by a defender. The drill begins with the perimeter player passing into the post. After making the pass, he should slide down and spot up behind the … [Read more...]
Dribble Exchange Drill
Purpose: To teach players the dribble exchange ... the offensive skill of handing the ball off to a teammate from a dribble. Drill: Two lines near midcourt, basketball in one line. O1 dribbles to the top of the key. O2 fakes to the wing and then cuts behind O1, receiving the ball and then dribbling in for a layup. … [Read more...]