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Table of Contents.......................................................................................................................1
Using the Coach’s Clipboard’s documents...............................................................................11
Daily fundamentals you can do at home (Homework)..............................................................12
Footwork Fundamentals ..........................................................................................................14
Offensive Stance.....................................................................................................................................................14
Pivoting....................................................................................................................................................................14
Changing Direction and Speed................................................................................................................................15
Jumping...................................................................................................................................................................15
Faking and Cutting...................................................................................................................................................16
The jab step.............................................................................................................................................................16
Defensive Footwork.................................................................................................................................................16
Defensive Stance.....................................................................................................................................................16
Defensive Slides......................................................................................................................................................16
Footfire and Slide drill.................................................................................................................................................................17
Shallow cut..................................................................................................................................................................................21
1
Deep cut......................................................................................................................................................................................21
Flash Cut.....................................................................................................................................................................................22
A quick cut made often made by a post player up to the high post (free-throw line) toward the ball (Diagram D1, FC)...........22
Jam-Down, V-Cut .......................................................................................................................................................................22
Jam-Down, Back Cut .................................................................................................................................................................22
Ball Handling............................................................................................................................23
Finger Grabs ...........................................................................................................................................................23
Pound the ball..........................................................................................................................................................23
Circles .....................................................................................................................................................................23
Figure Eights ...........................................................................................................................................................23
Tipping ....................................................................................................................................................................23
Drops ......................................................................................................................................................................24
Overhead Toss, Catch Behind Back...........................................................................................................................................24
Dribbling...................................................................................................................................25
Control Dribble.........................................................................................................................................................25
Speed Dribble..........................................................................................................................................................25
Crossover Dribble ...................................................................................................................................................25
In and Out Dribble ...................................................................................................................................................25
Hesitation Dribble ("Rocker Move") ........................................................................................................................26
Behind the Back Dribble, Through the Legs Dribble ...............................................................................................26
2
Becoming a Good Free Throw Shooter....................................................................................42
Setting Screens (Picks)............................................................................................................44
Important elements in executing an effective screen. .............................................................................................44
Types of Screens ....................................................................................................................................................45
1. Front screen ...........................................................................................................................................................................45
2. Back screen ...........................................................................................................................................................................45
3. Down screen ..........................................................................................................................................................................45
Rebounding..............................................................................................................................57
Defensive Rebounding ...........................................................................................................................................57
Offensive Rebounding ............................................................................................................................................58
3
Late game strategy .................................................................................................................................................74
If you are ahead... ......................................................................................................................................................................74
If you are behind... .....................................................................................................................................................................75
If the game is tied and you have the ball... ................................................................................................................................75
If the game is tied and you are on defense... .............................................................................................................................75
Planning Practices....................................................................................................................77
Sample Practice Plan..............................................................................................................................................79
Northern Lakers Practice -- January 7, 2001..........................................................................................................79
Quote of the day: "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog." --
former US President and Supreme Allied Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower.........................79
Coaching Young Players..........................................................................................................80
Coaching a young team. .........................................................................................................................................81
Here are some articles that may help .....................................................................................................................83
Running a youth clinic .............................................................................................................................................84
Basketball Terminology............................................................................................................94
Basketball History.....................................................................................................................98
Defensive positioning off the ball - Deny, Helpside, Help and Recover.................................................................101
Zone Defense.........................................................................................................................107
Advantages of zone defense.................................................................................................................................107
Disadvantages of zone defense............................................................................................................................107
Basic pointers for all zone defenses......................................................................................................................108
Junk Defenses.......................................................................................................................................................126
“Box and 1”............................................................................................................................................................126
“1-3 and a chaser”.................................................................................................................................................127
“3-1 and a chaser”.................................................................................................................................................127
4
"Diamond and 1" ...................................................................................................................................................128
"Triangle and 2" ....................................................................................................................................................128
“Triangle and 2”.....................................................................................................................................................128
Drills: ....................................................................................................................................................................134
...............................................................................................................................................................................151
Post-Post Motion...................................................................................................................................................151
3-2 “Reverse”..........................................................................................................................156
3-Out, 2-In “Options” Series....................................................................................................157
Double Up vs Man-to-Man Defense........................................................................................159
Double-Up Vs. Zone Defenses...............................................................................................161
Open Post High Offense : Basic Motion.................................................................................163
Post Entries for the Open Post (5-Out) Motion Offense..........................................................177
4-Out, 1-In Motion Offense.....................................................................................................179
Rules without the ball.............................................................................................................................................179
Reading screens....................................................................................................................................................181
Rules for setting screens.......................................................................................................................................181
Rules for coming off screens.................................................................................................................................181
Swing Offense........................................................................................................................191
Thunder Offense.....................................................................................................................194
Zone Offense..........................................................................................................................197
How to Attack the 2-3 (or 2-1-2) Zone Defense......................................................................199
Transition Offense .................................................................................................................231
Transition Offensive Concepts ..............................................................................................................................231
Running the primary fast break .............................................................................................................................231
Starting the break .................................................................................................................................................232
Secondary Fast Break...........................................................................................................................................232
6
Beating the Full Court Press...................................................................................................237
Beating the 1-2-1-1 Full Court Press......................................................................................239
1-2-1-1 Press Breaker............................................................................................................241
Four Across Press Breaker.....................................................................................................242
Simplified Version of the 4-Across Press Breaker.................................................................................................243
Another Version of the 4-Across Press Break.......................................................................................................246
8
Finishing the break ...............................................................................................................................................319
3- on-1, 3-on-2 Drills .............................................................................................................................................319
Pairs-Shooting Drill.................................................................................................................352
Close-out Shooting Drill..........................................................................................................353
2 on 1 Drill..............................................................................................................................354
9
3 Man 2 Ball Shooting Drill.....................................................................................................355
Three Line Lay-up Drill...........................................................................................................356
Free Throw Shooting Drills.....................................................................................................357
Low Post Power Drill...............................................................................................................358
Pairs Passing Drills ................................................................................................................359
Chest pass.............................................................................................................................................................359
Bounce Pass..........................................................................................................................................................359
Overhead Pass......................................................................................................................................................359
Pairs Shuffle Drill (passing on the move) ..............................................................................................................359
Pairs Full-Court Dribble-Pass Drill ........................................................................................................................359
Pairs Passing, Find the Receiver ..........................................................................................................................360
10
The Coach’s Clipboard
www.coachesclipboard.net
This site designed and edited by Dr. Jim Gels, Charlevoix, Mi., 2001, all rights reserved.
James A. Gels
Box 126
Charlevoix, Michigan 49720
jgelsmd@chartermi.net
These basketball documents have been created for your personal use, to further your
knowledge of the game. Most of these documents contain knowledge that the author has
learned from others, and thus he does not claim the knowledge as his own. However, in
recognition of the large amount of work done in organizing, editing, designing and writing these
materials, the author requires an acknowledgement for any of the topics reproduced.
These documents may be used for your own personal use. You may print them and
copy them for your players and the coaches in your own organization. You may use
them in your team play book.
You may not distribute these documents freely to other organizations without the
written permission of the author.
You may not use any of these materials on your own web-site without the written
permission of the author.
You may not sell or use any of these materials in a profitable way.
Disclaimer:
The author’s thoughts and opinions should not be construed as absolute truths, but instead are
simply a compilation of things that have been learned over a lifetime, and hopefully you will find
them helpful. But you should consider consulting other even more knowledgeable coaches and
sources. In using these documents, you agree not to hold the author liable for any actions,
consequences or problems associated with your using these documents.
Additional Files:
Please note that there is an Appendix to this file. This appendix contains a number of useful
coaching forms, such as a practice planner, several scouting forms, stats sheets, court
diagrams, etc.
11
Daily fundamentals you can do at home (Homework)...
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
The following tips are things that you can do at home, by yourself, to become a better player.
These skills are very important not only for beginners, but for players at all levels. No matter
how good you think you are, you can always improve on these basic skills.
(These tips are from Sidney Goldstein, author of "The Basketball Bible", and other basketball
books...check his web site: http://www.mrbasketball.net/)
12
Here is how to practice pivoting:
1. Start with the left foot as pivot foot. If you have a ball, hold it in the exaggerated claw position
during this exercise.
2. Pivot forward 15 times like you are stomping on bugs as you go. As you find your balance,
increase the rotation to a half turn.
3. Repeat rotating backward 15 times.
4. Switch pivot foot. Repeat forward 15 times.
5. Repeat backward 15 times.
Have a bystander or friend watch for several things. You must keep your head up like you
would in a game.
a. Your pivot point must not change.
b. Your pivot foot does not slide.
Practice shooting from one foot, rather than from greater distances.
Unless you shoot with the proper technique, practicing from great distances distorts your shot.
Improper practice makes your shot worse. So, practice from one foot while you develop your
shot.
Here is how to practice:
Take 10 one foot shots from the right side of the basket, then 10 from the left, and then 10 from
the center. Use the backboard from all three positions. You can repeat this many times
13
Footwork Fundamentals
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Basketball is played on the fingertips and the balls of your feet. Everything you do involves
footwork. Some players are naturally quicker than others. But a player's effective quickness
can be greatly enhanced if he/she uses proper footwork. A naturally quick player who lacks
good footwork skills can be beaten (or contained) by a player with sound footwork
fundamentals.
Offensive Stance
You always want to be in a good "basketball position" or stance. From this position, it is easier
to start and stop, change direction and pace, jump, shoot, pass, catch and dribble. You should
have your weight on the balls of your feet (the front part of the foot near the toes) and the feet
should be shoulder width apart with the knees flexed. The head is centered above the lower
body, and your hands are about chest high with your elbows bent and your arms close to your
sides. When you actually have the ball on the perimeter, use the triple threat position so you
are in a position to either pass, shoot or dribble.
Pivoting
When you are stationary on the court, the rules say you can move one foot around, as long as
the other foot (the "pivot foot") remains planted on the floor. This is the essence of pivoting. All
players must be skilled at pivoting. There are two types of pivots, the forward pivot and the
reverse pivot (or drop-step). All pivoting is done on the ball of the foot. You do not want to
become flat-footed or have your weight back on your heels. The ball of the pivot foot must be
in contact with the floor at all times and must not slide sideways. When you pivot, just actually
spin around on the ball of your pivot foot. If you pick up your pivot foot, or change your pivot
foot to your other foot, you will be called for a traveling violation. When starting your dribble,
the ball must leave your hand before you lift your pivot foot. When shooting a jump shot, you
may jump and your pivot foot may lift off the floor, but you must release the ball from your hand
before you land again on the floor.
Which foot should be my pivot foot? Well, it could be either depending on the game situation.
Outside, perimeter players most often will use their non-dominant foot as the pivot foot when
facing the basket. For example, a right-handed player facing the basket will most often plant
the left foot as the pivot foot and make a jab step with his/her right foot (see Perimeter Moves),
and just the opposite would be the case for the left-handed player. Now a low-post player who
has his/her back to the basket is often wise to receive the ball with both feet planted (as after a
jump stop). This now allows the player the option of selecting either foot for pivoting,
depending on where the defender is located (for either a drop-step to baseline or a move to the
lane -- see Post Moves).
You must be able to pivot forward and backward using either foot.
Pivoting drills:
1. Start with the left foot as pivot foot. Pivot forward 15 times like you are stomping on bugs as
you go. As you find your balance, increase the rotation to a half turn.
2. Now backward pivot 15 times.
3. Switch pivot foot. Forward pivot 15 times.
4. Backward pivot 15 times.
Pointers:
1. You must keep your head up with eyes forward.
2. Have your knees bent a little.
2. Your pivot point must not change.
3. Your pivot foot does not slide.
14
How to Stop
There are two ways to stop, the one-two step landing and the jump-stop.
1. When doing the one-two step landing (after a sprint or speed dribble), one foot lands first
(the back foot) and then the second foot lands. The back foot becomes the pivot foot. When
stopping, let the second foot to land extend wide from the back foot for better balance.
2. When doing the jump-stop, both feet land simultaneously. The last step should be a hop
and when you land, have your weight leaning backward a little to help slow your momentum.
Using this stop, you are now free to use either foot as your pivot foot. There is confusion over
the rules and what is legal and what constitutes a traveling violation. The following is taken
from the National Federation of State High Schools web-site in regard to this rule.
"The traveling rule has not changed. What has changed is the common use of the jump stop as an offensive move. Officials
and coaches are having difficulty determining the difference between a legal and illegal move. The key to making this
determination properly is first finding the pivot foot. Then, if the player moves a foot or the feet in any direction in excess of
prescribed limits while holding the ball, a traveling violation has occurred. The limits follow:
1. A player who catches the ball with both feet on the floor may pivot, using either foot. When one foot is lifted, the other is the
pivot foot.
2. A player who catches the ball while moving or dribbling may stop and establish a pivot foot as follows:
a. If both feet are off the floor and the player lands;
(1) Simultaneously on both feet, either foot may be the pivot.
(2) On one foot followed by the other, the first foot to touch is the pivot.
(3) On one foot, the player may jump off that foot and simultaneously land on both. Neither foot can
be a pivot in this case.
(2) The player may jump off that foot and simultaneously land on both. Neither foot can be a pivot
in this case.
b. If the player jumps, neither foot may be returned to the floor before the ball is released on a pass or try
for goal;
c. The pivot foot may not be lifted, before the ball is released, to start a dribble.
b. Neither foot may be lifted, before the ball is released, to start a dribble."
I have tried to combine several of these moves into one drill. See Footwork Drill.
Jumping
Lot of players and coaches think that jumping is some skill that you are born with...either you
have it or you don't. Well this is not entirely true. You can improve jumping ability
15
considerably, otherwise our Olympic high-jumpers would never practice. Jump rope and run
sprints to build your legs and agility.
One-footed jump. You can also do a jumping drill where you run in from the wing at a 45
degree angle and leap as high as you can and touch the backboard (or net). When you jump,
just like doing a right-handed lay-up, you plant your left foot and go up with the right knee,
pushing off the left toes. Be sure to go vertically, and not lose a lot of your elevation by going
forward.
Defensive Footwork
Defense is played mainly with the feet. You must move your feet quickly to stay in front of the
offensive player. You must use a correct defensive stance. You must know how to slide
(sideways, forward and backward). You must know when to turn and sprint. You must know
how to "close-out" on the offensive man and play good "on-ball" defense.
Defensive Stance
Your weight should be on the balls of your feet (not your heels), and your feet should be about
shoulder width apart. Keep your knees bent and your back straight. Keep your head up, eyes
forward, arms out with your palms up and elbows bent a little. Force to the sideline with the
outside foot back, and the hand on that side is in the passing lane. The opposite hand is the
"dig" hand, for trying to swat the ball from below (don't hit down on the ball). Focus on the
offensive player's belly-button... it will always go in the direction that the player is going.See
also. Defensive Tips.
Defensive Slides
When guarding your opponent, slide your feet sideways, using quick, short steps, and don't get
your feet crossed. Don't hop. If you get beaten in the open floor, don't reach-in and swipe at
the ball like a matador (I call it the "o-le" move), as the opponent moves by you. And don't just
yell for help... turn and sprint after your opponent. Once you get in front of her again, get back
into your defensive stance.
16
Footfire and Slide drill
Have your players spread out, lined-up in two lines. Players are in a good defensive stance
position. On "go", all players start the "footfire" with rapid moving of their feet up and down on
the balls of their feet. After 10 seconds, call out "slide left" and the players slide several paces
to the left. Then call "go" and they resume the stationary footfire. Have them move right, left,
forward and backward using correct sliding and stance, and no crossing of the feet.
See 1-on-1 Drill , 2-Man Shooting Drills, and Close-out Shooting Drill
17
Basic Offensive Tips
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
1. Practice, practice, practice shooting. Work with your shooting form, the "platform", "L",
"hinge" and "gooseneck" so that you learn to shoot with your fingertips and get backspin on
your shot ("rotation"). You may not be strong enough yet to do this, but most good shooters
eventually learn this. To perfect your shooting technique, practice shots within just a few feet of
the basket, every day. Then practice lay-ups, free throws, 2-pointers, even 3-pointers, and
eventually learn to shoot a jump shot. Don't be afraid to take a good shot. Look for a chance to
shoot. But don't force bad shots.
Learn the "triple-threat" position, the proper stance so you will have the option of being able to
shoot, pass or dribble.
2. Become a good dribbler and ball-handler. Dribbling and ball handling are the foundation
skills for almost any offensive move with the ball. Practice dribbling drills and moves for 15
minutes every day (see Dribbling, Basic Dribbling Drills, and Sideline Dribbling Drills)
3. Learn the "triple-threat" position, the proper stance so you will have the option of being able
to shoot, pass or dribble. See "Perimeter Moves".
4. Be a good passer. Bad passing and turnovers will destroy a team faster than anything! Make
good, short, quick, crisp passes...they're hard to intercept. Avoid long cross-court passes,
unless your teammate is wide open. Learn to use your peripheral vision and avoid throwing the
ball to your opponent. Make a good pass that your teammate can easily catch. A really good
passer can pass to a teammate without looking directly at her. Avoid telegraphing your passes
(more in practice). Learn how to make good bounce passes. Learn when not to pass and avoid
passing into a crowd. See also: Pairs Passing Drill, 3 Man Passing Drill.
5. Court awareness. Always know where the ball is, don't turn your back on the ball. "Survey"
the court. Look for the open teammate with your peripheral vision. Look to the "weak side" of
the floor for an easy "back-door" pass and lay-up. Learn to "cut" and find an open area on the
floor, where your teammate can pass to you for an easy shot.
6. Except for the point guard, go hard for the offensive rebound. Many easy baskets are scored
on second and third chances, if you can get the rebound (see Rebounding Tips). The point
guard, 1, should stay back out on top to prevent the other team's fast break (if they get the
rebound). If 1 drives to the basket for a shot, 2 (or 3) should stay back. Also, get in the good
habit of following your own shot after you shoot. Many times, if your shot is too short or too
hard, it will come off the rim right back toward you. Expect this when you shoot, and go get it!
You may get a second chance to make that basket. Three of the five players should always go
hard for the offensive rebound, one is half-rebounding and half-preventive mode, and one is
always back to prevent the opponent's fast break.
7. Get the ball down the floor quickly, fast break whenever possible and beat the defense down
the court. But play under control at all times. Don't try to go faster than you are able!--you'll lose
the ball or make a bad pass. It's difficult even for high school kids to learn how to play with
quickness and speed, while still staying under control. Remember: "You must be quick...but
never hurry."
8. Avoid too much dribbling as this just allows the defense time to reset. Quick passing and
cutting is the secret. But never give up your dribble without being able to pass or shoot the ball.
John Wooden, a retired famous coach from UCLA, told his players, "You should always end
your dribble with either a pass or a shot." Don't stop your dribble until you can do either. Learn
how to jump stop at the end of your speed dribble (see Learning the Jump Stop).
18
9. Post players (4 and 5) must learn two basic post-up moves, the drop-step, and the jump
hook. Ask your coach to teach you these moves. After learning these basic moves, you can
develop other variations of these moves.
10. Move without the ball. Don't stand still. Set picks, make cuts through the paint, or "back-
door". Be ready to rebound. (See "When you don't have the ball...", “Cutting and Faking”).
19
Cutting and Faking
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
There are 10 players on the floor. Only one player has the ball. That means that 90% of time,
you won't have the ball, and that only 10% of the time you may actually have the ball (a little
less for post players, a little more for guards). So you have a limited number of opportunities to
score from an individual move when you are the ball-handler. Good scorers find ways to get
open for an easy pass from a teammate, and an easy shot off the pass reception. Good
scorers never just stand around and watch. They are always trying to find ways to get open by
coming off screens, or faking and cutting to open areas of the floor (within their shooting
range). The keys are timing, cutting to open areas, setting good screens, and maintaining good
spacing. In regard to cutting, there is a saying "get open, or get out!", which means that if you
are not open, or don't receive the ball within a couple seconds, move out and maintain motion
and spacing. Passing is easier if offensive players maintain a spacing of 12 to 15 feet apart.
Don't get bunched up.
Faking
Faking is an important skill that is often overlooked and not taught. Good faking is an important
key in just about every offensive basketball skill, whether it is an on-ball perimeter or post
move, or throwing a pass, or cutting. A fake simply is a deception or decoy move to throw the
defender off balance, or get him leaning the wrong way just long enough so the offensive
player can gain a step or two on him, or so a passer can open up the passing lane.
A good passer can "look" the defender off his receiver by looking the opposite way that he
intends to pass... example: look left, pass right on a fast break.
Fakes can be a simple "look away", or can be as subtle as moving your eyes opposite the way
you want to pass, or cut. A fake can be a jab step to get the defender leaning, and then you
move quickly in the opposite direction. You can fake with a shrug of your shoulders, or a bob of
your head in the opposite direction that you plan to cut. You can use a "sleep fake", where you
pretend you are winded and tired, and you bend over with your hands on your knees, like you
are catching your breath... the defender relaxes too, and suddenly you make your hard, quick
cut. You can use a verbal fake... yell the ball-handler's name loudly and wave your arms to get
the defender (who is help-side defense sagging toward the paint) to come out on you. That
may open up the lane for a clean cut by a teammate. In this case you don't actually get the ball,
but you made the lane available for your teammate to cut through. Have a team agreement... if
you yell "ball!" you really want the ball, if you yell a name, it's a decoy. To be a good faker, you
need a little acting ability!
Cutting
There are a number of different types of cuts that can be made, in addition to making the
correct moves in running a specific play or set motion offense, and in addition to setting and
cutting around screens (see Setting Screens).
Here are some tips in making a good cut:
1. A key in making an effective cut is timing. Try to "time" your cut, so you arrive at the correct
time to receive the pass.
2. Make a good fake and cut hard. Often I see kids make a quick fake, and then a somewhat
slow cut. Do just the opposite... make a slow, sleepy fake followed by a quick cut move.
3. This is another important tip: kids often try to avoid contact with the defender and try to run
away from him. In trying to get open, go right up to the defender and make contact with him,
then quickly "bounce off" in the direction of your cut. He won't be able to react fast enough to
your quick first step.
20
In addition to the cut moves described below, don't forget this move: slip behind the defender
(who may be in "deny" and over-playing the passing lane) and move below him toward the
baseline. The defender should always see the ball. Try to slip out of his field of vision, so that
he loses you briefly... then you can get open.
Types of Cuts
Front cut
The front cut is a cut made with the defender
behind you, on your back. This is the typical "give
and go" cut (see Diagram A, FC).
Back cuts
A back cut is when you cut behind the defender.
Make a fake toward the ball, then cut quickly
behind the defender. Back cuts can be a "ball-
side" back-cut (see Diagram A, BBC), or a "weak-
side" back-cut which means on the side opposite
the ball, or "back-door" (see Diagram A, WBC).
V-cut
A cut made in the shape of a "V". The first leg of
the "V" can be slow. The last leg of the "V" is
quick (Diagram B, VC). When making the V-cut,
plant the inside foot hard, and step off quickly with
your other foot in the direction of your final cut.
L-cut
A cut made in the shape of an "L", often along the
lane (or "lane cut"). Diagram B, LC. The cut can
be made up the lane, or down the lane (from the
wing position). Use footwork similar to the V-cut.
Curl-cut
A curl is a somewhat circular cut often made
around a teammate (Diagram B, CC).
Button-hook
A quick cut made with a quick stop, a pivot toward
the ball, sealing the defender on your back side,
and receiving the pass from your teammate
(Diagram B, BH).
Shallow cut
A perimeter cut used to exchange positions with
another perimeter player who dribbles into your
position, while you “shallow cut” to his/her
vacated position (Diagram C, SC).
Deep cut
A cut from the perimeter all the way to the basket
and out to the side (Diagram C, DC).
21
Flash Cut
A quick cut made often made by a post player up
to the high post (free-throw line) toward
the ball (Diagram D1, FC).
Jam-Down, V-Cut
First walk your defender down to the block area.
Then plant the inside foot and quickly make the V-
cut back out to receive the ball (Diagram D,
JDVC).
See also:
When you don't have the ball
Setting Screens
22
Ball Handling
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Learning to become a good ball-handler, and developing a feel for the ball for vitally important
in becoming an excellent all-around player.
Do ball handling drills at the start of nearly every practice and throughout the entire season.
Players can really improve their ball handling skills by the end of the season. Very importantly,
these drills can also be done at home, in the off-season, without the rest of the team. We have
one of our better ball handlers lead the drill, and face the team. All the other players line up in
rows facing the leader, and spread out so they don't get into each other's way. Everyone has a
ball.
These are the drills: Do each one about 30 to 60 seconds and then move to the next one.
With all of these drills, try to keep your eyes forward, without looking at the ball.
Finger Grabs
Hold the ball with the fingertips, squeezing it while rotating it back and forth from hand to hand.
The ball should not touch the palms of the hands.
Circles
Move the ball in a circular motion around one leg, then the other leg. Then circle around the
back. And then circle around the head. Then combine them and move the ball in circles around
your head, then down your body, down around your knees, and then around your ankles. Then
come back up again. Be sure to use your fingertips, not the palms.
Figure Eights
Spread your legs out wide with the ball in front of you. Move the ball around through your legs
in a figure-of-eight motion. Keep your eyes forward and don't let the ball hit the floor. After 30
seconds, reverse the direction.
Tipping
Tip the ball back and forth from one hand to the next, starting with your hands straight up over
your head. Then gradually move the ball down, while continuing to tip it back and forth. Go
down to your chest, then your waist, knees, and ankles, and then back up again.
23
Drops
Put the ball between your feet and grab it with both hands. Start with the left hand behind your
left leg and your right hand in front of your right leg. Drop the ball and let it bounce once.
Quickly, move your left hand in front of your left leg and your right hand behind your right leg,
and catch the ball as it bounces up. Drop it again and switch your hands back to the original
position (left behind, right in front) and catch it. Repeat this motion continuously. For a more
difficult variation, try catching the ball before it actually hits the floor!
24
Dribbling
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Dribbling is one of the most fundamental skills that must be learned. Not only is it important to
learn how to dribble well, but it is important to know when, and when not, to dribble. One player
who over-dribbles can kill a team's offensive motion and momentum. To become a good
dribbler and ball handler, you must practice dribbling as often as you can, using both hands.
You may dribble:
1. To advance the ball up the court.
2. To drive to the hoop.
3. To get open for a shot.
4. To open up a passing lane, to have a better chance of completing a pass.
5. To get out of a trap.
6. To kill the clock at the end of a game.
How to Dribble
Use your fingertips, not the palms of your hands.. Basketball is played on the tips of your
fingers and the balls of your feet. Use your forearm and wrist to bounce the ball. Don't look at
the ball... keep your head up and eyes forward. You must learn to use either hand. So when
doing drills, always work both hands.
Control Dribble
When a defender is close guarding you, you should use the "control dribble". Keep in a
somewhat crouched, bent over position. Keep your body between the ball and the defender.
Keep the ball low to the floor, and close to your body. Keep your other arm straight out in front
of you, as a guard against the defender. You can't push off, or grab the defender, but you can
keep a "stiff-arm" to keep the defender from reaching around you. Do not stop, or give up, your
dribble until you can either pass or shoot. Once you stop your dribble, you are "dead in the
water" (a boat with no engine)... and the sharks (the double team) will close in on you soon.
Speed Dribble
To move the ball quickly down the floor use the "speed dribble". Push the ball forward, ahead
of you several feet. Bounce the ball at least waist high. As always, keep your head up, and
visualize the whole court, so you can find the open teammate. Move as fast as you can, but
never faster than you can control the ball. You must always be in control. As Coach Wooden
has said, "You must be quick, but never hurry." Often a jump stop at the end of the speed
dribble will allow you to maintain control and avoid a traveling call (see Learning the Jump
Stop).
Crossover Dribble
Simply, the crossover dribble has you switch dribbling from one hand to the other, by bouncing
the ball in front of you across to the other side. Then the other hand picks up the ball and you
are now dribbling with the opposite hand. You can use this dribble to quickly change your
direction on the court. For example, you could be on the point, dribbling with your right hand to
the right wing, then suddenly crossover the dribble to the left and drive up the lane.
25
Hesitation Dribble ("Rocker Move")
This is another fake move to help you get around the defender in the open court. You speed
dribble up to the defender, then suddenly come to a stop by putting your inside foot forward
and "rocking" backward onto your outside foot. Then as the defender closes, you blow around
his side, resuming the speed dribble, straight to the hoop. For example, you are speed dribbling
with your right hand. As you approach the defender, you stop suddenly by putting your left foot
forward, and then rocking back on the right foot. This hesitation throws the defender's timing
off. Then push hard off the right foot, and speed dribble around his right side. You can also use
this move and combine it with a crossover dribble and go hard left.
See also:
Basic Dribbling Drills
Dribble Tag
Be sure to visit Steph's Ball Handling Drills
26
The Lost Art of Passing
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Remember the line, "Where have you gone Joe DiMaggio?" For this topic, it's "Where have
you gone Magic Johnson?" Magic was a great, unselfish TEAM player who may have been the
greatest passer of all time (although John Stockton is pretty good too). Television focuses on
watching the pros doing their one-on-one moves and slam dunks. Kids see this too. Team
skills and delivering the perfectly timed and accurate pass aren't as flashy. Besides, who wants
to do passing drills... everyone finds them boring, both players and coaches. I am at fault too...
this passing article is the last one I have written in the "Player Development" section of this
web-site.
On the other hand, excellent passing is the essence of outstanding team play, and it is really
fun to watch a perfectly timed and delivered pass for an easy lay-up (or dunk). Poor passing
and turnovers will kill your offense quicker than anything. A bad pass results in a turnover, no
shot taken and an opportunity to score is lost. Players must become better passers and we
coaches must continue to find ways to teach them to become better passers.
Passing seems very easy when you have two players facing each other practicing chest
passes or bounce passes. But put a defender on each one of them, and it becomes really
difficult. So, I think that once you get beyond the early formative stages in a player's
development, you must do passing drills with defenders involved to simulate game situations.
A good pass is one that is caught by the receiver. Successful passing involves two parts,
making the pass and receiving the pass. The receiver should have “soft” (relaxed) hands,
catch the ball with both hands and look the ball into his/her hands. The receiver should, in
most cases, be moving toward the pass... "meet the pass". Most of the time, the receiver
should not be stationary. The receiver must learn to get open by making V-cuts and back-cuts,
and setting screens for other teammates and then sealing the defender and "rolling" off those
screens (see Cutting and Faking, Setting Screens). A receiver should always know where the
ball is.
A big part of passing is making correct decisions with the ball. If a defender is in the passing
lane, you don't force the pass. You should not pass into the defense, or "into a crowd" where
your receiver is surrounded by defenders... sounds obvious but I see it all the time. Pass away
from the defense. Do not pass into a situation where your receiver is not in a good position to
receive the ball. An example of this would be passing up the floor against a press where your
receiver has his/her back turned away from the hoop and there is a defender coming up on the
blind side.
This next point is very important. A good passer knows how to open the passing lanes by
making a fake in one direction, and then passing the opposite direction. Making a ball fake,
head bob, pass fake, or just looking the opposite direction ("looking the defender off") will often
open the desired passing lane. Do not look right at your receiver or “telegraph” your passes.
Use your peripheral vision and keep your eyes forward and know where your teammates are at
all times. Bad passes can result from dribbling with your head down, and then at the end of the
dribble, making a quick pass... often to a defender who slips into the passing lane.
A good passer knows how to deliver the ball with "touch"... that is, with just the right velocity
and angle to make it an easy catch for the receiver. A pass can be in the perfect location, but if
it is too hard, it is uncatchable by your teammate and you lose the ball. If your pass is too soft
and easy, the defense can intercept it.
You must learn to "anticipate"... that is, pass the ball to where your teammate will soon be, not
where he/she is right now. You must lead the receiver, and not pass behind him/her. Good
27
passing involves timing and communication between the passer and receiver. That's why it
really is not an easy skill to master because it involves two players working together.
Both the passer and the receivers must learn to read the defense. Learn to “drive and dish”
where you make a penetrating dribble move, but then at the last moment when you have drawn
the defense to you, you either make the bounce pass to a post player under the hoop, or you
kick it out to the wing or corner for a three-pointer.
Just like shooting, you must be under control when you make a pass. You should be balanced
with both feet on the floor. When speed-dribbling down the floor on a fast-break, keep your
eyes forward and stay under control so you can deliver the pass to the open teammate at the
precise, correct moment. I see the following subtle passing error made occasionally on the fast
break. The player speed-dribbling the ball up the floor, when making the final pass on the
break, will sometimes at the end of the dribble bring the ball back on the hip to get more
velocity on the pass. A hustling defender comes up from behind and pokes the ball loose from
the passer… it usually goes out-of-bounds, but you have lost a chance to score a lay-up.
When making this pass, keep the ball in front of you.
Don't get into the habit of jumping when you pass. If you jump when you pass, you have no
other option but to pass, and if the defense closes the passing lane while you are airborne,
you're in trouble.
Perimeter Passing.
Contrary to what is often taught, the chest pass is not real good here. To make a chest pass,
you must have a clear passing lane directly in front of you. If the defender is in front of you, a
pass that comes from your chest area is easily deflected. The bounce pass is usually too slow
on the perimeter and can easily be intercepted. Instead, use either the lateral pass or the two-
handed overhead pass.
In making the lateral pass, you fake opposite and then cross your opposite foot (the foot which
is away from the direction of the pass) in front of you and step in the direction of the pass. You
deliver the pass with some "zip" on it so it cannot be intercepted. For example, if you want to
pass to the right, you make a fake to the left and then cross your left foot over in front of you
while pivoting on your right foot and make the pass to the right. This is almost like a chest pass
except the pass is not released from the center chest area, but more from your side.
The two-handed overhead pass is often used as an outlet pass off a rebound, or for a "skip"
pass (a cross-court pass over a zone defense). It can also be used to quickly move the ball
around the perimeter. Your target is your teammate's head... a little higher than the chest. In
making this pass, do not bring the ball back behind your head… keep it straight up (or slightly
in front) and over your head.
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Passing into the Post
Timing is very important here. The pass should be made as the post player is coming into
his/her post position. A bounce pass is often effective and easy to catch, but is slower than the
two-handed overhead pass. Once the ball is on the wing, the pass to the low post should be
made quickly before the defense is set. The passer should be able to clear the passing lane by
making a good fake, and should also learn how to make the "step-around" pass (fake an
overhead pass, and with the non-pivot foot make a long stride around the defender to improve
the passing angle. One error I see in making the step-around pass is when the player is
making the actual step-around, he/she will bring the ball around the back or hip, as if to protect
it. This slows the timing of the pass and gives the defense just enough time to react and
possibly intercept the pass.
When the low post is fronted, a lob pass over the top can be attempted, but only if your post
player has a clear advantage... this pass is often unsuccessful.
Passing Drills
See the menu of standard passing drills on this web-site. In addition, I would incorporate
passing drills where defense is played against the pass. Passing is easy and boring with no
defenders involved. It becomes a very difficult skill once defenders are in place.
You can design your own simple drills. One would be to practice the pass from point to wing
and back, using one or two defenders. Teach the V-cut and back-cut. Teach the point guard
how to make a nice leading bounce pass to the back-cutter.
Another drill practices the wing to low post pass using two defenders. Teach the passer how to
fake and open the passing lane and how to make the "step-around" bounce pass (see above).
He/she must also recognize the correct target. If the defender is playing on the baseline side,
make the pass to your teammate's hip on the lane side. If the defender is playing on the lane
side, put the pass on your teammate's baseline hip. You can also front the low post and
practice the lob pass "over the top".
Another drill is to put your offense in a half-court set against a man-to-man defense, and have
them pass against this defense... no dribbling allowed, unless it is a one or two bounce dribble
to attack the hoop, or a drive and dish. After five possessions, switch offense and defense.
Make sure your receivers are making good V-cuts or back-cuts and they come to the ball when
receiving. Here also is an opportunity to stress the importance of setting good screens. All
passes are caught with two hands with the receiver in triple threat position.
Also practice passing against various zones, again with no dribbling... get them to move the
ball quickly in order to over-shift the zone. Use the two-handed overhead pass and skip
passes. Get them to recognize the gaps in the zone. Use the bounce pass into the post, and
make good inside passes. Not only do these drills help your passing, but also help your team
to learn how to break zone defenses down... and it's a lot more fun than just doing simple
partner passing drills.
Another drill in transition would be to simply run your press-breaker against a press defense,
and allow no dribbling.
29
The Basic Shots -- the Lay-up
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
The lay-up is the easiest shot and the first shot you should learn. It's not as easy as it looks at
first, as a lot of kids have difficulty getting the correct footwork, and shooting off the correct foot.
Then you must also learn to use either hand, and eventually do the reverse lay-up.
Footwork
When dribbling toward the basket, move slightly to one side of the hoop to create the proper
angle. If you're on the right side, dribble right-handed, and plant your left (inside) foot and jump
off that foot, and finally shoot with your right hand. As you raise your right hand, your right
knee should also elevate. Pretend there is a string attached to your right hand and your right
knee. Reverse this form if shooting from the left side. As you approach the hoop, take a half
step with your outside foot, then take a full stride with your inside foot pushing off the court.
When jumping your outside knee should be bent. Go directly toward the basket, with your
head up and eyes focused on the backboard. Go up strong and straight to the hoop. Don't shy
away if there is a defender, just go strong to the hoop. You may get fouled and get a three
point chance.
Aim
Always use the backboard ("use the glass") when shooting
lay-ups from either side. Aim for the top corner of the box
on the backboard. Focus in on this area; don't watch the
ball. Keep your head up.
The Push Release
Younger players who are not yet strong enough for the
underhand release should use the push release. Release
the ball with the back of your hands facing you. Extend your
shooting arm, as you push the ball to the hoop off your
fingertips. You should go up with two hands, then release
the ball with your outside hand. A very young player may
need to shoot the ball with two hands.
Underhand Release
As you get stronger, you should develop the underhand shot.
This release results in a softer shot, and more control when
you are moving at high speed. Release the ball with your
palm up and arm extended. Let the ball roll off your palm and
then your fingertips, and lay the ball softly off the backboard.
Use two hands going up, but then release the ball with your
outside hand at the top of your jump. Be strong and
concentrate... "finish"!
The set shot, the lay-up and the hook shot, were about the only shots before the jump shot
came along. The set shot is still used for free throws and perimeter shots, or shots when the
shooter is wide open. However, the shooting technique used with the set shot is the same
basic technique employed by the jump shot.
Start with shots only one foot from the basket, to develop correct technique. Move farther away
as you get better, but do not sacrifice correct technique. Practice shooting from locations where
you will likely shoot from in a game.
Stance
Have your feet about shoulder width apart. If you shoot right-handed, your right foot should be
slightly forward, and your weight should be on the balls of your feet (not the heels). Your
shoulders and body should be square to the hoop, although some great shooters are more
comfortable with the side that the ball is on turned a little toward the hoop (find out which is
most comfortable for you). Your knees should be bent a little as your thigh muscles will provide
power for your shot. Don't move sideways when shooting. Stay balanced.
Here is a method to learn what the correct "platform" is. Extend your
shooting arm straight forward with your palm facing up and let the ball sit
comfortably your hand (fingers comfortably apart). Now in one motion,
bend the elbow while rotating the forearm, wrist and hand outward and
upward, and under the ball so that the ball is now resting on your hand
above your right shoulder with the wrist cocked back. The shoulder is the
"hinge", the elbow points toward the hoop and an "L" is formed by the
forearm and the arm (looking from the shooting arm side). Your elbow
should be in and pointing at the basket.
Set Point
The set point is where you position the ball just prior to releasing the ball. If you are right-
handed, have the ball to the right of your face, a little toward the right shoulder. Don't line the
ball up in the center of your face, as this may result in your shooting elbow flying away from
your body, and could actually cause your wrist to turn sideways (supinate) when you release
the ball, imparting a side-spin. Also, it is best that the ball is as high as your forehead, or even
higher (if you are strong enough or close to the basket), in order to keep your shot from being
blocked. Younger players who have less strength will have a lower set point, perhaps even
below the shoulder, in order to get more power. As the youngster matures, his set point should
move higher.
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Upward Force
Most of the power in your shot should come from the upward force of your jump (in the jump
shot), or the upward force from your thighs moving upward (in the free throw). You should not
try to power up longer shots with your arm, wrist or hand muscles. Let the big muscles in the
legs do the work. Release your shot on the upward force of the jump, not on the way down.
The release should be repeatable, and pretty much the same with every shot. Don't sling the
ball up for more power on long shots... use the power from the up-force of your jump, or lower
your set point a little or more power. Don't pull the ball back over and behind your head before
releasing it, as this will result in a flat, line-drive type shot. On shorter shots, release the ball
more at the top of the jump and use a higher set point (arms extended up over your head).
Follow Through
This is important in getting the proper rotation (back spin) on the ball.
Your fingers should be pointing toward the hoop, and your wrist bent
forward, in a "goose neck" fashion. Another analogy is if you were
"reaching into the cookie jar" high on the shelf. Hold this release after
your shot until the ball hits the rim. You will notice that with a proper
follow-through, the palm of your hand will be facing downward toward
the floor. If it is turned sideways with the back of the hand facing
outward (as if you were going to shake hands with someone), then you
are incorrectly twisting your wrist during the release.
33
The Jump Shot
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
The jump shot is the most common shot used today. It revolutionized the game back in the late
50's and 60's. Most games used to be very low scoring until the arrival of the jump shot. With
the jump shot you don't have to be stationary and open (like with a set shot). You can score on
the move, and in traffic, by jumping and extending your shot over the defender.
Be sure that you don't start shooting a jump shot until you are physically strong enough. If you
start too young, you will sacrifice good technique
Gripping the ball and the shooting motion are the same as in the set shot. The shooting hand
acts as a "platform" and is under the ball. The other hand is used to balance the ball and
should be on the side of the ball. Receive the ball with your knees bent and feet shoulder width
apart. Use your legs to provide the power for your shot. Be sure that you are squared up to the
basket, with your shoulders lined up to the hoop. It is important that you are in balance before
releasing the shot. . Spring off the floor with both feet and do not drift sideways. Go straight up,
or slightly forward for longer shots, and shoot the ball just before you reach the height of your
jump, especially on outside shots, where you need the extra power of the upward force from
the jump. On short shots in the paint, shoot from the top of your jump. When going up for the
shot, the shooting arm forms an "L" with the elbow pointing toward the hoop, and the forearm
vertical, with the ball up over your head.
Release
Focus in on your shooting spot, either the back of the rim, just over the front, or a section of the
backboard. Concentrate on this area; don't watch the flight of the ball. When shooting, the
shoulder acts as a "hinge" as you extend your arm upward. Keep the elbow in and release the
ball with a snap or the wrist, letting it roll off your fingertips. Then extend your fingers and wrist
in a "gooseneck" fashion, or like you were "reaching into the cookie jar" high in the cupboard
(see set shot).
See also:
Set Shot
Close-Out Shooting Drill
Pairs Shooting Drill
Power Drill
34
The Hook Shot
The hook shot came into being over half a century ago with George Mikan and the Minneapolis
Lakers. This shot is used mainly by post players close to the basket, near the blocks or in the
paint. The post player receives the ball inside with his/her back to the basket. The original
“classic” shot is started by pivoting sideways on the non-shooting foot (the left foot with a right-
handed shot) with the foot remaining on the floor. The body is turned sideways to the hoop
with the off-shoulder pointing toward the hoop. Keep your body between the ball and the
defender. The shooting arm is extended away from the hoop and the defender on about a 45-
degree angle. This is a one-handed shot. The shooter must turn his neck and head to look at
the target. Like any good shot, the ball is released from the fingertips with a snap of the wrist.
The off-arm can be held up to ward off the defender, but you cannot push or “hook” the
defender with that arm.
Like most things, the hook shot has evolved over the years. Kareem Abdul Jabbar of the Los
Angeles Lakers turned it into the unstoppable “sky hook” in the ‘80’s. The 7-footer would catch
the ball, and pivot on the non-shooting foot, but instead of keeping the foot on the floor, would
jump off the floor while extending the shooting arm high. About the only way defenses could
stop this would be to deny Kareem the ball, double-team so that he couldn’t get into the motion
of the shot, foul him, or just hope that he would miss one occasionally.
Jump hook
The modern-day jump hook merges the techniques of the old classic hook shot with the jump
shot. The ball is received usually with the back to the basket. The shooter pivots and the body
is turned sideways (perpendicular) to the basket with the shoulders in a line toward the hoop.
The shooter jumps up off both feet much like a jump shot. Instead of extending the shooting
arm outward and away from the hoop (as in the classic hook shot), the shooting arm extends
vertically and high with the ball above the shoulder. The head is turned so that the shooter can
see the target. The ball is released from the fingertips with a snap of the wrist, much like a
jump shot.
The jump hook is an important weapon that any great post player ought to include in his
arsenal. A good low post player can keep the defender guessing by mixing up the jump hook
with the baseline drop-step move, the up-and-under move and the turn and shoot move.
35
Outside (Perimeter) One-On-One Moves
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
These are some basic moves the outside player should learn.
Know how to jump stop off the speed dribble, and how to receive the pass with a jump stop
(see Learning the Jump Stop).
Learn to read the defense... use a short jab step, or drive step, with your non-pivot foot. Jab
the foot forward quickly, hold for 1 second and judge the defender's reaction. See if she drops
back, or stays up. If she stays up, see which side is vulnerable to your drive.
1. Read the defender... whichever foot the defender has forward is his vulnerable side and
that's the side you make your drive to the hoop. Now, we don't really want players looking at
their feet... we like them to see the whole floor. So to read the defender, read his arm
position... the arm that is up high is almost always the same side as his forward foot. So drive
at the defender's higher arm... this way you can keep your head up and see the floor.
3. The jab step should not be too long where the player then has his weight forward on the jab
foot.
Which foot becomes the pivot foot and which is used for the jab step?
The answer often lies in how you receive the pass. There are two techniques in receiving the
perimeter pass, depending on the amount of space the receiver has created between himself
and his defender. Depending on how this pass is received will determine which foot is your
pivot foot and which foot you jab step with.
2. Situation #2. Tightly guarded with the defender up close on the receiver.
The receiver should move toward the ball and catch it with both hands extended, and land on
the inside foot (closest to the basket and defender) and establish that foot as the pivot foot.
This way, you can protect the ball with the body. Now here's where many average players go
wrong... many will immediately start to dribble here, instead of making the aggressive front
pivot and face the defender. After making the front pivot (while protecting the ball), now you
make the jab step with the opposite foot (the inside foot), and if the defender is up close on
you, you can often take it to the hoop around him.
36
Three basic outside moves:
1. Drive step, jump shot.
In triple threat position, make a drive step (jab step) and read the defense. If the defender
drops off, bring your jab step foot back, toes even with your other foot, and pop the jump shot.
Perimeter moves when a team-mate has the ball... reading the defense.
Learn to read the defense, situations for perimeter players:
1. You are one pass away from your team-mate and the defense is denying the pass to you:
Make a fake outside, and then cut hard backdoor. The low post on that side should learn to
read this situation also and clear out to the opposite side, to make spacing for the backdoor cut.
See Diagram B.
2. You are one pass away and the defender is sagging off you: make a V-cut inside and come
back out for the perimeter pass. See Diagram C.
3. You are one pass away, and the defender is playing good defense and you can't get free:
Set a screen either for the ballhandler or the low post.
37
Here are additional things to work on, to become the complete outside, perimeter player.
Work on your outside shooting, especially "catch and shoot" drills.
Work on your dribbling and ball-handling for 15-20 minutes each day. Challenge yourself with
even the more difficult drills... don't just do the easy ones. You want to make some mistakes,
otherwise the drill is too easy. Twenty minutes every day using both right and left hands, and
you will definitely be a better ball-hander and dribbler in just a few months.
See: Ball-handling, Dribbling, Basic Dribbling Drills, Sideline Dribbling Drills, and Full-Court
Dribbling Drills.
Learn how to set screens, pick 'n roll correctly and how to backcut. Look at this page to learn
fundamental cuts and moves for perimeter players as they apply to all motion offenses: Motion
Offense Drills
Also, learn the basic principles of good man-to-man defense, on-ball defense, deny and
helpside defense. If you learn these concepts, you will have no problem learning to play various
zone defenses.
This is a lot of stuff but are all "musts" for any complete player.
38
Inside (Post) Moves
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
These are some basic moves the inside player should learn.
Get Position
Before you can make a move on the low post, you have to be able to get the ball first. You want
to post-up, or receive the ball, along the free throw lane, between the center hash marks. You
do not want to post up in the lane, or you may get the three-second call. You may have to fight
hard to get into position to receive a safe pass. Get strong, feet wide apart, butt out, back
straight. Seal the defender off. If she is over-playing you from one side, keep that arm and
elbow firm to ward her off, while extending the opposite arm and hand to make a good target
for the passer. When the pass comes, move toward it, to meet it. After receiving the ball, keep
it up at forehead level with elbows out, to protect it. Do not actually throw an elbow, just keep
them out to ward off the defender.
When receiving the pass, it is advantageous to meet the ball with a jump stop. When you jump
stop, you have the option of either foot becoming your pivot foot, so you can make a move
either way, to the lane or to the baseline. With a one-two foot landing, you have already
established your pivot foot and your options are more limited (see Footwork Fundamentals).
39
5. Flash to the elbow or free throw line
Cut up to the free throw line (get out of the lane to avoid a 3-second call). Receive the ball,
pivot and face the defender. You can now either fake a shot, and drive around the defender to
the hoop, or jab step and fake the drive, and shoot the easy shot from the free throw line area.
This move is especially useful if the player guarding you is much taller, and not as quick. You
go high post to get him away from the basket. Once he is away from the hoop, you use your
quickness and drive around him.
These moves are not easy at first. They require a lot of practice... first to perfect the moves
themselves... and then to learn by experience which move to use in which situation. For
example, if you beat the defender once or twice with the baseline drop step, then she will be
looking for that move, and you can easily get the turn around jab step baby jumper, because
she will back off. Just the opposite, if you have already made a couple baby jumpers, you can
drop step either to the baseline or lane, or do the up and under move, since she will be looking
for your jumper. The bottom line... perfect the moves by practicing, and vary your moves in the
game.
Another real bonus is that frequently these moves will get the defender into foul trouble when
she tries to stop you. If she already is in foul trouble, she won't challenge you, and you can
easily take it to the hoop. This is also very important... since you will get fouled a lot, become a
good free throw shooter... make that defender pay for fouling you!
8. Drills: Low Post Offensive Drills, Low Post Power Drill, 3-Man Rebounding Power Drill
Also read the post moves on Basic Concepts of Motion Offense.
When the high-post player has the ball, he/she is in excellent position to make a pass to the
opposite side (reverse the ball) or to a back-door cutter. Also, he/she can find a teammate
spotted up for a three-pointer on the wing or in the corner. So being a good passer and finding
the open teammate is important here.
The high post player should look to score also. At the foul line and elbows, have him/her pivot
and face the hoop, looking to take the open shot, or looking for the pass to a baseline cutter. If
his defender is up close in his face, have him fake the shot and use his quickness to explode
around him and take it to the hoop. So you see that even your big man must have the ability to
shoot the shot from the free-throw line, or fake and drive, just like a perimeter player.
An excellent high post move to learn is the "hop step". Let's say you are at the free throw line
area and you want to dribble it inside to score. The problem is that when you dribble up the
lane, you will frequently have the ball swiped away by the collapsing defense. Instead, make
the "hop-step" power move, which is a one-bounce with one step move followed by a two-
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footed jump stop into the lane. Make your fake and then start the dribble on your side with a
one-bounce power dribble while you are making a relatively short first step. After making the
short first step and power-dribble, make a long, powerful jump into the paint and land with a
two-footed jump stop, and then go right up with the short jumper in the lane. It takes some
practice, but this is an excellent move to have. A common error is to make the first step too
long... you cannot make a strong power jump forward from this position. Keep the first step
short and on-balance.
The elbow shooting drill would be an excellent drill here: see 2-Man Shooting Drills.
Also the #3 drill on that same page would be good too... have the passer, after making the pass
to him, rush up and close out tightly on him, and then he power drives around him to the hoop.
A post player is so much more effective and versatile if he/she can shoot the shot from the free-
throw line consistently. Several years ago, we had a young lady who was only 5'7" and played
the post. She was very quick and a smart player. In our Regional game, she was defended by
a girl 6'3". The first few times, she tried to post up down low and got her shot blocked each
time. Being the great competitor that she was, she didn't get discouraged, but instead of
posting up on the low block, decided to take her defender up high to the elbow area. She
popped in a couple quick shots from the high post area, and then when the tall girl came out on
her, Liz used her quickness to beat her to the hoop for the lay-up. Now the tall girl didn't know
whether to play up tight or back off. Liz had the best game of her career, scored 23 points
against the giant, and we won by 7. Just goes to show you how having the versatility of posting
up high, being a good high post shooter, and taking your defender away from the hoop can
really pay off.
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Becoming a Good Free Throw Shooter
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
First, understand how important free-throw shooting is. At least 3-4 games per year in a 20
game schedule will be determined by free-throw shooting. All close games, the ones that really
count.. the close tournament games and conference championship games can be won or lost
on the free throw line.
How to become good free throw shooters... fundamentals, attitude and practice.
In shooting free throws, develop a ritual where you do it the same exact way every time.
Position yourself on the line the same way every time. Bounce the ball the same number of
times every time, and take a deep breath before shooting every time. This creates muscle and
mind memory, and allows you to be successful more often. Success creates confidence, and
confidence creates better, more relaxed shooting.
Fundamentals:
1. Line up with your right toes just to the left of center so that your right arm and ball are lined
up with the basket. Place the left foot back just a little. Shoulders should be square to the
basket.
2. Put your weight forward on your toes, but keep your back straight... don't lean forward.
Keeping your back straight will keep you from stepping over the line. Bend a little at the knees.
Your legs will provide the power.
3. Focus on the basket... don't look at the ball
4. Shoot with your right hand (right-handed players), and just use the left hand to help balance
the ball. Release the ball from your fingertips to get good backspin (rotation) on the ball.
5. Take the deep breath, and shoot. Use your legs for power and come up on your toes as you
release the ball. If your back is straight, you won't cross the line or lunge forward. If you need
more power, it's OK to jump a little on your release.
6. Follow-through...
Keep looking at the basket and hold your shooting hand in the "gooseneck", follow-through
position until the ball goes through the net.
Attitude:
Make 'em pay attitude.
Think and say to yourself "net" before each shot... to focus on the ball going through the net.
Be confident... this comes from success, and hours of practice! Don't let a missed free throw
ruin your confidence. If you miss one, just quickly analyze the miss and correct it.
For example, if your shot was long, next one use less leg power. Too short, use more leg
power. Off line, reposition yourself on the line. You won't make them all, so expect to miss a
few, and don't let it bother you when it happens. The most important free throw is the next one,
not the last one!
Practice:
Shoot free throws every practice, with the team, or on your own. There is nothing wrong with
coming to practice 10 minutes early, or staying 10 minutes late, to shoot extra free throws.
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Each two hour team practice should allow 10 minutes for free throws. Shoot free throws in the
off-season, in the summer. College players may shoot 2000-5000 free throws each summer!
High school players should be able to shoot 1000 free throws each summer. Shoot 25 shots
every day for 5 days of each week. In eight weeks, you will have shot 1000 free throws... but be
sure your technique is correct, using the fundamentals above, and that the line is 15 feet from
the backboard. For your own fun, keep track each day of how many you made, and keep your
totals. Keep track of each week's stats, and see if you are getting better by the end of the 1000
shots. If you are not improving, there could be a flaw in your fundamentals, and you need to
ask for help.
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Setting Screens (Picks)
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
A screen or "pick" occurs when an offensive player attempts to block, or "screen", a defensive
player away from the man he is guarding, thereby freeing up that offensive player for an open
shot or pass.
Setting good screens (or "picks") is a very important fundamental part of the game. It is often
assumed that players will know how to do this, but like any other important fundamental, it must
be taught correctly. Screens are most helpful in freeing up a teammate against a man-to-man
defense, and in out-of-bounds plays. Setting good picks are basic to most offensive plays. The
"pick and roll" is still one of the simplest plays, but when done correctly, one of the most difficult
to defend. The Utah Jazz's John Stockton and Karl Malone are masters of the pick and roll.
2. Be strong. Get your feet wide and plant your feet solidly. Do not move your feet once you
have established this position or you will get called for a "moving screen" (a foul). You must be
stationary and cannot move with the defender, trying to push him away. If a defender bumps
into you and you are not stationary, you will probably be called for the foul.
3. Keep your arms tucked into your chest, not only to physically protect yourself, but also so the
ref can see that you are not pushing with your hands, or grabbing at the defender, or holding
him with your arm.
4. The angle, or direction, of the pick and the timing of the pick are probably the most
important, and most overlooked factors in setting a screen. You must have the correct angle, or
position, when you set the pick. You must anticipate the direction that your offensive teammate
wants to go, and then make contact with his defender in a position so that you are directly in
the way of the defender, and he cannot get around you. If you don't get the right angle, he will
simply slide around you. Perhaps this is best demonstrated in the diagram.
In Diagram A, the screener does not make contact, and the defender slips behind. In Diagram
B, the pick is too high ( a common mistake), and the defender slides behind the pick and stays
with the defender. In Diagram C, the pick is too low, and the defender can fight through the
screen. Diagram D shows a good pick, followed by screener "rolling" to the hoop.
5. After the teammate cuts around the screen, the screener "seals" off the other defender and
"rolls" (cuts) toward the hoop. If the defense switches men on the screen, usually the "roller"
will be open for the pass.
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6. The timing of the offensive player receiving the pick. The player receiving the pick must be
patient and wait for the screen from his teammate to arrive. Often, I will see a player make his
cut just before the pick is "set", and the defender easily gets around it (because it never had a
chance to be set). You must wait for the pick to be set, and then cut hard around it.
7. The offensive player receiving the screen must cut hard, and close to the teammate setting
the screen. You must "rub off" your teammate's screen... that is, brush against him as you go
by. If you don't brush close to the screen, the defender will slip through the screen.
8. Remember, there are two options on the pick and roll play... pass either to the cutter, or if the
defense switches, pass to the "roller".
Types of Screens
See diagram E. Screens can be on-ball when set for the ball-handler, or off-ball.
1. Front screen
The screener is facing the defender that he is setting the screen on, often used in the
open court.
2. Back screen
The screener sets the screen on the defender's "blind" side, or back side. Usually the
screener is facing away from the basket.
3. Down screen
The screener sets the screen usually down low for a player near the block, and is
usually facing the basket with his back to the ball. When completing the "roll" move, he
pivots facing the ball.
Diagram E.
Back-screen:
#4 sets back-screen for #2, who goes
back-door to the hoop.
Down-screen:
#3 sets down-screen for #5, who cuts
outside for the pass from #1.
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Transition Offense
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
"Transition" refers to the process of changing from defense to offense (transition offense), or
offense to defense (transition defense). Your transition offense can be a slow, walk-it-up-floor
transition, an aggressive fast break transition, or something in between. Each coach has to
decide which is best for his team and his personnel. Do you really want an up-tempo fast
game, especially if you have a strong half-court game with good post men, or if your guards are
not particularly quick, have trouble keeping the ball under control, or are inexperienced?
On the other hand, if your team is quick, with good, experienced ball handlers, an aggressive
up-tempo style has advantages.
1. The fast break can produce easy scores.
2. Pushing the ball up the floor quickly puts pressure on the opponent, and they will be
constantly worrying about getting back on defense. This thinking may cause them to be less
aggressive going for their offensive rebounds, and may keep their point guard from penetrating
(thinking he has to stay back to prevent the fast break).
3. An aggressive team attitude on offense will often carry over to your defense and rebounding.
4. An up-tempo game will favor the team that is well-conditioned. A poorly conditioned team will
"run out of gas" by the fourth quarter.
5. The fast-break will often break the opponent's press defense.
6. A team that plays up-tempo will usually use more of its bench players, with frequent
substitutions. This often creates good team harmony with many players getting playing time. An
up-tempo game will favor the team with a "deep bench", with many good substitute players.
7. The players and fans enjoy a well-played up-tempo game.
Although this is very basic, young players learning the game must be taught how to transition
from defense to offense. Kids must be taught that when an inside, tall player gets a defensive
rebound, he/she should immediately look to pass to a guard, a good ball-handler, to get the ball
up the court, even if you are playing a slow-down game. Teach your ball-handlers that on every
defensive rebound, they must move into a position quickly where the rebounder can pass to
them. Coaches often assume kids know this, but like every other fundamental in the game, it
must be taught. Rebounders should be taught to take care of the ball after a defensive rebound
and make a clean, simple pass to a guard. So often, I see kids work hard for the rebound, only
to lose it with a careless outlet pass. Impress your kids that the opponent is often "lurking
around" to steal those outlet passes.
Also, some coaches like to assign the same person (usually a post player with good passing
skills) to be the inbounds passer each time a basket is made, or the ball is out-of-bounds. The
post players should be taught to get down the floor and allow spacing and room for the guards
to bring the ball up.
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Running the primary fast break
There are different ways of running the transition offense, but most methods use the idea of
filling three lanes coming up the floor, a "trailer", and a "prevent" person (diagram A). The
guards, or small forward should run the three lanes. One lane is straight up the middle of the
floor, and the other lanes are along each sideline. Some coaches feel that it doesn't matter
which player is in which lane, but just fill each lane position as quickly as possible and "go!".
Other coaches teach that the outlet pass always goes to the point guard (the team's best ball
handler) in the center, and the outside lanes, trailer and prevent position are assigned to
individual players, so each one knows his role. If the break doesn't develop, then just bring it up
slowly and avoid the turnover that can happen by getting the ball into the wrong person's
hands.
Preferably, the ball will be in the center lane, although the break can be run from the wing and
can be run with only two lanes filled (as after a quick mid-court steal). The center person should
dribble the ball all the way to the free throw lane, and should not make any unnecessary
passes prior to that point. The two outside lanes should cut at 45 degrees to the hoop for a
pass from the point, and the lay-up. If the point guard pops the free throw jumper, the wings
should crash the boards for the rebound. If neither happens, the wings should cross under the
basket and fill the opposite corner or wing, and the point guard should move to the right side of
the free throw circle. Next the "trailer" should cut through the left side of the lane, expecting the
pass. The "prevent" player should come up the floor slowly, making sure no opponents are
behind him. He prevents the opponent from taking it to the hoop should they steal or intercept
the ball. If nothing develops from the break, the team then flows into its usual half-court
offensive set.
Go to next page…
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Starting the break
Coaches differ on how to start the break off a defensive
rebound. Some prefer the outlet pass to go to a guard out
on the wing (free throw line extended). This guard can
either pass to the other guard who is filling the center lane,
or dribble quickly and fill the center lane himself.
When the primary fast break is not possible, consider using the secondary break (see
“Secondary Break")
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How to practice in the off season...
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Some players practice all summer and never get any better, while others improve dramatically.
Why? It's has to do with practicing correctly, or what you really need to practice to improve. All
players need to work on (1)ball handling skills, (2)shooting, (3)work under the backboard,
(4)offensive moves, (5)free-throw shooting, (6)fingertip tipping and jumping drills.
Practice at home, four or five days a week. Just playing in a summer league won't do a lot to
help your fundamentals.
Ball-Handling
Spend 10 minutes doing our standard ball-handling drills, and dribbling drills. See the Ball
Handling, Dribbling Drills, and Sideline Dribbling Drills handouts. These include pinches,
fingertips, slams, circles, drops, crazy eights, etc.
Offensive Moves
If you are an outside player, work on the outside moves. Inside, post-up players work on the
inside, post-up moves. All around players, do them all!
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NOTE: The pivot foot designated in the above drills are for purposes of doing the drills only. In
a game setting, which foot becomes the pivot foot often depends on how you receive the pass
from your teammate. See "Which foot becomes the pivot foot" on the Outside Moves page.
Tipping Drill
Stand under the basket on the right side and throw the ball up on the backboard. Jump as high
as you can, and tip the ball with your right hand fingertips 10 times. Try to tip the last one in the
basket. Repeat this on the left side, using your left hand. This will help improve your fingertip
control and play under the basket, as well as improving your leaping ability.
Conditioning
You must be in excellent physical condition to play the game well. Shooting skills,
concentration, and basic fundamentals deteriorate when you are tired. In the off season, don't
forget conditioning. Run a couple miles 3 or 4 days a week. Do some wind sprints, or 100 yard
dashes. Jumping rope is also good for developing quick feet, as well as for conditioning. Be
ready when the first day of practice arrives! Also look here for more Conditioning info.
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Defensive Tips
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
There are two basic types of defense: "man-to-man" defense, and zone defense.
I believe all good players must learn how to play good man-to-man defense. Yet there are
many times that a good zone defense can really shut down a team. It often depends on what
the other team's strengths and weaknesses are. So you must learn both.
Man-to-Man
With this defense, each player is assigned to guarding a particular player on the other team.
Each player must try her best to stop her opponent. Although it sounds individual, man-to-man
is really a team defense. Every one must do his part. If 1 or 2 girls don't play good defense, the
defense will fail. Although you are assigned to guard one player, you must learn to "help-out"
your teammates, and learn to "slide through" and "switch" the player you are guarding with a
teammate, if you or she gets picked. We used to call this a "switching" man-to-man defense.
You must learn what "help-side" means. Simply, when the ball is on the opposite side of the
floor from you (and the person you are guarding), you can drop off your man a little and "sag"
toward the middle to help cut off passing lanes. Once the ball comes around to your side, you
get back up tight on your man.
When I was younger, I was taught to deny the baseline, as baseline penetration often allows an
easy basket or an easy dish to another player for a lay-up. Now coaches are advised to force
the offensive player to the baseline. How do you reconcile the differences in teaching? What I
believe is that you force the offensive player to the baseline, but once he is there, you trap him,
and prevent any further penetration along the baseline. If you allow the offensive player to go
uncontested along the baseline, it's usually 2 points.
"Move your feet!" You'll hear coaches yell this all the time...because it is one of the most
important aspects of playing good defense. You must have the desire and the quickness to
move your feet in order to stay with your man, to get into proper position to take a charge, to
move quickly to the boards to box out for a rebound, etc. You must not just "reach-in" and take
a swipe at the ball as the player dribbles by you (usually a foul)...you must move your feet,
hustle and stay with her, and prevent her from getting to the basket by getting yourself into
proper position. We'll work on this.
Zone Defense
There are a variety of zone defenses (2-1-2, 2-3, 3-2, 1-2-2 defenses, etc). In a zone defense,
you defend a particular "zone", or area on the court. You don't stay with a particular person (like
in the man-to-man). Any time the ball comes into your area, you guard that person with the ball
(doesn't matter who it is, go get her!). The defense has to learn to "shift", or move, with the ball
(more in practice).
2. Guards get into a low position with your weight evenly balanced, and on the balls of your
feet, nearer your toes. Don't be flat-footed. Keep your weight off your heels. The key to good
defense is you must move your feet and stay between the player and the hoop. Do not reach in
a take a quick swipe with your hand. You will either get a foul, or she will go right around you.
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3. Guards out front play back off your man a couple steps, especially if she is very quick, so
she can't quickly get around you. This space will give you time to react to her. If your opponent
is a good 3-point shooter, then you must play her tighter. If you know she is not a good outside
shooter, play back a couple steps and keep her outside.
4. This brings us to the next point...know your opponent! Know her strengths and weaknesses.
If she is a good shooter, stay close on her. If she can't dribble very well, stay up close and
pressure her. If she is quick and a good dribbler then stay back a couple steps. If she is right-
handed and always goes to her right, over-guard her right side and force her to go to her
weaker side.
5. Watch her eyes when she's passing...often she'll tell you right where she's going to throw it!
6. Watch her belly-button if she's quick and hard to stay with. She can fake you with her head,
eyes, arms, shoulders, legs, and feet, but her belly-button will always go only in the direction
that she is going. (unless she's a belly-dancer, or something!)
7. When they shoot, everybody "box-out" your man, rebound (see Rebounding Tips), get
the loose ball, and let's get the fast-break going, if we can.
8. Hustle! Hustle! Hustle! You gotta love playing tough, hard defense. Your good defense will
win many games for you, especially those games when your offense is "off". It's not so bad if
your shots aren't falling, if the other team can't score either. Your defense will keep you in the
game until you finally get "hot" on offense. Who said, "Good offense wins games, but good
defense wins championships"? Believe it. Much of good defense is inspiration and perspiration.
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Basic Defense
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Good offense wins games... great defense wins championships. Believe it! When your offense
is struggling, good defense can keep you in the game until your shots start falling. How are you
going to catch up the second half if you are down 12 at the half? ... by playing great defense.
Simply scoring more baskets won't do it if you allow the other team to score also. You must
keep the opponent from scoring by playing good defense and rebounding, to allow your offense
a chance to get back into the game. Believe me now?
Everyone on the team must play good defense, because one weak link will cause the entire
defense to fail, and a good offense will eventually find out who the weak defensive player is.
Playing good defense involves hustle, inspiration and perspiration (sweat!). You gotta want to
play good defense. Defensive skills are fairly easy to learn, unlike some offensive skills, and
everyone can learn to become a good defender. If you are a poor, non-aggressive defender,
you will hurt your team.
Slides
When guarding your opponent, slide your feet sideways, using quick, short steps, and don't get
your feet crossed. Don't hop. If you get beat in the open floor, don't just yell for help... turn and
sprint after your opponent. Once you get in front of her again, get back into your defensive
stance.
On the Ball
Over-guard toward the offensive player's strong side. If she is right-handed, she will probably
want to go to her right, so over-guard that side and make her go left.
If your opponent is on the right wing, drop your left foot back a little toward the baseline and
overplay her a little toward her right side, as this will give you time to react to a move to her
right. You can run her to the baseline. Once at the baseline, trap her there, and do not allow
any further penetration along the baseline.
Keep the palm of your lead hand facing up. Try to get at the ball from below, not by slapping
down it. Slapping down will usually result in a foul. Your other hand should be in the passing
lane. Slide with your opponent, and try to get her to stop her dribble, and once she does, close
in on her with good pressure. But don't reach in and foul her... or you'll change a good
defensive stop into free throws for the opponent.
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Denial
Clog the passing lane and prevent the player you are guarding from getting the ball, that is,
"deny" her the ball. When guarding an offensive player who is one pass removed from the ball,
you should be in denial. If you keep your player from getting the ball, you keep her from
scoring, as she can't score without the ball. Play the passing lane and stay between the player
you're guarding and the ball. Place your foot and hand nearest the ball slightly forward, and
turn the palm of your hand toward the ball, so that you can reject any incoming passes. Be in a
position to see both your player and the ball. If the ball-handler picks up her dribble, you have a
"dead situation" and everyone should in close on their player, in "full-denial".
The distance, or spacing, up the line depends upon the speed and quickness of the defender
and the distance his man is from the ball. On a long pass, he should still be able to move
toward the line and intercept the pass. He should not initially be "on the line", as his man could
make a back-cut and get open. Playing a little "up the line" prevents the back-cut, and still
allows for the interception.
Help and Recover. Diagrams E and F below teach how to give help and recover on the
perimeter. Rather than play a “full-denial”, defenders one pass away play a little up the line
and step or two toward the ball in order to help stop dribble penetration. Here #1 tries to
dribble-penetrate. The #2 defender gives help and #1 is prevented from penetrating, and has
to dish back out to #2 (Diagram F). The #2 defender then has to rotate quickly out to on-ball
defense on #2, and the #1 and #4 defenders are now in deny, a little up the line and a step or
two toward the ball, while the #3 defender moves into help-side (Diagram F).
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Help-side
When your opponent is two or more passes from the ball, you should be in "help-side" position.
This will allow you to be in position to help your teammates against the ball penetrating the
paint. This involves dropping off your man some (but without losing sight of her), and sagging
toward the ball-side. In the diagrams below, I have painted an imaginary red "help-side line"
which goes through the middle of the lane. Many coaches teach that if the ball is above the
free-throw line, the help-side defender should have one foot in the lane (Diagram A). If the ball
is below the free-throw line, one foot should be touching or staggering the help-side line. Stay
between the ball and your man. Be ready to help defend against another player driving or
cutting to the hoop, and "help" your teammate who may have gotten beat. Once the ball
comes back to within one pass from your player, you get back into denial with her. If the ball is
skip-passed to your player, you quickly get back up on her (close-out), and play "on-ball". See
diagrams below.
Remember, good defense is "team defense". Man to man defense is a team defense just as
much as zone defenses. Here is a good quote: "The best man defense looks like a zone and
the best zone defense looks like a man.
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3. Three-quarter front the low post player.
This is probably the best method. Instead of directly fronting the low post player, the defender
"straddles" him/her with one foot in front and one in back, standing sideways to the offensive
player with one hand up in the passing lane. If the ball is below the free-throw line extended (in
the corner-wing area), he/she should play on the baseline side of the post player, making
contact with the post player's inside (baseline) shoulder, and with his/her arm and hand out in
the passing lane. If the ball is passed out on top (above the free-throw line extended), the
defender should slide chest to chest with the post player and move to the post player's high-
side (or lane-side) shoulder, again with a hand up at all times in the passing lane.
Once the ball is stopped, the second defender sprints over and double-teams the ball carrier.
They cut off the ball-handler's view, and get into his passing lane. Their knees are adjacent to
each other to prevent the ball-handler from "splitting" the trap. The position of their hands
should be at the same height as the ball. If the offensive player holds the ball high to "throw
over the top", the hands should be high. If the ball is low, the hands should be low to prevent
the bounce pass. Do not reach in! This only transforms a good situation into a bad one (now
the player goes to the free throw line). Instead, the trapping players should deny the player
from getting the pass off and get the 5-second call, or force her to make a bad pass, which is
intercepted by one of your teammates.
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Rebounding
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Rebounding is one of the most important aspects of winning basketball games. Offensive
rebounding gives your team extra chances, and free throw opportunities, and frustrates the
defense. Defensive rebounding is a key part of good defense in general, limiting the offense to
just one shot. A good thought is "one shot and their out". Defensive rebounding combined with
a quick outlet pass can be an effective offensive weapon, getting the transition game and fast
break going, for an easy lay-up at the other end. All good rebounders are very aggressive on
the boards and believe that every rebound is theirs. You gotta want it! You gotta be an animal
on the glass! Coaches love good rebounders and will reward them with more playing time. You
may not be the best shooter or ball handler, but if you are a strong rebounder and defender,
you will get to play. Good rebounders are important “role players”.
Defensive Rebounding
The most important aspect of rebounding is getting inside position and "boxing out". The player
who gets the inside position usually gets the rebound, and the opponent may "reach over" and
commit a foul. These "over the back" fouls can be very costly late in a game when teams are in
the bonus free throw situation.
On defense, your coach will expect you to get inside position since should already be between
your man and the basket. Another key is always knowing where the ball is, so as soon as you
see the shot being taken you go get the inside position, and box out.
"Box Out!"
All players must learn this skill, as much as any other skill in the game. Even the perimeter
players (guards) must box out their person, not only to get rebound themselves, but also to
prevent the offensive guard from sneaking inside and stealing the rebound.
When you box out, you must first make contact with the player you are guarding. Locate your
man, get in front of him, turn facing the basket, bend over, get wide with your feet and arms
out, and put your backside into the offensive player, sealing him away from the hoop. I tell my
players that the reason that God gave us a butt is to box-out! Be aggressive, and don't let the
offensive player push you under the basket. If you get too far under the basket, as a taller
opponent with long arms, can simply outreach you for the ball. Keep him away from the hoop.
Keep your eye on the ball flight, and go get it! ... which brings us to the next point.
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around on your pivot foot and make a strong, sharp two-handed overhead outlet pass to your
teammate on the wing. Only dribble if you have to, if you are in trouble and need to create
some spacing to get the pass off. Pass as soon as you can safely hit your teammate. But don't
make a bad forced pass, and lose possession. Those kind of turnovers can kill you.
Offensive Rebounding
Offensive rebounding should be a very important part of your team offense in general. Nothing
frustrates the opponent more, than for them playing good aggressive defense, and you get the
one, two, or three offensive rebounds for more shots at the hoop, until you finally score. The
keys are you've got to be aggressive and want that offensive rebound, and you must be quick
on your feet and try to get inside position on the defender. This is a good way to pick up extra
easy baskets. Some people call 'em "trash" baskets... I call 'em hard-working, smart,
demoralizing baskets... "back breakers"
Technique:
The defender should already be between you and the hoop. He is trying to keep you outside.
Make a fake one way, and quickly move your feet and slip around him on the other side. Once
you are inside, box him out. Always know where the ball is and just assume that every shot will
be missed. If the shot is coming from the corner, remember that most misses will go long on
the opposite side, so be ready if you are on the weak side.
Once you get the ball, be strong and power it right back up to the hoop, usually off the glass.
There is a good chance you will get fouled, and a good chance for an "old fashioned" three
pointer... a put back with a free throw. Expect contact, be strong, and try to finish the shot.
Keep working the entire game, as this will be very important in a game when you are trying to
come from behind, or in close pressure packed games. You can actually wear the opponent
down by the end of the game. Many championship games are decided by this tough inside
play... not the outside jumpers. It's not always pretty under the hoop, but all good coaches
know how important this aspect of the game really is. You will hear TV commentators talk
about "points in the paint" as a key in many games. Most of them are retired, very successful
coaches, and they know by experience how important.
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How to make the team... Tryouts!
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
I'm the coach and you are a player trying to make my team. So how do you impress me with
your skills, and what is it that I am looking for in try-outs?
The things I look for are solid fundamentals... don't be flashy. I like kids who play tough
defense, hustle after loose balls, play aggressively (but not dirty). I love kids who box out and
rebound. I like kids who are good passers, and avoid turnovers. I like team players. Don't try to
impress me by dribbling between your legs.
Be the first one arriving for practice and the last one to leave. Show me work ethic... be willing
to hustle hard during drills, etc. Show respect for the coaches and the other players. Ask the
coaches to help you with your weaknesses. We all like to practice the things we are already
good at. You get better by working on your weaknesses.
Are you a tall inside player? If so, impress me with rebounding, defense, and some post up
moves. Example: a drop-step baseline move (see Inside Post Moves)
If you are a guard, show me you can handle the ball and keep under control. If you can shoot
the "3", fire some up during shoot-arounds. I like a perimeter player who can shoot the outside
shot, but can also drive to the hoop, can see the whole floor and pass, and can handle the ball
well. Show me your outside moves (see Outside Moves).
Work on your skills at home, or at the nearby playground in the summer (off-season). Work on
the correct things, not just the things you are already good at (see Practicing in the Off-
Season).
Be physically "in-shape" (conditioning) when you arrive at try-outs.
During tryouts, don't be intimidated by better players, or players who made the team last year.
There will always be a few players at try-outs who are better players and you know will make
the team. But you can be an important part of the team to as a "role player" .
Remember that hard work, hustle and a good attitude will impress the coach, even if your
shooting is off that week.
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Things to think about...
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
On Team Concepts:
There is no "I" in "team".
If you feel you are the best, or one of the best players on the team, then you must feel
extra responsibility for making the team and each other team member better.
It's not who starts the game; it's who can finish it.
On Defense:
Good offense wins games; great defense and hustle wins championships.
Good defense comes from 50% good technique, and 50% inspiration and perspiration.
The best way to get back into the game when you're down 10 points or more, is to play
great defense and rebound. Keep the other team from scoring so you can catch up.
The true athlete must have character, not be a character (John Wooden).
In life you make choices, and your choices make you (John Wooden).
In basketball, there is no such thing as a perfect game. Don't get upset if you make a
mistake or miss a shot, keep playing hard and things will work out. Remember, a man
can fail many times, but he isn't a failure until he gives up. Always think "next play"
(Coach K, Duke).
On Goals:
The journey is more important than the finish line. It's the fun, work, and experiences
(good and bad) along the way that ultimately will be the most valuable to your personal
growth. If you have prepared, worked your hardest, played fair, and given it your best
effort along the way, then no matter what happens, you can be proud and satisfied at
the end.
To be great is hard, but it's the "hard" (the difficulty) that makes it great...otherwise
anyone could do it (Tom Hanks in the movie, "A League Of Their Own").
If you are caught trapped in a corner...bounce the ball off the opponent's foot so it goes
out-of-bounds. Or call "time-out" if it is a crucial time in the game and a crucial
possession. But don't waste all of your coach's time-outs unnecessarily.
When you have a 6 (or more) point lead with only a minute to go in the game, protect
the ball and burn the clock. You don't need to score any more points (unless it's an
easy lay-up). Remember, "the clock is your enemy" now (Al McGuire). Slow down, run
the clock, careful passing, and be prepared to have to make free-throws.
There are "good fouls" (like stopping an obvious score during an important part of the
game. Make her go shoot the free throw). There are really, stupid "bad fouls" (like
fouling someone with only 2 seconds left in the period with the bonus in effect).
Eliminate stupid fouls so you can use your five fouls for important stuff, like boxing-out,
rebounding, posting-up, stopping a crucial shot, etc.
A little tip on staying out of foul trouble: your number of fouls should be less than or
equal to the quarter number that you are in. #Fouls <= Quarter #
So, don't get your 2nd foul in the 1st quarter, or your 3rd foul in the 2nd quarter, or your 4th foul
in the 3rd quarter, because you will most likely get your 5th foul before the game is over.
If a teammate steals the ball and is driving down the court for a fast-break lay-up,
hustle down after her. Chances are, you will either get a pass from her, or get the
rebound and an easy put-back basket. Always assume your teammate is going to miss
the lay-up, so you get down there and get the rebound. It's an easy way to pick up
some extra points!
To become champions, you must play four good quarters each game. It sounds
obvious, but only the good teams do it! Focus on short blocks of time...break each
quarter into four minute segments and focus on winning each segment...so you don't
let up the entire game.
There are critical times in a game where key plays make the difference...to become
champions, you must learn to recognize these times ("crunch time")...and pick up your
intensity on the boards and on defense, and avoid costly turn-overs.
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Attitude, the "Right Stuff"
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
An important aspect is developing a proper attitude about the game. To become winners, we
must recognize how important our teammates are. "United we stand, divided we fall!" We must
stick together. We must work together on offense with good passing, looking for an open
teammate. But don't be afraid to shoot! If you are open, take the shot. Part of being a good
teammate is scoring and taking good shots! If you miss a shot, forget it...you'll probably make
the next one.
Remember: there is no such thing as a perfect game! Michael Jordan has never played a
perfect game...he has always missed some shots. So don't get down on yourself if you mess
up, just keep playing hard and things will work out. None of us is perfect...even the coaches!
The refs aren't perfect either... so expect a bad call or two and don't let it get to you. Basketball
is not a perfect game.
Being a good teammate is playing hard on defense. Go hard for loose balls and rebounds.
Learn how to "box-out". Learn to set good picks (screens) on offense, so you can free up a
teammate for an easy shot. Being a good teammate means coming to the game rested and
playing as hard as you can. It means encouraging your teammates on and off the court.
Together you can win! For you to become champions, you must develop a team "chemistry", or
spirit...a respect and trust in each other, that you must begin to form now and develop over the
years as you get into high-school. Many very talented teams never reach their full potential
because they lack this chemistry, or team spirit. Many less talented teams have accomplished
unthinkable goals by their hard work, desire, and team spirit.
Proper attitude means respect for your teammates and your opponents. Your opponents are
trying their best just like you. Never try to "show up" or "trash-talk" your opponents, and don't
over-celebrate a basket with too many "high-fives". When you over-celebrate, you make it
seem like the basket was a big deal, and something you didn't really expect to make. Instead,
be cool, like it's no big deal, you do it all the time.
Never play "dirty"...it's just not worth it! You only lower yourself by doing it. Play hard, with
enthusiasm, and play to win, but play with class. Make your parents and teachers proud. Don't
argue with the referees...they're human and don't always make the right call, but hey, that's
life...its not always fair. You just have to make the best of the situation and go on. People will
remember you for how you act on the court. When we win, never gloat or rub it in your
opponent's face.
When you're on the court, play as hard as you can to win, but when the game is over, it's over!
Forget it, it's only basketball! If you do lose a game, remember that you can often learn more in
losing. You don't have to win a trophy to be a winner!
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When you don't have the ball...
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
What do you do when you are on offense but you don't have the ball?
Think about it! Most of the time you will not have possession of the ball. Half of the time you will
be on defense. Of the remaining half when your team has the ball, 80% of that time you
personally will not have the ball, as one of your teammates will have it. So what do you do
when you don't have the ball? Do you simply stand still and wait for someone to pass to you?
That's not what wins games. There are things to do when you don't have the ball.
1. Try to get open for an easy pass and shot. Keep moving, not aimlessly, but with a purpose.
Be savvy and try to cut into an open spot on the floor, especially if the defense is in a zone. If
the defense is in man-to-man, set screens for other teammates (and not just the person with
the ball). Setting picks will free up teammates for easy shots (see Setting Screens and Cutting
and Faking).
2. The low posts (4 and 5), should constantly be trying to get into a post-up position, to get the
ball from the guards. 4 and 5 can pick for each other to get free.
3. Maintain spacing on the floor...don't get bunched up...that's when the defense steals the ball,
or bad passes and turnovers occur.
4. Never take your eye off the ball. Be smart. Look for a chance to time a cut through the paint,
or "back-door", for a quick pass from a teammate, and a lay-up.
5. Be alert and position yourself for a rebound (see the Rebounding Tips). Assume your
teammate will miss the shot, and get into position for a rebound. You'll get extra shots and
points this way.
7. Be aware of the other team trying to slip a guard down floor for an easy lay-up, or "cherry-
picking". Be ready to get back and cover her.
9. When the shot goes up, each player must know instantly what his assignment is and move
quickly into that assignment: whether to go aggressively for the offensive rebound, or to get
back into a defensive prevent position.
Remember, often it is not the person initially with the ball who scores. Instead a good pass to
you cutting, or coming off a screen, is where the score comes. So work hard on offense when
you don't actually have the ball...never loaf!
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The Exceptional Player
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
These are some of the things that make a player a standout above the rest. The exceptional
player:
1. Always plays great defense, even when her offense is "off".
3. Sees the whole floor and is an excellent passer, able to find the open teammate.
7. Looks for her shot all the time. Doesn't stop shooting just because she missed one or two
shots early in the game. If a great player starts off "cold", she will usually get it going by
hustling, playing good defense, getting a steal or two...then she loosens up and the shots start
falling.
10. Has "mental toughness"... is able to sense the critical times in a game and elevate her
game and her teammates a notch (especially with defense, hustle and rebounding). Is able to
make the "big plays" in crunch time. Is able to do the "little things" needed to win...like making
the pass to an open teammate, setting a perfect screen, making a steal, etc. Keeps
focused...does not let a bad call upset her. Is able to forget mistakes and keep playing hard.
Understands the game situation, the clock.
11. Inspires and leads her teammates by her example, her hard work ethic and hustle in
practice and during games. She works harder than anyone else. You can't ask your teammates
to practice and play harder if you're not there yourself. Exceptional players are not born...they
become exceptional by hard work and dedication.
12. Understands the concept of "team" and "family". It takes more than skill to have a
championship team. You must have team "chemistry", respect for each other, a common goal,
and help and encourage each other. The exceptional player is "coachable".
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The Role Player
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
We can't all be super-stars, or even starters. We don't all have great shooting skills or ball-
handling skills. But we can still be important "spokes in the wheel". We can still be very
important to the success of our team. We are important "role players".
Coaches love good role players, because they know better than anyone that there will be times
in a game, or during the season, that they will have to get good play, some good minutes from
their bench personnel. Usually, you cannot be a championship team with just five good players.
You need important players who can come off the bench and play quality minutes.
A role player is often the player who comes off the bench. She understands and accepts her
role on the team. While on the bench, she keeps her head in the game, and observes what's
going on, where the weaknesses are in the defense, which opposing players are "killing us",
what's happening on the boards, etc. She is "ready to go" when the coach calls.
A good role player will come off the bench and really hustle on defense, go for loose balls, get
the important rebounds. She can be aggressive, since she usually is less concerned about
fouling out. She will not hurt her team with turnovers, or weak defense. By doing these things,
she will give her team a lift. Many times I have seen the momentum of a game change because
of the renewed "spirit" and energy that a role player brings into the game.
She is able to play quality minutes when a starter needs a rest, or is in foul trouble.
My former AAU coaching associate used to advise the role players to "make a difference"... not
just go into the game and run aimlessly up and down the floor, but play hard, hustle and "make
a difference"... good advice.
The role player understands that "it's not who starts the game, but who can finish it!"
The role player hustles in practice and works hard. She is not a complainer (about playing
time). Rather, she has a positive attitude, encourages her teammates, and understands her
importance to the team, and the importance of her contributions. She realizes that "her time will
come". This really takes a special person, because most of us want to be starters... it takes
great maturity to be a good role player.
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Would he give his all if there was no fame,
And not give up for the good of the game.
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Playing the Point guard Position
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Learning to play the point guard, or #1, position is probably the most difficult article to write
since many factors are involved in playing this position. Some of these factors include how the
coach wants his/her point guard to operate, the style of play, the abilities and talents of the
teammates surrounding the point guard, and the skills, temperament, experience and
leadership qualities of the point guard him/herself. I'll try to discuss several qualities involved.
Communication
The point guard is often thought of an extension of the coach on the floor, or the "quarterback",
or floor general. So the point guard must have a close working relationship with the coaches
and be very "coachable". He/she should have frequent discussions with the coach to know
exactly what the coach expects of him/her, and what team strategies to use at a given time.
The point guard must know his role on the team, whether he is expected to be a John Stockton
type assist man, or a scorer like Allen Iverson. And this of course will depend not only on his
own skills as a scorer, but also upon the talent of his teammates around him. If the team has
some excellent scorers, he/she will want to be a good assist person and get the ball to those
players. If no-one else on the team is a strong scoring threat, then the point guard may need to
step up into that role.
You must also be able to communicate with your teammates both on and off the court. Learn
to read the cuts your wing players make, whether they V-cut or back-cut. You might work out
some hand signals so you know whether he/she is going back-door or not. At times, you may
see the your team bunched up, with poor spacing, and you need to know how to back the ball
out, direct them and get them to move and correct their spacing.
Keep your passing accurate and as simple as possible. Don't attempt some "fancy" pass when
a simple chest or bounce pass will do the job. Keep your passes crisp with some zip, but not
so hard that your teammates cannot catch the ball.
Distribute the ball from side to side using both sides of the court. There will be a natural
tendency for a right-handed player to favor the right side of the court, but you must use the
entire floor to overshift the defense and involve all your teammates.
Pass the ball into the high post (especially if you have a skilled high post player). A lot of good
things can happen when the ball gets into the high post. Passing into the low post is usually
easier from the wing position, but you can occasionally catch the defense sleeping. To be a
consistent winning team, you must be able to get the ball inside for those low post shots and
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lay-ups. You want to get to the free-throw line and get the opponent in foul trouble. Don't just
rely on firing up three-pointers all night.
Avoid pointless dribbling on the perimeter... keep the ball moving. Catch the ball in triple threat
position and don't prematurely give up your dribble.
Look for your own shot too or otherwise the defense will not have to play you seriously. Look
for the outside shot, but also be able to beat your defender with a drive into the paint. When
you penetrate, you cause problems for the defense if you can hit the little pull-up jumper just
inside the arc in the paint, or if you can dish the ball to an open low post player (whose man
has come up to defend you). Now here's where communication comes in again. Usually the
point guard has primary responsibility for being back on defense and preventing the opponent's
fast break, and will not attack the offensive boards for the rebound. When you dribble
penetrate, you must have an understanding with either the #2 or #3 player that he/she will stay
back out on top to prevent the fast break.
A little tip against zone defenses... realize that zone defense is most effective for the first 15
seconds. If you make a few quick passes, reverse the ball, and get the zone to move, it will
often move out of position. Then when you see the openings, attack the gaps with either a
good pass, or dribble penetration.
When bringing the ball up the floor, keep your eyes focused ahead and maybe you can
occasionally catch the opponent's transition defense loafing and hit a teammate with a long
pass and lay-up... but don't force it.
When pushing the fast break, if you realize the opponent has gotten back successfully in the
paint, stop the fast-break and dribble it back out on top and start your half-court offense.
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Leadership, Attitude
I like a point guard who is confident and a little "feisty" -- who is able to grab his/her teammates
and say, "C'mon, let's go!". You are the leader on the floor and the team will follow your
example. Most often your offense starts with you, and you are the first line of defense when
the opponent comes up the floor. If you meet their point guard in an aggressive manner on
defense, your teammates with pick up on that and play hard too.
As a team leader, you must be willing to work harder than anyone else in practice so as to
"lead by example". You must try to get along well with all your teammates and be a "peace-
maker". Don't allow players to belittle each other (often done in a joking, but still hurtful, way).
Be a leader in promoting team spirit and unity. Make the younger teammates and those
teammates who get less playing time feel important too, that they are contributing also.
2. Dribbling. You must be a good ball-handler, but you don't have to be the most awesome
dribbler in the world. Magic Johnson was not the most awesome dribbler, but he could handle
the ball very well, was very intelligent and an excellent passer, and one of the greatest players
and greatest point guards ever to play the game. You can be a very good point guard if you
play under control, play smart, are able to dribble with either hand (with head and eyes
forward), have a good crossover dribble, and an around-the-back dribble.
See Dribbling, Dribbling Drills
3. Learn to beat your man off the dribble, take it into the paint and shoot the short jumper or
dish off. See Perimeter Moves.
4. Outside shooting. It is another bonus if you can hit the outside shot too.
See the Set Shot, Shooting Drills
5 Conditioning. You may have to play most of the game so be in excellent physical, aerobic
condition by the very first practice session.
There's a lot to learn, but to me, the point guard position is by far the most fun and challenging
position to learn to play.
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Pre-game Preparation
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
I am referring to the immediate pre-game time... not the week of practice before the game. This
is an important time for the players and coaches to get comfortable with the situation at hand,
and focus on the job to be done. Every coach has his/her own way to get his team ready. Here
is what we do with our team.
Allow enough time to arrive at the gym. Rushing around at the last minute creates a
disorganized, frantic mood entering the game. You want players and coaches to be relaxed,
calm and "in control" starting the game. Allow at least 30 - 45 minutes before the game (players
dressed). Players need time to stretch, perform warm-up drills, and practice free shooting and
free throws. You need time for a quick team meeting before the game. You may want time to
meet the opposing coach, refs.
Here are some things to do before the game. Have this organized in advance so there is no
last minute confusion. You could designate some of this to your assistant, or manager.
1. If it is an AAU competition, have all your player's ID cards and birth certificates ready ahead
of time in an envelope.
2. Have your official score book roster entered in advance. We keep photocopies of our roster
in a folder to hand to the scorer's table. Or you can have an assistant or statistician fill out the
roster.
3. If you use a clipboard in time-outs, have it ready, with pen and cloth to wipe it. Don't waste
half of your first time-out looking for the clipboard or pen!
5. Recruit statisticians, or assign who's keeping which stats, and have the stats forms ready.
6. Know in advance or any special rules... such as running clock, number of time-outs, etc.
7. If you are in a strange gym, walk your players around the floor, even before they are
dressed. Show them where the out-of-bounds lines are, the 10 second line, etc. Sometimes
these lines are not obvious if the gym is used for volleyball and other sports, where multiple
lines are painted on the floor. Show them where the bench and scorer's table will be for
checking in the game. In one of our events this year, the scorer's table was at the far end of the
gym... not between the two squads. Show them the location of the scoreboard/clock.
8. Review with your assistant coach the starting lineup, substitution patterns, and any special
strategies for this game.
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Players on the floor
As soon as the players get out on the floor, we have them start stretching and doing warm-ups.
We like the 3-line lay-up drill as a warm-up because it not only gets the players moving and
shooting lay-ups, but also because this is an excellent passing drill. We stress that the kids
keep good spacing, zip their passes, and convert the lay-ups. We do this from the right and left
sides. Then we have players free-shoot, taking shots they are most likely to get in the game.
Finally, team free throws, everyone around the lane.
2. My assistant calls out the starting line-up and positions. We don't make a big deal out of who
is starting. My kids all take turns starting games, as I think this creates better team chemistry
(although I certainly will have three of my best out there). Often, the first few minutes of the
game is a "feeling out" time anyway, when teams are not yet in the groove. I like to bring in a
couple of good players off the bench 3 or 4 minutes into the game. My players know that "it's
not who starts, but who can finish the game". I have my assistant do most of the substituting
(following our pre-designed substitution pattern), so I can concentrate on the game. I will vary
the substitution pattern depending on the game situation, foul situation, and crucial times in the
game.
3. Go over the team defense, and defensive assignments, how we are going to play certain
players, and help each other, etc. Are we going full court press, or not. We want three attitudes
on defense: contest every shot, protect (deny) the paint area, and "one-shot only" mentality.
The opponent only gets one contested shot, and they're OUT! ... they get no offensive
rebounds, no second and third shots.
4. Go over your team offense, what set you are using, and briefly review what other sets or
plays you might go to during the game. I remind my players to keep correct spacing, move
without the ball, set screens, and make passes crisp... no soft, easily-intercepted, passes. I
also stress the importance of offensive rebounding (except the point guard) and talk about
attacking the offensive boards, to get those easy second and third shots. We discuss whether
we are going to push the fast break, or slow down into a half court tempo. We remind the
players to keep under control, avoid the turnovers.
5. I tell the kids that if we do these things that have made us successful in the past, we will be
OK. To help counteract tenseness and pressure, I often say something like "Let's go out and
have some fun."
6. Then hands together in the huddle, we yell "Play Hard!" and are ready to go (I hope).
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Coaching ... game strategy
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
First of all, realize that most games are won and lost by your players executing the
fundamentals and plays that you have taught them in practice. But courtside coaching can
greatly influence the outcome of a game, especially a close game. If you get blown out by 30
points, let's face it... the other team was probably a lot better than you.
Game plan
First, prepare for the game through scouting, or reviewing game films of your upcoming
opponent. Find out who their best offensive players are, what their style of play is, what they
like to do, and what their weaknesses are. Then you can develop a game plan that hopefully
will favor your strengths and attack their weaknesses, and deny their strengths. Discuss in your
practices and in your pre-game meeting your strategy for playing this team. Discuss the
defensive assignments so each player knows his role exactly, and who he will be responsible
for guarding.
If you have never played this team before and have no prior information (often the case with
AAU teams), try to learn early who their best players are and what style of game, what tempo,
they like. Once you know this, you can make quick adjustments in a time-out, or at the end of
the first quarter.
Game Tempo
Try to set the game tempo to the style that best suits your team. If you are a running, pressing
team, and your opponent is a slow-down team, push the ball up the floor on offense, press on
defense, and create havoc! If you are better in a half-court slower paced game (less team
quickness and only average ball handlers), then bring the ball up the court more deliberately,
and get back on defense to prevent the fast break. If your opponent is a great fast-breaking
team, prepare your team to stop the break by having one, or maybe even two, guards back,
and have your big guys jam the rebounder with hands up so he can't get off the quick outlet
pass.
Type of defense
What does your team do best? -- man-to-man, or zone? Are they quick, good defenders (go
man-to-man), or do you have a couple slow defenders (maybe go zone)? Most teams may try
both at various times of the game. Only you can decide what is best for your team. Here are a
few things that I look at. If the opponent has good outside shooters, use man-to-man to keep
pressure on their shooters.
If their strength is inside post play, you can play man-to-man and double team the post with
your weak-side guard. In this situation, whenever the ball goes into the low post, have your low
post defender deny him the drop step to the baseline, and have your weak-side guard slide
down quickly to prevent the move to the lane. Or you can go into a 2-1-2, or 2-3 zone to "pack
the paint" with your defense. This leaves the outside more vulnerable. During the course of a
game, if I realize that the opponent is getting most of their baskets inside, I may switch to a 2-1-
2 zone to jam the paint and see if they can shoot from outside. If they can't hit the outside shot
consistently, this may be the best way to stop them.
If they are playing with a point guard and two wing players ("3-out, 2-in"), we may try a 1-2-2
trapping zone.
Some coaches play only man-to-man and refuse to use zones. Others use only zones. As a
coach, I believe I should use every possible tool or trick that I can to win a game. I personally
favor man-to-man, but will not hesitate to go zone if I feel it will give us an advantage, or a
better chance of winning. One exception, teach kids in the lower levels to play good man-to-
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man, before getting into zones. So in practice, we will work on man-to-man defense, but also
have the 2-1-2 and 1-2-2 in our arsenal, and periodically review our zone coverage patterns.
So when do you switch from man-to-man to zone, or vice versa? There are different ways of
doing this. Some coaches will change defenses frequently, in order to confuse the enemy... as
long as his own team doesn't get confused too! I personally like riding success until the
opponent shows me that they can beat it. If we are doing a great job with our current defense, I
will stay with it until it begins to fail.
You might also change from man-to-man to a zone if one or two of your better players are in
foul trouble, and you are trying to protect them from additional foul exposure.
Using time-outs
Coaches should use their time-outs wisely. In close games, if possible, I try to save two or
three time-outs for the last few minutes of the game, when you may need to stop the clock, set
up a play, discuss your team's strategy, etc. Sometimes it doesn't work this way. You get
behind early, and must use your time-outs to hopefully break the opponent's momentum, and
reset your own strategy. If you are trying to slow the game down, you might also use some
time-outs early. If you are getting beat early, there is no point in saving your time-outs for the
end of the game, when you are down 20! Sometimes I will look over at the opposing coach and
notice that he is going to call time-out, and this may save one for me. Sometimes I see a coach
call a time-out 30 seconds before the end of a quarter and wonder to myself, "Why?" Why
waste a time-out then, when you can use the time at the end of the period as your time-out?
Remember, that at the end of each quarter, you have a free time-out.
Keep it simple in your time-out huddle. The kids will often only remember one thing you tell
them in a time-out... usually the last thing. So use your time-out to make one important team
point... don't waste a time-out to instruct just one player... you can substitute for him and
explain things to him on the bench quickly, and then send him back in. An example of an
important "team" pointer might be stressing getting back quickly on defense and keeping one or
two guards back if the opponent is fast breaking. Another example might be to change your
defense, or your offensive plan, and another might be to simply prod the kids into increasing
their defensive and rebounding intensity and overall hustle. But keep it simple.
Substitutions
If you are coaching youth basketball, where everyone is supposed to get to play, or if you have
a team with a deep bench and can do a lot of substituting, then I would advise relying on your
assistant coach to help with the substituting. If you only play six or seven players, you can
handle it. In the former situation, I have found that it's really hard to keep track of everyone's
playing time, and still try to coach the game, set the strategy, etc. Before the game, I will
discuss with my assistant who the starters will be for that game. We will then also talk about
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which substitutions to bring in for certain players and at what intervals... that is, our "substitution
pattern". Once the game starts, I have my assistant make most of the substitutions based on
that pattern. He can see when certain players are getting tired and need a break. If we have a
"hot" player on offense, we will ride that horse for awhile and not substitute until things "cool
off". I will over-ride the assistant at any time, if I see a certain situation where I feel we need to
have a certain player or two on the floor at that time.
I also like to be aware of our players' fouls. I have a formula that I try to teach my players in
regard to staying out of foul trouble: "your number of fouls should be less than the number of
the quarter you are playing in." So you never get your 2nd foul in the first quarter, or your 3rd
foul in the second quarter, or your 4th foul in the 3rd quarter. If any of these situations occurs
with any of my key players, I may sit him down for awhile. If we are down 10, I may need to
keep him in there, and have to take my chances with the fouls, and maybe try to protect him,
using a zone on defense. On the other hand, I have seen coaches essentially foul-out their own
players with four fouls, sitting them down for a quarter or more because of four fouls...
essentially the coach has fouled his own player out with only four fouls, and taken him
physically and mentally out of the game. You might be better off letting him play carefully, than
not at all!
Another point on substitutions... if you have eight or nine fairly good players, it will probably be
to your advantage over the course of the season to play all these kids, with lots of substituting.
If you are willing to perhaps accept a couple losses early in the season, you may be a much
stronger team late in the season if you develop that eight or nine-man rotation into a good
team, with lots of bench support. This also creates more team harmony and team spirit.
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In "running the clock", I would always take the lay-up because it is a higher percentage thing
than just trying to hold the ball, and you can put the nail in the coffin with one last score. You
must still work your offense, but looking only for the lay-up. If you try to just "stall" without
looking for the lay-up, the chances are greater that you may turn the ball over, or that you will
get fouled, and a lay-up is easier than two pressure packed free throws. If you have a two
possession lead (4 points) with less than 30 seconds, hold the ball.
On defense, get back and play good half court defense. Avoid stupid fouls that stop the clock
and allow the opponent to score when the clock is actually stopped (free throws). Contest (but
don't foul) the three-pointer, and prevent the fast break and easy lay-up.
If you are inside a minute and are down two or three possessions, try to get the quick steal, but
if you don't get it, then immediately foul to stop the clock. Too often, teams will let 20 seconds
run off the clock before someone finally fouls, wasting too much precious time. Remember that
a lot of things can happen in just 20 seconds. After being down by two, our high school varsity
scored 4 points in just 7 seconds to win it's regional final game this year!
If you are down 4 points, you don't have to go to the three-pointer, since it's two possessions
anyway. Take it to the hoop and get to the free-throw line and stop the clock. Then after
scoring, or making the two free throws, put maximum, deny pressure on the in-bounds pass,
going for the steal, or quick foul. Even if you are down 3 with only 20 seconds to go, it might be
a higher percentage move to go for the quick two-pointer and then pressure the inbounds pass
than putting the whole game on the shoulders of your three-pointer shooter, who probably has
tired legs. If you take the "3" and miss, and the opponent gets the rebound, you are usually
history, because you will have to foul, and they only have to convert one free throw to "ice" the
game.
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have their defense try to "take the charge" on dribble-penetration. My experience is that unless
it is a really obvious charge, you won't get the call from the ref when the game is on the line.
If you get the quick steal in transition, attack the basket immediately without calling a time-out
to set up a play. Chances are, in transition, you will get a good shot, or get fouled. If you get the
defensive rebound with 5-6 seconds left, get a quick time out to stop the clock and set up your
last play.
Another "gutsy" strategy is: assuming they have a poor free-throw shooter, you may
immediately foul him, if it is a "one and one" situation. If he misses the first free throw, you can
gain possession and now you have the advantage. I would not attempt this if the opponent is in
the double bonus, or if there is less than 10 seconds left... you may not have time to score after
the free throws, should he make them.
There is a lot of basketball strategy that can be used in the final two minutes! I'm sure I have
omitted some things and other coaches could add even more pointers. Watch TV and see the
great college coaches work the clock late in the game. You can learn a lot from the TV
commentators as well.
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Planning Practices
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
I have been asked by coaches to show a sample practice plan, so there's one included below.
Now this is just an example. I will vary the drills and skills, and the team skills from practice to
practice. Certain skills should be practiced every practice, such as the ball-handling and
dribbling drills, and shooting drills. Depending on your schedule, the amount of practice time
you have and what your specific team needs are, you vary your drills. A rough rule of thumb
for high school teams is to spend about half the time on individual fundamentals and half the
time on team skills. If you are working with younger kids, you might slant this more toward
fundamental skills.
You must plan each practice. John Wooden has said he and his assistants often would spend
more time planning a practice than the actual practice itself lasted. Keep a loose-leaf notebook
of each of your practices that you can refer back to. After each drill or after practice, you can
scribble additional notes on your practice plan from that day.. things that you have learned, or
things that you feel need special emphasis. Don't just come to the gym each day without a
plan and think you can just "wing it". You have to plan for success and plan your practices just
like a teacher creates a lesson plan for his/her English or math class. Your practice should be
like a classroom and you are the teacher.
Move quickly from one drill to another and don't spend half of your practice time on one drill.
The kids will get bored and won't learn much after the first 5-10 minutes into the drill. If they
mess up, they will get another chance to run that drill tomorrow.
Budget your time for each drill. If you are introducing a new drill, play, offense, defense, etc,
you will have to allow more time the first time. If you are reviewing something, like a set of
plays or your out-of-bounds plays (that they should already know), move quickly through
these... you are reinforcing their memory (a brief repetitive exercise that can be done each
day). It is probably best when introducing a new drill to put it at the start of practice when
player interest and concentration are highest.
Follow an up tempo exhausting drill with 5 minutes of something less aerobic. Make them work
hard, but don't be unreasonable.
Do your free-throw shooting after an aerobic, running drill when the players are tired, in order to
simulate the leg and body fatigue that occurs in the real game setting.
Have every player do dribbling and ball-handling drills. I have been asked, "Why have my post
players waste their time doing guard-type dribbling drills?" Doing these drills will make your
post players better athletes in general, will help their overall coordination, and will improve their
"hands". Also, how do you know a certain player will be a post player all his/her life (especially
younger players).
If you have a good assistant, you can plan some time for individual skills with perimeter players
on one end of the floor, and your post players on the other end.
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Do not show favoritism to certain players in practice. Make them all work equally hard. Try to
instill in your star players that they must lead by example, and be willing to work harder than
anyone else on the team to be a great player. Don't ignore your "role players" (a better term
than "subs", or "bench players")... make them feel they are contributing and encourage them.
Early in the season, I would run a lot of conditioning drills. I believe your players and team will
improve much more by doing conditioning drills than a lot of push-ups and running without the
ball. If you are going to make your players run, make them do it with a ball... like full-court
speed dribbling, using the right hand one direction and the left hand coming back. Rather than
running a "gut buster", or a "suicide" (which is a terrible name), do a fast-paced aerobic drill like
speed dribbling. The kids will get just as tired, will hate it just as much, but their dribbling and
conditioning will both improve.
Getting into tournament play, or a crucial game, you might spend most of your time on team
skills preparing for the big game, working on any special situations necessary to play the
upcoming opponent. For example, you might want to refine your press break, or your full-court
press, or how you will defend a certain star player, or how you will attack their zone defense,
etc
"Open" or "closed" practices... whether to allow parents, spectators in the gym during practice
is up to you and your philosophy. But make sure you have rules established from the start of
the season. If you allow parents in the gym, make sure they understand that it is a classroom
and they must keep quiet and not "coach" the kids from the stands. In the event that this
becomes a problem, you reserve the right to close your practices at any time.
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Sample Practice Plan
Quote of the day: "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog." --
former US President and Supreme Allied Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower
12:45-1:00 Stretching
1:00 Dribbling skills, sideline moves
In and out, in and out cross-over, cross-over, behind back, stutter, stutter-cross
1:10 Passing drills (step around, 3 on 2 press break passing)
1:20 Man Defense
Man Concepts: on-ball, deny (on the line, up the line), help-side, Shell drill
1:25 Pick drills (pick-seal and roll, down-screen, back-screen)
Also see Coach Ken Sartini’s (aka “Coach Sar”) practice planning form (separate file).
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Coaching Young Players
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
I have gotten lots of questions from coaches and parents about coaching youth basketball, and
advice for coaching youngsters, let's say 1st through 6th grades... elementary school children.
You are probably a parent coach, a teacher-coach, a former player, or just someone who likes
kids and wants to help coach and work with a bunch of kids. You may be organizing a
recreational league or a church league, or are developing a program at your elementary school.
Some of the kids may have played some, and some have never played before. Some are there
because they already love the game, and some are there because of their friends. Some were
urged by their parents to give it a try.
Their parents will likely have varying perspectives. A few will think you should win every game
at whatever cost, and will be yelling advice from the sidelines. Some will be thankful and happy
that their child is on your team. Some will be a little fearful that you may yell at their child, or
that their child may not be a good player and will embarrass him/herself.
First, make it fun for the kids. Do not yell negative things at them as this embarrasses them in
front of their friends, and is actually counter-productive creating more stress and more
mistakes. It makes you look like a bully, and you may completely turn the player away from
ever wanting to play again. You can yell, but it should always be positive comments. If a player
messes up, don't embarrass him/her in front of his/her friends. For example, if someone is
having trouble with a certain skill or drill, rather than pointing the finger at him, blow the whistle
and say, "Some of you are having trouble doing... blah, blah, blah... let me show you how to do
this." So maintain a positive attitude, even if you are losing by 30 points.
Teach good sportsmanship by your example... no yelling at the refs, no demeaning the other
team, other players, etc. Teach them to play hard, but do not allow "dirty" play or trash talking.
Teach them to respect their opponents and the officials. Wins and losses are not important at
this age. Teach them that you don't have to win a trophy to be a winner.
Also, let the kids know that it is OK to make mistakes, that you expect them to make mistakes.
Basketball is not a perfect game. All players make mistakes, even Michael Jordan. Coaches
make mistakes, and we all know that the refs make mistakes! You just have to keep playing
hard and learn from those errors. "A good garden may have a few weeds."
If you have an actual team (not a large clinic-type group), teach them about teamwork and their
responsibilities to the team... coming to practice, encouraging each other, helping each other,
etc.
At the first practice, provide a handout for the players and their parents. This handout could
contain some of the following items:
1. Your phone number, or how they can contact and communicate with you.
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I have actually seen parents in the stands timing each player's playing time with a stopwatch! I
believe that you should let all the kids play at this age... winning is not the prime consideration
at this age. Having said that, I also think that it is unfair to the kids that come to all the practices
for a player who frequently misses practices to get as much playing time in games. Explain
your policy on excused and unexcused absences.
7. You could mention how parents could help (some like to be involved), such as keeping stats,
working the scoreboard, driving to games, providing treats, helping with uniforms, post-game
pizza parties, and maybe even assisting in practice.
8. You could briefly discuss the common problem these days of unacceptable parent behavior
at games... yelling advice to their own child, yelling at the refs and other team's players, and
"coaching" from the stands.
When dealing with parents, be honest and open and show them that you really care about
helping their child... get them on your side. Make yourself available to talk with them after a
game. Be diplomatic about any "coaching" advice they have to offer. Rather than getting into
an argument with them, just politely thank them for their interest... you obviously don't need to
follow their advice, but you also don't have to be snotty about it either! Do not simply choose to
ignore parents. You may be able to get away with this if you are coaching at the college level,
but it is still churlish, inconsiderate behavior. When coaching youth basketball, even at the high
school level, parents can help make or break you... believe it!
If you have a son/daughter on the team... be fair. Do not give your own child more playing time
than the others. Treat your child like any other player on the team... do not over-criticize and
expect more from him/her. And don't provide him/her any special treatment either. When you
are at the court, he/she is like any other player on the team. Away from the court, he/she is
your special child and needs your love and support, not criticism... save any criticism or advice
for when you are actually in the gym... kids don't even want to hear about it in the car on the
way home. My daughter sure didn't!
_________________________________________________________________
Teach the fundamentals. At every practice, do ten minutes of ball-handling and dribbling drills.
Do simple passing drills. Teach footwork (pivoting, triple threat position, doing lay-ups, how to
shuffle and slide on defense, etc). Correct shooting form will be difficult to teach at very young
ages, since it will just be an effort to get the ball up to the hoop! But start working on correct
form when the kids are strong enough... maybe 6th-7th grade. Teach man to man defense and
how to box out and rebound.
Team Offense. With a limited number of practices, find out who can dribble and handle the
ball... they are your point guards and wings. Put them in a simple "3-out, 2-in" set (a point
guard, left and right wings, and two post players), or bring one of the posts up to the free throw
line... hence a 1-3-1 set. Teach them the numbering quickly... 1 is the point, 2 is the right wing
and 4 the right post, and 3 the left wing and 5 the left post (the even numbers are on the right
side and the odd numbers on the left). The only reason to put them into a set is to try to
maintain some spacing on the floor... so all five don't end up in the right corner! But tell them
that they must not stand still in their position, but cut and move. Don't teach any plays except
maybe a simple out-of-bounds play. They will not execute plays at this age anyway. Let them
just "play".
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I have a "first shot mentality" with kids this age... in other words, the player with the first open
shot within his/her shooting range, should take the shot. This has several advantages. If they
do too much passing at this age, they will eventually throw the ball away or commit a turnover,
and you don't get a shot. So shoot early, and crash the offensive boards for second and third
chances. It's a little like ice hockey at this age... the team with the most "shots on goal" usually
wins. "First shot mentality" also takes the pressure off the kids (some kids are afraid to shoot,
afraid to miss). If you teach the kids that you expect them to shoot when they are open, and
that you don't expect them to make all their shots (even Michael Jordan only makes half of 'em)
they will play more relaxed and better. Let them know that you don't expect them to make every
shot... but that you do expect them to shoot when they are open, and everybody rebounds
(maybe one guard back). Teach them that part of being a good "team" player is taking good
shots.
So nothing fancy on offense... just a simple set, spacing, cutting, an early shot and crash the
boards for more shots. If they are quick, fast break for easy lay-ups too.
Team Defense. I believe all young kids should first learn to play man-to-man defense before
learning zones. With the really young kids, just teach on-ball defense. With 6th graders, start
teaching "on-ball", "deny" and "help-side" concepts (read “Basic Defense”). Now having said
this, you could probably win most of your games by using a 2-1-2 (or 2-3) zone defense
because at this age most baskets will be made inside the paint. If you pack the paint with your
defense, you will shut them down... there is little outside scoring at this age. Our town's
recreational league does not permit zone defenses at the younger ages. Double-teaming is not
allowed, except in the paint. The kids will become better defensive players if they learn to move
their feet and learn to play good man defense. Even playing man-to-man you can clog the
paint. Just tell the kids that the paint is the "blood and guts" area that they must defend... that's
where most scores will occur. So whenever there is an offensive player in the paint, a warning
bell should ring in their heads that this player is a threat to score if he/she gets the ball... so
deny this pass. When an offensive player dribble penetrates, other defenders should collapse
on him/her and "help". Also, when a player dribbles around the right corner (they always do),
don't let him/her penetrate along the baseline... stop it there and trap.
Full-court press. First, full court pressing probably should not be permitted with younger kids.
But if you are permitted to full court press, use former Oregon State legend Ralph Miller's
“pressure defense”. I have used this with middle school kids and it works great, and is very
easy to understand and teach. You will get steals and turnovers in the back-court that you can
quickly convert into easy lay-ups. It is simply a full-court man-to-man defense, so it flows easily
into your half-court man-to-man defense. Simply, you pressure the ball handler, and the other
players try to deny a pass to their man. Oftentimes the young inexperienced guards will throw
the ball away, or make some other turnover, but just applying a little gentle pressure. Don't let
them dribble the ball uncontested up the floor... apply a little harassment. Don't teach a lot of
trapping and gambling... just everyone plays good man-to-man pressure. Now, this is
important... if they see the ball advancing quickly up the court (a good dribbler, or a good pass),
then everybody sprints back as fast as they can to the paint (the old "blood and guts" area) and
tries to stop them from getting the lay-up. Then, after stopping the lay-up, everyone can fan out
and pick up his/her man. So when you are beat on the press, you must sprint back. Tell them
that if they don't sprint back, you will assume that they are tired and will sit them down for a
rest! By playing full-court defense, they will tire easier and actually want rest, and this is good
for getting all your players in the game.
Substituting. Try to figure out who your best players are. When you substitute, always have two
good players out there... someone who can dribble and get the ball down the floor, and
someone who can rebound and play tough defense "in the paint". I often have my assistant
make most of the substitutions. You are too busy trying to "coach" the game to keep track of
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everyone's playing time... your assistant can be a big help here. Discuss with your assistant
before the game who your starters will be, and your general substitution pattern (who plays
what positions, etc), and then let him do it... you can always over-ride him in a given game
situation. With young players, let everyone on the team have a chance to start at least one
game during the season. I tell the kids, "its not who starts... it's who can finish the game". My
players don't seem to care who starts because they know that they are all going to get to play.
Believe it or not, I have even had some say, "Coach, let Jessica start this game, because I
started the last one"... kids can be so neat!
__________________________________________________________________
Passing:
Pairs Passing Drills
Triangle Passing Drill
Defense:
Basic Defense
Pressure Defense
Transition Defense
Defense 1 on 1 Drill
Shell Drill
Z-Drill
Defensive Tips
Rebounding
Offense:
3-2 Motion Offense (keep this very simple!)
1-3-1 Motion #1
1-3-1 Motion #2
1-3-1 Motion #3
Offensive Tips
The Lay-up
3 Line Lay-up Drill
The Set Shot
2-Man Shooting Drills
Setting Screens
Screen, Pick Drills
Out-of-bounds play:
Spread play
Coaching:
Pre-game
Game Coaching
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Good luck! Have fun and don't forget the pizza!
__________________________________________________________________
You and some other coaches/parents are organizing a general instructional clinic(s) for
elementary aged children... no actual set teams. What drills/skills are you going to teach? How
can we make it fun?
Again, with youngsters, do about 90 minutes. You can have both girls and boys doing this
clinic. In the clinic setting, you should teach individual player skills... save team concepts,
offensive sets, plays, zones, etc for their team coaches. You need to teach them correct
fundamentals and still make it fun for them.
Spend about 10-15 minutes on stationary ball-handling and dribbling drills. Get them all in one
big circle, spread out, with the instructor in the center of the circle. Each player has a ball. The
instructor goes through the ball-handling drills and dribbling drills and the players follow his
example, doing the same drill the instructor is doing. Since I am getting older and am not as
skilled as I was years ago, I have one of our excellent high school players do the ball-handling
and dribbling demonstrations... they are heroes to the kids! Have a couple coaches walk
around the circle helping kids who are having difficulty.
Do 5-10 minutes of two-man passing drills... the chest pass, bounce pass and overhead pass.
Demonstrate correct technique... step into the pass, hands on both sides of the ball, snap the
pass finishing with the thumbs pointing down.
Work on lay-ups, demonstrating correct footwork. Split them into two groups (equal talent) with
a group on each basket. Each group makes two lines (shooters and re-bounders) along the
sidelines. Start with right-handed lay-ups. When you say "go" each group starts doing lay-ups,
with the shooters going to the end of the rebounding line and the re-bounders going to the end
of the shooting line. Every time a lay-up is made, that group yells the count (the number they
have made). First team to 10 wins... the losers have to do five push-ups and the winners get to
count for them. You can have similar competitions shooting short shots in the paint area.
Here's a variation the kids love... they are all on the same team. Have a shooting line starting in
the center of the free throw line area, and a rebounding line near the basket. The rebounder will
pass it to the first person in the shooting line, who steps in to about the hash marks (depends
on the age) and shoots. The kids yell out their number of baskets each time one is made. You
give them a time limit and a goal of how many shots they must make in that time period (adjust
this based on their skill level and so every player gets to shoot at least twice). If you have a big
group, you may want to run this on each end of the floor. Make it challenging for them. If they
fail to make the goal in the allotted time, they all have to do five push-ups. Now here's the part
they love... if they succeed in "beating the clock", then the coaches all have to do five push-
ups! They love counting for you when you are doing your push-ups.
Use your imagination... you can create other little games for them.
Spend the last 15-20 minutes scrimmaging... man-to-man defense, no full-court pressing.
Divide the talent equally and don't have the same kids on the same team each week... mix
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them up. When you have both girls and boys, I have found that it is best to split them up and
have the girls scrimmage on one end (use the side baskets) and the boys on the other. When
playing together, some boys will never pass to the girls and the girls get upset and frustrated.
So if you have enough players, let the girls have their own game.
At the end of practice, get them all in the huddle and tell them how well they are doing, and
advise them to do dribbling and ball-handling every day at home for ten minutes. Then
everybody puts there hands together and yells your school mascot name-- like "Rayders!!!"
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Running a Youth Basketball Clinic
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
You have been asked by a youth group, church group, or school to run a basketball clinic for
your area youth. Or you are a high school coach wanting to build his/her program by starting
"from the ground up" with your younger players. For this discussion, let's assume the kids have
had some basic level instruction and are in the 12-17 year old age range. For even younger
kids, click here (go to the bottom of the page).
Hopefully you will be able to break it down into various age groups and will have several
sessions with each group (maybe a week long clinic). Your focus should be teaching the basic
fundamentals, while making it fun for them. Below I have listed the fundamental skills you
should teach, and some drills for each fundamental. Vary these drills from day to day, to
maintain player interest and for more fun.
You will need space, a large enough gym (full-court) for the players to spread out, and
hopefully several side baskets. You must have enough basketballs so that each player will
have a ball (ball-handling and dribbling drills). Make sure younger players and girls use the
28.5 size ball. Have practice jerseys for scrimmaging. Enlist the help of some assistants. If
you can get them, some of your local varsity players (both boys and girls) can be very helpful in
demonstrating and helping with the various drills… e.g. dribbling and ball-handling drills). And
the younger players oftentimes look up to the varsity players as their heroes… so get good role
models.
Passing
Articles:
Two Man Passing Drills
Three Man Passing Drills, including the full-court weave.
Triangle Passing Drill
Depending on how much time you have, teach these additional fundamentals
Rebounding Techniques... box-out, grab the rebound, chin it, and outlet pass.
Articles:
Rebounding Tips
Circle Drill
2 Man Drill
And if you have even more time, here are some good, fun transition drills
4 on 4 Transition
11-Man Drill
Pitch and Fire Drill
Piston Drill
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Let them scrimmage some at the end of each session, just for fun! Give positive, constructive
instruction as they play. When you notice they are tired, have them stop and make a few
suggestions, and then resume play.
OK, there's a lot of stuff to look at. But don't try to do too much at once. Ideally, you will have
several sessions for each group, and you can work these various things into your plan. I think
the kids will enjoy it more if you vary the drills. But some drills (the basic ball-handling and
dribbling drills should be done each time at the start of the practice).
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Conditioning
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
"Don't play sports to get into shape. Get into shape to play sports." - unknown
Endurance, strengthening, stretching and flexibility all are important parts of playing any
aerobic type sport such as basketball. Close games are won late in the game often by the
team with the best physical conditioning. When you are tired, your shots come up short, you
miss your free-throws, your defense, hustle and rebounding suffer... and these are the things
that win games. If you are a quick, full-court pressing and fast-breaking team, you must be in
top physical condition and you can win against more talented teams by pushing them to their
point of fatigue.
Ideally, the conditioning process should begin before the season starts, as each serious-
minded player should come to the first practice already having begun his/her conditioning at
home a couple weeks before practices begin. A home program can involve stretching
exercises, home strengthening exercises, running distances and sprints and jumping rope
(good for foot speed, coordination and endurance).
Once practices start, use a program of stretching, followed by running drills that stress aerobic
conditioning. Finish with strengthening exercises or weight room work-out (two or three days a
week). Players are stronger these days and this translates into confident, athletic teams that
can rely on their strong rebounding, defense, and hustle to win many games.
Many teams run sprints ("gut busters", or whatever you like to call them). However, I believe
that it is better to run specific conditioning drills using a ball, rather than just running sprints. If
you are going to make your players run, have then do it with a ball... speed dribbling, dribbling
moves, full court defense 1-on-1, etc. There are a number of great drills that combine
conditioning and specific skills. When you do these drills, your players will get tired quickly.
When they are tired, let them catch their breath by having them shoot free-throws or work on
shooting form to simulate the fatigue that occurs in a game situation. But be sure to start your
practice with stretching exercises first, to enhance flexibility and avoid injuries.
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Below is a list of drills that are all excellent for aerobic conditioning as well as developing a
specific skill. If you use the 3-man weave, the "piston" and "pitch 'n fire" drills, 4-on-4 transition,
and the full-court dribbling drills, your players will definitely get an aerobic workout, and if you
run some of these drills every practice, your conditioning will be much better. You can vary the
drills from practice to practice. Make sure all drills are run with intensity and speed, no
"dogging it". If you feel the team is loafing, stop the drill and as "punishment" (or motivation)
have them each take a ball and speed dribble back and forth full-court several times (down with
left hand, back with right hand). But don't go overboard... follow a high intensity aerobic drill
with free-throw shooting or some other less aerobic drill, or even a "time-out", which simulates
the rest in a game situation, to discuss or demonstrate some concepts of your offense,
defense, etc.
Also, when using competitive drills (where the losing team has to run a few sprints), instead of
just running sprints, always have them take a ball with them and speed dribble back and forth,
so they are working on dribbling as well as conditioning and their "punishment" (motivation).
Conditioning Drills
Defensive:
1 on 1Drill (do the full-court drill)
Z-Drill
Piston Drill
Passing:
Pairs Passing Drills (do the full-court drills)
3-Man Passing Drills (Full-Court Weave)
Transition Offense/Defense:
Pitch 'n Fire Drill
Transition Offense Drills
4 on 4 Transition
11-Man Drill
Hustle Drill
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What to Eat Before a Game or Practice
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
First, the athlete should maintain a healthy diet every day, not just on game day, for overall
well-being.
Suggested foods:
Some kind of pasta is a good lunch or dinner choice.
Others:
Cereals and grains
Vegetables
Crackers, peanut butter cracker or peanut butter sandwich
Pancakes
French toast
Bagels
Orange juice
Apples
Bananas
Grapes
Lean Meats
Avoid dairy products high in fat. Low fat yogurt would be fine.
Adequate fluid intake is important before and during the game to avoid dehydration... but again,
too much is not good medicine. In addition to water, sport drinks or fruit juices are good
choices.
If your practices or games are late afternoon, right after school, make sure you eat breakfast
and lunch that day. Some fruit like bananas or oranges one hour before the practice or game
would be a good booster.
www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/1438.html
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About Food Supplements...
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
I have been asked about the use of food supplements, Creatine and Androstenedione.
For those who don't know me, I am a physician specialized in Internal Medicine, and am a
Fellow of the American College of Physicians (I coach for fun!).
I have summarized this info from "The Medical Letter", an authoritative, unbiased panel of
prominent American physicians and pharmacists... Vol 40, Nov 6, 1998 issue.
Creatine
This is a natural amino acid derivative (not a steroid). It is made in the liver, kidneys and
pancreas, and is in food sources such as meat and fish.
Effects on Performance:
In one study, creatine led to an increase in body mass, mainly through water retention. A 28
day trial at 20 grams/day dose in 8 weight-lifters (a very small number for a study), showed
some increases in strength, weight and fat-free mass. A summary of 31 short term studies
(using the drug for one week) indicated that creatine may "modestly improve performance" in
short duration (less than 30 seconds) bursts, but not in sustained activity... and this was only in
a laboratory setting. No definite benefits were shown in actual field studies. Other studies
showed "no consistent advantage during aerobic exercise".
Summary:
Creatine may mildly improve performance in brief aerobic activities in the laboratory. Whether
this translates into improvement in an actual athletic competition is unknown, and has never
been proven. No data is available yet on long term safety. The potency and purity of creatine
sold as a dietary supplement is unknown since it is not under FDA control, and many users
tend to exceed the recommended doses.
Personal Comment:
Creatine does not replace conditioning, weight training, practice, and hard work in achieving
athletic success. Any benefits are probably minimal, and could be achieved by weight training
and practicing more. Certainly when a young player sees Mark McGuire using it, it is a powerful
influence for him to try it also. Mark McGuire's success I believe relates mainly to his hard work,
great hand-eye coordination, training, etc. Who knows if creatine really helped him hit all those
homers. If, instead of using creatine, he put a plug of chewing tobacco in his mouth as he
walked up to the plate, would we all think that it was the tobacco that gave him his great
success? If you use it, do not exceed dosage, and drink plenty of fluids, and don't whine if you
develop side effects 10 years from now, because the long term effects are not known.
===================================================================
Androstenedione
This is an androgen (male hormone). It may cause an increase in the male hormone
testosterone. There are no proven data showing that it definitely increases muscle mass or
performance. If it did increase muscle mass, it would be in a way similar to taking androgenic
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steroids and would probably carry all the same long-term side effects: prostate cancer, liver
tumors and liver failure, loss of male fertility, behavioral changes. Women who use testosterone
become more male-like with deeping voice, cessation of menstrual periods, scalp hair loss,
acne, facial hair growth. In adolescents, stunting of overall height can occur. Androstenedione
has been banned by the IOC, NCAA, NFL and many other athletic organizations. Again, its
long term effects are not definitely known.
Here is another article from the Mayo Clinic on the use of both creatine and androstendione.
Please read the entire article, and not just the parts that seem to justify your own belief.
http://www.mayohealth.org/mayo/9811/htm/muscle.htm
An additional personal note: It is my opinion that you will not get an unbiased answer from the
companies that manufacture and sell these supplements. They are making money on the
sales.
I hope this information helps you make the correct decision in regard to the use of these drugs.
James A. Gels MD, FACP (aka "Coach" Gels)
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Basketball Terminology
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Like any sport or discipline, basketball has its own language. A novice could listen to two
coaches talking to each other and not have any idea of what they are talking about! This is true
in almost any subject. Studying to become a doctor, you first have to know the names of all the
parts before you can cut 'em out! How do we come up with all these terms? It is an evolutionary
process over the years. An expert coach uses some new term at a basketball camp, and it
becomes part of the vernacular. A colorful TV commentator (Al McGuire and his "aircraft
carrier", Dick Vitale, etc) come up with very colorful expressions, and it becomes part of the
game, BABY!
This page will be like a basketball dictionary, trying to define our terms. Realize that sometimes
coaches don't completely agree on what something means, and sometimes we have more than
one term for the same thing... e.g. a "screen" and a "pick" (same thing to me).
This page can be a work in progress. If any one has a term to add to this list, or disagrees with
my definition, please email me.
First, lets look at the "half-court" diagram below to define areas of the floor.
"Low post" area is the area near the "block" on either side of the lane (or "paint" area), to about
half way up the lane toward the free throw line.
"High post" is that area along the free throw line, and both "elbows".
The "point" is out front, and the "wings" on either side. The "short corner" is between the corner
and the basket, about 12 feet out.
"Ball-side" refers to the side of the floor where the ball is. "Weak-side" is the opposite side
away from the ball. Players cutting on the weak-side toward the hoop, are using the "back-
door".
"10 second line", or half-court line, is the line down the center of the floor. It divides the "full-
court" (entire playing area) into two "half-courts". Your "fore-court" is the half-court with your
basket, and the "back-court" is the half-court with the opponent's basket. Once a team gets
possession of the ball, it has 10 seconds to get the ball across the half-court line into its fore-
court. Once across this line (all three points - the ball and both feet), they may not pass or
dribble the ball back across this line, or step on the line (while having possession) or the "over
and back" violation occurs. The offense may retrieve the ball without penalty if deflected across
by a defensive player.
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Numbering players, offensive terminology.
Years ago, numbers were not used. You usually had two "guards" who played the "perimeter"
and brought the ball up the floor. The "center" usually played around the high-post area, and
the two "forwards", started in the short corner to corner areas, extending out to the wings.
Now, most coaches use a numbering system, as the old definitions often do not apply any
more, with players playing in multiple offensive formations. Using a numbering system, makes
it easier for coaches and players to understand plays, sets, and know their roles. Different
numbering systems exist and coaches have their own favorite ways of doing this. Here is the
numbering system that I use, which I feel is very easy for young players to learn. The diagram
below shows a "3-2 set".
The "point guard" is #1. The right "wing" is #2, and
the left wing is #3. The right low post is #4, and the
left low post is #5.
In a "1-3-1 set", you would bring one of the low posts up to the high-post area. In a "1-4 set",
you bring both post players up to the elbows ("stack offense"), or you can drop both wings
down to the corners ("low stack"). You could use a “4-out, 1-in offense” with four perimeter
players and one post player. The "open post offense" (5-out) is yet another.
"Pick and roll" -- a play where an offensive player sets a "screen" ("pick") on a team-mate's
defender, thereby freeing up the team-mate, after which the screener moves, or "rolls" off the
screen to the hoop, or an open area for the return pass (see Setting Screens).
"Give and go" -- a very basic play where after passing to a team-mate, the passer quickly cuts
toward the basket, and receives the return pass back from his team-mate for the lay-up (see
"Play 23").
"Reverse the ball" -- this means to quickly move the ball, by passing, to the opposite side of the
fore-court, either by a series of quick passes, or by means of a "skip pass" (a pass directly
across court, thereby "skipping" one or more offensive players in the succession around the
perimeter). You may want to reverse the ball quickly to "over-shift" a zone defense. By moving
some of your offensive players to one side of the floor (e.g. against a zone defense), you "over-
load" the zone.
"Post up" -- offensive move wherein a low post player positions himself, and "seals" his
defender off so that he can receive the pass down low on the block, where he can use a "post
move" for a score, or quickly pass the ball back outside to an open team-mate for a three-
pointer (going "inside-out").
There a terms referring to types of offensive cuts made by players, usually moving without the
ball. Rather than re-defining them here, please read the page on "Cutting and Faking".
There are terms that refer to various types of dribble moves (see "Dribbling").
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To understand the terms "triple threat position", "jab-step" and perimeter one-on-one moves,
see “Outside, Perimeter Moves”.
"Out-of-bounds plays" are used in an attempt to get a quick scoring opportunity when you have
to in-bounds the ball (either under your basket, or along the sideline.) There are many of these
plays to choose from on the home page.
There are the terms, "on the line" and "up the line". These two terms refer to a defender's
position on the floor, relative to the ball-handler and his man. Use this illustration... stretch a
rope between the ball-hander and your man (let's say between the point guard and the wing).
"On the line" means your defensive position is such that you can see your man and the ball,
and your body is directly on that imaginary line usually with chest toward the player, and head
toward the ball with arm up in the passing lane, in a "full denial" situation. "Up the line" means
you are in a position backed off from this imaginary line, toward the basket, in a position where
you can see both ball and your man, prevent the "back-cut", and yet be able to force the ball-
handler to pass away from your man. The farther apart the ball-hander and the wing player are,
the more the defender can drop back "up the line", and still be in position to intercept or deflect
the pass.
A "trap" is set when two defenders double-team the ball-handler, trying to force a turn-over or a
jump-ball situation.
"front the low post" -- on defense, this has to do with how you defend the low post player. The
defender can stay between him and the basket, or get out in "front" of him between the low
post player and the passer, so as to "deny" him the poss.
"box-out" -- what every player should do when a shot goes up... try to block out, or "box-out",
the person he is guarding to keep him away from the basket and prevent him from getting
"inside position" for the rebound. See “Rebounding”.
"Zone defense" -- each defender, rather than guarding a specific opposing player, is assigned
to guard or cover a certain area of the floor, or zone. These man-to-man and zone definitions
are very general and broad, as "a good zone looks like a man-to-man, and a good man-to-man
looks like a zone", each incorporating certain aspects of each other, for an overall "team
defense". Many different zone sets are used, 2-3, 3-2, 1-3-1, 1-2-2, etc (see "Zone Defense").
By definition, the term "zone offense" refers to a team's offensive strategy used to defeat a
zone defense (see "Zone Offense").
There are various "gimmick" defenses that combine elements of zone defense and man-to-man
coverage (e.g. "box and 1", "triangle and 2", etc). See “Junk Defenses” and “Match-up Zone
Defense”.
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defense, or may involve a "full-court press", which can be man-to-man, or a "zone press" (see
"Transition Defense"). Against a full-court press defense, the offense will often use a "press-
breaker", a play designed to counteract the full-court press.
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Basketball History
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Dr. James Naismith invented the game in 1891 in Springfield, Massachusetts at Springfield
College. He was a Presbyterian minister (but never preached)… and a doctor (but never
practiced medicine)… and an educator and physical education teacher… and a basketball
coach. He was born in Almonte, Ontario of Scottish ancestry. Thus, this great American (and
now worldwide) sport was invented by a Canadian, with a Scottish accent! He was a thirty
year-old assistant physical education director when he invented the game. He only played in
two games! The first baskets were not peach baskets as the story often goes, but were
vegetable baskets nailed to the railing of an elevated circular running track, which just
happened to be about 9 or10 feet high.
He eventually became head of the physical education department at Kansas, and designed the
first golf course in Kansas. His favorite sport was fencing and he was very good at it. He
invented basketball for fun, as a simple physical education activity… not something to be
serious about! He said often, “Basketball is just a game to play. It doesn’t need a coach… you
don’t coach basketball, you just play it.” Nevertheless, he became basketball coach at Kansas
in 1900, and lost his first game 48-8 to Nebraska. He coached for eight years and his won-loss
record was barely .500. But he started a great Kansas tradition. For years, the Kansas
Jayhawks had one of the most winning programs in all of college basketball. Phog Allen
(Kansas, record: 590-219), Adolph Rupp (Kentucky), and Dean Smith (North Carolina) were all
Jayhawks.
Naismith never patented his game, and did not profit from it. Lawyers advised him to get a
patent, but he was always adamantly opposed to it. At one point his personal finances were so
bad that his house in Kansas was repossessed by the bank.
Dr. Naismith worked with the famous football coach, Amos Alonzo Stagg. He helped Stagg
design the first football helmet. Stagg later gave credit to basketball for the development of the
forward pass in football.
The first public game was in Armory Hill YMCA on March 11, 1892, with a crowd of 200 on
hand, as the students beat the teachers 5-1. Amos Alonzo Stagg scored the only point for the
teachers. The first women’s game was March 22, 1893 at Smith College in Northampton,
Massachusetts. The first college game was Feb. 9, 1895… Minnesota State School of
Agriculture beat Hamline 9-3. The first women’s college game was in April 1895 between
Stanford and California. The first men’s professional league began in 1898 and was known as
the National Basketball Association (but not the same NBA as today). The first national AAU
basketball tournament was in 1897. Wisconsin claims to be the first state with a high school
state tournament, which was won by Fond du Lac in 1905. High school basketball attracted
national attention 12 years later in 1917.
Basketball was first played in the Olympic Games in 1936, in Berlin, when the USA beat
Canada 19-8 for the gold medal. The game was played outdoors, in the mud and rain, on a
tennis court.
2. The basket.
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Peach and vegetable baskets were used, but it was a nuisance to get out the stepladder every
time someone scored! In 1893, a carpenter designed a wire rim, with a chicken wire net. It
didn’t exactly SWISH! The term “cagers” relates back to the old chicken wire nets.
Backboards were designed so that fans, reaching over the railing, couldn’t deflect the shots.
3. Number of players.
Originally, 9 players were on each team… then 7, and now 5. Dr. Naismith once said that there
could up to 40 on each team, if the floor was big enough!
4. Fouls
On your second foul, you had to sit down on the bench, with no substitution (sort of like
hockey), until the other team scored a goal, and then you could come back in. On a flagrant
foul, you were disqualified for the rest of the game, with no substitution… so your team might
be playing with only 8 instead of 9 players. If your team committed three consecutive fouls, the
other team was awarded a goal.
5. Out-of-bounds.
The 5-second rule was original. If the ref couldn’t tell who hit it out last, the ref would just throw
the ball straight out into the court, and whoever got it, got it!
6. Game times.
Two 15-minute halves, running watch. Halftime was 5 minutes.
8. Positions
Dr. Naismith suggested the 9 players be arranged on the floor as: a goalkeeper, 2 guards, 3
centers, 2 wings and a “home man” (basket hanger)… no 3-second rule in those days.
9. On roughness:
Dr. Naismith did not want it to be rough like rugby… “The time to stop roughness is before it
begins”. He found that after a team committed two consecutive fouls, they would really be
careful not to foul again, since the third foul would give the other team a goal… and not many
goals were scored in those days. The jump shot and the fast break had not yet been invented!
Dribbling and ball handling was not as good, with a lopsided ball.
“Basketball: a new game”, James Naismith, Springfield College, Coaching Basketball by Jerry
Krause, Masters Press, 1994.
“The Basketball Man”, Bob Broeg, Coaching Basketball by Jerry Krause, Masters Press, 1994.
“Basketball History”, Jerry Healey, Coaching Basketball by Jerry Krause, Masters Press, 1994.
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Teaching Man-to-Man Pressure Defense
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Man-to-man pressure defense enables us to get pressure on the ball at all times ("on-ball"
defense), while still protecting the basket ("helpside defense"). I love watching a well-coached
team that plays great man-to-man pressure defense. Here's the way we teach it.
How do you force the ball to the side? The on-ball defender at the top of the key, or on the
wing, must close-out on the ball-handler with his sideline (outside) foot back and the middle
(inside) foot forward. Have the defender put a little more of his/her weight on the front foot, so
that if the ball-handler makes a quick dribble move toward the outside, the defender can push
back off that front foot more quickly.
Some coaches deny the point to wing pass, but it might make more sense to let the pass go to
the wing if we really want to force to the side. Once the ball is on the wing, we want to deny the
pass back out to the point, and force the ball even further into the corner. Now realize that
most often the pass to the low post comes from the wing. And once the ball gets into the low
post, most of the time bad things happen... they either score or we foul. So it is very important
to teach your post defenders to front the low post as the ball moves to the wing and corner
areas. We must deny that pass into the post. But what about the "over-the-top" lob pass?
First of all, this pass is a difficult pass to consistently complete... it is often thrown too high and
out-of-bounds. But when this pass is made, the opposite low post defender (in "helpside")
must immediately rotate over to double-team that pass, while the opposite wing defender (who
should already be inside the paint in helpside) rotates down to cover the opposite low block.
Baseline dribble-penetration.
We also want to deny dribble-penetration along the baseline. If the on-ball defender gets
beaten, the low post defender (who is fronting the low post) should immediately rotate to the
baseline to stop the ball. Meanwhile, the opposite low post defender must immediately rotate
to cover the vacated post player while the opposite wing defender rotates down toward the
basket. Once we have the ball stopped at the baseline, we will try to trap here and get the five-
second count, or get the ball-handler to make a bad desperation pass outside... something that
we can intercept.
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ball, so that it is really difficult to make that pass. But won't playing up tight on the ball-handler
allow him/her to beat the defender with a dribble move? Yes and no... read about "help and
recover" below. The principle of help and recover is very important in denying dribble-
penetration, once again pointing out that man-to-man defense is a "team defense", not just
individual man-on-man. Also, our helpside low defenders should be in position to stop dribble-
penetration, but at the risk of leaving an unguarded low post player... so we must teach our
outside defenders how to work together with help and recover to keep the ball outside
Defensive positioning off the ball - Deny, Helpside, Help and Recover
See Diagram A below. First, pretend there is an imaginary line up the middle of the court
called the "helpside line" (red line). And then also imagine a line drawn from the ball to each
offensive player (green lines). We like to have our defenders one pass away from the ball in
"deny", playing "on the line" (see Diagram A). This is especially true if we want to deny a pass
back out from the corner to the wing and from the wing to the point. Depending on your own
coaching philosophy and the opponent's strengths, you may or may not want to deny the pass
from the point to the wing.
Defenders whose man is two passes away are in "helpside", and are "up the line" sagging into
the lane (paint) area. This helpside positioning almost looks like a zone away from the ball and
puts our defenders in a better position to help prevent inside passing and dribble-penetration.
Helpside defenders should never lose sight of their man and should use their peripheral vision
to always see the ball and their man. Some coaches call this the "pistols position" pretending
that your index fingers are pistols, with one pistol pointing at the ball and the other pointing at
your man. Some use the term "ball-you-man" to emphasize this point. Once the ball gets
down in the corner, all helpside defenders should have one foot on the helpside line (Diagram
B). You can see in this diagram that our X5 defender is in a good position to slide over and
provide backside defense to the over-the-top lob pass to O4. And X4 is in a good position to
deny the pass to O4 and also deny dribble-penetration by O2 (Diagram C). Also notice how X5
and X3 rotate in this situation. Also notice in Diagram B, that whenever the ball is below the
free throw line, the helpside defenders should have one foot on the helpside line.
Now notice in Diagram D below how the defense shifts and rotates on the "skip pass" across
court to O3. Not shown in the diagram, if O4 flashes to the ballside elbow, X4 will move up and
try to keep a hand in front denying O4 that pass, while X2 (in helpside) can drop down a little
lower in the paint in the event of the over-the-top lob pass to O4.
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order to help stop the dribble penetration. On the other hand, if one of the help defenders is
guarding their star outside three-point shooter, you would probably rather keep that defender in
a deny position and not leave his man to give help. It helps to know your opponent.
We would also like to keep the ball out of the high post (elbow or free-throw line area). Here
we will 1/2 or 3/4 front the high post. The technique here is for the defender to keep his feet
between his man and the basket but have one arm and hand wrapped around in front of the
high post player in the passing lane. See below about defending inside, post screens.
Double-teaming a dominant low post player. See the two diagrams below. Against a star post
player, 1/2 or 3/4 front with your post defender from the baseline side. If he/she receives the
pass, have your opposite wing defender (who should already be in the paint in helpside) drop
down and double from the lane side to prevent the move to the lane. This is preferable to
double-teaming with the opposite post player, as that would leave the remaining offensive post
player unguarded. Using the opposite wing to double may make you susceptible to the
opposite wing kick-out and three-pointer, but this may be preferred if that wing player is not a
good shooter. If he/she hits a few, it's back to the drawing board!
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Defending cutters
Another important aspect is to deny the pass to a cutter moving through the lane. Here the
defender must try to keep between his man and the ball, denying the pass. But if the cutter
establishes inside position (relative to the passer), one technique the defender can use is to
"bump the cutter" off his/her intended pathway by getting position and riding the cutter away
from the basket. Here the defender must use good footwork and establish position over the
cutter... you cannot simply push or hold the offensive player. Examples of cuts to defend
against are the "give and go" cut, a cut from the weakside wing (either with or without a
screen), flash cuts to either high or low post, back-cuts, etc.
One special circumstance... defending the curl cut. See the diagrams below. A good quick
guard will sometimes run down low and curl around a post player in order to lose his man. I
believe the best defense here is for the defender to "chase" the offensive player around the
screen as closely as possible. Sometimes I'll see the defender instead just drop back outside
thinking the cutter will be coming back out to his original spot or the perimeter. The right-hand
diagram below illustrates the error in this thinking. A good offensive player will read this and
pop out to the corner instead for the skip pass and open three-pointer.
Inside post screens should be switched, since you usually do not end up with a size-quickness
mis-match here (see below). On outside perimeter screens, you must decide whether you
want to switch these screens, try to fight over them, or slide through (under) them. Switching
on the outside could occasionally lead to size and quickness mis-match, especially if a post
player steps outside to set a screen for a guard. Here are some ways to deal with various
screens.
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On-ball screens.
See Diagram G. You can try to fight over these screens rather than switching, especially if
there is a "big-little" mismatch (such as when a post player steps outside and sets the on-ball
screen). Otherwise, you could simply switch the screen if no size or quickness advantage is
given up. We can fake a switch by having the X1 defender "show" over the top of the screen,
stopping dribble-penetration and forcing O3 farther outside. Forcing O3 outside allows X3 the
spacing to fight over the top of the screen. Then X1 must recover quickly back to his man.
This is just another example of "help and recover".
Several important points...
1. The three remaining defenders must be ready to give help if
O1 rolls off the pick inside and gets the pass over the top.
2. X1 and X3 must not allow O3 to split the trap with the dribble.
Off-ball screens.
Oftentimes, if the defenders communicate well, the screened defender can simply slide through
this screen (Diagram I). It is also easy to switch these screens, as long as a mis-match does
not occur.
But if the offensive player coming around the screen is a very good shooter, then it is best to
fight over the top of the screen (or switch it). See Diagram H. It should not be difficult to fight
over the top as X3 has already dropped down in helpside. As the screener comes near, X3
simply steps out over the top of the screen and stays with O3. Or you can switch this screen,
as long as the screened defender works hard to drop back ("step under") and avoid getting
sealed outside by the screener. See Diagram J. Here X1 picks up O3 and X3 quickly slides
inside of and takes O1. X3 must be very careful not to get "sealed" outside, allowing O1 to roll
inside for the pass.
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Inside Post Screens.
As stated above, it is best to switch inside screens. Here you are usually not giving up a size
or quickness advantage, and switching gives us the best chance to deny the pass into the low
post.
Here is a simple rule to use. The defender fronting the low post always takes the low cutter,
while the other defender always takes the high cutter.
In Diagram K1, the cutter cuts low. O5 cuts low and X4 switches and simply continues fronting
that low post (now occupied by O5). X5 would take O4 now, who may move to the high post or
the opposite side. In Diagram K2, the cutter goes high (which is probably what occurs more
often). Here X5 drops low and inside O4, while X4 moves out to deny the pass to O5 flashing
to the elbow.
In Diagram L, the cutter cuts high. A switch is not always necessary as X5 steps up the lane
over the top of the screen and stays with O5, while X4 continues fronting O4.
Downscreens.
See the two diagrams below. It would be tempting to simply switch the downscreen as the X2
defender is in perfect position to pick up the cutter O4 coming around the screen, and X4 is in
good position to take the screener O2. Two problems could arise however. First, after the
switch, you could have a big-little mismatch. Second (see the diagram to the right below), the
cutter may read this switch and instead flare out to the short corner for the pass and open shot,
as X2 is caught inside. So we believe it is better not to switch this screen and instead
aggressively chase around the screen.
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Backscreens.
We switch backscreens. See the two diagrams below. As O2 cuts backdoor, X4 will switch
and prevent the pass inside to O2. Very importantly, the screened defender X2 must quickly
step in front and around to get inside position on the screener O4 and avoid getting pinned
outside. This is usually not too difficult if X4 calls out the backscreen to warn X2 that it is
coming. After this switch, you may have a big-little mismatch and these defenders will want to
switch back at the first opportunity... which may be during the next perimeter pass, especially if
the pass goes weakside.
Remember, good man-to-man defense is "team defense". Here is a good quote: "The best
man defense looks like a zone and the best zone defense looks like a man."
You can create your own simple breakdown drills to teach the above principles. Or get Coach
Bob Huggins' (University of Cincinnati) excellent book, "Building a Man-to-Man Defense". This
booklet is loaded with drills on teaching these man-to-man concepts.
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Zone Defense
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Zone defense is different from man-to-man defense in that, instead of guarding a particular
player, each zone defender is responsible for guarding an area of the floor, or "zone", and any
offensive player that comes into that area. Zone defenders move their position on the floor in
relationship to where the ball moves.
Zone defense is usually effective in stopping dribble penetration and one-on-one moves, and
for this reason, has been banned in the NBA, as fans like to see spectacular one-on-one
moves. On a personal note, I believe that all kids must develop their man-to-man defensive
skills first. I believe youth basketball leagues should limit the use of zones to the older age
groups. On the other hand, some high school and college coaches treat zone defense almost
as if using it were blasphemous, or an admission of inferiority! At the upper levels, I believe
you should assess your team's strengths and weaknesses as well as your opponent's, and the
game situation, and use whatever tool you need to try to win.
2. In using a press, you can protect the paint area and force the opponent to shoot from
outside. An example would be using the 2-1-2 or 2-3 zone which places a lot of defense in the
paint and invites the offense to shoot from outside. This is a good way to see if the other team
can shoot from outside. Not all teams can shoot the outside shot consistently. Even good
shooting teams have off nights, especially under tournament pressure.
3. Your team may be in foul trouble, especially your big man. You can help protect him with a
zone.
4. You can slow the game and control the tempo somewhat with a zone.
5. Although players must hustle regardless of the type of defense that is being played,
sometimes when your team is fatigued, playing zone for a few minutes may help them catch
their breath.
6. By changing defenses from man-to-man to various zones, you can keep the offense off-
balance and confused.
7. If you use the full-court or half-court press, after the press is broken, it is easy to slip back
into a half-court zone defense
2. If the opponent is having a good shooting night, your zone is beaten, and you must consider
going to the man-to-man to get pressure on the ball out on the perimeter.
3. There are not always clear-cut rebounding box-out assignments and sometimes the
offensive player will slip inside for the offensive rebound and lay-up.
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4. If you play zone most of the time, and rarely play man-to-man, your players may become
complacent on defense and may lose their man-to-man skills. I would practice man-to-man 80-
90% of the time, and zone the remaining 10-20%.
6. Get to know your opponent and adjust. Over-protect against the best shooters, or the "hot"
shooter, and sag off the guy who never shoots.
8. Especially if you are ahead, don't gamble or get too zealous about trapping the wing and
point guard positions. Keep pressure on the ball, but also protect the paint and force the
outside, low-percentage shot.
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2-3 (or 2-1-2) Half-Court Zone Defense
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
The 2-3 zone has the advantage of protecting the inside, the "paint", and keeps your "bigs"
inside. It's weakness is that it can be beaten by good outside shooting, with open areas on the
wings, point and high post.
A critical point: When the ball moves into the corner and the #4 defender moves out to cover
the ball, it is imperative that the #5 defender slides over immediately into the low block vacated
by #4. If #5 does not get there in time, the offense may get an easy pass into the low block, and
a lay-up.
Study the diagrams below to understand the how the zone shifts, or moves. Read “Zone
Defense” for detailed tips on playing zone defense.
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Defending the point.
Defending the point is always problematic.
If you know that their #2 guard is their best shooter, then have #1 defend the point at first and
allow #2 to sag toward their good shooter. And just the opposite applies if #3 is their best
shooter.
At first you may decide to defend the point loosely, but if their #1 starts hitting some shots,
you've got to get pressure there. See the web-page animation.
* Never let their point split the #1 and #2 defenders and dribble penetrate the middle.
#1 and #2 may really have to move quickly and work hard, and work together in order to cover
the point and both wings.
Players often think playing a zone is easier than man defense, but in fact, to play good zone,
you may have to work much harder to be effective.
If you have double-teamed the corner (Diagram C), a long effective skip pass is less likely, but
in this case would be covered as follows (see Diagram G):
1. Pass from right corner to left corner or wing... cover this with X3 defender.
2. Pass from right corner to point... cover the receiver with X1.
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1-3-1 Half-Court Zone Defense
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
The 1-3-1 zone has the advantage of being able to apply pressure on the outside arc and high
post, and allows for some trapping. The major weakness is when the offense attacks from the
corners and into the low post. Coaches may differ on who covers what, but you have to decide
which is best for your team and make sure your players all understand how you want them to
shift and defend.
Study the diagrams below to understand the how the zone shifts, or moves.
Any time the ball goes into the high-post, #1 should drop back and double-team the ball
(Diagram B).
If the ball is on the wing, #5 should be defending the ball-side low post, and #4 covers the ball-
side elbow, and the weak-side wing slides down to the opposite low post (see Diagram C)...
then when the pass from the wing to low post occurs, you should be in pretty good position to
stop them. If you want to gamble a little and trap the wing, have #1 and wing defender make
the trap and have the opposite wing stay outside a little to deny the pass back to the opposite
guard. The corners are vulnerable here, but hopefully the player with the ball will not see this
while under the pressure of the trap (See Diagram D).
Now, when the ball is in the corner (Diagram E), I have #5 go out and defend the ball-handler,
and #4 goes to the ball-side low block, and the ball-side wing sags toward the ball-side elbow.
Diagram F shows one way to trap the corner, provided #2 can get there quickly. #4 stays on
the ball-side low block and #1 fills the gap between the ball-side elbow and three-point arc.
The opposite wing (#3) has the entire weak-side, backside coverage.
All these movements have to be made quickly... a split second too late can make the difference
in the opponent scoring. Defenders must "get there" quickly.
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Copyright 2003, James A. Gels, all rights reserved.
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1-2-2 and 3-2 Half-Court Zone Defenses
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
See Diagram B. Ball on the wing. The wing defender covers this and #1 drops down to the
ball-side free-throw line area.
See Diagram C. Trapping the wing. If you want to gamble a little and trap the wing, use #1
and the ball-side wing to make the trap. The opposite wing slides into the high post. Although
trapping the wing adds an element of risk to your defense, you might consider this when the
ball-handling skills of the offensive perimeter players is suspect, or if you are behind and need
to get pressure on the ball.
Many teams will try to attack this zone from the corner. Your defenders must shift quickly to
prevent the pass from the corner to the low post.
See Diagram D. Ball in the corner, no trap, deny the corner to wing pass. #4 will come out on
the ball, and #5 must really move and "get there" to defend the ball-side low post. The weak-
side wing (#3) will drop down to the weak-side low block and cover the backside. #2 will deny
the pass back out.
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See Diagram E. Trapping the corner. You can try trapping the corner if #2 can get down there
quickly. Once again, #4 will come out on the ball, and the ball-side wing (#2) will drop down
and create the trap. #5 must really move and "get there" to defend the ball-side low post. #1
fills the gap between the ball-side elbow and the three-point arc. The weak-side wing (#3) will
move just inside the free-throw line and cover the high post and backside.
Defending the high post. This can be a real problem with this zone. We'll discuss some
strategies for stopping this.
1. When the ball is on the wing, and you are not trapping the wing, #1 should slide down and
deny the pass to the high post. See Diagram F.
2. When the ball is on the wing, and you are trapping the wing, then the opposite wing must
defend the high post. See Diagram G.
3. When the ball is passed to the point, if the pass to the point came from a wing, then the
opposite wing must defend the high post (if there is a high post player there). See Diagrams H
and I.
4. If you are still having difficulty stopping the high post, and if the opponent's point guard is
not a strong outside shooter, then consider going to a straight 3-2 zone.
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3-2 Zone Defense
With the 3-2 zone, you drop the point defender
(#1) down to the free throw line. Because of this,
you can also position your wing defenders out a
little wider.
With the 3-2 zone, you can still cover the wing the
same as in the 1-2-2 zone seen in Diagrams B.
You trap the wing with the wing defender and the
middle defender, while the opposite wing slides
into the high post (Diagram K below).
You can cover the corner by having the ball-side low defender (#4) come out and the weak-
side low defender (#5) go to the ball-side low block... exactly the same as with the 1-2-2 zone
(Diagrams D and E above). Optionally, instead of #5 sliding over to cover the ball-side low
block, you can cover the ball-side low post with #1 sliding down (see Diagram L). The weak-
side wing (#3) will move to the ball-side elbow.
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Match-up Zone Defense
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
I've had a number of requests for an article on the match-up zone. Sometimes this is called a
"combination" defense, combining elements of man-to-man defense (on ball), and zone
defense (away from the ball). This is a zone defense that acts a lot like a good man-to-man
defense. The on-ball defender closes-out and plays tight like in a man-to-man. The zone
away from the ball resembles man-to-man "help-side" defense.
A good man-to-man defense looks like a zone away from the ball (help-side defense)... see
Basic Defense. The match-up zone resembles what we years ago called a "switching man-to-
man", where defenders switch freely with one another, so that your defensive big men stay
down low and your quick guards are on the perimeter.
This discussion also reminds us that "a good zone looks like a man-to-man, and a good man-
to-man looks like a zone."
An advantage of the match-up defense is that it may confuse the opponent in trying to figure
out what defense you are actually playing. Also, it may dictate or affect the offense's basic set
and get them out of their usual comfortable set. With the match-up, you can show a 2-1-2
formation, which may force the offense to go with a 1-3-1 or a 3-out, 2-in set. If you show a 1-
3-1 or a 1-2-2 match-up zone, the offense may change to a 2-1-2, or 2-3 set. So you may be
able to put them into something they are less comfortable with. For a good listing of
advantages and disadvantages, see Coach Jackson's excellent page on "Combination
Defenses". As in any aggressive man-to-man defense, pressure the ball at all times, front the
low post, deny the passing lanes, and give help on inside penetration.
Now let's look at some defensive sets and how to match-up. You can create your own match-
up rules so long as your players all understand and know the coverage patterns. In the
diagrams below X = defense, O = offense.
Refer to Diagram A.
Here your 2-1-2 match-up faces a 1-3-1 offense. You see in the diagram
how your defensive players match up with the offense. X1 takes the point
(O1), and X2 gets the right wing player (O2), while X3 comes out to pick
up the left wing (O3)
Refer to Diagram B.
The 2-1-2 match-up zone faces a 3-out, 2-in offensive set. The coverage
pattern is identical to that in Diagram A, except that X5 will drop down to
the low block and pick up O5.
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One guard defensive front match up zone.
By using either the 1-3-1 or 1-2-2 set, you may be able to force the
offense out of their usual 1-3-1, or 3-out, 2-in offense and into a 2-1-2 set.
Refer to Diagram E.
Here's how to match up against the 1-4 stack offense. X2 should play
the gap between O2 and O4, and X3 plays the gap between O3 and O5.
Both of these defenders can try to deny the pass to the wing and help
when the ball gets to the post player at the elbow. If X2 (or X3) gets
beaten by the back-cut, then X4 (or X5) must recognize this and pick up
the cutter, while X2 (or X3) slides over to pick up the post player (O4 or
O5) that was vacated by the switch.
Refer to Diagram F.
Here's how to match up against the 1-4 low stack offense. X2 should
again play the gap between O2 and O4, and X3 plays the gap between
O3 and O5. Both X2 and X3 can attempt to deny the pass to the two
offensive players they are gapping. X4 and X5 three-quarter front the two
low post players. X1 plays good man-to-man defense against the point
guard (O1).
So far, so good...
Now how are you going to deal with cutters? This is one of the difficulties with the match-up
zone. Players can get confused as to how to rotate to pick up cutters. Offensive players
cutting from side-to-side are usually not a problem as the defenders can easily switch this. But
confusion can occur when the cutters are moving from high to low, or when the offense
overloads one side. You can handle this in a couple of ways. You can create your own set of
117
rules for your players as to how to rotate the coverage, so long as everyone fully understands
the rules and you drill this in practice. A simple way to solve the problem of screens and cutters
is (1) have all players automatically switch on all screens and (2) stay with your man until
he/she moves near another defensive teammate and then switch. As in any good defense,
bump the cutter off his/her intended path.
The other option, which is even more simple, is to have just one rule... once the initial match-
ups are done (on that particular offensive possession by the opponent) and you have affected
the offense's basic set, everyone plays man-to-man, using the concepts of on-ball, deny and
help-side defense (see Basic Defense).
Refer to Diagrams G and H... you must have a solution for defending these offensive cuts.
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1-3-1 Match-up Zone Defense
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Contributed by:
Coach Ken Sartini (aka "Coach Sar"), Arlington Hts, IL.
Coach Sar ran this 1-3-1 match-up for years with his high school team. But first take a look at
the general article on match-up zones. Also be sure to view the animation also.
An advantage of the match-up zone defense is that it may confuse the opponent in trying to
figure out what defense you are actually playing. Also, it may dictate or affect the offense's
basic set and get them out of their usual comfortable set. You can show this 1-3-1 match-up
zone, and the offense may change to a 2-1-2, or 2-3 set. So you may be able to put them into
something they are less comfortable with.
As in any aggressive man-to-man defense, pressure the ball at all times, front the low post,
deny the passing lanes, bump the cutters, and give help on inside penetration.
In this article, we will discuss Coach Sar's 1-3-1 match-up zone and demonstrate how to deal
with cutters. This is one of the difficulties with the match-up zone. Players can get confused as
to how to rotate to pick up cutters. Offensive players cutting from side-to-side are usually not a
problem as the defenders can easily switch this. But confusion can occur when the cutters are
moving from high to low, or when the offense overloads one side. In this discussion X =
defense, O = offense.
See Diagram A. X1 picks up the guard to his right and X2 gets the other
guard. X3 drops down to get the player in his/her corner and X4 gets
the opposite corner. X5 has the middle.
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Rule 3. If O5 steps outside, X5 has him/her man-to-man.
See Diagram B. Again, X5 is man-to-man with O5 at all times, even if
O5 steps out on the perimeter. X5 may sag back a little inside if he/she
knows that O5 is not a good outside shooter. However, if O5 can shoot
the outside shot, then X5 must play up (on-ball) on O5.
Rule 4. Play the flash cut to the high post or elbow and high-low
post situations man-to-man.
See Diagram C. Again, X5 is man-to-man at all times. But when the
other post (O4) flashes high, X4 stays with him/her man-to-man and
tries to get a hand in the passing lane to deny the pass from the wing.
X1 drops down to help deny this pass as well. X1 faces the wing (and
ball), putting his/her right foot alongside the left foot of O4. The
important rule here is, X1 must not let O4 hook his leg, else when the
pass goes back out to O1, X1 will not be able to recover, and O1 gets
the open three-point shot.
Coach Sar says that the high-low post offense gives this defense the
most trouble. Work on this a lot in practice (against the high-low set),
and master how you are going to cover each situation that arises.
Against some teams who play a lot of hi-lo, it might be best to play both
X5 and X4 man-to-man at all times against O5 and O4... something to
consider. Also see Diagram K below.
Rule 5. When defending against the dribble, stay with your man
and switch zones (not men).
See Diagram D. O1 has the ball and dribbles right. X1 will stay with O1
and X2 now takes X1's zone on top. You switch zones, not men.
X2 and X1 are in the same zones as they were at the start of the
screen. They switched men, while maintaining their same zones.
Notice how X1, X3 and X4 all rotate to the ball clockwise around X5.
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Rule 7. Rules for covering shallow ball-side cuts (continued).
Optional man-to-man coverage.
See Diagram G. You could also decide to play this cut man-to-man with
X1 staying with O1.
Whatever way you decide to play it, practice it and make sure your
players all understand their assignments.X4 all rotate to the ball
clockwise around X5.
X1 will slide over and get O3. X4 moves out with O4.
Once again, as with defending the shallow ball-side cut, X1, X3 and X4
rotate around X5 to the ball.
Whatever way you decide to play it, practice it and make sure your
players all understand their assignments.
See Diagram J. Here's a situation with both posts low (a 3-out, 2-in set).
The weak-side wing makes a cut to the ball-side corner to create an
overload.
X2 gets O4.
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See Diagram K. Here's a similar situation with a deep ball-side cut
except that first, O4 flashes to the high post or elbow. You recall from
Rule 4 above that the flash cut is covered man-to-man, so X4 moves up
to the high post with O4.
Now if the weak-side wing (O2) cuts to the ball-side corner, X2 will have
to play this man-to-man to the corner, since X4 is occupied playing O4,
and X5 never leaves O5 (always man-to-man).
X2 will initially stay with and bump the cutter and then flare out and pick
up O4.
A final note...
However you decide to play these situations, make sure you practice all of these scenarios so
that your players understand their assignments. Remember your goals: pressure the ball at
all times, front the low post, deny the passing lanes, bump the cutters, and give help on inside
penetration.
Be sure to view the animation on the web-site to better appreciate how these cuts are handled.
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2-2-1 Half Court Press
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
This half-court trapping press can be especially effective against teams with mediocre,
inexperienced guards. Remember that any trapping defense always carries some risk of giving
up the easy weak-side lay-up.
Set up as in Diagram A. Two defenders are at the half court line (#1 and #2). #3 and #4 are
positioned near the three-point arc. #5 is positioned in the middle near the free throw line. We
like to have someone at this position at all times to cut off the center pass.
Our guards (#1 and #2) will meet the ball carrier at half-court and try to force him to move to
one side (away from the middle). As the ball moves to the side, the defenders shift also toward
that side (see Diagram A). In this example, the ball is being dribbled toward the right sideline. In
this case, #4 will come up and will stop the sideline penetration, with #1 completing the trap. #2
has dropped down toward the three-point line and #5 move out a little toward the corner, and
#3 moves to the middle (see Diagram B). Notice that we still have a 2-2-1 configuration at this
point.
#2 and #5 try to position themselves in the gap between two offensive players, and are
concentrating on the pass interception. #3 moves in front of any offensive player that moves
into the center at the free throw line, and denies that pass.
See diagram C. If the ball is passed across court to the opposite sideline, #2 and #3 should
create the trap, with #1 moving to the top of the three-point arc (#2's former position), #5
moving to the ball-side, and #4 moving quickly to the middle (#3's previous position).
If the ball is passed into the corner (Diagram D), #5 will move out to cover it, while #4 will move
to the ball-side low block. At this point, I would move into a standard zone defense, such as a
1-2-2 (see 1-2-2 Zone). You can continue trapping using this zone defense, as outlined on that
page.
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Copyright James A. Gels 2002, All rights reserved.
124
Defending a team with a “star” player, “Junk” Defenses
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Defending a team with superior talent or a star player is always a challenge. There are a
variety of “junk” defenses that can be tried in this situation, or a coach may simply choose to
make some adjustments in his usual man-to-man or zone defenses. What- ever the situation,
through good scouting, know what your opponent likes to do on offense and try to neutralize or
take that away from them. Go for the heart…the heart of their offense, whether this is their fast
break/secondary break, or a good low-post game, or good outside shooting. You probably
won’t completely stop them, but if you can make them work harder, or go to a second or third
option, you have a better chance.
No matter what kind of defense you play, make the “star” player work hard, and not only for his
shots on offense, but also make him play defense. Don’t let him rest on the defensive end.
Take the ball at him and force him to play defense, and expose him to picking up some early
fouls. If they try to protect him by using a zone defense against you, put your better shooters
on his side of the floor, and try to get most of your shots in his “zone”. If they play man-to-man,
find out which one of your players he is guarding. As soon as the opponent shoots the ball,
send this player down court on the quick breakaway. This may cause the “star” to drop back
on defense, and not pursue the offensive rebound, and may be a constant worry to him,
perhaps affecting his offensive play.
If it is your style, and not his, fast break every opportunity to tire the star, and make him less of
a factor than he is in a “half-court” game.
On defense, know the “star’s” tendencies. With a perimeter player who likes to drive to the
hoop, or who is very quick, have your defender drop back an extra step. If he prefers going
right, overplay him and force him left. If his main forte is outside shooting, deny and stay up
tight on him. A low post player who likes the baseline drop step, take that away and force him
to the lane.
Situations:
1. The “star” is the point guard.
Try to take him out of triple-threat position by forcing him to dribble. Try to keep him from
penetrating. Have your “helper” set up at the top of the key, three-point arc area. By playing
here, he will be able to help double team the star, or pick him up if he gets by your main
defender. Also, try to confuse him…trap him the first couple times down the floor, then back off
and don’t show the trap for a few minutes, and then do it again. Keep him off-balance. After
trapping and forcing him to give up the ball, deny the pass back to him.
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3. The “star” is a low post player.
(1) Box-out and keep him off the offensive boards.
(2) Deny the pass to him. There are several components to this. The low post
defender can three-quarter front him to keep the pass out. Your “helper” can front him.
Your perimeter defenders must harass and guard the perimeter tightly to prevent the
easy pass into the post. They must move their arms and feet and try to block the
passing lanes.
(3) One strategy is this: overplay his
baseline so he cannot drop-step to
the baseline. Force him to the lane,
where your opposite wing defender
will double team him. With this
strategy, assuming the opponent’s
outside shooters are only average, I
tell our wing defenders that when the
ball is in the opposite low post, to
drop down into the lane to help
double team the star in the lane. If
the star is able to recognize this, and
is willing to make the pass off to the
opposite wing, and if that wing
player is able to make the shot
consistently, we may have to change
this strategy… but that’s three “ifs”!
Junk Defenses
First, several points about “junk defenses”.
1. If your team is better than the other team, there is no need to use a junk defense. Just play
your good man-to-man, or your good zone.
2. Do not base your entire season’s defensive plan on junk defenses.
3. If you use a junk defense, use it as a diversion, or something to confuse the enemy.
4. If you use a junk defense, realize it is a gamble, can often be easily beaten, and you must
be willing to drop it quickly.
“Box and 1”
This defense uses four defenders playing
zone defense in the standard “box” set-up.
Two defenders are on the low blocks, and
two are up at the elbows. The fifth defender
plays man-to-man defense against the star
player. This defense may work best against
a team with a good point-guard or perimeter
player.
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“1-3 and a chaser”
Again, this defense will probably work best
against a team with one exceptional
perimeter player. In this case, three
defenders play across the low blocks as
they would in a 2-3 zone defense. The two
low block defenders have corner and wing
responsibilities. The “1” is set in the middle
at the free-throw line, and is probably one
of your quickest, best defenders. He has to
cover from elbow to elbow above the free
throw line, and try to contest the outside
shot. Your best defender is the “chaser”
who plays their “star” man-to-man.
Good outside shooting teams can quickly rip apart this defense, but if the shots aren’t falling,
this can be an effective defense. Opponents will usually counteract this by using a two-guard
front in order to split the defender out front. If this happens, you can change to the “box and 1”
(above).
This is about the opposite of the "1-3 and a chaser" (above). Both can be used against a star
point guard. You would consider using the "1-3 and a chaser" against the team with weak
outside shooting and stronger inside post play. Use the "3-1 and a chaser" against the team
with the star point guard and good outside shooting, but only average low post play. You can
also consider alternating between these defenses. If you are in the "1-3 and a chaser" and they
start hitting the outside shot, change to the "3-1 and a chaser".
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"Diamond and 1"
This defense would work best against a team whose star is an all around good athlete who not
only plays the wings and corners, but will also go inside. Again, your chaser is your best
defender, and plays man-to-man against this star player.
The other four defenders are set up in a
diamond formation and play this as a
zone. The diamond consists of a
defender at the point, two wing
defenders and a low post, middle
defender. This defense is weak in the
high post area and corners. If you are
getting burned in the high post, or the
star goes out and plays the point,
consider switching to the "3-1 and a
chaser" (above).
“Triangle and 2”
You can try this defense against a team
with two excellent scorers and three
average players. Two defenders play
man-to-man against the two scorers.
These may not necessarily be your
best defenders, but quickness helps.
The other three defenders play zone.
Two play on the low blocks and have
corner responsibilities too. Your very
best, quickest, hardest-working
defender plays the middle position
starting at the free-throw line. He must
cover the free-throw line area and
above. He must also cover the ball-side
low block when the ball goes into the
corner.
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Two Half-Court Defensive Strategies
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Some believe the wing defenders should play "on the line" (see Basic Defense) and prevent
the pass to the wing player. By denying the pass to the wing, you may be preventing one of
their better shooters from getting the ball. Also, since the entry pass to the low post most often
comes from the wing, you are making it more difficult for the offense to get the ball into the low
post by contesting two passes (the point to wing pass, and the wing to low post pass). The
disadvantages of this strategy include (1) the wing defender getting beat by the back-cut, and
(2) dribble penetration up the lane by point guard who can shoot or dish off to the low post.
On the other hand, some coaches want to get the ball out of the point guard's hands and allow
the pass to the wing uncontested, but then deny the pass back to the point guard. This
philosophy has the ball getting into the hands of players who may not be as skilled ball-
handlers as the point guard. This helps stop the point guard from being a big factor, but may
allow easier access to the low post.
As is often the case in this game, I think you have to be flexible and adapt your strategy
according to the team you are playing.
If your opponent has strong wing shooters, or likes to get the ball into the low post from the
wing pass, then try to take this away from them by denying the wing pass.
If the opponent's strength is their excellent point guard who like to dribble penetrate, then
pressure the point guard and get him to pass off to the wing. Then aggressively deny the pass
back to the point and keep the ball out of his hands.
First, you may want to deny the point to wing pass as discussed above. This stops the first
pass.
Then try to deny the second pass (wing to low post pass) by having your low post defender
"three quarter" front him with a hand in front. If the post player receives the ball, his defender
should prevent the move to the baseline, as I believe this is the easier, more natural move for
most post players. So first take the drop step to the baseline away from him, and force him
toward the lane. Then double team him with your weak-side guard, who prevents the move
into the lane.
In this situation, when the ball is in the low post, your weak-side guard slides down quickly to
prevent the move to the lane. This should not be difficult for the weak-side wing defender as
he should already be backed down to the weak-side elbow in "help-side" position when the ball
is on the wing and his man is two passes away from the ball. As soon as he sees the pass go
into the low post, he should slide down and double team the post player from the lane side. I
129
think this is a better strategy than double teaming with your weak-side low post defender, as
this opens up the opposite offensive post player for a dish and open lay-up. Whereas, when
the double team comes from the weak-side wing, the low post player may be forced to pass
back out to the perimeter to the opposite wing. If the opposite side wing player is an excellent
outside shooter, you may have to double team with the low post instead.
130
Defense for the Last Few Seconds of the Game
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
There’s only a few seconds left in the game and you are up 1 or 2 points. You could either play
man-to-man, or use one of the zones below. Use your tallest players to prevent the long pass
and pressure the in-bounder. Use your quickest players on the sidelines and wing areas.
Rule: No fouls, unless you have a foul “to give”. Certainly no shooting fouls.
If the ball comes up the sideline, rather than batting it out-of-bounds, try to keep it in play so
that the clock keeps running. If you must “bat” the ball, bat it into the back-court.
Diagram B shows a zone against the half court throw-in. In this situation, #4 and 5 protect
against the long pass to the paint. #2 prevents the pass up the sideline for the corner three-
pointer. #1 must cover the 3-point arc including the top of the circle and the weak-side, being
wary of any weak-side pass (a skip pass to the left side of the 3-point arc).
Of course, if the opponent is down three points, put all four defenders on the three-point arc
and give them the two pointer.
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Transition Defense
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
"Transition" refers to the process of changing from defense to offense (transition offense), or
offense to defense (transition defense). Transition defense can be as simple as having one
guard protecting back after a score, rebound or steal, with the rest of the team hustling back on
defense. Or, if the opponent is a fast-breaking team, it may require two guards (see below).
Or transition defense may employ a full court pressing defense, which can be simple full-court
man-to-man pressure, or one of various zone presses.
When your team shoots, at least one guard should not attack the offensive board, and should
remain "back" beyond the three-point lane, in the center of the floor. This should be assigned
to a certain player and be his responsibility. When a substitute comes in for him, the sub must
know that this is now his responsibility. If this player drives to the hoop, there must be
communication and understanding that a second guard will now have this responsibility. If this
fundamental is not kept, the opponent will get easy transition, fast-break lay-ups. As the guard
retreats to stop the break, his teammates must hustle down quickly to defend. Players who fail
to sprint back on defense usually find themselves on the bench. There is no excuse for not
hustling and sprinting back on defense, unless it is fatigue and you need a rest.
Two-guards back
Some teams are very proficient at the fast-
break, and break every time they get the ball.
To stop this team, try this defensive approach
(diagram A). Assign two guards to stay back on
defense. When the shot goes up, the three "big-
men" crash the offensive boards, while two
guards retreat to the mid-court line, one on each
side of the center circle. The guard on the ball-
side will pick up the dribbler and try to stop the
ball. The other guard retreats back to the
opponent's paint area to prevent the lay-up. If
the opponent gets the rebound, one of our re-
bounders should try to "jam" and pressure the
re-bounder in order to prevent, or slow down,
the outlet pass. The other two players should
sprint back on defense.
If the opponent is successful in running a fast-break, your "prevent" guard may find himself in a
2-on-1, or 3-on-1 situation, he being the only defender. In this situation, the prevent man
should be taught to first prevent the lay-up. If the opponent chooses to shoot the outside
jumper, give it to them, as it is a lower percentage shot than the lay-up, you avoid getting a foul,
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and you may get the rebound, or delay the offense long enough for your teammates to arrive
on defense. Often I see high school players make the mistake of coming up away from the
basket and challenging the ball, only to get beaten by an easy pass to another player under the
basket for a lay-up. Again, the defender must stay back and "gap" the offensive players, that
is, try to straddle and cut off the passing lanes to the easy lay-up.
With the above strategy, team hustle and understanding of transition defensive assignments,
you can go a long way in stopping, or slowing down the fast-break.
The advantages are that it can quickly produce back-court turnovers, and easy steals and
scores for your team. So it is an offensive weapon as such, and a way to come from behind, or
a way to break open a close game. The press keeps the opponent off-balance, changes the
tempo of the game, and often has the opponent doing things they don't normally like to do. It
often forces the opposing coach to use valuable time-outs. It favors a well-conditioned team
with a deep bench, and with more substitutions, allows more of your players to get playing time.
There is a saying, "To error is human, and pressure causes error."
3. When trapping, or trying to stop the dribbler, don't reach in! Rather, you must move your
feet to get into position and deny the sideline. The referee is watching closely for the reach-
in foul. Back- court fouls are usually "stupid" fouls, created when the opponent was not
even in position to score. It's especially "stupid" if the opponent is in the two-shot bonus, or
if it is committed with only seconds remaining in a period.
Trapping
In trapping, one defender should first stop the dribbler, often along the sideline or baseline, or
in one of the "trapping zones" (see below). Trapping zones are those areas where the
offensive player definitely does not want to get caught losing his dribble. It's like getting caught
in a corner.
Once the ball is stopped, the second defender sprints over and double-teams the ball carrier.
They cut off the ball-handler's view, and get into his passing lane. The position of their hands
should be at the same height as the ball. If the offensive player holds the ball high to "throw
over the top", the hands should be high. If the ball is low, the hands should be low to prevent
the bounce pass. Do not reach in! This only transforms a good situation into a bad one (now
the player goes to the free throw line). Instead, the trapping players should deny the player
from getting the pass off and get the 5-second call, or force him to make a bad pass, which is
intercepted by one of your teammates.
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Gapping (zone press)
The other defenders who are not actively trapping, try to get into the gaps between the ball-
handler and his teammates. They play the passing lanes and deny and intercept passes from
the trapped player.
There are many type of presses. I will discuss a few below. Please check these links to view
that specific press.
Man-to-Man Press
Full-Court Pressure Defense
Zone Presses
2-2-1 Zone Press
2Up Zone Press and 2-2-1 Deny Press
3-1-1 Zone Press
Drills:
Rebound-Outlet-Break Drill, 4 on 4 Transition Drill, Piston Drill
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Full-Court Pressure Defense
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
The full-court pressure defense is a man-to-man full-court defense. Instead of using the
phrase, "we are going to press this team", I tell the kids "we are going to pressure this team.".
A full-court press often implies trapping, gambling. With the "pressure defense", we do not
gamble and trap much. Remember that a zone press that emphasizes trapping is always a
gamble. A good offense with quick, experienced guards can break through and score easy lay-
ups. Pressure defense is not a gambling defense. It applies full-court pressure to the ball,
while still protecting against the easy lay-up. It basically is the same as half-court man-to-man
defense, but extended to the entire court. The defender "on-ball" picks his man up tightly,
moves his feet and stays between him and the basket. The defenders who are on the ball-
side, play "denial" and stay in the passing lanes between the ball and their man. The other
defenders, who are opposite the ball-side, play "help-side", and help protect the basket against
the easy lay-up. So, what it looks like is the "on ball", and ball-side defenders playing a typical
man defense, but the opposite side looks like a zone back in the paint. There is a saying, "A
good man-to-man looks like a zone, and a good zone looks like a man." This is very true of this
defense.
All defenders must see the ball at all times. They should try to be in position to see both the
ball and their man.
There is one difference using this full-court man, as opposed to the half-court man, and that is
this. If the ball breaks through the perimeter, or gets up the floor ahead of any defender, all
defenders except the "on-ball" defender, must sprint back to the paint to prevent the lay-up.
The "on-ball" defender tries to stay with the ball.
There are two ways of starting the pressure in transition. First, after a made basket or ball out-
of-bounds, have each defender get on his assigned man. Second, after a rebound, steal, or
turnover in transition, have each defender just pick up the man closest to him, rather than trying
to run and find his pre-assigned man. Any mismatches that occur are usually outweighed by
getting the pressure started immediately, and stopping the fast-break. If the offense advances
into half-court, players can "switch" at opportune moments when they are back in half-court.
Trapping, while not the primary consideration, is not completely excluded. If the offensive man
bringing the ball up is caught along the sideline, or in one of the trapping areas (see below), a
second defender can run over to his blind-side and trap him, hoping to create a turnover. But
do not reach-in and get the foul! The other defenders then should be ready to intercept.
This full-court man defense will require the defenders to switch when they are screened.
These switches must be called out loudly and happen immediately, so that the ball does not get
by them. Again, any mismatches, can be switched back later in the half-court if necessary, or
your team can optionally drop back into a zone defense in the half-court.
Remember, good "pressure defense" is not a gambling one, but one that extends the pressure
over the entire floor, while still protecting the paint. This steady, relentless pressure over the
course of the game will harass and tire the opponent, and will cause the offense to make bad
passes, and other turnovers that they would never make if they were just allowed to dribble up
the floor slowly and uncontested. "It is human to err, and pressure causes error."
Check this page in regard to the concepts of "on-ball", "denial", and "help-side":
135
“Basic Defense”.
“41 Deny”
Use this man-to-man press to deny the inbounds pass.
You are going for the 5-second count, or an interception
of a poorly made pass from the in-bounder. With this
press, the defender whose assigned person is the in-
bounder gets back to at least half-court or beyond as the
“safety” against the long pass and lay-up. The other four
defenders immediately locate their man and deny the
pass from the in-bounder by playing the passing lanes
and staying between their man and the ball. These four
defenders should not worry about the long pass over their
heads, as the “safety” is back to stop that.
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2-2-1 Zone Press
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Before proceeding with this page, read “Transition Defense”, on full court defense.
Set up the 2-2-1 zone press like this (see Diagram A). Have two players set at both ends of the
free throw line. Two other defenders should be positioned just inside the half-court line, and
the fifth player plays "prevent".
The in-bounds pass is not contested or guarded. Do not allow a pass in the middle of the floor.
They defenders #1and #2 should allow the pass to a receiver near the corner. They should
wait until he commits himself and starts dribbling. Once he starts his dribble, they should
attack and trap him near the sideline (Diagram B). The other two defenders then position
themselves in the passing lanes to other would-be receivers and look for the interception. The
#5 defender should only come up if he has a clear-cut interception. At this point the defense
looks like a "trap-2-1" zone.
If the ball gets part way up the sideline, the mid-court defender (#3 or #4) should stop the
penetration along the sideline, and trap the ball-handler along with the guard from that side (#1
or #2). Now the opposite guard and mid-court defenders play the zone passing lanes (see
Diagram C).
Allow a backward, retreating pass, as the 10-second rule is in your favor. If the ball moves to
the opposite side, the traps and zones are set on that side the same as described above, only
with the opposite defenders positioned as above. The defenders should never let the ball get
ahead of them on the court. If that happens, they must sprint down-court quickly to recover.
Once the press is broken, or the offense crosses mid-court, all defenders not on the ball should
sprint back to the paint to protect basket (unless there is an easy trap in the sideline, mid-court
line corner). The on-ball defender should stay on the ball and stop dribble penetration.
There are variations and adjustments to this basic zone, depending on how the offense uses their
point guard... i.e. whether he tries to receive the in-bounds pass, or make the in-bounds pass and
137
then receive the ball right back. See “2-2-1 Zone Defense Variations.”
2-2-1 Zone Press Variations
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
This page shows a couple of variations on the 2-2-1 zone press. Before reading this page, first
see the pages on “Transition Defense” and the description of the basic “2-2-1 zone press”.
See Diagram A.
In this case, the #2 defender will deny the pass back to the in-
bounder, and will play him man-to-man, in full denial. The other
four defenders essentially play a zone.
See Diagram B.
In this defense, don't guard the passer. Instead, place your #5 man
back in "prevent", to protect against the long pass and lay-up. The
other four defenders match up with the other four offensive players
and play full denial, trying to prevent the in-bounds pass. Until the
ball is passed in-bounds, you have a 5 on 4 situation, with five
defenders and only four offensive receivers.
The offense may try to screen to get a man open. Be ready for the
quick switch, or fight through.
The offense may try to run their #4 and #5 man toward the passer
for a quick pass. Defenders 3 and 4 must stay between them and
the passer to deny this pass. Often defenders 3 and 4 are worried
about getting beat by the long pass over their heads, but defender
5 should be back to cover the long pass. This is the advantage of
not guarding the passer, but rather having your #5 man protect
against the long pass.
138
3-1-1 Zone Press
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Before reading this page, first see the page on “Transition Defense”. Read the information on
full court defense.
The 3-1-1 zone press features three defenders across the free throw line area, one just beyond
the 3-point line in the center, and one down-court in "prevent" (see Diagram A).
There are two ways of playing the in-bounds pass. In the first method, the in-bounds pass is
not contested, but allowed to an offensive player near the corner (try to deny a center pass).
The middle and outside defender on the ball-side immediately trap the ball-handler, while the
other three defenders cover the gaps between the other four offensive players, trying to deny or
intercept the pass (see Diagram B). In covering the gaps, the defenders should stagger, or
position themselves halfway between two passing lanes. They should watch the ball-hander's
movements and eyes in order to anticipate where the pass will go. Once they see the
commitment in the passer, they should quickly move into that passing lane and get the
interception.
A second method has one of the three front line defenders guard the passer, and then stay with
the passer after the in-bounds pass has been made. This is to prevent the pass back to the
offensive player who in-bounded the ball. The other two front line defenders trap the ball, and
the other two defenders play the gaps between the offensive players.
`
The defenders must stay ahead of the ball. If the ball gets ahead of any defender, he must
sprint back immediately to stay between the ball and the basket. If the press gets beaten, all
defenders must sprint back to the paint and protect the basket. Once the break is stopped,
they can fan out into their zone or man-to-man assignments.
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Adjustment:
Diagram C.
If the offense is successful in passing up the
sidelines (on either side of the #4 defender), then
adjust your zone defense to a 3-2 zone, bringing
the #5 defender up, and have #4 and #5 play just
inside the mid-court area. This of course is more of
a gamble, because no defender is back in
"prevent". All defenders must really hustle back
any time the press is broken.
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"1-2-1-1 Zone Press – Diamond Press"
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
The 1-2-1-1 zone press pressures the in-bounds passer, and attempts to trap the first pass
receiver. You can call either "one fist" or "two fist" options from the bench to change your
strategy a little, and confuse the opponent.
With one-fist and two-fist, always try to deny a center in-bounds pass... make them pass to a
player in the corner, or off to the side.
When the offensive player is trapped in the corner, or
along the sideline, make sure the first defender to get
there, seals off the sideline, so the offensive player
cannot dribble up the sideline. The other defenders must
play in the gaps between the passing lanes, and try to
deny or intercept the pass.
"One-Fist"
#4 and #1 (or #3) immediately trap the first pass.
"Two Fist"
#4 and #1 (or #3) wait until the first pass receiver puts the
ball on the floor and starts her dribble, and then quickly
close in and trap her. In this situation, you are waiting for
the pass receiver to first commit herself with the dribble.
Once you trap her, she has lost her option to dribble.
"Side Fist"
You can also call "side fist" to signal your players to trap
the ball handler along the sideline, either in the back-
court, or the front-court.
141
Some basic principles apply to all presses.
1. Always have one player back in prevent mode to prevent the easy lay-up.
3. When trapping, or trying to stop the dribbler, don't reach in! Rather, you must move your
feet to get into position and deny the sideline. The referee is watching closely for the reach-in
foul. Back-court fouls are usually "stupid" fouls, created when the opponent was not even in
position to score. It's especially "stupid" if the opponent is in the two-shot bonus, or if it is
committed with only seconds remaining in a period.
4. Trapping
In trapping, one defender should first stop the dribbler, often along the sideline or baseline, or
in one of the "trapping zones" (see below). Trapping zones are those areas where the
offensive player definitely does not want to get caught losing her dribble. It's like getting caught
in a corner.
Once the ball is stopped, the second defender sprints over and double-teams the ball carrier.
They cut off the ball-handler's view, and get into her passing lane. The position of their hands
should be at the same height as the ball. If the offensive player holds the ball high to "throw
over the top", the hands should be high. If the ball is low, the hands should be low to prevent
the bounce pass. Do not reach in! This only transforms a good situation into a bad one (now
the player goes to the free throw line). Instead, the trapping players should deny the player
from getting the pass off and get the 5-second call, or try to tip the pass, or force her to make a
bad pass, which is intercepted by one of your teammates.
6. If the opponent is successful in running a fast-break, your "prevent" guard may find herself
in a 2-on-1, or 3-on-1 situation, she being the only defender back. In this situation, the prevent
defender should be taught to first prevent the lay-up. If the opponent chooses to shoot the
outside jumper, give it to her, as it is a lower percentage shot than the lay-up, you avoid getting
a foul, and you may get the rebound, or delay the offense long enough for your teammates to
arrive on defense. Often I see high school players make the mistake of coming up away from
the basket and challenging the ball, only to get beaten by an easy pass to another player under
the basket for a lay-up. Again, the defender must stay back and "gap" the offensive players,
that is, try to straddle and cut off the passing lanes to the easy lay-up.
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Coach Sar’s 1-2-2 Presses
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Contributed by: Coach Ken Sartini (aka "Coach Sar"), Arlington Hts, IL.
This 1-2-2 zone press is an easy press to teach, and is a fairly safe press to run with some
"back" coverage to prevent the lay-up. There are several variations of this press. With each of
these variations, X1, X2 and X3 work together as a unit, while X4 and X5 work together as your
"back" unit. As with most other presses, always try to keep the ball out of the middle of the
floor.
"80"
This is the aggressive 3/4 court trapping press. We always want to keep the ball out of the
middle and force toward the sidelines. Refer to the diagrams below.
See Diagram A. X1 has responsibility for pressuring the ball and stopping penetration back to
the middle. He/she can either attack and trap immediately, or wait until the ball-handler starts
the dribble and then attack. If you want extreme pressure (like late in the game), go straight
man-to-man.
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Ball Reversal
See Diagram B. If the ball is passed back to the inbounder, X1 slides over a little but still wants
to deny the pass back to O2. X3 waits in the middle until X2 rotates over to the middle and
then X3 slides to the right. X3 should not leave the middle until X2 is there as this could allow
the ball to get up the middle. Notice that your "back unit" has rotated also with X4 and X5
assuming a position similar to what they started with in Diagram A.
See Diagram C. As the ball is reversed to the opposite sideline, X3 now prevents the sideline
dribble penetration, X1 sprints over to trap and X2 denies the middle pass. X5 now rotates up
to the ballside sideline at half-court to prevent the pass up the sideline. X4 now drops back as
the deep, middle "safety".
Each time the ball is reversed, the defenders must give up some ground and move backward
some so that X1 will have a better angle to trap.
With "80", Coach Sar says they could usually get one good, hard trap deep and sometimes a
second trap either just before or after half-court. But usually it was 'one and done" and
everyone retreats looking for the half court trap. They ALWAYS looked for this trap no matter
what the call was.
"70"
This is a "safe" press with just mild pressure applied and no trapping. It is "safe" because there
is no real gambling, you don't give up the lay-up, and there is less chance of committing a foul.
The objective is to control the tempo, slow down the offense a little and burn some clock. The
defenders set up a little deeper than in "80" (see Diagram D), and just "float" in front of the
offense, slowing their progression up the floor, while keeping the ball in front of them (no long
passes). If you have a very quick, aggressive point guard, allow him/her to pressure the ball all
over the court.
X1 sets up just inside the top of the key and X2 and X3 set up a little farther outside the arc.
X4 and X5 drop back a little as well.
Anytime you utilize this press, you can still look for the half court trap as in "76" below. When a
team thinks that you are just controlling tempo, the trap seems to work well.
"76"
This variation starts out like "70" with just mild pressure. We try to lull them to sleep, while
gently steering them and inviting them to cross half-court along the sideline (see the red blocks
in Diagram E). Once the ball crosses half-court, we aggressively trap in that corner, red block
area. You could set the trap with X1 and either X2 or X3 (depending on which side of the floor)
and use rules similar to "80" wherein the opposite wing (X2 or X3) denies the middle pass. X2
and X3 have to "act" a little and seem dis-interested in trapping to get the ball to enter the half-
court along the sideline.
A variation is "Red 76". X1 and X2 (or X3 depending on which side of the floor the ball is on)
will trap in the red corner (Diagram F). The opposite wing (X3 or X2) will deny the pass to the
middle. We have the ballside deep player X4 move to the sideline to deny the pass up the
sideline, while X5 denies the pass to the middle. Obviously bringing X5 up from the safety
position is a gamble, opening the door for a long, diagonal pass under the basket. You
probably only want to use this option once in awhile as a surprise tactic. If you do this all the
time, you will eventually get beaten by the long pass over the top.
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Again, always try to keep the ball out of the middle of the floor. Communication between the
defenders is vital. This is especially true between X2 and X3, and between X4 and X5. The
one in the middle must not leave too soon on ball-reversal until the other has rotated over to
deny the middle, as we always want to keep the ball out of the middle.
Coach Sar thinks his teams became more accomplished with "76" since there was less area to
cover. And sometimes the offense would throw the ball away even with just the light "70"
pressure, perhaps because they were confused and didn't know what the defense was going to
do.
There were other times they ran either "70" or "76" just to get the ball out of the hands of the
opponent's best player, and then, when that happened, they would go into a pressure man-to-
man defense and deny the ball back to the best player.
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Basic Concepts of Motion Offense
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
A motion offense is a flexible offense that utilizes player movement, correct floor spacing,
passing and cutting, and setting screens. Rather than running set plays (which can also be run
in the motion offense), players move within a basic set of rules. This allows for greater
flexibility than just running set plays, and will usually be effective against any kind of defense,
whether man-to-man, zone or "junk" defenses. Players can move freely to open areas on the
court. Once the basic concepts are learned, special patterns or plays can be designed by the
coach to take advantage of his team's offensive strengths.
Motion offense can be run with almost any set: 3out-2in, 1-3-1, 1-2-2, 1-4, 4out-1in, etc. For
purposes of this discussion, I will use the 3 out, 2 in set which uses 3 perimeter players and 2
post players (see diagram A).
If you have a very talented team with five
players who can play any position, then your
players can interchange or rotate into any of
the five positions. If you have two dominant
post players, or excellent perimeter players,
then you will want to rotate a little differently.
In the later case, have the two posts rotate
with each other and the three perimeter
players rotate in the three outside positions.
Always try to have your point guard bring the
ball up the floor and start the offense. Make
sure that whoever is at the #1 position when
the shot is taken, stays back to prevent the
opponent's fast break. The 3, 4, 5 positions
go for the offensive rebound and the #2
position plays half-rebound and half-prevent
Basic rules: mode.
Spacing
Players should try to stay 12 to 15 feet apart. Avoid bunching up, which can result in double-
teams, steals, interceptions, and turnovers.
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Player Movement
Players must not stand still. They must move with a purpose.
1. The post players can screen for each other and move up and down the lane to the low
blocks, elbows, and top of the free throw line.
2. The perimeter players can occupy the three positions shown in diagram A, and also move to
the corners. They may make front or backdoor cuts to the hoop, and V-cuts to replace
themselves (see Cutting and Faking). They screen for each other and run pick and roll moves
(see Setting Screens). They must move after making a pass.
Passing
We want to try to get the ball into the low post. A wing entry is usually the easiest way. You
can also get there by passing to a post on the free throw line, and he in turn can pass to the
low post.
Don't pass to someone standing still. These passes are more likely to be intercepted.
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2. You get the ball one on one against the defense: Make a low post move and try to score or
get fouled. (see Post Moves).
3. You get the ball and are double-teamed: Pass the ball back outside, often to where the
double team came from. Going "inside-out" is a good way to get wide open three-point shots.
2. If the ball-side post defender is playing behind him: The wing should pass to the low post,
and the opposite post player should clear out to the weak-side elbow. See Diagram E.
3. If the ball-side post defender is 3/4 defending him with a hand in front: the ball-side post
should set a screen for the weak-side post, who comes to the ball for the pass and lay-up
(Diagram F). Note that if the low post defenders switch on this screen, then the low post cutter
should move out to the ball-side short corner, and the screener should seal off his defender
and come back to the ball for the lay-up. (see Diagram G).
Once your team learns and executes these concepts, you can devise your own patterns and
special plays to take advantage of your best scorers and the defense's weaknesses.
For example, if the defense is in a 1-3-1 zone, then consider using two of the perimeter players
out on top and drop the third perimeter player down in the ball-side corner (see Beating the 1-3-
1 Zone). If the defense is in a 3-2 zone, after passing to the wing, have your point guard
shallow cut to the ball-side corner to overload the zone (see Beating the 3-2 Zone). You don't
need a time-out to communicate this... just yell out "corner 1" (point guard shallow cuts to
corner) or "corner 2" (#2 slides down to the corner), or "corner 3" (#3 moves to the corner).
If they are in 1-2-2 zone, have one of your post players play up on the free throw line (yell "1
up").
If you want to try the 1-4 set, call "2-up" and both posts move up to the elbows. Of course you
can get more creative on these signal calls! (See Motion Options)
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3-2 Motion Offense Options
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
First read "Motion Offense". So you want flexibility and want to vary your offensive attack,
while maintaining the 3out-2in as your basic set. Here are some easy ways to do it.
“1 UP”
To change to a 1-3-1 set, call "1 up" and the
weak-side low post player moves to the high
post.
"2-UP"
Want to show a 1-4 stack set, call "2 up" and
both posts move to the elbows. Now you can
run either the "high-post pick 'n roll" play, or
another 1-4 stack play.
“4-Down”
Call "4 down" to run a simple low stack play
such as this. #1 drives and tries to create his
own shot, or dishes off to a teammate.
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“3-Cross”
Want to overload a zone (in this case the right side)? Call "3-cross" to have #3 make a cut to
the hoop, and then out to the opposite corner. Now the right side of the floor is over-loaded.
“3-Corner”
The defense is showing a 1-3-1 zone and you want to go to a two-guard front. Call "3 corner" to
have your #3 slide down to his own corner, and #1 and #2 move over into a two-guard set.
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3-2 Motion Offense Options, More!
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
First read "Motion Offense". Here are some simple plays to run off the 3-2 set. These do not
necessarily have to be called as set plays, but can be taught to the players as various types of
screening options to use within the general motion offensive scheme. These plays can be run
right or left.
Wing-Low Post Motion
Wing sets a down-screen for the low Low post sets a back-screen on the
post, who curls around the screen for same side wing defender. The wing
pass from #1. After setting the screen, cuts backdoor for the pass from #1.
#3 can seal for the inside position and The low post can also seal and roll for a
the pass from #1, or flare out to the pass from #1.
short corner or wing for a pass for an
outside shot.
Post-Post Motion
Option #1: #4 sets pick for #5 who cuts off the screen for the pass from #1.
Option #2: Same play as option #1-- in this case the defenders made a "switch" and the #4
defender picks up our #5. So our #5 takes his defender out to the short corner, and meanwhile
our #4 should have inside position after screening and sealing his man, for the pass from #1
(who dribbles a little to the right to set up a better passing angle).
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3-Out, 2-In “Hi-Lo”
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Here’s some simple hi-lo post motion that you can run out of the 3-out, 2-in set.
See the diagrams below. In Diagram A, the ball-side post (4) sets a screen for the opposite
post (5). If the 5 goes low around the screen to the block, then the screener (4) cuts up to the
high post area. The pass from the wing could go to either 4 or 5. If the pass goes to the high
post (4), 4 can either shoot or look down low to 5.
Now look at the diagrams below. In Diagram C, the cutter (5) cuts to the high post, so the
screener (4) goes to the low block. Again, the pass from the wing can go to either post player.
It is essential that the screener reads the situation correctly. The screener’s cut is opposite of
what the cutter does. If the cutter goes low, the screener goes high. If the cutter goes high, the
screener goes low.
One precaution: This must happen quickly in order to avoid the “3-second” violation.
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3-2 Motion Offense Plays
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
First read "Motion Offense". Here are a few set plays to run off the 3-2 motion offense.
"43"
Diagram A. #1 passes to #2. Meanwhile #5 screens for #4, who sets a screen for the opposite
wing #3. After setting the screen, #5 flashes to the high post for the pass from #2.
Diagram B. #3 cuts backdoor for the pass from #5. Optionally, #5 can shoot, drive, or pass to
#2 (now in the corner), or across to #4.
#1 passes to #2. Meanwhile #4 moves This play starts with both wings in the
to the opposite elbow to act as a corner, and both posts at the elbows.
screener. #5 curls around #4 and looks
for pass from #2 (and clears back to his #1 passes to #3 cutting up to the wing,
original short corner if he doesn't get and #1 cuts thru for the pass, and clears
the pass). to the opposite corner. #2 moves out to
the point.
After #5 cuts, #3 delays and curls
around #4's screen looking for the pass #5 sets pick for #4 who cuts to the ball-
from #2 (and clears to the opposite side block looking for the pass from #3.
corner). #5 slides down to the weak-side block. or
optionally, can cut back to his original
Then #4 delays, seals, and cuts into the elbow position for the pass from #3.
paint for the pass from #2.
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3-2 Motion Offense Plays -- "Red, White and Blue"
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
These three set plays are run off the 3-2 motion offense. First read "Motion Offense".
"Blue"
"Red"
This play is similar to "White" (see below) except here #1 just makes the pick for #5.
Diagram A. #1 passes to #2. #1 sprints down and sets a pick for #5.
Diagram B. #4 passes to #5 for the low post lay-up.
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"White"
This play is similar to "Blue" except here #1 makes the lane cut.
See also: Play 23, Slip Play, Isolation, Motion Options, Motion Options - More!, 3-2 Motion
Plays, 32 Reverse, Red-White & Blue, Michigan.
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3-2 “Reverse”
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Do you have a good post player who can score in the low block, but he/she is not getting the
ball often enough. Are you having difficulty getting the pass from the point guard to the wing?
This simple play should help that also. I call this "reverse" because it is easy for the players to
remember.
Refer to Diagram A. We use the 3-out, 2-in set. But in this instance, the low posts #4 and #5
start at the wing positions and #2 and #3 start at the low blocks... just the "reverse" of their
normal positions. #4 and #5 set picks for #2 and #3, who cut off the screen hard to the wing
areas looking for the pass from #1 (it is easier to complete pass from the point to the wing
when the receivers are cutting and not stationary).
As soon as #2 and #3 cut off their screens, #4 and #5 immediately pivot and seal the defender
and get into the "post position" to receive the quick pass from the wing (Diagram B). The
passes from #1 to #2 and from #2 to #4 should be made without delay... like a "quick hitter". Of
course, you can run this on the left side too... the point guard makes the wing pass to whoever
is open for the pass. Once the post opposite the ball sees the pass going to the opposite side,
he/she can move up to the elbow to keep that defender "occupied".
Another advantage of using this "reverse" (over simply passing down into the low post) is that
often the defense will switch on the screen, and now you have your tall post player going
against a shorter guard on the low block... a possible "mismatch" for the defense.
After the two quick passes, you only need your post player to "finish". Have him/her practice
low post moves and do the low post drills in practice.
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3-Out, 2-In “Options” Series
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Contributed by: Coach Jeff Farquhar, 7th & 8th Grade Boys Basketball, Metro Christian
Academy, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The first is called "Option" because of the many options available off this play.
Diagram A. Set up in a double stack as shown. #2 breaks out to the right wing and receives
the pass from #1. #3 cuts out to the left wing. #4 posts up hard on the ball-side block. If open,
#2 can make the pass to #4 for the post move and shot (Diagram B).
Meanwhile, after making the pass, #1 cuts around #2. If #1 is able to lose his defender, #2 can
simply handoff to #1 passing by (Diagram C), or make a little delayed "dump" pass to #1 who is
cutting toward the hoop (see Diagram D). In either case, #1 dribbles the ball to the hoop for the
lay-up. You will note that #4 moved out of the low block area, up to the high post, to clear the
area for #1. #4 should be taught that if he does not receive the pass immediately from #2, he
should move to the high post.
If #1 does not receive the ball, he then moves along the baseline, receives a screen from #5,
and cuts to the weak-side corner-wing area (Diagram E). Diagrams E and F. Now the ball-side
is cleared out for a pick and roll play with #4 setting the pick for #2 and then rolling to the hoop.
#2 can drive to the hoop for the lay-up, or dump the pass off to either #4 for the lay-up, or #3 or
#1 for the outside three-pointer.
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"Fist" Option (see the diagrams below)
After the opponent begins to "cheat" on #1 coming off the screen on the "Options" play above,
then use this play. It starts the same way with the double low stack, and once again #1 passes
to #2 on the wing, and makes the cut around #2. #4 immediately moves up to the high post
area. This time, #1 cuts around #2 and sets a screen for #5 (Diagram B). #5 receives the pass
from #2 for the lay-up (Diagram C). If #5 is not open for the pass, he clears to the short corner
area and once again, you have a pick and roll play with #4 setting the pick for #2 (Diagram D).
While #5 is making his initial cut, #3 sets a down-screen for #1. #1 pops outside to the three-
point line. #2 can drive to the hoop, or pass to #4 for the lay-up, or #1 for the three-point shot
(Diagram D).
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Open Post Offense, “Double-Up”
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Contributed by:
Coach Ken Sartini (aka "Coach Sar"), Arlington Hts, IL.
"Double Up" is a 5-Out, open post offense used by Coach Sar with his Blue Demon high school
boys varsity team. This could be your primary offense, or something that you go to from time to
time during a game for various reasons.
These are the following reasons Coach Sar gives for using this offense.
1. To change the tempo of the game.
2. To give your more athletic players an opportunity for "takes" to the basket.
3. To create mis-matches on defense.
4. It's a great delay game offense.
5. It has continuity.
6. Opponents hate to play defense against this, which gives you a psychological advantage.
7. Defenses must be very disciplined or you are going to get some great scoring
opportunities.
8. It allows you to shoot 3's if the defense gets lazy and sags. It allows for great one-on-one,
or two-on-two situations. If the defense overplays, there are opportunities for back-door
moves.
9. When you are over-matched size wise, it moves the advantage to you, providing you can
handle the ball and read defenses.
10. If can be used at the end of practice for conditioning and fundamentals, both offensively
and defensively. Games up to "50", you make the rules. Click here to see the drill. It
teaches teamwork and moving without the ball.
The possibilities are endless... use your imagination within the rules.
159
then passes back-door to #2 cutting to the hoop. Note in Diagram C that the back-cut goes all
the way to the rim, and then the cutter returns and fills the wing spot, while #5 fills the top
sideline spot. Optionally, instead of filling the wing position, #2 and #5 can run a counter move
where #2 would flash back up to the elbow, and then #5 would cut back-door (similar to what is
seen in Diagram H below). Continuity is seen in Diagram D as the ball is reversed.
Players must keep moving and make good V-cuts to receive the pass. Make good pass fakes.
Keep the ball moving. All players should look for openings and possible takes to the hoop.
See Diagrams E and F for a couple "specials" to run off this set. In Diagram E, #5 passes to
#1, who in turn passes to #3. After the pass is made to #3, instead of cutting through, #5 then
sets a screen for #2, who cuts through. If the defense switches on this screen, #5 should roll
off the screen to the hoop. If #2 does not receive the pass, #5 pops back out on top, #2 rotates
out to the weak-side wing and #4 moves out to the top weak-side position. If unable to make
the pass to #3, #1 can pass back out to #5 (Diagram F) and set a screen for #3 who now
makes the basket cut.
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Here is another variation called "Counter". This is useful against teams that switch on screens,
and is helpful in creating "big-little" (and "little-big") mis-matches for the defense. See
Diagrams G and H below. You set up a little differently with #3 on top, your post players on
the top sidelines, and your guards (#1 and #2) lower on the wings (Diagram G). #1 and #2 set
back-screens for the post players, who move down to the blocks. Assuming the defense has
switched on the screens, the post players now have smaller defenders guarding them. Both
posts then flash back up to the elbows (Diagram H), looking for the pass. Meanwhile your
quick guards (#1 and #2) who are now being defended by slower post defenders (after the
switch) make quick back-door cuts.
2. If they trap the wings, have the opposite side wing flash EARLY.... you need someone in the
middle of the floor to help relieve pressure. Then the opposite side hi player can cut back door.
Scouting reports should be able to prepare you for this. This is something that your team
should be prepared for as teams will try to do something to prevent you from holding the ball for
any length of time.
1. The same basic set is used (Diagram I below). #5 can pass to either #1 or #2. The entry
pass is then made to the wing (either #3 or #4 depending on which side the ball is on).
2. Note the same two basic cuts are used as above. #5 V-cuts to the ball-side block and then
moves to the opposite block. #4 V-cuts to the ball-side elbow (Diagram I). Note that these cuts
are not made until the wing (#3 or #4) receives the entry pass.
3. Ball reversal.. See Diagram J. If the cutters do not receive the pass, then #4 moves out to
the top middle position and the ball is reversed (3 to 1, 1 to 4, 4 to 2 and 2 to 5). Also note that
the player that occupies the top middle spot can cut and replace himself to get open. This is a
good option when the defense is sagging a lot, and also if you have a good wing that is flashing
in the middle to the L and making some things happen.
4. Continuity. Once #5 receives the ball, then #4 now makes the basic top cut to the ball-side
block, and then to the opposite block (Diagram K). And #3 makes the cut to the ball-side
elbow. Note that these are the same cuts that were previously run on the opposite side in
Diagram I.
5. Ball-reversal back. Again, if the cutters do not receive the pass, #3 now pops out to the top
middle position and the ball is reversed back around to the original side (Diagram L. 5 to 2, 2
to 3, 3 to 1).
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Several pointers:
1. Players are encouraged to interchange frequently in order to get to their offensive strengths,
so that your post players get inside and your shooters pop outside.
2. Players should pass fake with every touch of the ball, to get the defense to react.
3. The middle top cut must be timed so that the WING player (#3 or #4 above) has the ball first
before the cut is made.
4. The timing of the wing to ball-side elbow cut is such that it is made after the initial top cut is
made, but not too late, especially against heavy ball pressure (in which case it is better to be
early than late).
Now look at the diagrams below. The set can be lowered (depending on the zone you are
against) so that all the players are positioned around the three-point arc (Diagram M). Players
should hit the gaps and seams. The same basic cuts and movements are used as above
(Diagram N). With this set, the post cutter (#5) can hold at the opposite block, and then step
out to the short corner on ball-reversal (Diagram O).
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Open Post High Offense : Basic Motion
Contributed by:
Geoff McCracken
Head Boys Basketball Coach
Dayton High School, Dayton, Texas
Figure 1
Figure 1 above shows our basic set up and entries for our open post high offense.
Our initial set begins with 3 players across the free throw line and the other 2 players
along the free throw line extended. The initial objective is to get the ball to the free
throw line extended. Once the ball reaches this spot then the true motion and
opportunities of this offense begin. The point position (# 1 in fig.1) will look to enter the
ball either to the wing along the half court line or to the FT line extended on a skip pass.
If the wing at half court (#2) receives the entry pass (figure 2 below), the player at the FT line
extended (#5) must make a strong cut to the basket looking for the possible back door. If the
backdoor option does not occur then #5 must make a replacement cut, looking for an entry
pass from the wing.
Figure 2
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In figure 3 below, when the point position (#1) enters the ball either to the wing (#2) or
to the FT line extended (#5) directly he/she executes a basket cut exiting to the FT line
extended opposite the ball.
Figure 3
Figure 4
In figure 4 above, once the ball is entered to the free throw line extended and
immediately after the point position (#1) has executed their basket cut, the weak side
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wing (#4) flashes to the decision spot (middle of the free throw line marked in figure 4
with an X).
In figure 5 below, when #4 reaches the decision spot he/she must recognize how his/her
defender is playing. If the defensive player is denying the flash (in the passing lane) then
#4 immediately plants his/her outside foot and goes backdoor. If the defender plays off
the line then #4 hits the decision spot looking to catch the basketball. If #4 does not
receive the basketball at the decision spot, then he/she plants their inside foot and
replaces the point position looking for ball reversal.
Also, in figure 5, once the basket cutter (#1) has gone through and exited to the weak
side and the weak side flasher (#4) has hit the decision spot, the player at the FT line
extended with the ball (#5 in figure 5) has four options:
1. he/she can hit #4 for a lay-in opportunity on the backdoor cut
2. he/she can look to reverse the basketball either through the half court
wing (#2) or by skipping the ball back to the point (#4 who hit the decision
spot and filled the point position)
3. reversing the ball by skipping it across court to the weak side free throw
line extended player (who was the basket cutter and has filled the weak side
FT extended spot- the 1 in this case)
4. he/she can give the ball to #4 at the decision spot.
Figure 5
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If the ball is given to #4 at the FT line, then he/she faces the basket and has the option
to shoot, drive, or as in figure 6 below give the ball to a backdoor cutter (either #1 or #5
in this case)
Figure 6
Or, when #4 receives the ball at the FT line, #1 and #5 can back screen for #3 and #2
sending those players on a hard cut to the basket looking for the backdoor pass from #4
(figure 7 below).
Figure 7
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Obviously, if either backdoor cutter sees #4 begin to drive to the basket they should
stop their backdoor cut immediately and flare out to the corner looking for a penetrate
and pitch opportunity from #4’s drive to the basket (Figure 8 below)
Figure 8
When the ball returns to the point position, we are again in our initial set (figure 9 below)
Figure 9
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Figure 10 below: The best way we have found to get the ball entered wing to FT line
extended is to back screen both sides when the ball returns to the point position. In the
figure below the wings (#3 and #2) make a hard backdoor cut to the basket off the back
screens set by #1 and #5. After setting their back screens, #1 and #5 pop out to the
high wing area looking to receive an entry pass from the point position. If the wing player
who has cut backdoor does not receive a lay-in pass, he/she must break back to the FT
line extended looking for an entry pass from the wing
position.
Figure 10 Figure 11
In Figure 11, the ball is entered to #5 who popped out after setting the back screen for
#2. #4 makes the required basket cut after entering the ball to #5.
1. In order to try to better defend the back screen and pop out for ball entry,
you might find teams that try to switch those high back screens. In figure 12 below, #4
and #5 set their back screens. The defenders will switch men when the screens are set.
This means that X4 and X5 will pick up the back door cutters and X2 and X3 will pick up
the back screeners who pop out looking for an entry pass. The back door cuts MUST be
made by both # 2 and #3. In doing so, X4 and X5 will pick them up on their path to the
basket (figure 13). When the switch is made, the screeners #4 and #5 will naturally find
themselves ON THE INSIDE of defenders X2 and X3. #4 and 5 should immediately roll
open to the basketball using an inside pivot and cut directly for the elbows looking to
receive a pass. #2 and 3 will find themselves on the outside of the defenders who
switched onto them. #2 and 3 should then stop their cut, plant their inside foot and
make a hard cut to the high wing positions to act as outlets and to draw their defender
away from the FT line extended area.
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Figure 12 Figure 13
2. Another situation that will occur when defenses try to switch the back
screen is that the defense will find itself in a big/little , little/big mismatch. These
mismatches occur when a post screens for a perimeter player and the two defenders
switch men. That leaves a perimeter player guarding a post and vice versa. In order to
take advantage of these mismatches, start your posts in the high wing positions and your
perimeter players at the FT line extended.
Figure 14 below shows the perimeter players setting the back screen for the post players.
The posts must make their basket cuts off the back screens. About midway through
their basket cut the posts should plant their inside foot and make a hard cut to the elbow
looking for the ball. The player at the point position should look to enter the ball to
either of the posts at either elbow. On the entry pass, the perimeter players (who now
have a post guarding them) must plant their outside foot and make a hard back door cut
to the basket looking for the ball.
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3. You will find that teams that play aggressive man to man half court defense
– I mean, right in your face, always in the passing lanes defense – should - and let me
emphasize SHOULD – have real problems with an offense like this as long as the ball is
moved quickly, is moved side – top – side, and is entered to the free throw line extended.
One reversal of the floor should get teams that likes to play aggressive “D” chasing your
cuts and struggling to close out.
But…coaches make adjustments. One adjustment that you would likely see is a sagging
man to man. Especially, if you are consistently beating the other team off the dribble and
getting easy penetration to the basket or if you are beating them consistently off back
door cuts.
If we encounter a team that tries this strategy then we go to either our cutting series or
our screening series.
Screening Series
Basic Set
In our screening series we talk to our players about 2 types of passes that are made in
this set:
1. entry passes
2. reversal passes
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We define an entry pass as any pass that is made going toward the baseline. We can have
two types of entry passes in our screening series:
point to wing pass – made when a player at the point position (#1 in the diagram below)
enters the ball to either wing at the free throw line extended (#’s 2 and 3 in the diagram
below)
wing to corner pass – made when a wing player (either #’s 2 or 3 in the diagram below)
enters the ball to a player in the corner position (either #’s 4 or 5 below)
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A reversal pass is defined as any pass that is made from a wing player back to the point
position.
A pass from the corner position to the wing position is not considered a reversal pass, but
once the pass then goes from the wing back to the point it will be a reversal pass.
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Screens are set on ANY entry pass and on a reversal pass.
There is ONE RULE that must be followed in the screening series is that on ANY screen,
the cutter always goes to the basket and the screener always steps back to the ball.
Point to wing entry: In the diagram below, the point position (#1) enters the ball to the
wing (#2). Upon entering the ball, #1 will set a screen away for the weak side wing (#3).
#3 will curl over the top of the screen making sure he/she uses the screen well by
rubbing shoulders with the screener. According to the screening rule, #3 will go to the
basket and #1 will step back to the ball after setting the screen.
#3 would complete their cut to the basket exiting opposite the basketball to the corner
position. The corner position, with an open spot above them, would fill the next highest
open spot – in this case the wing (since #3 vacated the spot with the curl off the point to
wing screen).
If the defenders switch the screens, then the wing would stop their curl and pop back to
the ball and the screener would pivot and roll open to the basketball going toward the
basket. The screening rule is still in effect and has been met because the wing stepped
back to the ball and the screener went to the basket because of the defensive switch.
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Wing to corner entry: On the entry pass from #2 to #5, #2 would then set a screen
somewhere around the elbow area for the player at the point position (#1). #1 would curl
around #2’s screen making sure he/she uses the screen well by rubbing shoulders with
the screener. According to the screening rule, #1 will go to the basket and #2 will step
back to the ball after setting the screen.
#1 would complete their cut to the basket exiting opposite the basketball to the corner
position. With an open position above them, #3 would fill the next highest open spot (in
the diagram below, the point position vacated by #1 going to the basket off #2’s elbow
screen). The corner position #4, with an open spot above them, would fill the next
highest open spot – in this case the wing (since #3 vacated the spot to fill the point
position).
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In the diagram below:
If the defenders switch the screens, then the point (#1) would stop their curl and pop
back to the ball and the screener (#2) would pivot and roll open to the basketball going
toward the basket. The screening rule is still in effect and has been met because the
point stepped back to the ball and the screener went to the basket because of the
defensive switch.
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Drill: Open Post 5 on 5 Full Court Drill
Purpose: This drill is designed to work on the open post offensive system under
competitive conditions. You’ll find that this drill also acts as a GREAT conditioner.
Objective: The first team to reach a predetermined point total wins the drill. The drill is
made competitive because we always have a consequence for the losers. Before the drill
begins we usually allow the teams who are running the drill to determine the consequence for
losing.
The Drill: Two teams play full court 5 on 5 using only the open post system as a half court
offense. For this drill we can have the offense run the open post high motion series, screening
series or cutting series.
Basically, the two teams play a full court game up to a predetermined point total. We have the
kids call out their points as they get them and one of the coaches tallies the points. The drill is
completely flexible in that you can adjust the points awarded, what the points are awarded for,
you can award points when only a certain player scores off a certain option, etc….
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Post Entries for the Open Post (5-Out) Motion Offense
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
First read Coach McCracken’s “Open Post Motion (5 Out Motion Offense) Basic Rules”
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3. Point passes to wing and
screens away for weak side wing
or corner. Weak side wing or
corner flashes to the post. The
point fills the corner no matter
whom he screens for and the
other players fill up.
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4-Out, 1-In Motion Offense
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Contributed by Geoff McCracken
Head Boys Basketball Coach
Dayton High School, Dayton, Texas
4 around 1 motion
Basic Spacing and Positioning
#1 and #2 position themselves about 10 to 12 feet from the elbows at a 45-degree angle.
#3 and 4 position themselves 12 to 15 feet from the baseline on the arc.
#5 can take any one of the 3 post positions shown.
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2. If you have an under-play pop out to spread the defense.
5. Dribble penetrate-------relocate.
• The most important rule is to keep moving. If you do not catch a pass with 2 seconds you
need to move on.
• When filling spots on the floor move up and away
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Reading screens
It is very important that both the man setting the screen and the man coming off the screen
read the defense.
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• If the defense follows you around the screen then the player coming off the
screen should curl.
• If the defense switches on the screen, then the man who set the screen should
seal the player he screened and come to the ball.
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4-Out, 1-In “Flash”
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Here is a play you can run out of the 4-out, 1-in set.
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4-Out, 1-In “Slip”
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This play is similar to the 3-2 Slip play, but is adapted for the 4-out, 1-in motion offense.
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4-Out,1-In “Swing”
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
This is a play you can run out of the 4-out, 1-in motion offense.
Set up in the 4-out, 1-in set. #1 has the ball and starts the play. #5 flashes to the ball-side
elbow. #4 "swings" around to the ball-side low block. You will notice that this "clears out" the
right side. See Diagrams A and B.
#2 makes a V-cut and receives the pass from #1. #1 then cuts around #2, and receives a
hand-off from #2 and takes it hard to the hoop for the lay-up. If the defense prevents the hand-
off, then #2 might be able to make either a bounce pass, or a "dump" pass (a soft lob pass) to
#1, who still takes it to the hoop. See Diagram B.
If #1 does not receive the ball, then he/she moves through and sets a screen for #4. #2 passes
to #4 for the lay-up. See Diagram C.
Of course, another excellent option (if you have a good #2 guard) is to let the #2 guard have
the option of attacking his/her defender one-on-one after #1 has cleared through, as there will
be an open alley to the hoop. If #4 sees this happening, he/she should stay clear of the right
block.
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4-Out, 1-In “Fist”
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Here’s another very simple but effective play to run off the 4-out, 1-in set. It’s nothing but a
simple pick and roll play (anyone remember watching John Stockton and Karl Malone run this
for years for the Jazz?). If the pick and roll is executed properly, it is very difficult to defend.
The inside post player (5) sets the pick for any of the outside players, and then they run the
two-man game of pick and roll. I think this is more effective if the post player sets the pick on
the middle side so the ball-handler (1) can go around the pick and up the middle of the lane,
while 5 rolls to the opposite side of the lane (See Diagram A below). In Diagram B, the defense
has switched, and now 5 should be open on the seal and roll to the hoop.
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The Shuffle Offense
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The shuffle offense originated in the early 1950’s by Coach Bruce Drake at Oklahoma, and was
subsequently taught by Coach Bob Spear of the United States Air Force Academy, and also
Coach Dean Smith of North Carolina. The Air Force Academy had player height restrictions,
which often left them without a dominant post player. The shuffle offense is an offense that has
all five players rotate in each of the five shuffle positions. So this offense would be an option
for a team that has good ball-handlers but is not blessed with height or a strong dominant post
player.
For a detailed description of the offense see the excellent chapter in Dean Smith's book
"Multiple Offenses and Defenses". This article below describes some basic concepts of the
shuffle.
O1 starts the offense by dribbling the ball up to the wing. O2 makes a V-cut and receives the
pass from O1. O2 could take the outside shot here. Meanwhile O3 fakes inside and cuts hard
outside for the pass from O2. At this point, O3 has the option of taking the shot, taking the ball
to the hoop, or looking for the first cutter O1. Meanwhile O5 sets a screen for O1, who makes
the Basic Cut either around the top of the screen, or back-door, and looks for the pass from O3
for the lay-up. Soon after setting the pick for O1, O5 then screens for O4, the second cutter
(who has drifted outside even up with O5). O4 then cuts to the high post or ballside elbow
looking for the pass and shot (Diagram B). If nothing develops, O2 sets a down-screen for O5
who then pops out to become the point and O2 drops down to become the next feeder
(Diagram C). You now have the same set, but on the opposite side, and with different players
occupying the shuffle positions. O3 is now the first cutter, O4 is the post, and O1 is the second
cutter.
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Ball Reversal, Continuity.
Now study Diagrams D, E and F. The same series of cuts is now run from this side, only this
time, for the purpose of illustration of the back-cut option you see O3 cutting back-door around
O4. The first cutter has the option of cutting either way around the screen, whichever looks
best at the time. Again, each player may have a scoring option. In Diagram F, O2 is now the
first cutter, O3 - the second cutter, O4 - the point, O1 - the post, and O5 - the feeder.
The "Split".
Now lets suppose the defense is denying the pass back out to the point (Diagram H). Instead,
we run the "split" with the pass going into the post O1. This pass triggers the point O4 to set a
down-screen for the feeder O5 and they exchange positions (Diagram I). Meanwhile the first
cutter O2 sets a down-screen for the second cutter O3, who comes around the post looking for
the shot. If the shot is not there, then O3 can start the basic cut motion again as seen in
Diagram J.
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Diagonal Option.
Once again, let's suppose the pass to the point is being denied (Diagram O). This time, our
point O2 takes the X2 defender high outside. The feeder O3 recognizes this and cuts to the
top of the key underneath the X2 defender and receives the pass from O1. The point O2 now
cuts hard around O3 who screens the X2 defender and hands the ball off to O2 going to the
hoop for the lay-up (Diagram P).
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Dribble entry.
See Diagram V. If the pass is being denied, another
option is to use the dribble entry where the first cutter O1
simply dribbles out to the point and exchanges positions
with the point O2 (who now becomes the first cutter).
The pass is then made to the feeder O3, and O2
executes the first cut.
The dribble entry and exchange can also be made for the
corner option described above wherein the first cutter
would dribble to the corner and would exchange positions
with the second cutter. Similarly, the point could dribble
over to the feeder's usual position on the wing and the
feeder would move out to the point.
The shuffle creates movement and scoring opportunities for all five players and would be most
effective against man-to-man defenses, but also could be useful against some zones,
especially match-up zones. This offense favors a ball-control, intelligent team who has the
patience to wait for a good scoring opportunity to develop. The shuffle may take some time to
teach as each player must learn all five positions and the various options. But this could be an
excellent offense for the smaller team that lacks a strong post player. With all five players
moving and changing positions, mis-matches will occur where at times the defense's tall post
players will find themselves defending their man out on the perimeter while their guards may
get caught down near the basket. Also, player substitution is easy since you can substitute
your best player on the bench rather than a guard for a guard or a post for a post, since all
positions are interchangeable. Additionally, opponents may have difficulty scouting this offense
since a given player’s role is constantly changing.
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Swing Offense
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Contributed by:
Dave Genis
Varsity Girls' Basketball
Niles West HS, 5701 W. Oakton, Skokie, IL 60077
davgen@niles-hs.k12.il.us
191
Diagram 5
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Your post at the free throw line can be a threat as well.
We give our posts the options of rolling into the low post
at anytime as long as it is after a basket cut. We give the
basket cut priority so as to not end up with 2 players
cutting to the same area at the same time. (diagram 7).
Our posts are given a 2 count and then they must either
relocate back to the free throw line until another basket
cut is made.
Or…
#5 can step away from the low post and set a ball screen
for the strong side wing and play a 2-man game (diagram
8).
As I said, this is not a terribly original offense, nor is it terribly complicated. It does offer a lot of
flexibility during its motion. I’ve provided some of the counters we’ve used and been successful
with. You certainly can play around with the set and motion and come up with options or set
plays on your own.
Another aspect to this offense that I like is that it can be used as a half court man to man
defensive drill. By removing the post at the free throw line and playing 4 on 4 you can work on
your help side positioning, jumping to the basketball, denial, close outs, etc…. The offense
creates the motion requiring use of those defensive skills/concepts.
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Thunder Offense
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
194
Step One (First movement and ideal shot)
This offense can be rotated an infinite number of times. After 5 rotations, everyone is back in
their original position, only on the opposite side (i.e. #1 is point again, and the #5 girl is setting
the screen again). After 10 rotations, you are back to the very first setup. This offense can be
difficult to learn at first. Patience, timing, and repetition will end the frustration of learning this
offense and increase the frustration experienced by the opponent trying to defend it. After
mastering this offense, many things can be done out of it to keep the defense guessing. The
scoring options that are available from this offense are nearly impossible to stop even by a
team that knows exactly how to run it themselves. For example, if the defense is getting used
to the pass to the wing and begins cheating out, the wing needs only to signal to the point
guard that instead of v-cutting, they will be back-cutting to the basket for a quick hit. Another
option is to cut at the middle block or the elbow if a "cheating" defender is filling the low post.
Also, be sure to know what to do if the point guard picks the left side. If this happens we simply
move the #4 out to the wing on that side and shift the #5 to the other block and make #3 the
first cutter. More than anything, if the screens are good and the passes are crisp, after a few
motions you will always get a shooting window. If this offense begins failing to produce points
there are some keys to it that are likely being neglected that must be practiced or re-learned.
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Key 2. Timing
-Timing is everything to a motion offense. Timing is everything to this play. The
cutter absolutely cannot begin their cut before the wing has the ball to pass it
to them. This is a bang, bang play.
Key 5. Forgetting where to move to if the entry pass and shot is not open.
-We will drill this play over and over again. Not knowing the motion kills the
play. Forget the play, forget playing.
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Zone Offense
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Zone defenses create special problems for the offense. Plays and sets designed to be
successful against man-to-man coverage often run into problems against zones. You must
have a "zone offense(s)" in your offensive arsenal to counteract zone defenses. Here are some
pointers in dealing with zone defenses.
1. If it is your team's offensive style, fast-break and push the ball up the floor as quickly as
possible, before the defensive zone can get set.
2. Full-court press on defense, in order to favor a "transition type", wide-open, up-tempo game.
A slow-down, half-court game allows the zone defense to be more effective.
3. Analyze the zone defense to see what set you are facing. Then set your offense accordingly.
If the defense shows a two-guard front (e.g. 2-1-2 or 2-3 zone), use a one-guard front, or point
guard (e.g. 1-3-1, 1-2-2 ("3-out, 2-in"), or 1-4). Just the opposite applies if the defense shows a
one-guard front (e.g. 1-3-1, or 1-2-2 zone), use a two-guard front (e.g. 2-1-2, 2-3, 2-2-1). See
Diagrams A and B. Observe to see if the defense keeps switching its defensive set, and be
ready to call out your offensive counter-move from the bench. Some defenses will keep
changing on you, and you can't call a time-out every time!
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7. Avoid unnecessary dribbling as this allows the defense time to adjust or reset. However,
guards and wings should look to dribble-penetrate the gaps in the zone (Diagram C), and look
to dish off inside.
8. You must get the ball inside for high-percentage shots. It's OK to take the outside jumper or
three-pointer, but don't settle for the outside shot on every possession. You must find a way to
get inside to be successful. You must be able to get those important "points in the paint".
Having success inside will cause problems for the defense, may result in their getting into foul
trouble, and will open up your outside shot when the defense collapses inside. When the ball
goes inside, if it is well-defended, go "inside-out" with a quick pass out for a wide-open three-
pointer.
9. Use crisp passing, and use the "skip" pass from corner to wing, and wing to corner. Look for
the lob pass to the baseline and back-door. Passers should use ball-fakes, where they fake a
shot or fake an overhead pass in one direction to get the zone to move, then pass in the
opposite direction.
10. Set screens against the zone, both inside and outside. Players should make cuts into the
open areas, and look to the weak-side, or "back-door".
11. Make sure your players receive the ball in "triple-threat" position, ready to shoot, pass or
penetrate.
For specific offenses against specific zone defenses see the following pages:
Type of Zone Defense
2-1-2 zone or 2-3 zone (see "Beating the 2-1-2 zone", "1-4 Stack Offense", "1-4 High-Post Pick
and Roll")
3-2 zone (see "Beating the 3-2 zone")
1-3-1 zone (see "Beating the 1-3-1 zone")
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How to Attack the 2-3 (or 2-1-2) Zone Defense
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
The 2-3 (or 2-1-2 zone) is a commonly used zone defense, usually designed to stop the inside
game. Good outside shooting can rip it apart. But you still need to get the ball inside,
especially late in the game, or when your shooters are not hitting. The 2-1-2 zone is basically
the same as the 2-3, except that the middle low defender is positioned a little higher in the
paint, just below the free throw line.
Let's discuss several ways to beat this zone… (1) simply over-shifting the zone, (2) a 2-3 zone
offense and (3) a more complicated over-loading scheme. But first, if you are coaching young
players, I strongly advise you to click here for a simple, easy 2-3 zone buster... easy to
understand and teach.
Using a 1-3-1 offensive set is a good way to do this. 4 sets up at the free throw line and 5 runs
the baseline back and forth, cutting to either a post-up position (on the block), or the comer on
the side the ball is on. If 5 goes to the comer, then 4 can cut down to the ball-side block and
post-up there. Meanwhile, 3 can flash down to the low block on the weak-side.
If the ball goes back out to the wing or point, 4 moves back to the free-throw line. If the ball is
on the wing, 4 should move to the elbow on the ball side. If 4 gets the ball, 5 can cut low
through lane for a pass from 4.
#1 should try to keep the ball moving quickly and
avoid unnecessary dribbling (which allows the
zone time to reset). #1 should look to pass to the
wings (2 and 3), or to 4.
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"2-3 Zone Offense"
Here is an offense that you can use against this zone (refer to the diagrams below). Notice in
Diagram A that the defense is set in the 2-3 zone. Use a 1-3-1 offensive set, but with some
modifications and the following rules:
1. #5 will run the baseline from short corner to short corner and we will try to get the ball down
to him.
2. The wings #2 and #3 will set out a little farther than usual from the three-point arc so that the
#1 and #2 defenders are not in their passing lane (from #1). After receiving the pass, #2 or #3
can dribble in, get the defender to commit and then pass or shoot.
3. When the ball is on the wing, instead of posting at the elbow or at the low block (which are
usually defended in this zone), #4 will set up a little lower than the elbow, actually in the gap
between the high and low defenders.
4. You can get the ball to #5 either through a pass from #2 or #4 (or #3 when the ball is on the
left side). #5 may be able to make a quick inside pass to #4 cutting for the lay-up (once the #4
defender commits to guarding #5). The other option for #5 is to pass to #3 in the opposite
corner.
5. The weak-side wing always cuts to the corner when #5 gets the ball (Diagram B). When #4
has the ball (Diagram C), the weak-side wing can either slide into the gap between the high
and low defenders looking for the medium range jumper, or if he/she is a good three-point
shooter, look for the skip pass out to the three-point arc.
6. Outside shooters have a tendency to let the first open shot go. So that we continue to try to
get the ball inside, we have one rule. Before taking the outside shot, the ball has to go inside to
#4 or #5 for at least one touch. Looking at Diagram C, you can see that once #4 gets the ball,
there are several offensive "triangles", or passing options (4-2-5, 4-2-1, 4-1-3) where you gain a
3 against 2 advantage on the defense. Quick passing will get you a good shot.
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2-3 Zone Offense Using the 3-Out, 2-In Set
Here is yet another way to attack the gaps in the 2-3 zone. This is similar to the above attack,
but instead of having a high post, the attack comes from underneath the zone, from the
opposite low post. Refer to the diagrams below.
The offense can be started by #1
with a pass to the wing (Diagram
A), or a dribble to the wing, with
#2 making a shallow cut out to
the point (Diagram B).
The wing passes to either #5 along the lane or #4 in the short corner
(Diagram C). #5 has the option of taking the shot, driving to the hoop
(if the #5 defender has moved out), or passing to either #4 or
reversing it to #3 (who should be wide open on the opposite side).
If the pass from the wing goes to the short corner (#4), then #5 can
cut to the low block looking for the pass from #4. Note that #2 and #1
have slid down a little toward the corner in case #4 must pass back
out.
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If the ballside post defender
cheats up on the elbow to deny
#4, or if the pass to the wing is
being denied, then do the simple
dribble entry and shift seen in
Diagram C. #1 dribbles to the
wing. #2 sliding to the corner will
help to occupy the #4 defender,
forcing the #5 defender to move
up on #4 as the pass is delivered
to the elbow. #5 works to get that
inside position again for the pass
and shot.
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Option:
Do this if the low post defender comes up to defend the stack.
First, take the ball to the corner. #1 should dribble the ball to the corner. When the defender
comes out to get #1, #1 passes to #4 cutting to the hoop. #3 gets back on defense.
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A Simple, Easy 2-3 Zone Attack
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
My 7th graders were really having difficulty playing against the 2-3 zone, which we seem to be
running into frequently in youth tournaments. If you find your team in a similar situation, I think
this article will help.
I dedicated an entire practice session to learning how to beat this defense in a simple way that
young kids could understand. I used some visuals and made it interactive for them, instead of
me just talking (the kids get bored after a couple minutes of me lecturing). First, I pulled a table
out on the floor, and we all got around it with my clipboard and some tokens (pennies and
dimes) that they could move around on the clipboard. I let the kids set up the board and
helped them with placing the defense in a 2-3 zone. Then I told them to set the offense markers
in a 1-3-1. I had one orange marker for the person with the ball. Then I let them just start
figuring out where the gaps in the zone are... so every time they would position the offense, I
would then move the defense and then they would have to find the gaps again. They really got
into this, like playing checkers... so then we went out on the court to practice what they
discovered on their own. Amazingly, the kids, on their own, came up with the same offensive
scheme that I had devised, and it is diagrammed in the drawings below.
So now, on the court, I used hula hoops and some old car floor mats that I threw down in the
gaps so they could see where to move to. Having these visuals seemed to help them
understand where to move on the floor. One caution: players could trip and injure themselves
with these objects on the floor, so we just used them in “walk through” ball rotations, not up to
speed.
Now study the diagrams on the subsequent pages, and at the end I will give you just a few
simple rules that the kids have to remember.
First things to stress to the kids: you beat the zone by quick passing and movement, and avoid
unnecessary dribbling (which allows the zone to recover). Dribble only to penetrate a gap, or
improve a passing angle, or to get out of trouble. Offensive rebounding is very important since
the zone defenders do not have clear-cut box-out assignments (as in a man-to-man).
This zone offense will start with a 1-3-1 offensive set where our offense is already positioned in
the gaps. One tip: your high post #4 might initially be positioned along the lane, and then as
the point guard brings the ball into the forecourt, #4 makes a quick flash into the high post at
the free-throw line. Make sure the wings are high and wide, so that the point-to-wing pass is
not easily intercepted.
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Now notice in the Diagrams A thru E below how the offense moves as the ball moves. Each
move is to fill a gap in the zone where you can get open for a pass and shot. When we pass to
the right wing, 4 moves to the right lane and 5 moves to the corner and 3 moves inside the 3-
point arc (Diagrams A and B). If the ball is passed to the corner, 4 cuts hard down to the hoop
for the bounce pass from 5 (Diagram C), and 3 moves to the free-throw line area because if 4
does not get the ball, then 3 is often wide open (Diagram D).
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Now here’s an option where we can attack the zone straight up the middle, by passing, not
dribbling. See the diagrams below. 1 passes to 4. 4 pivots and faces the basket and if open
can shoot it. Meanwhile, 5 who has been hiding behind the defenders down low, cuts into the
paint for the pass from 4, and the lay-up. 4 makes the decision here… if the middle defender
comes up to block the shot, then just fake a shot and bounce pass it to 5 down low. If the
middle defender stays low, then just shoot it. If a wing defender moves in, pass off to that wing.
“Zone 1” Now here is a play for our point guard, #1. If #1 yells “1”, then both post players
move down low to the low blocks. Now #1 will try to dribble between (split) the two outside
defenders right up the middle and will pull up for a shot just inside the free throw line. Do not
try to take it all the way to the hoop as the low defenders will get you!
Now, going back to the start of this play, if the two outside defenders stop the point guard from
getting inside, then she should immediately pass off to either 2 or 3 on the wings, and then
move back out to the point.
“Zone 21” (or “31”) Here is another play using a wing screen for #1. See the diagrams
below. You can see that if 2 sets a screen for 1, and then 1 dribbles into the gap on the right
she can stop and shoot the mid-ranged shot, or pass into the corner to 5. Again, do not dribble
all the way to the hoop as the low defenders will get you! If 5 gets the ball, then 4 should cut
down to the block looking for the pass from 5 (Diagram C).
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So you see that there are certain areas (hula hoops) that we want to fill as the ball moves. The
diagrams below show red circles that should be filled when the ball is in that location.
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And in the end, the entire system is very easy for them to understand with very few rules.
Wings rules:
1. Look to penetrate from the wing, and make good passing decisions, avoid too much
dribbling.
2. Look for the shot, and when the high post is at the elbow, the opposite wing drops down into
the gap on the weak-side.
3. When high post dives to low block, the opposite wing slides into the high post or ball-side
elbow area.
Point rules:
1. Keep the ball moving, with little dribbling, except to penetrate or open a passing lane.
2. Look for opportunity to dribble and split the two top defenders, and if they collapse, dish out
to either wing.
3. Responsible for staying back (on top) to prevent the fast break.
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3-2 Zone Attack (How to beat the 3-2 zone defense)
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
The straight 3-2 zone defense is similar to the 1-2-2 zone, except that the middle defender
sags into the high post area. Click here, to look at the 1-2-2 zone attack.
First, if your point guard can shoot the three-pointer, he/she should get some open shots
against this zone, since the middle defender is playing off the point.
Use a two guard front and put your best shooter in the ball-side corner, running the baseline.
Put your two post players along both sides of the lane, in the gaps above the low defenders but
below the outside defenders (Diagram A). Attack this zone from the corners.
Let's assume the defense covers the corner by having their low defender come out. If your
corner shooter hits a couple, the low post defender will have to come out to defend and then
you should be able to pass into the low post or lane (Diagram B). If the opposite low post
defender comes over to help, you can dump it to your weak-side low post (Diagram C). But if
he/she is being covered by the weak-side wing defender, then kick it out to your #3 for the shot
from the wing... either the weak-side low post or weak-side wing should be open.
Now let's look at two options for inside screens. For success, you will have to recognize how
the zone covers the ball-side low block when the ball is in the corner. They can cover it by
either:
(A) having the middle defender slide down from the high post area, or
(B) having the opposite low defender slide over to the ball-side block.
(A) As the ball goes into the corner, if the middle defender slides down to cover the ball-side
low block, have your ball-side post screen the middle defender and seal him/her outside
(Diagram D). The opposite post can now cut over for the pass inside. If the weak-side post
covers this, then your post player who set the screen (#4) should have inside position (if he/she
sealed correctly) and should cut to the opposite block for the pass (Diagram E). If their #3
defender is playing down, kick it out to the weak-side wing for a shot (Diagram F).
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(B) As the ball goes to the corner, if the opposite low defender slides over to the cover the ball-
side block, have your ball-side post player set a screen on the opposite post defender, before
he/she slides over (Diagram G). You just screen that opposite post so he/she can't get there
and your #5 should be open for the pass and lay-up (Diagram H).
Now, let's assume the defense covers the corner by having the wing defender slide down. First
of all, if the passing is crisp, your best shooter (#2) should get some open shots, as it will take
time for the wing defender to get there. So look for the three-pointer from #2 as the first option.
As the ball is passed into the corner (Diagram I), #4 sets a down-screen on the low defender,
and #5 cuts into the gap on the ball-side just outside the lane for the pass and shot (Diagram
J). Another option (Diagram K) is to just have #4 step out into the gap for the shot... if the #4
defender comes out to defend, pass underneath to #5 cutting to the ball-side low block. Skip
passes to #3 on the opposite side will be effective also.
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1-2-2 Zone Attack (how to beat the 1-2-2 zone defense)
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
The 1-2-2 and the 3-2 zone defenses are similar, with the exception of the position of the
middle defender. In the 1-2-2, the middle defender plays out on the point, and in the straight 3-
2, the middle defender sags into the high post area. Also see Zone Offense.
Like the 3-2 zone attack, you want to attack this zone from the corner, as this puts pressure on
the down defenders.
See Diagram A below. Set your offense in a 2-out, 2-in set with #1 and #3 flanking the #1
defender, and #4 and #5 positioning themselves in the gaps between the low and high
defenders on each side of the lane. Have your best shooter, #2, run the baseline from corner
to corner, always on the ball-side. If he can make a couple from the corner, the #4 defender
will have to come out to defend (Diagram B). This frees up #4 on the low block. If the #5
defender slides over to pick up #4, then your #5 should be open for the pass from #4 and the
lay-up (Diagram C). Or, although not shown in the diagrams, #4 can screen the #5 defender
(before he/she slides over) and this frees #5 for a cut to the ball-side low block and the lay-up.
Look at the spacing... #3 and #4 are in excellent position to attack the short corner gaps in the zone. If
#3 dribble penetrates the short corner, and the #5 defender comes over to stop him, there is a good
chance for a dish off to your #5 cutting down the lane.
With this offense, #5 is already in good position between defenders at the high-post and causes
problems when he slides down to the ball-side block. And #1 and #2 are also in a position to attack the
outside gaps.
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Using a 1-3-1 offensive set.
In this case, #1 passes to the wing and cuts under the
wing defender into the corner. At the same time, the
high post dives to the ball-side low block. This puts a
lot of stress on the wing defender and the down
defender.
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Attacking the “Box and 1” Zone Defense
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
The "box and 1" defense is a commonly used "junk defense", or combination defense. With
this, the defense sets up in a four-man zone box formation, with one defender playing your best
player man-to-man (see Junk Defenses).
Like attacking any zone defense, look for the gaps in the zone and penetrate those areas. See
Zone Offense to review the principles of zone offense. Your other four players have to "step
up" and look for the shot themselves.
There a number of ways to attack the box and 1, depending on whether your star player (being
guarded man-to-man) is a guard or post player. Actually, it doesn't even have to be anything
fancy. You could have your players set good screens for your star player. Or, what is often
even more effective is having your star player set screens for the other four players and then
he/she seals the defender being screened and rolls to the hoop for the pass (see Setting
Screens). This is often an easy way for your star player to get open, and it often creates a
"mis-match" in the defensive coverage.
Another easy strategy is to put your star player in either corner, running the baseline, always on
the ball-side. This forces the defense to play what looks like a 2-3 zone. Now just use your 2-3
zone offense (see Beating the 2-3 Zone).
Situation #1. Your star player is your #2 guard, your shooting guard.
See the diagrams below. Using a 3-out, 2-in offensive formation, put your star player way out
on the right wing so that his/her defender is out of the way. You will note that the "box" is
vulnerable in the middle. Have #3 slide down to the corner, or short corner area. #5 cuts to
middle of the box and receives the pass from #1. If open, #5 can turn and shoot the short shot,
or pass to #3 cutting back-door if the #5 defender comes up to defend the middle (Diagram B).
Instead, if the #4 defender comes up to defend the middle, then your #5 can dump the pass off
to #4 down low (Diagram C). If the defender guarding your star player recognizes this and
drops down to help defend against #4, then your #5 makes the pass outside to your star player
for the outside shot. These decisions and passes must all happen quickly so that your #5
player does not pick up the 3-second lane violation. Work on this in practice, emphasizing to
#5 that he/she must quickly make the decision to either shoot or pass to #3, #4 or #2.
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Situation 2. Your star player is a post player.
See the diagrams below. Use a 1-3-1 offense, with your star player running the baseline. In
this particular play, your star player once again is a decoy, playing below the low defenders in
the zone, off in the weak-side corner. Your point guard #1 starts the play by making the pass
to #2. #1 then shallow-cuts to the ball-side short corner area. #2 makes the pass to #4 in the
middle of the 1-3-1 offense at the high post. If #4 is a good shooter, he/she can destroy the
defense with a few shots from this area (Diagram B). If the #4 defender comes up to defend
the high post, then your #4 simply dumps the pass down to #1 in the short corner, who should
be wide open for the shot, or lay-up (Diagram C).
Although not shown in the diagrams, instead of having their #4 defender come up to defend the
high post, the defense might have their #3 defender come up to defend the high post. In this
situation, teach your #3 to move down to the weak-side low block any time he/she sees the #3
defender moving up to the high post area. Meanwhile, your star moves way out to the corner
or wing areas to take his/her defender out of the picture. Now #3 is wide open on the weak-
side low block for the pass and lay-up.
“21”
Put your star player at the weakside elbow. O1 dribbles toward X2 to engage X2. O2 screens
X2 and O1 dribbles around the screen for the open 10-12 foot pull-up jumper. If X3 comes up
to defend O1, O1 passes to O3 down low who is open for a lay-up. You could also run this to
the left and call it “51”.
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O5 are looking for the pass and opportunity to score. O2 rotates a little toward the top of the
key.
See Diagram B. If nothing develops, O3 cuts to elbow paint area looking for a pass, and then
moves out to the opposite wing. O2 rotates out to the point. O1 waits for O3's cut and then cuts
hard to just inside the free throw line, looking for the pass, and immediately cuts out to the
ballside wing if the pass in the paint is not there.
Diagram C. The ball is reversed from the corner to the wing and to the point. The point now
starts the same play, going to the opposite direction.
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Beating the 1-3-1 Zone Defense
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Use a two-guard front to attack the 1-3-1 zone defense, and attack it from the corner where it is
most vulnerable. Position #2 (your best shooter) in the ball-side corner. #2 will run the
baseline and always be in the ball-side corner. Have two low posts on opposite sides of the
lane.
As the ball is passed into the corner, the opposite post player cuts up to the ball-side elbow
(Diagram B). #2 can shoot, or pass to either post at the block or elbow. #3 can slide "back-
door" on the weak side. Notice the ball reversal and player movements in Diagram C.
Here is another way to attack this zone using an inside screen. Refer to the diagrams below.
#2 runs the baseline, and is always in the ball-side corner as above. This time, the ball-side
post (#4) is positioned halfway up the lane, or near the elbow. We once again attack with a
pass to the corner. #2 can shoot the 3-pointer or dribble-penetrate the baseline. Meanwhile #4
screens off the middle defender in the zone, and you now have a two-on-one situation with #2
driving to score, or dish off to #5 (Diagram B). Your screener (#4) must be aware of his/her
position and the three-second violation, but if the initial screen is set above the free-throw line,
#4 could release up the middle for the pass and shot also (Diagram C).
Here is yet another way, again attacking from the corner. See the diagrams below. Set your
#3 and #4 on the blocks and #5 at the free-throw line. Use a two-guard front (Diagram A). #1
draws the trap and just before the trap arrives, passes into the corner to #4 who has cut out to
the corner. #5 now dives to the ball-side block looking for the pass (Diagram B). If the pass to
the block is not open, usually #2 will be open for the skip pass on the opposite wing (Diagram
C). #2 can shoot the outside shot or pass into either #3 or #5 who should have good position
after pinning their defenders.
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See also: Zone Offense
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Transition Offense
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
"Transition" refers to the process of changing from defense to offense (transition offense), or
offense to defense (transition defense). Your transition offense can be a slow, walk-it-up-floor
transition, an aggressive fast break transition, or something in between. Each coach has to
decide which is best for his team and his personnel. Do you really want an up-tempo fast
game, especially if you have a strong half-court game with good post men, or if your guards are
not particularly quick, have trouble keeping the ball under control, or are inexperienced?
On the other hand, if your team is quick, with good, experienced ball handlers, an aggressive
up-tempo style has advantages.
1. The fast break can produce easy scores.
2. Pushing the ball up the floor quickly puts pressure on the opponent, and they will be
constantly worrying about getting back on defense. This thinking may cause them to be less
aggressive going for their offensive rebounds, and may keep their point guard from penetrating
(thinking he has to stay back to prevent the fast break).
3. An aggressive team attitude on offense will often carry over to your defense and rebounding.
4. An up-tempo game will favor the team that is well-conditioned. A poorly conditioned team will
"run out of gas" by the fourth quarter.
5. The fast-break will often break the opponent's press defense.
6. A team that plays up-tempo will usually use more of its bench players, with frequent
substitutions. This often creates good team harmony with many players getting playing time. An
up-tempo game will favor the team with a "deep bench", with many good substitute players.
7. The players and fans enjoy a well-played up-tempo game.
Although this is very basic, young players learning the game must be taught how to transition
from defense to offense. Kids must be taught that when an inside, tall player gets a defensive
rebound, he/she should immediately look to pass to a guard, a good ball-handler, to get the ball
up the court, even if you are playing a slow-down game. Teach your ball-handlers that on every
defensive rebound, they must move into a position quickly where the rebounder can pass to
them. Coaches often assume kids know this, but like every other fundamental in the game, it
must be taught. Re-bounders should be taught to take care of the ball after a defensive
rebound and make a clean, simple pass to a guard. So often, I see kids work hard for the
rebound, only to lose it with a careless outlet pass. Impress your kids that the opponent is often
"lurking around" to steal those outlet passes.
Also, some coaches like to assign the same person (usually a post player with good passing
skills) to be the inbounds passer each time a basket is made, or the ball is out-of-bounds. The
post players should be taught to get down the floor and allow spacing and room for the guards
to bring the ball up.
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which player is in which lane, but just fill each lane position as quickly as possible and "go!".
Other coaches teach that the outlet pass always goes to the point guard (the team's best ball
handler) in the center, and the outside lanes, trailer and prevent position are assigned to
individual players, so each one knows his role. If the break doesn't develop, then just bring it up
slowly and avoid the turnover that can happen by getting the ball into the wrong person's
hands.
Preferably, the ball will be in the center lane, although the break can be run from the wing and
can be run with only two lanes filled (as after a quick mid-court steal). The center person should
dribble the ball all the way to the free throw lane, and should not make any unnecessary
passes prior to that point. The two outside lanes should cut at 45 degrees to the hoop for a
pass from the point, and the lay-up. If the point guard pops the free throw jumper, the wings
should crash the boards for the rebound. If neither happens, the wings should cross under the
basket and fill the opposite corner or wing, and the point guard should move to the right side of
the free throw circle. Next the "trailer" should cut through the left side of the lane, expecting the
pass. The "prevent" player should come up the floor slowly, making sure no opponents are
behind him. He prevents the opponent from taking it to the hoop should they steal or intercept
the ball. If nothing develops from the break, the team then flows into its usual half-court
offensive set.
Here is a secondary fast break, when the primary fast break is not possible. You can use this to
transition quickly after the opponent scores, or after getting possession by either a rebound or
steal. The idea is to push the ball up the floor as quickly as possible, before the defense can
get set. You can even use this as a press breaker if you get it in quickly, before the press has
time to get set.
#5 always makes the in-bounds pass, and after a made basket, should quickly get the ball out
of the net (don't wait for it to hit the floor), step out-of-bounds, and quickly get the pass into #1.
Don't waste time and let the defense get their press set. Notice how the floor is spread, with
#1 and #2 on the right, and #4 and #3 on the left. #2 and #3 should get down the floor. #4 plays
opposite of #1. #5 will be the trailer coming down the floor last. #4 will cut to the ball-side block.
#5, the trailer, comes last and goes to the opposite side elbow. There are many options
depending on what the point guard finds open.
1 to 2
1 passes long up the side to 2, who takes it to the hoop.
1 to 3
1 passes long to 3, who takes it to the hoop.
1 to 4
1 passes long to 4 (going to the ball-side block), who takes it
to the hoop.
1 to 5
1 passes to the trailer 5, at the elbow.
1 to 2 to 4
1 passes to 2. 2 passes to 4 down on the low block.
1 to 2 to 5
1 passes to 2. 2 passes to 5 at the elbow.
1 to 2 to 5 to 3
1 passes to 2. 2 passes to 5 at the elbow, and 5 passes to 3
cutting to hoop.
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After a rebound
(See Diagram B)
Everyone goes for the defensive rebound. As soon as the
rebound is secured, #2 releases up the right side-line, #3
sprints up the left side-line, and #1 comes to the top, ball-side
for the outlet pass. Usually the defensive guard that plays
“back on defense” will back-pedal to the center of the court. By
having #2 and #3 wide on the side-lines, you should be able to
get the pass down floor.
#1 pushes the ball up the floor, or can make the long pass to
either #2 or #3.
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Coach Sar’s Secondary Break
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Contributed by:
Coach Ken Sartini (aka "Coach Sar"), Arlington Hts, IL.
Having a secondary break is often helpful in getting quick baskets in transition, before the
defense can get down the floor. Also a good secondary break can flow directly into your half-
court offense. A good use of the secondary break is after the opponent scores, and we
inbound the ball quickly and get it moving up the floor. See also Transition Offense, Secondary
Break #1.
Below is a secondary break that Coach Sar used with his high school teams. I like it because:
(1) it may result in some quick lay-ups by pushing the ball up the floor.
(2) even if the defense gets back in position, several good half-court scoring opportunities are
possible.
(3) this secondary can flow easily into your half-court offense.
Now see Diagrams A and B below. The outlet (or inbounds pass) should go quickly to your
point guard #1. #2 and #3 sprint up the sidelines, both looking for the long pass from #1. #1
should try to get the pass to either wing as soon as possible, and if the defense is not back, the
wing may be able to attack the hoop for a quick lay-up. #5 moves to the ball-side block and #4
moves to the top of the arc opposite #1. #2 can look to pass into #5 on the low post. Anytime
in this series below that the ball is on a wing with a low post player, there is the possibility of a
two-man game. If this pass isn't possible, #2 reverses the ball (Diagram C) to #1 and then to
#4. #5 sets a screen for #2. #2 makes the flex cut around #5's screen and #5 the opens up to
the ball.
Now look at Diagram D below. If the pass to #2 (coming off the flex cut) is not there, then #3
sets a down-screen for #2 and #2 cuts to the three-point arc looking for the pass from #4 and
the possible three-point shot.
Now see Diagram E. As the pass is made to #2 on the wing, #5 drags his/her man toward the
elbow, and #3 sets a diagonal back-screen for #5. #5 makes the basket cut looking for the
pass from #2 (Diagram F).
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See Diagram G below. #2 can pass back out to #4 and you can now run a hi-lo option with #4
and #5.
Or you can flow directly into your half-court offense. Diagram H shows how simple it is to move
into a 4-out, 1-in set with #3 simply moving out to the corner.
Diagram I shows one way to move into a 3-out, 2-in set with #4 setting screens for #1 and then
#3. #4 then ends up at the right low block, while your point guard is at the top of the key and
#3 is on the right wing.
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Beating the Full Court Press
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Full court press defenses try to get turnovers and easy baskets by pressuring, trapping, and
harassing the offense. There are several principles and some strategies in beating this
pressure.
Stay calm. The press tries to upset you, and make you commit turnovers. Try to be calm and
confident that you can beat this. If you make a mistake, you must immediately forget it and stay
calm. Otherwise, they may get three more steals from you, like a snowball effect. Do not dwell
on what's already happened always think "next play", what is going to happen next. The coach
must stay calm too. An upset, angry coach is not what the already rattled players need. In a
time-out, the coach must be calm, reassure, re-focus his players, and settle his players down.
Think "attack!". A full court press is always a gamble for the defense. If you think positive, and
attack the pressure, you can get an easy lay-up and score. So when you see a press coming at
you, ATTACK! Think of it as something to beat, to get an easy score... make 'em pay!
Three "looks".
1. Look up. See the floor. Look up the court. Don't look down at the ball.
2. Look before you pass. Make good, quick safe passes.
3. Look before you dribble. Don't dribble unless you have to. You beat the press by quick,
sharp passing usually not dribbling.
Avoid "trap areas"... the corners. Don't dribble into one of the trap areas (see below)... back
away but keep your dribble alive, or pass off.
Getting the ball in-bounds. Get the ball in quickly, before the defense can set up. Make sure
you make a good in-bounds pass. Do not take the ball out from directly under your basket, or
your passing lane may be restricted by the backboard. If the other team has just scored, you
may "run the baseline". You cannot run the baseline if the ball went out of bounds and the
official is handing it to you. You must stay where the ref gives it to you. If the ref doesn't handle
it (like after a score), you can use the whole baseline.
Quick, accurate passing. You must look and find the open man immediately, and make a quick,
accurate pass. Avoid soft, lob passes. Passing up the floor, and cutting, are the secrets to
beating the press. Look up the floor and anticipate where you will pass the ball, even before
you get it.
Receivers meet the pass... go to the ball, get open. But keep your spacing. Look for the open
spots in the defense. Get open so your teammate can pass to you. Before you even get the
ball, look to see where other open teammates are, so you will know where to pass to
immediately. When you receive the ball, don't have your back turned. Immediately pivot and
face down-court, so you can find an open teammate.
Use the whole court and reverse the ball to the opposite side. Keep at least one player on the
"weak-side" to reverse the ball to the opposite side of the court.
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This is one set you can use:
Remember, stay calm, see the floor, pass quickly, make sharp cuts, and "ATTACK!"
Another way to beat the press is to use the "secondary" fast break (see "Secondary
Break"). Get the ball in quickly before the press is set defensively, then a good long pass
up the sideline and you've got a lay-up.
See also: "Transition Offense", "Beat the 1-2-1-1 Press"
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Beating the 1-2-1-1 Full Court Press
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
First see "Beating the Full Court Press" for general pointers on how to beat the press.
How you attack the 1-2-1-1 zone press to some extent depends on your personnel. Realize
that the 1-2-1-1's weakness is up the sideline at mid-court. You can use a 1-2-2 setup. The two
on the free throw line can be side by side or in a stack formation. Have two at half court, near
the sidelines. You often like to go up the middle against the press, but in this case, always have
a receiver along the ball-side sideline near mid-court. The point guard will look to the middle
and the ball-side sideline for the pass.
1. Have one of your post players take the ball out as quickly as possible after a made basket.
Have the same player take it out each time and make sure he knows that this is his
assignment. He should get the ball out of the net before it hits the floor and make the in-bounds
pass quickly. Don't let the press defense get set.
2. Try to get the ball into the hands of your best dribbler and passer. If your point guard can get
the ball in the middle, this is preferred because then he can either dribble, pass up the middle
or to the left side, or dribble and draw the defense and dish off. But often the center pass is not
possible, so let's say he cuts toward the right corner. Teach him to look immediately to the
middle, or up the right sideline for the quick pass, and not dribble with his head down into a
trap.
3. The forward at half court who is opposite the ball-side comes toward the ball in the middle for
the pass. He is a good target for a pass because he is moving toward the ball. If you pass to a
guard moving away from the ball, you often get intercepted. The ball-side forward at half court
should be in position to receive the pass along the sideline (see diagram). Once he(#3) gets it
in the middle, he should pivot and face up-court and look to pass to #2 cutting up the left
sideline, #5 on the right sideline, or back to the point guard cutting up the right sideline. Once
you get those passes back to the sideline cutting guards, it’s a lay-up!
4. OK, the middle pass is covered and you can't get it there... look up the ball-side sideline and
pass to #5. You'll notice that usually one defender will cover both #3 and #5 and will straddle
between them. Teach you passer to make a quick pass fake to one, and then pass sharply to
the other. The pass fake will get the defender leaning one way, and will open up your intended
passing lane.
5. If nothing is open, you may have to outlet back to #4 in the paint who passes either to #2 on
the left side, or #3 in the middle, or maybe back to #1 on the right sideline. You usually don't
want #4 dribbling unless he is one of those exceptional big men who has good ball- handling
skills. So assuming he's not a great ball-handler, teach him to look first to make the quick pass
left, and not put the ball on the floor and start dribbling as so many kids do.
6. The defense may change to a 1-2-2 by bringing their "prevent" man up to help cut off the
sideline passes. In this case, the middle might be more open, and the defense is more
susceptible to getting beat by the long pass.
Another way of beating the full-court press is to use your secondary press break (see
"Secondary Break"). Also see “Press Break Passing Drill”.
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Also see "1-2-1-1 Press Breaker" for yet another way to beat this press. Also take a look at the
"4-Across Press Breaker".
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1-2-1-1 Press Breaker
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Contributed by:
Jeff Randich
Girls' Basketball Coach
Olympia High School
Olympia, Washington
Here is another way to beat the 1-2-1-1 full-court press. Also see "Beat the 1-2-1-1 Press" and
“4-Across Press Breaker”.
#5 is the in-bounder. Usually the defense will try to deny #1 the ball. So #1 acts as a decoy
and cuts into the lane, drawing two defenders with him. #2 goes long to the front-court, top of
the key area. Having #2 go long usually gives you a speed-quickness advantage as your #2
will usually be quicker than their #5 playing back. #3 and #4 setup up initially at the sideline
hash marks, make a fake toward the ball, and drop back for the "over the top" pass. #5 can
pass to either #3 or #4. Meanwhile, #2 cuts to the ball-side sideline. In Option #1, #3 receives
the pass, and passes up the court to #2. Now you have a 2-on-1 situation with #4 sprinting up
the opposite sideline. If the deep defender (#5) denies the sideline pass to #2, then #3 can
look to pass diagonally to #4 up the right side (Option #2).
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Four Across Press Breaker
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Here is one way to beat the full-court press. Use this four across setup.
Option #1
#3 fakes in and then cuts long. #2 and #4 set a double screen for #1. #1 runs his defender into
the screen and cuts through the lane to the opposite elbow and receives the in-bounds pass.
Meanwhile, after screening, #2 slides down into the weak-side short corner as another in-
bounds pass option. #4 releases to the weak-side half court. After your point guard (#1)
receives the in-bounds pass, he dribbles up the floor, looking to pass to either #3 or #4.
Option #2
#5 can run the baseline and the in-bounds pass goes to #2. #2 looks to pass to #1 or #4.
Option #3
#4 comes back to the top of the key to receive the in-bounds pass. #4 looks for #2 and #1
cutting, or #3 long.
"Four Fly"
This is a set play for when you only have a few seconds left on the clock. This time #1 cuts
over the top of the double screen. As soon as #1 rubs shoulders with #4, #2 takes off on a "fly
pattern" for the long pass from #5. #3 should be moving up the floor as well and could receive
the pass from #2. #5 should make sure that he has a clear pass and is not blocked out by
being directly under the backboard.
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Simplified Version of the 4-Across Press Breaker
Oftentimes in basketball it is best to keep things as simple as possible. The above 4-across
press breaker will require some practice time. Below is a simplified 4-across press breaker that
I was actually able to teach my 16U girls team at a half-time break.
The line-up is a little different, and I think easier for the players to understand. The #1 and #2
line up on the inside and #3 and #4 are along the sidelines. Instead of a double screen, #2
sets a screen for #1 who receives the in-bounds pass from #5. Meanwhile, #3 and #4 make a
fake cut toward the ball and then break up the sidelines toward half-court. After #1 receives the
pass, she/he turns up the floor with just a couple quick dribbles and can probably pass to either
#3 or #4 up the sidelines. If #3 and #4 are covered on the sidelines, then #1 can probably just
dribble straight up the middle. If the defense collapses on her/him, then #3 or #4 should be
open.
If #1 is unable to get the in-bounds pass, then #2 should be open to receive it and also attack
the middle with the dribble, while looking for the pass to #3 or #4.
Here's another adjustment. If the defense is denying the sideline and the middle looks open, try
this scheme. #5 is the in-bounder and #1 and #2 screen and cut for the ball, same as above.
This time, #3 fakes going long up the sideline, and then cuts back hard to the middle. #4 goes
long. After #1 or #2 receive the inbounds pass, they look for #3 open in the middle and cut up
the sidelines looking for the pass back. If #3 is denied the pass, #1 or #2 can pass back to #5
who is used as the "reverse" person who can then pass up the opposite side or middle (usually
one of the other is open). See the diagram below.
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244
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You can use this simple press break to also attack the 2-2-1 zone press, where the defense is
denying the sideline pass, and the middle is open… see 2-2-1 Press Breaker.
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2-2-1 Zone Press Breaker
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For general advice on attacking the full court press, see "Beating the Full Court Press".
The 2-2-1 zone press attempts to deny the offense the sideline at the half court line. This press
could be the opponent's primary press, or could be an "adjustment" after you have beaten their
press up the sidelines a few times. Now they are trying to deny the sideline. So, like any other
situation in basketball, you take what they give you... you will attack up the middle.
Here is one way to attack the 2-2-1 zone press. Refer to the Diagrams below.
Use a 4-across set-up (Diagram A). #5 is the in-bounder. The two up front defenders will
probably make it difficult for your #1 or #2 to get the ball, but #2 should set a screen for #1
(Diagram B). #5 fakes a pass to #1 or #2 but instead makes the quick pass up the side to #3
(who initially breaks long and then v-cuts back to the ball). As the defense attempts to trap #3
(Diagram C), #1 should be open for the quick pass up the middle. #1 can then pass to #4
going up the opposite sideline. #4 should get past the #4 defender. If the #4 defender goes
man-to-man with #4, then #2 should be cutting up the left sideline for the pass from #1.
Now refer to Diagram D. If #1 is covered, then he/she should clear out and cut to the ball-side
sideline just beyond the half court line. #2 should cut toward the middle to receive the pass
from #3. Or #3 could pass to #1 up the ball-side sideline. Keep #5 back for a "safety" out pass
for #3. If the ball reverses back to #5, then #2 must stay back and get the ball from #5.
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Half-Court Press Breakers
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Teams will sometimes throw a half-court press at you, especially if they think your ball-handlers
are inexperienced and subject to committing turnovers. Steals at half-court can result in easy
transition lay-ups for the defense. The half-court press trap can look very intimidating to the
point guard bringing the ball up the floor, when he sees a wall of two or three defenders just
waiting for him. So how do you counteract this defense?
First, with any half-court press, try to push the ball up the floor as quickly as possible and beat
them before they get their defense set. Using a secondary break after the opponent scores is
oftentimes effective. #5 quickly gets the ball out of the net, and passes in quickly to your point
guard. Meanwhile #2 sprints up the right sideline and #3 sprints up the left sideline. Oftentimes,
#1 can hit either #2 or #3 with the long pass for the lay-up. See: Secondary Break.
If it is a 2-2-1 half-court press... (see Diagram C below). Have your point guard attack the
middle if possible and draw the two defenders who are waiting to trap him. Just before the trap
arrives, he must make the pass to the open teammate. With a 2-2-1, have a tall receiver with
good hands (your "tight end") set up in the middle between the two "second tier" defenders.
Have #3 and #5 move quickly down into the opposite corners. Your point guard can pass to
the center, or to #3 or #5 in the corners. In fact, most half court presses are vulnerable down
low in the corners. Good accurate long passes over the defense into the corners will often beat
this defense. If the back defender starts cheating toward the corner, then the middle is open.
Another way to beat this press, is have your #2 set an outside screen on their #2 defender and
#1 can dribble around the screen up the right sideline. The #4 defender may slide over to stop
him, but #1 should be able to make the quick pass into the corner to #5, and then #5 and #3
have a 2-on-1 situation with their #5 defender.
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If is a 3-2 half-court zone press...
(Diagram D). .. with three defenders across
the center line, and two at the top of the
key, again have your "tight end" in the
middle (#4) and one of your wings along the
ball-side sideline. Send one tall, good
receiver down deep, to the hoop. If the two
back defenders cheat toward outside, you
may find your deep receiver wide open for
the "over the top" pass to the hoop.
Sending a receiver deep will also help
commit at least one of the back defenders
to stay back, and allow your perimeter
passing lanes to stay open. By forcing one
defender to stay back, you have essentially
converted their zone into a 3-1-1, which you
know from above is easy to beat with the
sideline pass. Your point guard takes the
ball to one side and tries to commit two
defenders to him... then either the "tight
end" or sideline teammate will be open.
Against the 2-1-2 half court press...just put your players "where they ain't". Take a look at
Diagram A below. In this instance, make sure your #2, 3, 4 and 5 get up the floor as quickly as
possible. They must beat the point guard up the floor and get into the positions indicated in
diagram A below. Instruct and drill your point guard not to dribble into the trap at the half court
line. He has 10 seconds to get it across and he can take his time and look for the open
teammate to pass to. He must make the pass just as the double team is coming to him... he
draws the two defenders and then makes the pass to the side before the double team arrives.
Drill this pass, because this is the one that gets intercepted the most... no lazy soft lob passes
here. You may have to teach him to "look the defense off" and pass the opposite way to clear
the passing lane.
Go to next page…
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For example, if he goes right with the pass...
either #2 or #4 should be open for the pass
(Diagram B). If the #4 defender cheats up
and covers #2, then your #4 should be wide
open in the corner for the pass. Then #5
cuts to the paint for the pass from #4 and
the lay-up. You can run the same thing on
the opposite side using #3 and #5 as
receivers.
Your point guard has to learn to keep his head up, see the floor, be patient, stay calm and find
the open teammate with a good quick pass, just before the trap gets to him. Teach him to
avoid dribbling between two or three defenders, but stay patient and make the good pass. You
should work on this in practice. Teach your team that once the pass gets into your "tight end"
or up the sidelines, you should have cutters slashing to the hoop for a quick pass and lay-up.
Often your "tight end" can pivot, face the hoop and find the deep man wide open for the lay-up.
Once you get through their press line at half court, you've got them beat and should be looking
quickly for a lay-up, a quick score. After you burn 'em a few times, they'll drop the press.
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If the middle back defender (X5) slides over to the sideline to prevent that pass, then have your
middle player O5 drop to the basket in the middle and hit him with the pass over the top. A
couple lay-ups later and they'll drop the press. Another option... if X3 and X4 attempt to trap
O2, then O5 can slide to that sideline for the pass from O2 (Diagram D).
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deep corner player to the ball-side for the pass and layup. This screen and cut must be done
quickly... before #2 gets trapped. The cutter should be in position almost as #2 gets the ball, so
he can make the pass quickly before the trap arrives (see the diagrams below).
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1-3-1 Motion Offense, "1"
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Run this motion offense against a man-to-man defense. Also read “Motion Offense Concepts”.
Options:
#3 can pass to the cutting #1, or to the posting
#4, or to #5 at the free throw line, or back out
to #2. Or #3 can take an open shot.
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1-3-1 Motion Offense, "2"
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Run this motion offense to run against a team who likes to switch between man-to-man and 2-
1-2 (or 2-3) zone defenses. Also read Motion Offense Concepts.
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Reverse the ball
If there are no good options, reverse the ball
quickly to the opposite side. 4 passes to 1,
who passes quickly to 3, who then passes to
2.
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1-3-1 Motion "3"
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This play starts from the 1-3-1 set. This is triple option play, or "3". Also read Motion Offense
Concepts.
First Option:
#1 at the point, passes to 2, and cuts
around 4.
2 passes to 1 for the lay-up if 1 is open.
Second Option:
If 1 is not open, she clears out and cuts
around 5. At the same time, 4 breaks to
the hoop. 2 passes to 4 for the lay-up, if 4
is open.
3 swings out to the point for two reasons:
to protect against the other team's fast
break, and for the outlet pass for the next
option
Third Option:
If 4 is not open, she moves over to the post-
up low block position. She can post-up there
and 2 can still try to get the ball to 4.
There are actually a number of other options. 2 could take the outside shot if open, or cross-
over dribble and drive to the paint once 4 clears. 3 could take the outside shot if she is open.
Once 1 cuts around 5's screen, 5 cuts to the high-post (free throw line) to get a pass from 2 or
3. She could then shoot, drive or pass off to a wing, or down low to 4.
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Play "23" (or "32")
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This is a simple "give and go" play to either side of the floor.
Setup:
#1 is at the point, 2 and 3 are on the wings,
5 and 4 are the post players.
Remember, this can be run either direction, left or right. The first pass from the point guard
determines the direction of the play, and #5 should remember to be on the block opposite the
ball, and 4 goes to the ball-side corner.
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Isolation "2"
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The defense is in man-to-man. Let's suppose your #2 wing player is your best scorer and
offensive threat. You want to get the ball in her hands, and give her the chance to beat her
defender one on one. You can run this simple isolation play. Essentially, you have three of your
players move off to the left side of the court, resulting in a "clear-out" for #2 on the right side.
See Diagram A. Now you have several options.
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Back-Door Play "Baseline 3"
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This is a simple back-door play. The low post player running the baseline (5), sets a weak-side
screen for the opposite wing (3). We use the label "baseline 3" because it tells our players that
our baseline low-post is going to pick for 3, and because the defense might erroneously think
that "baseline 3" might mean a 3-point shot from the corner.
Diagram A. Setup: Diagram B. 1 passes to 2, while 4 comes to
#1 is at the point, 2 and 3 are on the wings, 5 the ball-side elbow. 2 will pass to 4 at the
is low post and 4 is high post. elbow.
3 slides down toward the corner. The Meanwhile, the baseline post player (5),
defender may think she is looking for the 3- sprints over and sets a pick for 3.
pointer there.
Diagram C. 3 cuts hard around the screen to the Diagram D. Option on the screen.
hoop. 4 pivots quickly and passes to 3 coming in If the yellow #5 defender switches and
the "back door". Or the pass can go directly from 2 goes with 3, then 3 clears out, #5 has
to 3. inside position on the screen and seals the
2 slides toward the hoop for either the rebound, or defender and cuts to the hoop for the
a dish from 3. pass.
1 stays on the point to be back on defense, and
also, if the play fails, she could get the pass back
from 4 for an open 3-point shot.
This play starts off as a simple screen and wing cut-through, but there's more to it!
See Diagram A.
#1 is at the point, and starts the play. 1 passes to 3 and screens away for #2. 5 moves out to
the ball-side corner. #2 cuts through. If open, 3 could pass to 2.
See Diagram B.
As 1 is setting the pick for 2, 4 comes up and sets a pick for 1.
After 2 has cleared through, 1 cuts off 4's screen and "slips through " to the hoop, and gets the
pass from 3 for the lay-up. If 4's defender switches to cover 1, then 1 should clear out to the
right corner and now, if 4 sealed the defender off correctly (when she made the screen for 1),
she should have inside position for the roll cut through the lane and the pass from #3.
2 continues through and sets a pick for 5, who is also an option. 2 then rolls off the screen for
the three-point option in the corner.
This play features two picks, and usually the defense will not defend the second pick. They will
defend the first cut by 2, then relax, thinking they have the play stopped. It's at this point that 1
will make the hard cut and get the lay-up.
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1-4 Stack
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The 1-4 tends to "flatten" the defense. Here's just one play off that set.
Setup:
#1 is at the point, 2, 3,4 and
5 stack across, at the free-
throw line extended.
1 dribbles left.
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1-4 High Post Pick and Roll
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Use this if the defense is in man-to-man. This is a simple high post pick and roll where the pass
goes to the player rolling off the screen.
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1-4 Stack, Post-Point Pick ‘n Roll
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Use this if the defense is in man-to-man. This play uses a simple high post screen for the point
guard, and then the seal and roll by the screener. The same side wing slides to the corner to
clear his defender out, and also for the outlet pass to the corner (3-point shot).
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1-4 Stack Low
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“Pinball”
This play works well if you have an outstanding point guard (#1), and the defense is in man-to-
man.
Setup:
#1 is at the point.
Set the stack down low, with your best three point
shooters at the #2 and #3 spots, and your best
post players at the #4 and #5 positions.
Copyright James A. Gels 2002, All rights reserved.
Running the play:
Your outstanding point guard (#1), will try to drive
on his man. He may create his own shot, or as
the defense collapses on him, he dishes off to an
open teammate. This could be an open post
player, or an open corner 3-point shot. #2 flares
to the three-point line after the screen. #3 moves
out to the top and is the prevent man on defense.
Here's a play (below) that I saw the San Antonio Spurs run against the Nets in the NBA
playoffs. This play was designed to get the ball into the big guy (Tim Duncan) on the low post.
Start with a low stack with the post players inside (see Diagram A). #2 will split out to the
three-point arc and receive the pass from #1. Meanwhile, #4 sets a screen for #5. #5 cuts
around the screen to the ball-side low post looking for the pass from #2, and the shot.
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“America’s Play”
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Contributed by:
Coach Ken Sartini (aka "Coach Sar"), Arlington Hts, IL.
Coach Sar says he heard Coach Lou Henson describe this play at a coach's clinic as
"America's Play", because everyone in America runs it. When adapting this play to your team,
put your best shooters in the #2 and #3 positions.
See Diagram A.
#1 dribbles to the right wing (free-throw line extended
area).
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Michigan
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We run this play from our basic 3-out, 2-in motion offense. #1 is point guard, #2 and #3 are the
right and left wings, and #4 and #5 are the right and left low post players. This can be run in
either direction, right or left. The first pass from the point guard determines the direction of the
play.
Setup:
#1 calls "Michigan", and immediately the two
post players move up to the elbows and the two
wings drop down into the corners.
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“Ohio”
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Contributed by:
Coach Ken Sartini (aka "Coach Sar"), Arlington Hts, IL.
This play works well if your point guard is receiving a lot of ball pressure out on top.
#5 screens for #2, who comes off the screen looking for a
three-pointer.
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“Demon”
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Contributed by:
Coach Ken Sartini (aka "Coach Sar"), Arlington Hts, IL.
Here's another play submitted by Coach Sar. As in any play, adjust the player positions on the
floor to fit your personnel. If you have a talented big man who can jump and get above the rim,
this play could result in an "alley-OOP", back-side dunk or lay-in (remember Michigan State
with Magic to Kelser?).
See Diagram A.
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Delay Spread Offense -- “Butter"
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See the diagram. We use a basic "4-corner" setup with 2,4,3 and 5 on the corners, and the
point guard #1 is free to dribble, move around and cut inside the four corners.
The point guard #1 (the “chaser”) can dribble-penetrate the middle of the box, but as she picks
up a defender, or the double team comes, she should quickly dish the ball off to one of the four
corner players. The corner player can just hold the ball until challenged by a defender, or pass
to another corner player, or back to the point guard. All passes must be crisp and accurate and
high percentage. Do not throw across court into traffic, where it could be intercepted and taken
for the game-winning lay-up on the other end. When you pass, fake a pass one way, and pass
another. You can look the defender off to open the passing lane. If you are in trouble with a
double-team, or can't find someone to pass to, call a time-out (but you must know if you have
any time-outs left, otherwise it's a technical foul on you). If #2, #4, #3 and #5 are being guarded
closely and being denied the ball, #2 and #4 can screen and replace each other, and so can #3
and #5.
Here's a little tip that works sometimes for an easy lay-up. The point guard dribble-penetrates
the middle to the circle, but then pops back out with a pass to a corner. She gets the ball back
and does this a couple more times. Now the defense is expecting her to pass back out the next
time she goes in, and so they overplay for the pass... but this time she makes the hesitation
move and then the quick drive to the hoop for the easy lay-up. But it doesn't always work out
like this, so if the defender challenges the point guard's lay-up, she should just dribble it back
out or get it out to a corner... remember, only uncontested, easy lay-ups.
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C. Rules for the posts (#4 and #5).
1. If the pass goes to the opposite corner, the weakside post flashes to the ballside low
block. If the pass goes to #4 in the right corner, #5 should flash to the right low
block (Diagram B).
2. If a post player's defender goes to trap the chaser (#1), then cut to the basket
(Diagram C).
3. If the chaser or a wing is in trouble or stops her dribble, cut up the sideline to the
free-throw line extended level to receive the pass (Diagram D). If the post defender
overplays and denies this pass, then backcut to the hoop (Diagram E).
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Situation 2, we are going for the last shot of a quarter.
You can also use "Butter" to stall the clock for the last shot of a quarter. When the coach yells
"Go" (usually about 10 seconds left), then the corners move in and you start working to get a
good shot off. If the shot is taken with about 4-5 seconds left in the period, it may give you time
for a quick rebound and a second shot, but not enough time for the opponent to take it all the
way down and get a shot. But don't foul going for the rebound, especially if the free-throw
bonus is on.
Situation 3, “soft butter”… it’s near the end of the game but we’re not quite ready to go
into a full delay.
We may be up by 8 points with 5 or 6 minutes left in the game. We do not want to go into a full
delay and lose sight of continuing to score. But we would like to be patient and run some time
off the clock. We may go into what we amusingly call our “soft butter” offense using the 4-
corners offense, but still looking for a good, high-percentage shot, or a chance to go to the free-
throw line. The defense may think we are in a full-delay, but when they least expect it, we will
attack the basket for a lay-up.
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3-on-3 Plays
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There are a lot of 3-on-3 tournaments out there that you can get into. Although, generally I'm
not a great fan of these events (no refs, street ball, injuries, lack of sportsmanship, etc), you
can use these events to perfect your motion offense screen, seal and roll plays. Then when
basketball season starts, these simple plays will be a part of your team game and "second
nature".
In 3-on-3 tournaments, play with teammates from your school team... players whose abilities
(strengths and weaknesses) you are already know and whom you will be playing with next
season. Learn to play together and "read" what each other is doing. Have fun and remember
your sportsmanship. These battles sometimes become heated and very personal... don't lose
your cool.
Strong defense and rebounding will win many of these games. Outside shooting is difficult on
windy days outdoors, or when looking into a bright sun... get the ball inside.
Parents... let the kids play. Nowadays I see parents coaching 3-on-3 teams! I think this is not
a good trend. Kids today have almost all their play-time structured by parents and coaches.
When I was a kid (long ago!), we would just get a bunch of kids together, choose up sides and
play. We worked out any close calls or differences of opinion on our own without a lot of fights
(because we all wanted to keep playing, and if we got into a fight, we were done). Kids need to
learn these skills in dealing with other kids and how to work things out. I believe they really
don't need parents yelling at them, or the other team, or (if there is one) the ref. Let them
coach themselves and see what they can come up with on their own... you might be surprised!
These events should just be fun things... not the world championships.
Having said all that, kids here's some simple pick (screen) plays that may work well for you.
First learn how to set a good screen and how to seal the person you screened, and then roll to
the open spot for the pass. Read this page on the proper way to set screenstting Screens
(Picks)tting Screens (Picks)tting Screens (Picks).
The secret to all these screen plays is this. Realize that the person setting the screen will often
be the person receiving the pass for the shot. So if you set a screen correctly, you may
actually be setting yourself up for an easy shot. After you set the screen, "seal" (box-out) the
person you are screening, so that you get inside position on him/her. Then when your
teammate cuts around the screen, he/she could be open for the shot, but chances are the
defense will "switch" and your defender will go with the cutter. Now if you have sealed (boxed-
out) correctly, you can step toward the hoop for the pass and shot. The other important
element is the cutter must "clear out" if he/she doesn't receive the pass, so you maintain
spacing.
Here are some simple, but very effective plays if run correctly. These plays are all part of any
motion offense that your school team might want to use, and you will find many of these same
plays on my motion options and motion offense drills pages.
272
Give and Go
The give and go involves a V-
cut by #2 to receive the ball, and
a fake step left and lane cut by
#1 for the pass and lay-up.
Screen Away
#2 makes a V-cut to receive the
pass from #1. #1 passes to #2,
and "screens away" for #3 on
the opposite wing. #3 rubs off
the screen and cuts to the hoop.
Make sure that #3 waits for the
screen to arrive, and that #1
sets the correct angle on the
screen. Also, make sure that #1
seals the defender, and then
rolls to the hoop after #3 cuts
around the screen. #2 can pass
to either cutter.
273
Back-screen and Pin
#5 (low post) comes up and sets
a back- screen for the wing (#3).
The wing cuts backdoor around
the screen to the hoop for the
pass and shot. #5 who has
screened the #3 defender,
"pins" the defender and gets
inside position. If the defense
switches, he/she (#5) should be
open after releasing to the hoop
for the pass and lay-up,
assuming that #3 clears out to
the opposite side.
274
Opening Tip-Off Play
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Jump ball plays used to be more important when every jump ball was actually "jumped". Now
with the changing possession arrow, getting the opening tip is not a big advantage since you
will get the next possession anyway. If you have little chance of getting possession off the tip,
just set up around the circle in a defensive line-up (maybe even two guards back) and concede
the tip, but not a lay-up.
But, if you do have a strong advantage in getting the opening tip (a tall center or a good leaper
as your jumper), here's a play you can try to get off to a quick start. A quick lay-up in the
opening seconds can be a good psychological boost for your team. In a close game, little
things like one additional possession and two extra points can be the difference in winning and
losing.
See the diagrams below. Have your best jumper obviously jump center. Have your players
practice this against each other to find out who is the best “tipper”. Have a strong post player
(#4) line-up on the circle on the offensive end of the circle. Have two quick players (#1 and #2)
line up on opposite sides of the circle at the half-court line. One player (#3) stays back to
prevent the opponent's fast break.
As the ball goes up, #1 and #2 quickly release up the sides into the forecourt. Caution... if they
leave too soon, the ball will be awarded to the opponent. I believe this is a risk worth taking
because the refs won't usually make this call (and you get the breakaway lay-up). And, if the
call is made, the opponent gets the ball out-of-bounds on the sideline and you can either set up
your half-court defense, or attempt to pressure and steal the inbounds pass. You get the next
possession anyway, so it's not a big loss for the opponent be awarded the ball (especially if you
prevent them from scoring).
Back to the play... the ball is tipped to #4 who immediately pivots and passes quickly, or simply
"redirects" (tips) the ball to either #1 or #2. You now have a 2-on-1 fast break and a great
chance for the opening lay-up. #4 and #5 are "trailers" in the play. If the opponent gets the tip,
things make backfire on you, and everyone must sprint back on defense.
275
Sideline Out-Of-Bounds Play
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This sideline out-of-bounds play was contributed by Tracy Fontenot, who is the girls' coach at
Sacred Heart High School in Ville Platte, La. Tracy has been coaching girls varsity basketball
for 10 years. Thanks for your contribution Tracy!
VS 2-3 Zone
#2 screens down the same way for #1.
#1 must come to the ball (want to draw
the play-side guard (G) up to clear wing
area). #2 then curls under to wing area
using 4 screen on the forward (F). We
use the same options from there.
276
Sideline Out-Of-Bounds Play #2
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
This sideline out-of-bounds play uses a basic box formation. Have your best offensive guard be
the in-bounds passer, as he will be getting the return pass for the lay-up.
Use the box setup as in Diagram A. Your post players are at the elbows, and your wings (2 and
3) are on the low blocks.
When the play starts, 4 and 5 set picks down low for 2 and 3.
#2 and #3 cut off the screens to the 3-point area. The in-bounds pass goes to #3, while #2
serves as a safety valve and also stays back on defense.
After #3 receives the ball, #5 then moves out toward #1 and sets a backscreen for #1. #1 cuts
hard off #5's screen (on the baseline backdoor side) and goes to the hoop. #3 makes the pass
back to #1 for the layup. A second option would be the pass to #5, who seals and rolls off the
back-screen to the hoop.
If the pass is well-defended, #3 passes instead out to the point to #2, and #1 goes through and
fills the opposite wing, and you are in your half-court 3-out, 2-in offensive set.
277
Out-of-bounds play #1, or "Box"
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Remember that the most important thing in taking the ball out-of-bounds is
making a good pass inbound. Don't force a bad pass just to complete this play.
Call "Box"
Set up in the box formation as in Diagram A.
See Diagram B.
5 starts the play by yelling "go!". 3 v-cuts in and drops back for the outside pass, and safety.
2 sets pick for 1, so that 1 can cut to the left corner. 1 cuts to left corner and shoots if she gets
the ball.
See Diagram C.
4 moves over and sets pick for 2, and then 2 cuts hard to the basket on the right side of the
lane for the open lay-up (Diagram D)
278
"Stack" Out-of-bounds Plays
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Here are some plays using the old "stack" setup. The most important thing is to make a good
pass in-bounds. Do not force a bad pass just to complete either of these plays.
"Wheel"
Look at the diagram on the right above. The stack setup is identical to "Stack 1". But this time,
#1 curls around the stack first looking for the pass and shot, and clears to the opposite corner if
no pass occurs. #2 delays slightly after #1, and curls around the stack also, looking for the
pass and shot. After the curl cuts go by, #3 slides into the paint, and #4 moves out to the point.
If the pass goes to the point (#4), #5 should slip into the opposite low post for the quick pass
back from #4.
“Stack 2”. Here is another stack play. See Diagram A below. 4 starts the play by yelling "go!"
1 and 5 cut to the hoop (Diagram B). 3 picks for 2. 2 cuts to the middle of the paint. 4 can hit
early cutters 1 or 5, or hit 2 coming over the middle. 3 is the outlet shot.
279
“Stack 5” (this play results in shot for #5). See Diagram A. 1 splits right, 2 splits left and
receives the pass from 5. 3 stays put and 4 splits out to receive the pass from 2. Diagram B…
3 sets a pick for 5 coming inbounds. Diagram C… 5 cuts around 3’s screen and gets the inside
pass from 4. 4 can also pass to 2 for the corner 3-pointer.
“Stack 3”
Here is another stack play.
#1, #2 and #4 set a triple screen as #3 cuts out to the short corner for the shot.
280
"3" Out of Bounds Play
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This out of bounds play is set up for a 3-pointer from the corner, but there are other options too.
Remember that the most important thing in taking the ball out-of-bounds is making a good pass
inbound. Don't force a bad pass just to complete this play.
Setup: Have a good 3-point shooter take the ball out, as she will end up as the shooter. The
team sets up in a box formation.
Diagram B.
The second pass is from #1 out to #3 on the
ballside wing. After making the pass, #1 sets
the double screen next to #5. #2 cuts hard
around the double screen to the ballside
corner, looking for the pass back from #3,
and the corner 3-point shot. (Diagram C)
281
Out-of-bounds play #5, or "Line-Up", or “4-Down”
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Remember that the most important thing in taking the ball out-of-bounds is making a good pass
inbound. Don't force a bad pass just to complete this play.
Call "4-Down"
Set up like this. You will note that the setup is the
same as the 1-4 stacklow play except #5 vacates
the corner position to make the inbounds pass,
and his spot is taken by #1.
282
Out-of-Bounds Play “54”
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Here's a simple but effective out-of-bounds play designed to get a lay-up for one of your post
players. A box formation is used and note that #5 and #4 (your two post players) are opposite
each other. You could also call it "45" to confuse the opponent, but it's the same play.
See the diagrams below. #5 will set a pick on #4's defender. The in-bounds pass goes into the
ball-side corner to #2. Then #4 cuts around #5's screen for the possible pass and lay-up.
Chances are the defense will switch on the screen and #5's defender will go with #4. So #4
clears out if she doesn't receive the pass. Then #5, if she has properly sealed off the person
she screened, should be able to simply roll to the ball-side block for the pass and lay-up.
Other options include a three-point shot from #2, or from #1 on the wing.
283
Out-of-bounds play – “Spread”
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This play starts with 4 across, down low spread setup (Diagram A).
The guts of the play is with your two strong low post players who position themselves at each
low block. It is a pick and seal play that is very simple, and amazingly effective. The ball-side
low post (#4) sets a pick for the opposite low post (#5) and seals the defender for inside
position. #5 cuts around the screen to the middle of the lane looking for the pass and the easy,
point blank shot (see Diagram B). Now, look at Diagram C... if the #4's defender switches and
picks up #5, then #4 should have inside position (if he/she sealed the defender correctly), and
should get the pass for the easy lay-in.
Meanwhile, your outside players are making their cuts. #2 (your good outside shooter) makes
a V-cut out and cuts back to the corner, looking for the pass and the three-point shot. After
your post players get a couple easy lay-ups, the defense will "sag" into the paint and then #2
should get some good opportunities. #1 makes a cut out to the top of the ball-side three-point
circle, looking for a pass, and also acts as the one player back on defense.
After making the in-bounds pass, #3 either becomes a re-bounder (if the pass goes inside), or
cuts out to the ball-side corner. If the in-bounds pass went out on top to #1, then #3 should cut
quickly to the corner and look for the pass back from #1 and the potential three-point corner
shot.
284
Out-of-Bounds Plays vs the 2-3 Zone
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Many teams will play a 2-3 zone to defend against the out-of-bounds play under the basket.
Here are some plays you can run against a 2-3 zone.
When 1 yells "go", #5 seals the inside defender. #2 (your best shooter) cuts around #4's
screen to the ball-side corner. #2 could get the pass here and the three-point shot. Now if the
#4 defender to moves out toward the corner, #4 slides down the lane into the gap looking for
the pass and shot (Diagram B). You should have a 2-on-1 situation with the #4 defender.
Either #2 or #4 should be open.
285
Play #3, “Indiana”
Here’s another baseline out-of-bounds play you can run against the 2-3 zone.
Diagram A. Your strong post player (5) sets a screen on the middle defender X4. 4 cuts
around the screen, moving out to the short corner or corner area, calling “ball, ball, ball”. This
should get the X5 defender to move outside also onto 4. Now 5 seals for inside position, gets
the inbounds pass and the power lay-up (Diagram B).
Notice that 2 can cut to the opposite short corner for a shot, or maybe even steal the inside
position from the X3 defender for a lay-up. 1 is our safety for the outlet pass if nothing
develops inside. After making the inbounds pass, 3 should move to the opposite corner-wing
area.
286
Play #5, "Offset"
See the diagrams below. Notice the setup, like an offset box. This play will get us a corner 3-
point shot the first time we run it, and the inside shot the second time. Notice that our post
players 3 and 4 screen the middle and outside low defenders. Our best shooter (2) slips into
the corner for the pass and shot. Now see Diagram C. The next time, let the outside defender
slip out to the corner, and 4 should be open inside for the pass and shot. 1 has to occupy the
X2 defender so that X2 will not cover the corner.
Also check out the Pinball out-of-bounds play... there is an option to run against the 2-3 zone.
287
Out-of-bounds Plays “Box 1” and “Box 3”
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Use the simple box formation to run these plays. The set-up is identical for both plays, making
it easy for the players to learn. See Diagram A. The two post players (#4 and #5) are
positioned at the ball-side low block and elbow, while #1 and #3 are on the weak-side elbow
and block. #2 is a good passer and shooter, and in-bounds the ball.
“Box 1”
On “Go”, #4 sets a pick for #5 so that #5 can cut to the opposite block. #4 will then seal, or
pin, the defender that she/he screens, and then “roll” to the hoop for the pass and lay-up. #2
could pass to #5, or if the defense switches the screen, #4 should be open. #3 cuts around
#1’s screen and moves out to the top. #1 cuts to the weak-side corner, or could optionally
make a V-cut and go right back to where she/he started at the weak-side elbow. If nothing is
open inside, look to either #1 or #3 for a three-pointer.
“Box 3”
Use the same set-up as above (see Diagram A). #1, #3, #4 and #5 all make the same screens
and cuts as in “Box 1” above. This time we are looking for a three-pointer from our shooter #2.
#2 passes out on top to #3, makes a V-cut toward #5 and then quickly out to the ball-side
corner. #3 passes to #2 who takes the three-point shot from the corner.
288
Out-of-Bounds Play “Box Wide”
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Here is a very simple but effective baseline out-of-bounds play that creates a possible three-
point shot for your best shooter, or an inside shot for your best post player.
This play uses the familiar “box” formation, but moves the two post players (O4 and O5) wide.
This creates a better angle for the screen. See Diagram A. You can change the numbers to fit
your personnel. On “go”, O5 sets a screen for O1 (a good outside shooter). O1 cuts to the
three-point arc looking for the pass and the open three-point shot. This is often open because
the X5 defender is often reluctant to move outside.
Now look at Diagram B. If the defense switches the screen and the X5 defender moves
outside on O1, then O5 seals and has inside position on the smaller X1 defender. So you have
your strong, tall post player in a position to beat a smaller defender. O5 cuts to the hoop
looking for the pass and shot. If the X4 defender picks up O5, then O4 may be open.
289
Out-of-Bounds Play "Box Around"
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Here's another baseline OB play starting from a "box" formation. See the diagrams below.
We'll pass the ball outside, eventually to the point. O4 moves to the short corner. O5 initially
"digs in" to see if he/she can get the quick inside pass. After passing out to O2, the inbounder
O3 curls around O5 looking for the pass in the middle from O1, and the easy shot.
290
Out-of-Bounds Play “Double Stack”
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Set-up this play with a double stack. Have your two post players position themselves on the
low blocks. Have your two best outside shooting guards stack on each side right behind the
post players (see Diagram A).
#1 and #2 make V-cuts toward the paint, and then cut to the corners for the possible pass and
three-point shot.
The post player nearest the ball (#4) sets a screen for the opposite post player (#5), who cuts
across the lane for the pass and power lay-up (Diagram B).
#4 seals, or "pins" the #5 defender to establish inside position. If the defense switches the
screen, then #4 should be open for the pass and lay-up (Diagram C).
291
Out-of-Bounds Play, “3–Across”
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Three players stack across the free-throw line, with #2 as your best shooter, #1 is your point
guard, and #4 and #5 are post players. #4 sets the screen for both #5 and #2 (holds the
screen until #2 clears around). #5 cuts first around the screen to the hoop. #2 cuts over the
screen to the ball-side short corner (or corner if you are looking for the three-pointer). #4 then
releases and rolls to the weak-side block, with a great chance of being open for the pass. #1 is
your safety outlet and man back to prevent the opponent's fast break. #3 passes to any open
player.
292
Out-of-Bounds Play "3-Down"
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This baseline OB play uses a 3-across low stack set (see diagrams). The play is a simple
backscreen by the middle post player O4 for our point guard O1. If the defense fails to switch
the backscreen, O1 should get the pass for the lay-up. If the defense switches the screen, our
post player O4 should be able to seal the smaller X1 defender and roll to the hoop for the pass
and lay-up. O2 cuts to the corner and could shoot the 3-pointer. O3 moves out on top as our
safety.
After running this successfully a couple times, then run option 2 (see diagram below). This
time, O4 again looks like he/she is going to move up and set the backscreen. Instead, O4
makes a quick cut back to the ball for the pass and lay-up.
293
Out-of-Bounds Play “Pinball”
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Contributed by:
Coach Ken Sartini (aka "Coach Sar"), Arlington Hts, IL.
This plays starts out as a "pick the picker" play, which works well against man-to-man defense
(there is also a zone option seen below). Refer to the diagrams below. Set up as in Diagram
A. #2 splits out to the ball-side wing. #3 fakes and cuts over #5's screen near the ball-side
elbow, and goes to the ball-side corner. Meanwhile #4 sets a pick for #5 (see Diagram B). #5
cuts hard around the screen looking for the pass and lay-up. #4 seals the person he/she
screened and rolls to the hoop, also looking for the pass and lay-up.
If neither #4 or #5 is open, the pass goes into the corner to #3 (Diagram C). #3 passes out to
#2. Meanwhile, #1 steps inbounds and sets a screen for #3. #4 and #5 also set staggered
screens for #3. #3 cuts along the baseline to the opposite corner, looking for the pass from #2.
#3 can take the outside shot, or pass down to #5 posting up on the low block.
Zone Option
If the defense is in a zone, you can run it a little differently. Set up the play and run it exactly
the same as in Diagrams A and B above. Now refer to Diagram D below. Assuming #4 and #5
are not open for the inbounds pass, #1 passes to #3 in the corner. #1 then cuts hard to the
weak-side and screens the backside of the zone, which should be overloaded on the ball-side.
#3 again cuts along the baseline, getting screens from #4 and #5 and cuts outside of #1,
looking for the pass from #2 and the shot.
Another option is seen in Diagram E. Again the inbounds pass goes to #3 and #1 cuts to the
opposite wing, receives the pass from #2, and passes into #5 posting up on the low block.
Still another option is seen in Diagram F. This time #3, after passing out to #2, sets a screen
for #1, who cuts to the corner for the pass back from #2 and the three-pointer shot. #3 cuts to
the weak-side as seen previously in Diagram E.
294
Offense for the Last Few Seconds of the Game
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The game is tied, or your team is down 1 or 2 points, with 4 seconds left in the game. Since
you are not playing in the NBA (where they get the ball at half-court), you must go the full
length of the floor. Here is one strategy you could try. This assumes you have at least one
time-out left.
Break the remaining time up into two segments. Since the clock doesn’t start until a player
touches the ball, first cut the court in two and make the pass to half-court and immediately call
time-out. While you are explaining the play to your team, have your assistant go over to the ref
and inform him quietly what you are doing, and that you will be calling time-out and want the
clock stopped immediately. This puts the ref on the spot and he won’t be able to say that he
didn’t hear you call time-out. Ask the ref also to inform the clock-keeper. If done correctly, you
should only lose 1 second with the pass to half court. See Diagram A. Have two players at
half-court and two players deep. Have the two half court players run deep, and the two deep
players cut to the ball at half-court. #3 is your best long passer. Call time-out as soon as the
ball is caught.
Now, you have the ball on the sideline at half-court with two or three seconds left on the clock.
Once again, the clock doesn’t start until the ball touches a player. I think your best options for
a clear shot are (1) ball-side corner, (2) weak-side wing (using a skip pass), the lob to your tall
post player in the lane. You must instruct your players that whoever receives the ball, must
shoot it… there is no time for a pass or dribble. See Diagram B. Set your players up in a tight
“diamond” formation. Have your best shooter #2 cut through the diamond to the ball-side
corner for the pass and shot. Have your other good outside shooter #1 cut to the weak-side
wing, looking for the skip pass and three-point shot. #4 cuts toward the ball, 3-point arc area,
while #5 tries to get position for the long lob pass to the lane. #3 is your strong-armed, best
passer and must find the open receiver. If no-one is open, #3 should make the lob pass to #5,
hoping that there could be contact and a foul going for the pass… you could win it on the free-
throw line.
The odds are against you, but at least you have a chance if you have a plan, and have
practiced for this situation.
295
Desperation, Last Second Full-Court Play
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You only have a few seconds left and must go the length of the floor, and you need a three-
pointer. This play might at least get you a final shot.
Setup:
Have your best long passer make the inbounds
pass. Place your best three-point shooters at half
court near the sides. Put your tallest, best jumper
at the free-throw line.
296
Buzzer-Beater from Half-Court
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Contributed by:
Coach Ken Sartini (aka "Coach Sar"), Arlington Hts, IL.
Here's the situation: the game is tied, or your team is down 1 or 2 points, with a few seconds
left in the game. You have the ball out-of-bounds at the half-court line (or just inside half-court).
Here's a play you can try with several options.
See the diagrams below. You can change the player assignments to fit your team's strengths.
Have your two three-point shooters (#2 and #3) start down low, with your posts (#4 and #5)
spaced out on the three-point arc (or higher) as seen in Diagram A. #2 and #3 will set back-
screens for the post players, and #1 may attempt the long pass to either #4 or #5 for the lay-in
(Diagram B). Now, if the defense switches and sags and denies those passes, or if you need a
three-pointer, look to Diagram C... after setting the screens, #2 and #3 roll out to the three-point
arc for the pass and shot.
Coach Sar says that in his experience, oftentimes the #5 defender does not like to leave his
man and give help defense. In this case, you could switch the roles of #5 and #3, especially if
you have a very athletic #3 (one of those slender, long-armed, quick kids that can really jump,
catch the ball and finish). This option may also work too if you have a #5 who can step outside
and shoot the three-pointer.
Now suppose the defense decides not to guard the in-bounder, but instead positions him/her in
the paint to prevent the long pass (see Diagram D below). Run the play just the same
(Diagram E), but hit then in-bounder (#1) with the return pass for the 3-point shot (Diagram F).
One way to set this up, assuming you have a time-out, is to get ready to run the play. Then if
you notice that the in-bounder is not being guarded, call time-out and have your team go to this
option instead. If the players know both options, or you have no time-outs left, just yell "Option
1" ("1" for the in-bounder, the point guard).
297
Half-Court Sideline Play
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Contributed by:
Coach Ken Sartini (aka "Coach Sar"), Arlington Hts, IL.
Here is a play you can run from the half-court sideline for a potential last second shot.
Diagram A. #3 must read the defender. If #3's defender is playing down in the paint, #4
screens him/her and #3 V-cuts out for the skip pass. #4 posts up on the block and #3 can
either take the shot or #3 and #4 can run a two-man game.
Diagram B. Now if the #3 defender is playing out on #3 then the second read is #3 cutting
baseline off double staggered screens by #4 and #1, to the ball-side corner. After screening,
#4 moves up to the high-post.
Diagram C. #4 drops down and sets a screen for #1, while #5 moves to the high post and also
screens for #1. #1 cuts around the double staggered screen to the point, looking for the pass
and shot.
Diagram D. #5 slides to the ball-side elbow and #4 moves to the weak-side low block. The
pass from #2 could go to #3, #5 or #1.
Diagram E. If #2's defender is sagging way off, #2 could get the return pass and shot.
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Defense 1 on 1 Drill
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Set-up:
Use both ends of the court and make four lines, one under each basket with the players facing
the free throw line, and one at each free throw line with players facing the basket.
The Drill:
The defensive players are under the basket; the offensive players are at the free throw line.
The first player in the defensive line passes the ball to the offensive player at the free throw
line, and closes-out aggressively. The offensive player tries to score, by shooting or driving to
the hoop. The defender should play aggressively and box-out after any shot. Once the offense
scores or the defense stops her, it's done, and they pass to next defensive player in line on the
baseline. The rotation is that the offensive players go to the defense line and vice-versa.
The defensive players should work on proper stance and footwork (see Basic Defense), and
box-out on any shots. The defense should close-out initially with the strong foot forward and
that hand up toward offensive player. Over-guard the offensive player's strong side. The other
hand should be low, out to the side, palm up. Proper footwork means sliding with the offensive
player (don't cross your feet), and staying between the player and the basket. Watch the belly-
button, contest all shots with a hand up at the shooter.
You can make a game of it and have your players or managers keep score. Losers run.
Full-Court Drill
299
Defense Z-Drill
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
This drill works on proper defensive footwork, slides and sprints. I am frequently shouting
"move your feet, don't reach in!" at my players when they are on defense, and this drill
emphasizes that.
Set-up:
See the diagram. Place cones or balls at the
specified places on the court (top of the key, on each
end; and each mid-court sideline). Form a single line
at the corner of the left baseline. The first player in
line should turn around and face the baseline.
The Drill:
First Option: Sliding the whole way.
The first player in line starts the drill by sliding to the
first cone at the top of the arc. She should use
proper stance and sliding technique (see Basic
Defense). and should be facing the baseline. When
she reaches the cone, she pivots off her lead foot
and slides to the next cone at half-court sideline.
She continues pivoting and sliding to the next cone
at the top of the far end arc, and then to the baseline
corner. After reaching the corner, she sprints along
the baseline to the other corner, and zig-zags her
way back up the court. The second player in line
starts after the person in front of her reaches the first
cone. Have all players do this, watching and
stopping to demon-strate correct stance, footwork,
and slides. Careful not to overdo this drill at first, as
players can become very tired doing this drill.
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Defense Shell Drill
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
This drill focuses on the basic concepts of "on-ball", "deny", and "help-side" (see Basic
Defense).
Set-up:
Use a half court setup with a total of eight players. Four offensive players are positioned
around the three point arc. Start with two wings and two players in the corners. Match-up four
defensive players with each of the offensive players. You could also use five on each team with
a point guard, two wings and two corners. Additional players can sub in and out at your
discretion.
The Drill:
The offensive players are stationary, no cuts or dribbling. This is a defensive drill and the
offensive players simply pass the ball sharply around the arc. Make sure they make good
passes (use this as a passing drill also), make sure they receive the ball in "triple threat"
position, and have them make some skip passes too. The defensive players are not to steal or
intercept the ball, since this is drill designed to emphasize proper positioning on the floor. The
defensive players must work on proper relationships in positioning with the offensive player
they are guarding.
If the defender's man has the ball, she should be applying "on-ball" pressure, and force the
offensive player toward the sideline or baseline.
If her player is one pass away, she should be in "deny", but not a complete dead-ball denial as
seen at the bottom of this page. She should be a little up the line and a step or two toward the
ball (see Diagrams A and B). This way, she is in position to steal the pass, yet is still able to
give help to the on-ball defender if the ball-handler tries to dribble-penetrate.
If she is two passes away, she should be in "help-side". If the ball is above the free-throw line
(Diagram A), the help-side defender should have one foot in the lane. If the ball is below the
free throw line (Diagram B), the help-side defenders should be straddling the "help-side line".
For more of an explanation, see Basic Defense.
Once you feel your team has an understanding of these basic relationships, and all players
have been on offense and defense, you can let them play half court all out with cutting,
screens, shooting, etc. Watch the defenders carefully for proper defensive positioning. Blow
your whistle when you need to make points with the players... somebody messed up, or
somebody did something really well.
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Full Denial. Diagrams C and D above.
Now let's assume that the ball-handler has given up her dribble. She no longer has the option
of dribble-penetration, so defenders whose player is one pass away can now be in complete
deny, on the line.
Help and Recover. Diagrams E and F below teach how to give help and recover on the
perimeter. #1 tries to dribble-penetrate. The #2 defender gives help and #1 is prevented from
penetrating, and has to dish back out to #2 (Diagram F). The #2 defender then has to rotate
quickly out to on-ball defense on #2, and the #1 and #4 defenders are now in deny, a little up
the line and a step or two toward the ball, while the #3 defender moves into help-side (Diagram
F).
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Defense Man-to-Man Positioning Drill
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Use this drill to help teach the man-to-man concepts of on-ball defense, deny and help-side
(See Basic Defense first). Also see the Shell Drill.
Setup:
See the diagrams below. Three offensive players are set up on the perimeter as in Diagram A.
Defenders start from the three lines at the end-line.
Drill:
The coach ("C") passes to one of the three offensive players who stay put. There is no scoring,
passing, attacking in this drill. This drill simply emphasizes how the defenders should position
themselves in a man-to-man defense. In Diagram A, the coach passed to #2, so the #2
defender makes a good close-out and plays "on-ball" defense. The #1 defender sprints out into
a "deny" position (one pass away from the ball), and assumes a position a little up the line and
a step or two toward the ball-handler (to prevent not only the pass, but dribble-penetration).
The #3 defender sprints out to "help-side" defense, dropping down into the lane (two passes
away from the ball). The coach makes any corrections in the players alignment, and then the
ball is passed back to the coach for the next three defenders in line. The current defenders
become offense and the offensive players go to the back of the defensive lines.
Note in Diagram C, the pass goes to the point, and the #1 defender sprints out and make a
good "close-out", while the two wing defenders sprint out into "deny" defense. Diagram D is
the same as Diagram A, only to the opposite wing.
This is a defensive drill that emphasizes defensive slides, forcing the opponent to the baseline,
and then trapping at the baseline.
The Drill:
Diagram A. The defenders at the free-throw line
(#1 and #2) slide over and back twice and touch
the ball each time, being vocal ("deny, deny,
deny"). On the third slide, before she can touch
the ball, the assistant puts the ball on the floor
and starts dribbling. The defender forces him to
the baseline, where the low block defenders (#'s 3
or 4) seal off the baseline and prevent further
penetration along the line, and the two defenders
trap him in the corner, or along the baseline
(Diagram B).
Pointers:
1. Make sure the defense prevents penetration
along the baseline.
2. Don't allow the ball-handler to split the trap.
Trappers get "knee to knee".
3. When trapping, don't reach in. The height of the
trappers' hands should mirror the height of the
ball.
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Piston Full-Court Offense-Defense Drill
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
This full court drill emphasizes the speed dribble and lay-up, defensive hustle, and conditioning.
Setup:
Pair up, each player has a partner, and each twosome has a
ball. Use both the left and right sides of the floor.
The Drill:
The first twosome on each end start with one player
sprinting up to the wing and other passing in-bounds quickly
to her. The ball receiver speed dribbles the length of the
court and goes in hard for the lay-up. The in-bounds passer,
after making the in-bounds pass, becomes a defensive
player and sprints the length of the floor, and tries to catch
up, and get ahead of the ball-handler, and prevent the lay-
up. The shooter then grabs the rebound, steps out of
bounds and the roles are reversed for going back up the
floor, on the opposite site of the court.
Run both sides of the floor. The next twosome in line starts
when the first twosome reaches half court. The drill is
continuous, no stopping.
Option:
You can also run this drill from the half-court line.
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Take The Charge Defensive Drill
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
This is a defensive drill that teaches players how to take the charge under the basket.
The Drill:
First player in the blue line dribbles to the hoop
for the lay-up. Stress that the offensive player
must take it all the way to the hoop and make
contact with the defender. The defender steps
into the offensive player's lane, plants her feet
with a wide stance and braces for the contact.
Teach the defender that when the contact
occurs, avoid injury by just "sitting down" on the
mat, with the butt making initial contact with the
floor, not the back or shoulders. Immediately
after the contact, the defensive player pops back
up quickly, the offensive player moves to back of
the line, and the next blue player drives for the
next contact. Have each player, defend 5 or 6 in
a row.
Pointers:
1. Make sure the defensive player gets into correct position before the offensive player arrives.
2. Make sure her feet are planted, and that she does not move, turn her hips, etc. The only
movement should be the backward fall when contact is made. Any other movement may result
in a blocking foul instead of a charge.
3. The defender should be vocal and yell when she gets hit ("OH!!!")... and make an academy
award "flop" back onto the mat! You've got to sometimes sell it to the ref.
4. Have an extra manager or assistant under the basket to help catch the offensive player after
contact is made, to avoid injury.
5. Advise your players that since the officials do not always call the charging foul, best not take
the charge if you are in foul-trouble. It's a judgement call and you are at the mercy of the
officials.
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3-on-3 Defensive Drill
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
This defensive drill will help pick up your team's defensive intensity, because it is a competition.
Give out some award to the winners... a bag of candy, free pop, etc. Or just make all the losers
run and the winners get to watch.
Setup:
Divide your squad into 3-man teams (you may have one or two 4-man teams where the players
rotate in and out, if the numbers don't come out exactly even). These teams will take turns
competing against each other as outlined below. Only two teams will be on the floor at a given
time, offense and defense. Split the teams up fairly (no “stacked” teams), and have at least
one guard and one post player on each team.
The Drill:
Play half-court, man-to-man defense at all times. Coaches referee. Points are scored only by
the defense. The defense gets one point whenever they stop the offense and get possession
either by a defensive rebound, a steal, a forced turn-over, forced bad pass, etc. The idea is for
the defensive team to stay on the floor as long as they can, because it's the only way you can
accumulate points.
No points are awarded for baskets made. However, if the offense scores, then the defensive
team must leave the floor and the offense now becomes the defense (enabling them a chance
to accumulate points), and a new team comes out on offense. Also, if the offense commits a
turnover, or fails to score, they must leave the court and a new team comes out on offense. So
there is always a penalty for failure... the team who fails (whether offense or defense) must
leave the floor.
If the defense commits a foul, this also results in them being kicked off the court and the
offense now becomes the defense and a new team comes out on offense.
Pick a set number of points... the first team to obtain that point total are the winners.
This drill will help pick up your intensity, and the players usually enjoy this "game".
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Learning the Jump Stop
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
The jump stop is helpful offensive footwork that can be used at the end of a dribble, or to
receive a pass and be in triple threat position. At the end of a speed dribble, young players will
often stop, fall forward from their momentum, and get a traveling call. Ending the speed dribble
with a jump stop will prevent the traveling violation. The jump stop is executed by the player,
who is on the run, taking one small step and then landing on both feet simultaneously in proper
balance (not leaning forward). After a jump stop, either foot can be used as the pivot foot. This
is especially helpful for the low post player.
This drill teaches a few things at once, the jump-stop, reverse pivot, and crisp passing.
It starts with 4 lines, a ball at the front of each line. The 4 lines begin in 4 corners of a square,
about 25 feet apart facing each other.
On the whistle, all 4 lines speed dribble toward each other with a target near the top of the arc.
All 4 players jump-stop about 3 feet before they collide (forming a small circle) and reverse
pivot to face the line to their right or left (decided prior to whistle), and make a chest pass to the
person at the front of the line. Passers go to line they passed to and next 4 players go as soon
as they receive the ball.
Timing is important so that all 4 lines are passing, jump-stopping, and beginning at the same
time. When this drill is running smoothly it looks like a dance but and when the timing is bad, it
looks like chaos. After 20 passes or so, call switch and they pivot/pass the opposite direction.
This drill is good for teaching the jump-stop and reverse pivot and it makes them think a little bit
too.
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Footwork Drill
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Every player must learn proper footwork to become a good player. He/she must learn how to
execute the jump-stop, forward and reverse pivot, and make certain cuts without the ball, such
as the V-cut. He/she must learn the "triple-threat" position. Here is a drill that has the players
execute all of these moves plus take a shot, follow the shot for the rebound, and make a good
pass.
See also: Fundamentals, Jump-Stop, Offensive Tips, and Cutting and Faking.
Refer to the diagram. The players form two lines, one for the passers and one for the movers-
shooters.
Start the drill with the player in the line on the right
wing cutting sharply toward the corner, where he
makes a jump-stop (JS), and then does a reverse
pivot (RP), and then cuts to the block. There he
makes a V-cut (VC) back out to the elbow or free-
throw line extended area. There he does a forward
pivot (FP) and receives the pass in triple threat
position (TT). Finally, he takes the shot, follows his
rebound, gets the rebound and passes to the next
person in the passing line who does not have a ball.
He follows his pass to the rear of the passing line.
The passer goes to the rear of the shooting line.
Pointers:
Make sure the jump-stop and pivots are executed correctly. Stress the footwork in this drill.
Reverse pivot: After the jump-stop, pivot on the inside (left) foot toward the open floor.
V-cut: Plant the inside (right) foot and push off it hard extending your left leg the opposite
direction to make the sharp cut to the free-throw line extended area.
Forward Pivot: At the end of the V-cut, make a sharp forward pivot by pivoting on the baseline
(right) foot, and face the passer and receive the pass in triple threat position.
At first, go through the drill slowly with the players, instructing and executing each move for
them. Have the players go slow-motion at first, then speed it up once they start becoming
proficient. Running this drill for 5-10 minutes each practice will rapidly improve these basic
footwork skills.
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Pick Drills
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
It is important that your players know how to set correct screens. The first drill is a pass and
"screen away" drill that helps stress all the ingredients of setting good screens, and teaches the
pick and roll move. The second drill is a screen set for the ball-handler, with execution of the
pick and roll move. For the important basics of setting screens, see "Setting Screens".
Make sure that the screeners make contact, get wide and strong and stationary with arms in,
and make sure they have the correct angle on the screen. Make sure the player cutting off the
screen waits for the screen to develop, and "rubs off" the screen correctly. Make sure the pivot
on the roll move is toward the cutter, not away... a player should not turn his back to his
teammate.
Make sure as always that players hustle, and the passes are sharp. Once you feel that your
team is making good screens, "go live". Break up into groups of three, and put a defender on
each offensive player. Tell the defenders to allow the first pass to the right wing, but then play
tough "D". You can now also teach your defense how to fight through, and slide behind a
screen, and how to call a "switch" on defense. You can also start with a pass to the left wing,
and screen right, or let it up to the point guard to go either way.
Look at the diagrams below for common screening errors.
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#1 dribbles around the screen. If the
defenders switch men, then #1 dribbles
another two or three steps to clear the
screen. Meanwhile, #2 seals off the #1
defender and rolls to the hoop. #1 makes
the bounce pass to #2 who takes it for
either the lay-up, or the in-the-paint
jumper.
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Drills for Teaching the 3-2 Motion Offense
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
This article features some break down drills for teaching the 3-2 motion offense. These drills
may involve only certain positions, and not the entire team. You may want to work with the
perimeter players, while on the other end, your assistant works with the post players, or vice-
versa.
V-Cut Drill
Teach your perimeter players to V-cut, replace
themselves, and receive the pass. Make sure
they catch the ball in triple threat position. Use
groups of three, and start with no defense, or
token defense (no deny). The players reverse the
ball around several times. Then you yell “Go!”,
and anything goes with the offense attempting a
quick score, using a dribble move, a cut and pass,
screen, back-cut, etc.
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Dribble-Entry, Rotate Drill
Now teach that if #1 is not able to make the pass
to the wing, he may simply dribble to the wing and
replace the wing. The wing player must recognize
this, and then back-cut to the hoop. He may cut
all the way through to the opposite wing, or he
can button-hook at the low post if he feels he can
score on his defender down low. The opposite
wing replaces #1 at the point. Rotate around
several times (go left also) and then yell “Go!”,
and finish the set with a pass to a cutter for the
lay-up or shot.
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Down-screen Curl Drill
Teach your wings how to down-screen for the low
post. The low post player curls around the screen
for the pass and jump shot. Work both sides of
the floor. Start with the #5 defender playing token
defense, and progress to hard defense.
Back-screen Drill
Teach the low post players how to correctly back-
screen for the wing. The wing behind the screen
for the pass from #1. Show token defense at first,
and have the #5 defender let #3 cut to the hoop
for the pass and lay-up.
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Defender Fronting the Low Post Drill
Have your low post dead-fronted. Teach #5 to
recognize this situation, and then flash to the ball-
side high post position to receive the pass from
#2. #4 should “pin”, or seal, his defender and get
inside position for the pass from #5. Have all your
post players take turns, to learn to recognize this
situation.
The other option to be practiced here is having #4
pin the defender and “step-off” toward the hoop
for the high lob pass from #2 to #4
Post players…
Your post players must learn how to screen for each other, and how to "pin" the defender after
the screen, for inside position. This is very important for getting easy, inside baskets. See the
diagram below. If the ball-side post player cannot get open for the pass, he can screen away
for the opposite post player, who comes to the ball. If he does not receive the pass, or if the
defense switches on the screen, he can move out to the short corner (for spacing), Now the
other post player should have inside position if he correctly pinned his defender when setting
the screen. Incorporate these concepts in the "Posts 2-on-2 Drill" above. Be innovative!
Create your own drills to help teach the “motion offense”.
Rather than a lot of set plays, teach your players how to fake and cut, screen, pass, go
backdoor, feed both the low and high posts, etc.
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Scrimmage type drills
To get them to move and execute the cuts and screens outlined above, practice half-court 5 on
5, but set some rules. One time, tell them that no-one is allowed to shoot until at least two
screens have been made... you count them out loud from the sideline. Another time, they are
not allowed to shoot until the ball has gotten into the low post at least once, and then into the
high post another time. Another time, the rule is no dribbling... only passing. The only dribble
permitted is a one or two bounce dribble inside for the lay-up. Any "unnecessary" dribbling on
the perimeter, and the other 5 is awarded the ball.
This is fun for your players. Keep score, alternate possessions, and make both teams play
under the same offensive rules that you impose. The players will enjoy this and instead of
learning set plays, they will start learning basic motion offense and how to "play the game".
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Transition Offensive Drills
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
There are several drills that can be use to help with your transition offense. Before proceeding
here, read the page on Transition Offense first. The transition offense and fast break can be
broken down into its components when practicing and doing drills.
Have two offensive and defensive re-bounders near the basket. I you are teaching the wing
outlet, have a guard on each wing (free-throw line extended). The coach shoots the ball up and
the re-bounders fight for position and get the rebound. If the offense gets the ball, they return it
to the coach for another shot. When the defender gets the rebound, he pivots immediately on
his outside foot toward the sideline, wheels and throws the two-handed overhead pass to the
wing (see Rebounding Tips). Repeat this over and over, to both sides. From time to time, have
another player, manager or assistant step into the outlet passing lane, so that the re-bounder
learns to look first for his receiver, before blindly making a bad pass.
For the center outlet pass, use this same drill, except instead of the wings, just have your point
guard in the center above the free throw line. Put a defender on him and impress upon him that
he has to work hard after the rebound to get open and get the pass. In this offensive scheme,
the point guard must get the ball. The re-bounders, instead of pivoting to the outside wing, are
now looking up the middle. Once the point guard gets the ball, he pivots and starts the speed
dribble up court. Once he reaches mid-court, the drill is over, and he passes back to the coach.
318
Pointers:
1. Make sure the outlet is clean and the pass is not forced.
3. Make sure the lanes are filled quickly, and make sure each player knows his assignment.
4. The point guard should speed dribble the ball up the middle lane and stop his penetration at
his own free throw line. He looks to pass to his wings, or can pop the free throw line jumper. If
all three lanes are not filled (just two), and he has a two on one situation, he can take it to the
hoop for the lay-up, or dish off to his teammate.
5. The wings should be looking for the pass from the point, and take it in strong for the lay-up. If
the point guard pops the jumper, the wings should crash the boards for the offensive rebound.
If neither happens, the wings should cross under the basket and fill the opposite corner-wing
area. As they "clear out", the point guard should veer off to the right side of the free throw
circle, and the trailer should be coming through for the pass. This all takes timing. If the trailer
gets there too soon, the paint will be congested. If he's too late, the defense is already in
position.
6. If the defense, steals the ball during the break, have them push it back up for their own
score. You want to make sure the prevent man is holding back and knows how to do his job.
Also see: Pitch 'n Fire Drill, Piston Full Court Drill, 4 on 4 Transition, Rebound-Outlet-Break
Drill.
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Fast-Break, Full-Court Passing Drills -- 2-on-0, 2-on-1, 2-on-2
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
These full-court, fast-break drills emphasize passing and receiving on the move and finishing
the break with a lay-up, or finishing in a 2-on-1 or 2-on-2 situation. We run through all the sets
of drills below, starting with the 2-on-0 drills, and then progressing into the 2-on-1 and finally
the 2-on-2 drills. We run all these drills in about 10 minutes, and we do them almost every
practice.
Pointers:
(1) Make sure your players are talking and the passer is yelling the receiver's name, while the
receiver is yelling "ball".
(2) The last pass that sets up the lay-up is always a bounce pass.
(3) No dribbling is allowed, except if needed to finish the lay-up.
(4) Make sure everyone is running hard, not jogging.
2-on-1 Drill
See the middle diagram below. Now we add a defender who runs ahead of the two passers
and tries to defend in a 2-on-1 situation. The defender usually just moves up the floor and tries
to defend at the end. However, the defender may try to jump between the passers anywhere
on the floor to steal the pass. If the ball is stolen or there is a turnover or a missed pass, the
three players just move into line at the far end of the floor. When the last three-some has
finished, we come back down the court to complete the trip.
2-on-2 Drill
Finally, we finish by adding a second defender who must trail the break and may not leave the
end-line until the offense has cleared the top of the key or 3-point arc. The first defender sprints
up the floor and tries to stop, or delay, the 2-on-1 break, while the second defender is sprinting
up the floor to provide defensive help at the end. The offense must move quickly and make
quick decisions, otherwise they lose their 2-on-1 advantage. Both offensive and defensive
players should be "talking", communicating.
320
Copyright 2003, James A. Gels, all rights reserved.
321
Pitch 'n Fire Full-Court Drill
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
This offensive drill emphasizes full-court offensive transition skills and conditioning. Players will
use the speed dribble, jump stop, passing and receiving on the move, and the lay-up. The re-
bounder is taught to get the ball out of the net (after the basket is made) and get the ball in-
bounds quickly.
Setup:
Pair up, each player has a partner, and each twosome has a
ball. Use both the left and right sides of the floor.
The Drill:
The first twosome on each end start with one player
sprinting up to the wing and other passing in-bounds quickly
to her. The ball receiver speed dribbles the length of the
court to the free throw line, and passes off to her partner,
who has cut full-speed up the sideline, and then 45 degrees
to the hoop, for the lay-up. The non-shooter grabs the
rebound out of the net, before it can hit the floor, steps out of
bounds and passes quickly into her partner, who is now on
the opposite wing, and they repeat the same drill going back
up the floor on the opposite side of the floor.
Run both sides of the floor. The next twosome in line starts
when the first twosome reaches half court. The drill is
continuous, no stopping.
Pointers:
1. Stress that the re-bounder quickly snatch the ball out of
the net and get it in-bounds, and her partner should be
ready for the reception on the wing.
2. The dribbler speed dribbles and comes to a jump stop
before making the pass for the lay-up.
3. The shooter receives the pass on the move, makes the
jump stop to get control, and lays the ball in off the glass.
4. A good conditioning drill!
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4 on 4 Transition
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
This drill emphasizes the transition game (see Transition Offense, Transition Defense), both
offensive and defensive skills.
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The Rebound-Outlet-Break Drill
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
by Tim Marshall
Head Girls Basketball Coach
J.C. Penney High School
Hamilton, Missouri.
Objective
The objectives of the R-O-B Drill include both offensive and defensive skills during the
transition phase of going from one side to the other, as in offense to defense and vice versa.
Set-up
To set up the drill you will need 2 re-bounders(R1 & R2), 2 shooters(S1& S2), 2 outlets(O1 &
O2), 1 defender(D1), and the entry passer(M).
To Begin
R1 and R2 start on the blocks facing S1 and S2. M will pass to S1 or S2 - we will go with S1 to
explain the drill.(diagram 2)
If R1 gets rebound:
- O1 calls for "outlet" while moving up the floor.
- O2 breaks for basket.
- S1 must pressure pass, then retreats on 'D' after throw.
- S2 must hustle back to stop O2.
- D1 drops back to stop 2-on-1 break.
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- O1 and O2 try to score on D1 before help arrives(S1& S2).
Drill Rotation:
- R1 and R2 become S1 and S2.
- S1 and S2 become O1 and O2.
- If O1 shoots ball, he becomes D1.*
- D1 and O2 go to R1 and R2 lines.
*Shooter becomes defender
Variables:
- If S1 or S2 get the rebound, then R1 and R2 must run two walls.*
- Anyone who makes a turnover must run two walls.
- If O1 forces turnover passing to O2, he runs two walls and O2 goes to D1.
*S1 and S2 remain as shooters
1. Transition
A. We want to instill in the defense to become the offense immediately by finding the
outlet, pushing the ball up the floor as quickly as possible and gaining the advantage -
ex. 2 on 1 break. We must do this before the opponents can get back and 'help out' on
defense at the other end of the floor.
B. We want the offensive players to battle for offensive rebounds, put pressure on the
opposing passer, and still get back on defense as quickly as possible.
2. Rebounding
A. The objective here on defense is to teach proper blocking-out techniques and
sustaining the screen as long as possible.
B. On offense we try to instill a more aggressive attitude toward the non- shooter in
going after offensive rebounds and the shooter to follow his shot.
3. Communication
A. The re-bounders are to communicate where the "ball" is when their man has the ball,
and to tell everyone that a "shot" has gone up, which will tell teammates it is time to
block out.(This can be enhanced by allowing S1 and S2 to pass the ball before
shooting.)
B. We also want re-bounders to get in the habit of getting the ball to an "outlet" as
quickly as possible.
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As with most drills, there are many variations that you can use to meet the needs of your
players. We found this drill to be successful for players who needed work on communication,
pushing the ball up the floor, and especially in getting good position and blocking out on the
defensive end of the boards.
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11-Man Drill (Full Court)
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
This is a good full-court drill that emphasizes 3-on-2 offense vs. defense, rebounding, outlet
pass, transition and conditioning. And the players like running this drill. You need a minimum of
eleven players to do this drill. In the diagram below, I have actually used 15 players. There is
also a half-court version that you can use as a pre-game warm-up, and this only requires a
minimum of seven players.
Set-up:
Refer to the diagram at the left. You will start with a
3-on-2 situation with 1,2 and 3 on offense vs. 4 and
5. Two defensive players are waiting on the
opposite end of the floor, and there are four lines,
two along each sideline.
The drill:
1, 2 and 3 try to score against 4 and 5. When a
shot is taken (even if it is made), the rebounder
makes the quick outlet pass to either 6 or 7 who
step inbounds from the sidelines for the outlet pass.
Now the rebounder, 6 and 7 break down the floor
where the other two defenders are waiting for them.
After the shot, the 8 and 9 come in for the outlet
pass.
Let's back up to the initial 3-on-2 with 1, 2 and 3 vs. 4 and 5. Here are some more rules.
1. Only one shot is allowed.
2. No matter who rebounds, whether offense or defense, that person outlets to the sidelines
and is part of the next offense transitioning down court. If a defender makes a steal, that
person is the new offensive person along with the two outlet players.
3. Of the 5 players involved in the initial 3-on-2, the four that do not get the rebound or steal,
immediately yell "defense". The first two to yell it become the next two defenders and the other
two go to the ends of the two lines on opposite sides.
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7-Man Half Court Drill
Here is the half-court version that can be used if you only have seven players. You can also
use this as a pre-game warm-up drill.
Set-up:
Again, the players will be going 3-on-2. Start on the
baseline with just one player in the middle, and two
lines on opposite sides... see diagram.
Defenders 4 and 5 are in position. #1 outlet passes
to #3 (or 2). All three offensive players sprint or
speed dribble to the half-court line, touch the line and
then turn around and go 3-on-2 vs. the two defensive
players.
Again, the four who did not get the rebound immediately yell "defense". The first two to yell it
become the next two defenders on that end and the other two go to the ends of the two lines on
opposite sides.
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Low Post Offensive Drills
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
This page consists of a series of drills that will help develop the offensive skills of your low post
players. See also: Low Post Moves.
Mikan Drill
Do this drill right under the basket. Become familiar with how the ball comes off the backboard,
and at different angles. Start by standing right under the basket. Step on the left foot and do a
baby hook lay-up on the right side, using the backboard. Catch the rebound and step on the
right foot and do the baby hook lay-up on the left side using your left hand. No dribbling is
allowed. Repeat this continuously alternating right and left sides for a couple minutes. This will
help you with your lay-ups, both right and left-handed, and give you a better feel for the
backboard.
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Jump Hook to the Lane Drill
The same set-up and procedure are used in this drill. This time, instead of making the baseline
drop step move, the player fakes the baseline drop step. He/she drops the inside leg toward
the lane and hoop, and does the one-handed jump hook move, extending the shooting arm
high while keeping his/her body between the ball and the defender.
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Basic Dribbling Drills
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Do these drills at the start of each practice, and all season long. We usually precede these
drills with our ball-handling drills. Do each of these drills for one minute. These drills can be
done at home, without the team. With the team, we have one of our best dribblers lead the drill
by facing the team. The team is spread out and follows the leader who calls out and does the
various dribbling drills.
Dribbling Eights
This drill is similar to the ball-handling Figure Eights drill except now the ball is dribbled through
your legs in a figure-of-eight motion. Use both hands and be sure to look up while doing this
drill. (1 minute)
Up and Downs
Start by dribbling the ball in front of you so that the ball reaches your waist high. Gradually,
bounce the ball harder and harder until you are dribbling the ball as high as you can without
jumping. Then gradually dribble the ball lower and lower until you are on one knee, finishing as
close to the floor as possible. Pound the ball quickly to keep it going. Then do it with the other
hand.
Kills
Dribble the ball waist high, then suddenly "kill" it by dribbling it as low as you can, hold this for a
few seconds, then bring it back up to waist high. Do this several times with each hand.
Circle Dribbles
This drill is similar to "Circles" (see Ball Handling) except now the ball is dribbled.
Dribble around your left leg then your right. Next, using both hands, dribble around both legs
which should be together. Next, kneel down on one knee and dribble around your body and
under your leg. After that, switch knees and continue. Then, while on your knees, dribble
around your body, using both hands.
Crossover Dribbles
Dribble with your right hand. Bounce the ball once on the right side, then cross the ball over in
front of you by bouncing it to the left. The left hand now bounces it on the left once, and then
crossover back to the right, where the right takes over again. Repeat this procedure.
V-Dribble in Front
Start with the right hand and dribble once on the right side. Then dribble the ball in front you, as
if you were going to cross over to the left side. Instead of getting it with your left hand, roll your
right hand over the top of the ball, and bring it back to the right. Keep dribbling like this: right
then cross over V-dribble. Repeat with the left hand.
See Dribbling for details of the control dribble, speed dribble, crossover dribble, in and out
dribble, hesitation dribble, behind the back dribble, and through the legs dribble.
See also: Ball Handling, Dribble Tag
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Tight Chairs Dribbling Drill
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
This drill will improve dribbling and dribble moves with many repetitions in a short period of
time. Inform players that they can also do this drill at home in their basement or driveway.
Set-up:
Set up six chairs or cones as indicated in the diagram. We usually start with the left hand, so
we face the row of chairs on the right with their seats facing the endline, while the seats of the
left row of chairs face the half-court line. This is so the dribbler can hit the seat of the chair with
his off hand as he/she makes a dribble move.
The Drill:
Each player has a ball and will dribble between the chairs,
making a prescribed dribble-move at each chair. We do the
same move at each of the six chairs and will do one or two
"laps" through the chairs for each dribble move (depending on
how much time we want to spend on the drill). Some of the
dribble moves (see Dribbling) that we use are:
(1) the crossover dribble
(2) in-and-out move
(3) behind the back move
(4) thru the legs dribble
(5) spin move
We start with the left hand. After doing all the moves left-handed, we turn the chairs around,
start from the opposite side and do all the same moves with the right hand.
Pointers:
We want the drill up-tempo, at "game-speed". Stress that your players "attack" the chair and
keep their eyes forward.
This drill will help develop your player's dribble moves and ball-handling. We have all players,
including post players, do this drill. You may be surprised at the improvement that you will see
over the course of the season if you frequent this drill for 5-10 minutes.
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"Sideline Dribbling Drills"
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Also see: “Dribbling“.
If done every practice for 10-15 minutes, these are the drills that can really make a difference in
your team's ball-handling and dribbling skills by the end of the season. These skills are the
foundation for many of the offensive moves that the player makes when she has the ball.
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Below are the moves you should work on. You may vary these from
day to day. But have them try even the difficult moves... challenge
them... even if the ball does end up rolling all over the place!
Stutter Drill
(See Diagram B) You can use the same sideline setup as above
with partners, or choose to run your entire team, sideline to sideline
with this drill (and then after a few trips you are finished in half the
time).
This time the players again will start dribbling across right-handed.
When they have reached about 1/3 across, you blow the whistle
and they stationary "stutter" dribble with legs pistoning up and
down and pounding the dribble hard and low, the player bent over
forward at the waist with knees bent. After five seconds blow the
whistle again, and they resume dribbling across. When they reach
2/3 across, blow the whistle again and they resume the stationary
"stutter" dribble. Whistle again and they finish across. They pivot
and come back, now with the left hand, doing their stutter dribbles
at the 1/3 and 2/3 marks again.
After you do this drill a few times, you won't have to blow the
whistle... the kids will know where to stop and stutter, and know to
stutter for a 5-count before going again.
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Full Court Dribbling Drills
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
These full court dribbling drills feature the speed dribble, lay-ups, using the weak hand, and the
hesitation move. They are also all good conditioning drills.
5-Minute Drill
Have your players line-up behind #1, on the baseline (see
diagram). #1 speed dribbles down the court with the left
hand. When she reaches point B, she angles toward the
basket for the left-handed lay-up. She gets her rebound,
and starts back up the floor on the opposite side, again
using the left hand, finishes the lay-up and moves to the
end of the line.
You can also run this drill first with the right hand, and then
do the left (even more conditioning).
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Dribbling Moves Drill
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Refer to Diagram A. Use two lines, and start out using the right-handed dribble. On each end of
the floor, have an assistant or manager stand at the arc as a token, stationary defender (does
not actually steal the ball or defend). Each player should have a ball. The player starts at the
half-court sideline and dribbles up to the token defender, and then executes the dribble move
that you have told the group to do. This could be a hesitation (rocker) move, an "in and out"
move, a stutter move, a crossover dribble, a rocker step combined with a crossover dribble, a
stutter cross-over, a behind the back move, a through the legs move, etc. (see Dribbling). After
making the move, he dribbles around and shoots the lay-up (or a jump stop and short jumper
on the crossover move to the lane). He gets his own rebound, dribbles to the opposite corner,
pivots dribbles up the sideline and makes another move there and gets into the line going the
other way.
You can practice some or all of the dribbling moves above. Then have the lines face the
opposite direction (Diagram B) and repeat all these moves with the left-hand.
Note that the upper part of each diagram shows the crossover move to the lane, while each
lower court shows the non-crossover move... this is just for illustration. Have all players do the
same move on both ends of the floor.
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Dribble Tag Ball Handling Drill
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
This drill will improve ball-handling and the kids seem to like it. It is similar to the kid's game
"tag."
Set-up:
Every player on the team has a ball, and is restricted to a half court area. All the players must
dribble the entire time.
The Drill:
Start the game with one player as "it". While maintaining her dribble, she must try to tag
another player, who is then "it". Players try to avoid getting tagged and becoming "it". They
must stay within the half court area and must continue dribbling. If a player leaves the area, or
double-dribbles, stops her dribble, or gets tagged, then she is "it".
This drill will help develop ball handling, and to avoid getting tagged, players must keep their
heads up. If you have a large group with some good ball handlers, and some not so good, you
can put the better dribblers on one end, and the other group on the other end, so the same kids
don't get picked on all the time. You can vary this drill by making them use the opposite (weak)
hand only.
Also see:
Dribbling
Basic Dribbling Drills
Ball Handling
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Team Shooting Drills
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Here are several team shooting drills that we like. We rotate these drills from practice to
practice, trying to avoid boredom from the same old drill.
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Drill 4: "Team Shooting"
We use two lines. The shooting line is at the point. The wing passes to the shooter who takes
the 3-point shot, follows his shot, gets the rebound and goes to the passing line. Passers move
to the shooting line. Everyone will shoot two "3's". Next, the shooter will receive the pass, shot
fake, take one or two dribbles and shoot the jump shot. Everyone shoots two jumpers. Next,
our shooter will start at the free-throw line, cut outside and then back-cut to receive the pass for
a pull-up jump shot. Everyone does two of these. Next, the shooter again starts at the free-
throw line, cuts outside, back-cuts, receives the pass and dribbles in for the lay-up. After
completing this rotation, we will move the passing line to the left wing and repeat all the same
shots with the pass coming from the left wing.
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2 Man Shooting Drills
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Here are several partner shooting drills. Have each player get a partner and use all of your
baskets. Make sure players receive the pass in triple threat position, and use correct shooting
form (See Set Shot shooting form).
Drill #1, Catch and Shoot. Player #1 makes a good chest pass to player #2. #1
follows the pass and closes-out on #2, but does not try to
block the shot or simply fly by the shooter. #2 takes the
shot (no dribbling) and follows it for the rebound. Now
player #2 passes back out to player #1 (who is at position
A) and closes-out on #1, who is now the shooter. After
both players have shot from position A, they move next to
position B, and on around the circle and then back
around again (E->D->C->B->A). If you are coaching
younger players, have them move in closer so that
correct shooting form is not compromised.
The elbow shooting drill can be modified. You can have the shooter catch the ball, make a
shot fake, cross-over dribble to the middle of the paint (between the free throw line and the
circle hash marks) for the short jumper. This is especially useful for your post players, helping
them to acquire that "soft touch" on the short, point blank jumper.
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Pairs-Shooting Drill
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
This drill will help shooting, spotting up, and will emphasize that shooters should follow their
shots. In addition, this drill also helps passing skills.
Set-up:
Each player gets a partner, preferably with another player who plays a similar position. That is,
the a perimeter player should pair up with another perimeter player, and post players should
pair up together. Each pair has a ball. Use all the baskets in the gym.
The Drill:
For perimeter players: One player starts on the right wing (player #1) and the other starts
opposite on the left wing (player #2). Player #1 on the right wing shoots, follows her shot,
rebounds and passes out to her partner (#2) on the left wing. Player #1 then spots up at
another place on the perimeter. Player #2 takes her shot, follows it, rebounds, and passes to
#1, who is now spotted up in a different location. This rotation continues, with the players
moving around to all the locations that they will normally shoot from in a game... corners, top of
the key, etc.
For post players: Use the same drill as above except the post players should be taking their
shots inside, in the paint, around the hoop, and can actually work on their post-up moves. After
rebounding, the player can dribble the ball out and pass down into the post to his partner.
Make sure the shooters are squared up, using good technique, elbow in, follow through, no
drifting sideways, no dribbling. Shooters should receive the ball in "triple threat" position.
Make sure the passes are sharp and accurate. Players should sprint after the ball and to their
shooting spots... no loafing! Do this for several minutes, blow the whistle, and have the pairs
rotate baskets.
For a variation, do the same drill but instead of spot stationary shooting, have the shooter fake
the shot, dribble adjust, and then take the jumper.
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Close-out Shooting Drill
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
This drill gets your players to practice shooting contested shots, which is more game-like.
Setup:
Use three players at each basket, with one ball. Use all the baskets in the gym if you need to.
Have the players shoot from areas on the floor where they will usually be in a game.
The Drill:
Start with two players on the right wing (#1 and #2) and one on the left wing #3 (see Diagram
A).
#1 shoots, follows her shot and gets the rebound and then passes to #3, and defensively
"closes-out" on #3 with hand up so as to contest or distract the shooter (Diagram B). Do not
actually attempt to block the shot. The shooter can take one quick dribble sideways to get
open. Then #3 shoots, follows her shot, rebounds and passes to #2, and closes-out. Now #2
shoots and follows the same procedure.
This rotation continues for several minutes. Then you can change baskets, or change the
location of the shots and use the corners, or high-low.
Make sure the passes are crisp and accurate, the players sprint, the defense makes good
close-outs (with baseline foot back), and the shooters are squared up, using good shooting
technique with proper ball "rotation".
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2 on 1 Drill
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
This offensive drill helps players read the defense in a 2 on 1 situation, and helps them to learn
when to take it to the hoop or pass off to their teammate.
Setup:
Make two lines, one with perimeter players out at half
court on the left sideline. The other line is made up of
your post players, and is opposite along the right
baseline.
There is a token defender (maybe a manager or an
assistant) on the guards. One of your post players is
the other defender in the paint area and will try to stop
the 2 on 1 break.
The Drill:
Player #1 has the ball, makes a fake or jab step, and
goes around the token defender. He then dribbles
toward the hoop, and tries to exploit the 2 on 1 situation
with the defender. Th first player in the post line along
the baseline is his teammate. The guard has to decide
whether to take it to the hoop, stop and pop a jumper, or
pass off to his teammate. He should try to get the
defender to commit himself so he can take advantage.
If the defender comes up, he should pass to the post
player. The post player should maintain proper
spacing, and if he gets the ball, take it strong to the
hoop and lay it in off the glass (or slam dunk it). If the
defender lays back, the guard should take it to
the hoop. In this drill, discourage the outside jumper.
The offense should try to get a lay-up every time.
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3 Man 2 Ball Shooting Drill
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Setup:
Have three players and two balls at a basket. Use the side baskets too. Each group has a
shooter, rebounder, and passer.
Players should shoot from areas where they usually shoot from in a game.
Important Points:
Make sure the shooter is squared up each time and stationary, not moving sideways.
Avoid dribbling. Make crisp, sharp passes. No dogging it -- sprint. You can make a
competitive game out of this drill by keeping score.
For a variation, have the shooter fake the shot. Have the defender "fly" at the shooter, and
then the shooter dribble adjusts and shoots the jumper.
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Three Line Lay-up Drill
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
This pre-game warm-up drill helps improve players' passing, cutting, receiving and ability to
make lay-ups.
Setup:
Two players start at the top of the key, one player in the right corner, and the rest of the players
lineup at half-court near the right sideline.
Drill:
Player #1 passes to player #2 and cuts down the right sideline, then makes sharp cut to the
basket. Player #2 passes the ball back to #1 who shoots a lay-up (see diagram A). After
shooting, #1 goes to the top-of-the-key line.
Player #2 rebounds the shot and passes to player #4 in the corner. Player #2 then follows her
pass and goes to the corner. Player #4 passes to the next player in line, and follows her pass,
going to the end of half-court line.
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Free Throw Shooting Drills
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Drill 1. "1-and-1"
Have your team break up into pairs, or threes, and use all the baskets for free-throw shooting.
Instead of shooting 5, 10 or 20 consecutive free-throws, have them shoot like in a game
situation, shooting the "1 and 1". If the shooter misses the first of the "1 and 1", he/she runs a
lap and doesn’t get the second shot. If the first shot is made, but the second is missed, another
lap is run. Each player has to make a certain number of free-throws (maybe 10). Shooters who
miss a lot, will be running a lot of laps and this is good for simulating game fatigue (and the
pressure to make each shot).
Drill 4. "Shooter-Rebounder-Runner"
This drill attempts to simulate the game situation where the free-shooter is fatigued. Use all
your baskets and break the players up into groups of three. At each basket, there is one
shooter, one rebounder and one "runner". The shooter shoots two free-throws, while the
rebounder rebounds for the shooter, and the runner sprints a lap.
After shooting the two free-throws, the shooter now becomes the rebounder, the rebounder
becomes the runner, and the runner (who is now tired from running) becomes the shooter of
the next two shots. Continue this rotation.
You can continue running this drill for a specified time period, or until each player has shot a
specified number of free-throws (say 20).
Note: make sure each player gets to shoot...the above example is for 5 players on each team.
If you only have four on each team, make the starting score 52 - 52 and the winning score 60,
so each player gets to shoot. If you have 12 players, use 48 - 48 as the starting score, etc.
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Low Post Power Drill
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Your post players must learn how to "finish" and score against a defender. See the diagram.
#1 posts up on the low block. #2 plays defense. The coach or manager makes the pass into
the low post player, #1. #1 executes the drop step to the baseline move (see “Post Moves”)
and tries to score against the defender. Initially, have your defender allow the drop step move,
but contest the shot. #1 now becomes the defender and the #2 defender goes to the end of the
line. The next person in line becomes the offensive player.
Variations.
Next have your players rotate through each of the
following moves:
1. drop step to the lane and jump hook.
2. turn and shoot move
3. up and under move.
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Pairs Passing Drills
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
(Note: at the bottom, read the proper techniques for the chest pass, bounce pass, and
overhead pass.)
You must do passing drills and never assume your players are good passers. Poor passing will
destroy an offense faster than anything. Excellent, crisp passing makes it all work. Most
turnovers are related to bad passing or receiving. All players must become good at the chest
pass, bounce pass and overhead pass.
Set-up:
Have each player get a partner, and each pair has a ball, so they can "play catch" with each
other. Have the partners separate about 12 - 15 feet (comfortable passing distance), and face
each other.
Chest pass
Have the players practice each of the three basic passes, starting with the chest pass.
Demonstrate the proper techniques with "stepping into" the pass with one foot forward. Snap
the pass, with the thumbs going through the ball and extending toward the receiver. Make sure
the players pass the ball crisply, and not "lob" their passes. Hit the receiver in the chest. The
receiver should show a target with her hands extended toward the passer. Feet should be
squared and shoulder-width apart. Have the passers alternate the lead foot.
Bounce Pass
Next, work on bounce passes. The ball should hit the ground about three-quarters from the
receiver and bounce right to his chest. Again make sure players are alternating their lead foot.
Overhead Pass
Next, work on the two-handed overhead pass or outlet pass. Have the partners move a little
farther apart, so that you are working on a longer pass. Players should snap their passes with
some arc, but be sure that they are not lobbing their passes too high. The arc should be just
enough to get over the extended hands of a defender, but not so high that the pass "floats".
Alternate the lead foot with each pass. This pass can be thrown hard, and is effective as the
outlet pass after a rebound, to start the fast break. It is also good for throwing over zone
defenses ("skip passes"). To simulate the outlet pass, after receiving the ball, have the passer
turn his back to the receiver, then simulate pulling the ball in, pivot, and make the overhead
pass.
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Pairs Passing, Find the Receiver
(Diagram B above) Often I see kids make a bad pass because they actually threw the ball
before first locating their receiver (especially against a full-court press). Kids must learn to
look before they pass! With this drill, the passer must first find the receiver before making the
pass. Refer to diagram B above. Use both baskets. Have a line under each basket. The first
player in line (player #1) speed dribbles out to the three-point line, make a jump stop and a
reverse pivot. Meanwhile, the next player in line (player #2) sprints out to either corner (mix it
up so the passer has to look to find her). The passer makes the crisp chest pass to #2, cuts to
the hoop, receives the pass back from #2, and finishes the lay-up. #2 rebounds, and now
becomes player #1 and dribbles out and repeats the drill.
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Rapid-Fire Passing Drills
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
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3 Man Passing Drills
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
No dribbling is allowed. No easy lob passes over the defender are permitted. The passers can
work on pivoting and ball fakes to clear the passing lane. For example, the passer can fake an
overhead pass to get the defender to raise his hands, then make a crisp bounce pass.
Rotation: There's a couple ways of doing this. One easy way is to simply change the middle
man every minute, when you blow the whistle. Each person takes a turn in the middle.
Or, whenever the defender deflects the ball, the passer now becomes the "monkey in the
middle". If no deflections in 30 seconds, switch defenders.
Two Variations:
(1) Defender plays up tight on the passer (Diagram A).
After the pass is made, the defender sprints to the receiver
and again tries to deflect the pass. The new passer may not
pass until the defender is in position.
See also: Pairs Passing Drills, Learning the Jump Stop (passing drill)
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Laker Drill -- Full-Court Passing and Lay-up Against Pressure
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
This full court drill emphasizes passing, the speed dribble and lay-up against pressure,
defensive hustle, and conditioning.
Drill:
Use three lines. #1 throws the ball off the
backboard, gets the rebound and outlets to
either wing. Each player sprints up the floor,
staying in his lane. After passing to a wing, the
wing passes back to #1 and then #1 passes off
to the opposite wing, and so it goes.
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Passing Drill 3-on-3
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
This drill is more game-like with defenders pressuring the passer and receiver.
Setup:
Use three guards and three post players. You
can divide your 12-man squad into two groups
and use both ends of the court.
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5-Man Weave Passing and Transition Drill
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Contributed by:
Coach Thomas Koeller
Southwestern High School
Hazel Green, WI
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Triangle Passing Drill
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Contributed by:
Tony Gregory
Louisville, KY
The pairs passing drills and 3-man passing drills can become boring if done every practice. Try
this "triangle" passing drill for some variety. This drill can be done well by younger players who
are not yet adept at full-court drills, such as the weave drill.
You can use both baskets and divide the squad into two groups. At each basket, create three
passing lines about 12 to 15 feet apart. One line is at the top of the key, another in the right
short corner area, and a third in the left short corner area. As an option, you can use cones or
marks on the floor, so that the lines don't "creep" inward.
This drill goes quickly and after a few iterations they get pretty good at it. The drill keeps them
moving, and provides a lot of touches in a short amount of time while improving their passing
techniques.
Pointers: Make sure correct passing techniques are used, that the players "step out" to meet
the pass, and that the players receive the ball and place it in triple threat position.
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Press Break Passing Drill
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
This drill teaches players facing full-court pressure and a trap, not to panic, to locate a receiver
and make a good, crisp pass. Often the first pass after the in-bounds pass is the crucial pass in
breaking the press, and is also the one often intercepted by the defense
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Circle Box-Out Drill
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Setup:
Have 10 (or 12) players get into position around the free throw circle. You can really use any
number of players as long as they have room to maneuver. The players should pair up with a
partner. Have guards go against guards, post players against post players. Have five
defensive players spread around the circle, and their offensive partners outside the circle. They
should be facing each other.
The Drill:
The coach puts the ball in the center of the circle, gets out of the way, and blows the whistle.
The offensive players try to get inside and get the ball. The defenders should immediately
pivot, put their backsides into the offensive players and keep them outside away from the ball.
They should continue boxing out for a count of 5. Then switch offense and defense.
Make sure defenders are using correct boxing out technique (see Rebounding), and do not
hold the offensive players. You can keep score and the losers run. Any holding fouls, give a
point to the offensive team. This puts pressure on each player to do his part in keeping his
man out.
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Rebounding Box-Out Drill
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Setup:
Make two lines... the shooting line on the wing, and
the defense, box-out line at the free-throw line.
Drill:
Give the ball to the wing player. Have the first player
in the defensive line move over to defend the wing
player. Have the wing take a good shot (defense
should let him/her shoot the shot). Then as soon as
the shot is released, the defender turns and boxes
the shooter out and gets the rebound (even if the
shot is made). The shooter tries to get the rebound
(but no second shots are allowed as this is mainly a
box-out drill).
If the offensive player gets the rebound, the defender has to run a lap. They get the message
soon about the importance of boxing out.
As an added feature, I also want to stress the importance of making good passes. So I want to
see a good pass from the rebounder back out to the next player in the shooting line. If the
rebounder makes a bad pass out, he/she runs a lap!
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Rebounding 2 Man Drill
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
This rebounding drill stresses the basics of boxing out, being aggressive, and making the outlet
pass, and "finishing" on the offensive glass.
The Drill:
The coach shoots the ball. The defenders work on boxing out and getting the rebound. Once
they get the rebound, they make the outlet pass and the next group takes over. The two
defenders then rotate to the outlet positions, and the outlet players go to the back of the
offensive lines. The offensive players should be aggressive and try to get inside and get the
offensive rebound. If they do, they should power it back up to the hoop. The pairs play until
either the offense scores or the defense rebounds and outlet passes. Then you rotate to the
next group. The offensive players are now the defenders.
Make sure all players hustle and are aggressive. Make sure they are using good rebounding
technique... with proper boxing out, attacking the ball, and good outlet passing of defense, and
similar techniques on offense, with the addition of powering the ball back up to the hoop.
See "Rebounding”, for a description of these techniques, and "Rebounding Circle Drill”.
One Man Option: You can also run this drill with just one line, one defender and one outlet
receiver.
370
3-Man Rebounding, PowerUp Drill
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
This drill stresses boxing out and rebounding, as well as low post offensive power moves. This
is a good drill for your inside post players.
Have three players under the basket. The coach or a manager shoots the ball up. All three
players work for position and go for the rebound. The player who gets the rebound powers the
ball back to the hoop while the other two are on defense and try to stop him. No dribbling is
permitted except for a one-bounce dribble adjust. The offensive player should be thinking
three-point play (the old fashioned three pointer), the basket and a foul.
This drill not only stresses rebounding fundamentals and aggressiveness, but also power
offensive moves, as well as "in the paint" defense and shot blocking.
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Hustle Drills
Coach’s Clipboard, http://www.coachesclipboard.net
Drill #1.
This is a good drill for emphasizing hustle and going for loose balls. It also works one-on-one
offensive skills, man-to-man defensive skills, and rebounding. A "laid back" player can actually
be taught to hustle, and get after the ball and the opponent.
Options:
1. You can call more than one number at a time... e.g. "2 and 5!", or "everybody". Be careful
though, if you call too many at one time, there could be a collision going for the ball. Make sure
you rotate the numbers called, so that all players are eventually called.
2. If defense fouls, have the offensive player shoot one free throw. If she makes it, it counts as
a score.
Drill #2
See the diagram at the right. This drill features grabbing a rebound,
making an outlet pass, running after a loose ball, and then a layup.
Start with a player in the lane on each end of the floor. The coach (C)
and an assistant (A) will set up on the wings for the outlet pass. The
player puts the ball up on the rim or backboard, grabs the rebound,
and makes a strong two-handed overhead pass to the coach (or
assistant) on the wing. The coach then rolls the ball up the floor. The
player sprints after the ball, retrieves it and takes it in for a layup.
Then he/she rebounds and outlet passes to the assistant on the
opposite wing and the procedure repeats on that side.
Run the drill in one direction (right hand layups) and then reverse it
on the opposite side (left hand layups).
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