Purpose: To practice the pass and screen away technique that can be used in a variety of motion offenses, sets, and formations. Drill: The screen away drill is run with three players; a guard at the top and two wings. The guard at the top has the basketball. Both wings will make a V-cut in order to get open and receive a pass. The guard passes to one of the wings and then screens away for the opposite wing. The wing cuts to the basket and the guard pops back out for a possible return pass and … [Read more...]
General Rules for Your Basketball Team Offense
Regardless of the offensive system you utilize, it should include some basic rules. If your players can learn and execute these rules, they will be able to adapt to any system and style. The following general rules and principles should be a part of any team offense. Move with a purpose to an open area and be ready to receive or make a pass. Always look for a teammate closer to the basket. Always be ready to receive a pass. Give a target to receive a pass--don't keep your hands down. Catch … [Read more...]
Downscreen and Curl Drill
Purpose: To develop the down screen and curl cut to get an open shot. When defense is added, they will also get to work on defending against and fighting through the screen. Drill: Players form a line as shown. One player, O2, starts at the wing and the another, O1, starts at the top with the ball. 1. O1 passes to the coach and sets a screen for O2. 2. O2 curls to the basket and O1 pops back for the shot. 3. Add defensive players. The coach can pass to either O1 or O2 after the screen. 4. … [Read more...]
Stop, Pivot, Seal and Go Drill
Purpose: To practice running at or sliding a defender down and then sealing him behind you to receive a pass. Drill: Place a cone or dummy defender at the wing area as shown. Players line up along the sideline and a coach or passer stands near the elbow. The first player in line moves toward the cone, stops, reverse pivots (spins) to seal the cone (defender) behind him and continues moving toward the hoop. The coach then passes the ball for a lay-up or short jump shot. You may also form two … [Read more...]
Backdoor Cut Drill
Purpose: To teach players how to make a backdoor cut for when the defender overplays the passing lane. Also helps passers learn to make a pass to a teammate cutting backdoor. Drill: Two lines of players start on the baseline, with the first player in line starting on the court and in the short corner. Two passers, with a basketball, start at the 3-point line. The drill begins when the player in each short corner cuts toward the perimeter and, after a few steps, plants the outside foot and … [Read more...]
No Dribble Game
Purpose: To develop passing skills and moving without the basketball in a game-like situational basketball drill. Drill: This 'No Dribble Passing Game' can be played in either the half court or full court. There is one rule to this game - no dribbling allowed! The offensive players are attempting to score by only utilizing the pass. Players must cut to get open and make good passes. You can run this as a controlled scrimmage or just switch offense and defense when you desire. Variations: To … [Read more...]
Turn the Corner Drill
Purpose: To develop the dribble-drive -- adding explosiveness to the move. Drill: Line or player at top. Coach/player with basketball on the wing. The player makes a V-cut away from the ball and cuts back hard to top, receiving the pass. Upon receiving the pass, the player will fake, then dribble at the cone and turn the corner sharp for a layup. Plant the outside to change direction and speed. Variation: Be sure to go both ways, left and right. You could also add a jump shot as they … [Read more...]
V-Cut Drills
The V-Cut is a method of getting open to receive a pass on the basketball court. It is called a 'v-cut' because the cut is made in the shape of the letter 'V'. As the diagram below demonstrates, a v-cut is generally made by a player on the perimeter cutting toward the lane, planting hard on the outside foot, and then cutting hard back to the perimeter to receive the pass. The v-cut is useful because more often than not, you need to move to get open. If you're standing still and tightly guarded, … [Read more...]