Howie Landa is one of the most renowned and highly respected basketball coaches of all time. A member of 10 separate basketball halls of fame, Landa has achieved success at every competitive level at which he has played and coached. In the 1950s, he starred at Lebanon (PA) Valley College and competed in the Eastern Pro League. He then coached at Mercer (NJ) County College for 26 years, winning the National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association title two times in four appearances and earning … [Read more...]
2-on-1 Wing Shot and Defend Drill
Purpose: This combination drill works on a variety of basketball skills and fundamentals. The offensive players work on dribbling, passing, jump stops, and layups or jump shots. The defender works on stopping the dribbler and then recovering to help defend the wing shot or drive. Drill: Two offensive players near midcourt, one in the middle with basketball and one near the sideline. One defender begins at the free throw line. O1 begins by dribbling toward the lane, forcing X1 to defend … [Read more...]
Triple Threat Drill
Purpose: To learn the triple-threat position and to practice getting into the triple-threat from a V-cut. To practice making a move out of the triple-threat position. Drill: Form a line on the right wing with the coach or passer at the top of the key. Use more than one basket and/or place a line and passer on the left wing if you have a number of players. The first player in line begins the drill by executing a V-cut to the block and back to the 3-point line area. He will receive the pass … [Read more...]
Individual V-Cut Drill
Purpose: To learn how to make a fundamentally sound V-cut. This drill incorporates footwork, 1-on-1 moves, and shooting useful in developing the ability to get open and being able to make an scoring move once you have the basketball in your hands. Drill: The player begins in one of the corners. Cones can be placed on the court as shown, but are not necessary. They are mainly used to demonstrate the spots on the court where the player will begin each V-cut. The player begins by placing the … [Read more...]
Pivot and Score Drill
Purpose: To work on moving into the pass, pivoting away from the defense on the reception, making a move and scoring. Drill: Three lines, or three players, as shown in the diagram. O1 line is the passer, O2 is the receiver, and X is the defender. O2 moves in the direction of the pass from O1. As he receives the ball, he stops and pivots away from the defender (X) who has moved into position from the side. After the pivot, O2 makes a move and dribbles in quickly for a layup or pull-up … [Read more...]
Post Player Ball Roll Head Fake Shooting Drill
Purpose: To develop the head and shoulder shot fake from in the low post. The head and shoulder is necessary and essential to getting a shot off in traffic and to possibly draw a foul. Drill: The player, with a basketball, begins at the right elbow. He starts by rolling the basketball along the lane line towards the baseline. Staying low, the player follows the basketball to the block area, picks it up, squares to the backboard, pump fakes and then shoots a power layup (dunk, if … [Read more...]
Post Player Inside-Outside Versatility Drill
Purpose: In today's game, post players must have an all-around versatile game. Scoring just from the post or low block area cannot be the only option. To improve, be dominant, and get to the next level, post players must be able to play inside and outside. No matter what level you coach, make sure you aren't just teaching your tall players to be 'tall' ... help them get better in all facets of the game. This drill helps post players improve by allowing them to work on scoring from four … [Read more...]
Give and Go Pass Drill
Purpose: To develop and implement the skill of performing the give and go. This particular drill also helps develop the ability to get open and receive a pass. Drill: O2 begins in the wing/corner area and O1 is near the top with the basketball. The drill begins as shown with O1 passing the ball to O2. O1 should fake right or left and then cut hard to the basket looking for a return pass from O2. O1 should try to make a different/shot move with each attempt. Some examples of different shots … [Read more...]
Give and Go Handoff Drill
Purpose: To develop and implement the skill of performing the give and go. This particular drill also helps develop the ability to get open and receive a hand off. Drill: Depending upon number of baskets available, split up team to different baskets. The drill begins as shown with O1 passing the ball to O2. O1 should fake right or left (depending on side of court you're working) and then cut by O2 as close as possible for a handoff. O2 hands the ball back to O1 for the shot. O1 should try to … [Read more...]
3-on-3 No Dribble Drill
Purpose: To develop the offensive skills of passing, moving without the basketball, cutting, screening, etc. Taking away the use of the dribble forces the players to learn how to work together to score. Drill: Divide the team into groups of three. The offensive players can pass and move just as you would in a 'normal' game except that in this drill, dribbling is not allowed. This drill can be played in a one of two ways: #1 -- The offensive players should work the basketball for a specific … [Read more...]