Coaching basketball at any level requires patience and preparation, but it doesn’t have to be overly complicated to get the job done. Coach Barry Cook explains his process.
Coaching Basketball: Excel by Keeping Things Simple
I first began coaching eighteen years ago. I had gotten a late start in coaching, after playing in high school and college, and wanted to follow my father’s path. He was my High School coach for most of my career but more so he was my permanent coach. When I first told him that I wanted to get into coaching, he gave me some pointers. His style of coaching had proven successful and I have adopted many of the ways he did practices, game management and player management. There is one thing that he said that has stuck with me and I have expanded on.
The Junior Varsity level is where I first began my coaching career. I was full of ideas and presented my tediously planned offense to my father. He looked it over carefully and told me it was good. Then he said:
“You know this is all going to work until the opposing coach calls a time-out and alters his defensive strategy or his players make adjustments on the court. So teach your players to read and react.”
This led me to the belief that my offense and defense should be simple to explain and teach. Then I could design my practices to work on basketball skills.
Simplicity Is Key When Coaching Basketball
I had read and listened to coaches say that skills need to be practiced over and over and new skills need to be taught in progression. Shooting is a great example. To teach and coach shooting, a coach needs to work with his players consistently. Practice times being limited as they are; prevent some players from developing a good technique.
I was guilty at the beginning of conducting an unproductive practice. My team was spending most of their time running a complicated offensive scheme and learning a team defense. What I was finding was a revelation.
My players knew the offense well and ran it almost flawlessly but, we would miss the shot or not recognize a scoring opportunity. Why? I had not given them the time or the teaching to shoot better.
Defensively, my players were getting into their defenses well and not missing assignments, but making poor plays and getting beat. Again, it was because I was not teaching the defensive basics nor giving practice time for that. I went back to what my father was saying and I adjusted.
Use Practice Time Wisely
Practices became different. We began teaching shooting skills and devoting time to that skill. Players worked on developing proper defensive techniques, we worked on dribbling, passing, screening, and switching. Our offense was simplified and we substituted complication for proper and improved techniques.
The team began to be successful and play a fine game. I won’t say we won all the games after that, we won our share. But we DID become a better team. I decided to concentrate most of my practice time developing the skills that my offense and defense demanded from my players.
After coaching for years now, I watch our opponents and see them run a beautiful offensive play but miss the shot. They set up a difficult press only to be beat off a dribble or a good pass, or the offensive plays fail because of a terrible pass. Or a coach calls time out and designs a complicated play only to have one or two players not understand. We all know as coaches, if one player does not do his part then the play is ruined.
My thoughts are simple. Coaches, if you want the shot made then practice the shot. If you want a defensive stop made then practice how to do this. My father’s thought led me to simplify my ideas of practice but more it led me to coach and teach the skills that I want my team to possess.
Developing an authentic leadership style stands as one of the more important elements for all basketball coaches. The way you present yourself to your team, how you interact with your staff, and how you respond to failure all helps mold your personal leadership style.
Sometimes, though, before we can lead our teams and help our players reach the goals that are important to them we need to have our own lives in order. One of the ways to start accomplishing this is by honestly answering the following 11 questions that come from Paul J. Meyer’s Become The Coach You Were Meant To Be. Below that, there’s a list of great personal leadership quotes for basketball coaches to consider for their next team meeting.
Personal Leadership Questions
Have I crystallized my thinking so that I know where I stand now and where I want to go?
Are my vision, mission, and purpose statements clear to me and to my team members?
Do I have a detailed written plan to achieve each important personal and organizational goal, and have I set a deadline for their attainment?
Are my personal goals balanced with the need to help my organization achieve?
Do my personal goals represent a balance among the six areas of life?
Do I have a burning desire to achieve the goals that I have set for myself?
Have I developed within my team members and myself a passion for achieving the success we’ve envisioned?
Do I have supreme confidence in my ability to reach these goals?
Do I trust my team members to strive toward success and to continue to develop more of their innate potential for achievement?
Have I accepted personal responsibility for the success of my team – and for the achievement of my own personal goals?
Do I possess the iron willed determination to follow through regardless of circumstances or what others say, think, or do?
Personal Leadership Quotes
Leadership, like coaching, is fighting for the hearts and souls of men and getting them to believe in you. – Eddie Robinson
Leaders are like eagles… they don’t flock. You’ll find them one at a time. – Knute Rockne
The higher you want to climb, the more you need leadership. The greater the impact you want to make, the greater your influence needs to be. Whatever you will accomplish is restricted by your ability to lead others. – John C. Maxwell
A prime function of a leader is to keep hope alive. – John W. Gardner
The leader demonstrates confidence that the challenge can be met, the need resolved, the crisis overcome. – John Haggai
It is the capacity to develop and improve their skills that distinguishes leaders from their followers. – Warren Bennis
Without organization and leadership toward a realistic goal, there is no chance of realizing more than a small percentage of your potential. – John Wooden
It is more than willingness to change that sets the true leaders apart. It is seeking out change and wringing every bit of potential out of it that takes you to the next horizon. – Ty Boyd
Leadership is the ability to get men to do what they don’t want to do and like doing it. – Harry Truman
A man who wants to lead an orchestra must turn his back to the crowd. – Max Lucado
There are no office hours for leaders. – Cardinal J. Gibbons
It does not take much strength to do things, but it requires great strength to decide what to do. – Chow Ching
It is the men behind who make the man ahead. – Merle Crowell
Leadership is practiced not so much in words as in attitude and in actions. – Harold S. Geneen
Developing the right pre-practice basketball warm-up routine remains one of the keys to an efficient practice plan. What the players do prior the structured nature of practice begins often allows coaches to build on specific foundations for success. This helps players get better before practice even starts.
I’ve always found it very interesting to watch and take notice how players prepare themselves while waiting for practice to officially start. All too often they will walk into the gym, sit on the sidelines and “stretch” while they talk to teammates. Eventually they might get up, grab a ball, take a shot, walk after it, talk to another teammate, take another shot, walk after it, and on and on. Before long, everyone has arrived, practice starts, and the first several minutes are completely wasted because no one is warmed up or “into it” yet.
Wouldn’t it be much better for everyone on the team if players used those few minutes before practice to get thoroughly warmed up and focused while doing some skill work at the same time?
Here’s a look at a valuable basketball warm-up routine to implement this season.
Pre-Practice Basketball Warm-up Routine
Part 1: Simple Running
The running segment of this basketball warm-up routine is intended to build some stamina and prevent injury. Go down and back before going to the next option. If are running with a partner, the spacing is such as one partner gets to half court then the other one goes.
Jog – Easy jog, with both hands up, down the length of court. Pause and jog back to starting baseline.
Backpedal – Run to half court with hands up, turn and run backwards to baseline. Pause and repeat back to starting baseline.
Carioca – Facing side of court, use crossover steps to run the length of the court with your hands up. Pause and facing same side of the court continue using cross over steps to return back to the original baseline.
Skipping – Go length of floor while skipping as high as possible. Jump high with right knee coming up toward chest and right hand extending as high as possible. Land and repeat with left leg and left hand. Pause and continue back to starting baseline. Remember that you want jump as high as possible on each jump.
Hopping – On one leg hop back and forth over the sideline while travelling the length of the court. At half court, change legs and continue to hop back and forth over the same line all the way down to the baseline. Pause and continue back to your original starting point. This is an exercise that many skiers use to increase the strength of their ankles.
Sprints – Sprint to half court and then jog to the baseline. Pause and repeat back to the original baseline.
Defensive Slides – Run to half court, turn and defensive slide to the baseline. Rest and repeat.
Part 2: Shooting
Although these shooting drills may seem simple and redundant, they are vital to becoming a good shooter. They also should be done any time you practice on your own:
McHales
Tip the ball one handed off the backboard (or wall) 10 consecutive times right handed. Then tip 10 consecutive times left handed. You may try to tip the tenth repetition into the basket.
Be off the ground for each tip and learn to control the ball with your finger tips. (Repeat three times for a total 60 tips).
Mikans
Face the basket, take a step with your left foot toward the right side of the basket and shoot a right hand lay-up off the backboard. Rebound the ball and take a step with your right foot to the left side of the basket and shoot a left-handed lay-up.
Keep the ball high and do not ever allow the ball to come below your outstretched arms. Continue until you make 12 shots. (Repeat 3 times for a total of 36 shots).
Rodmans
On right side of the basket, toss the ball high off backboard. Jump up and rebound it, keeping arms straight. Without bending arms, quickly bounce off both feet and shoot the ball into the basket. Quickness is important on this shot.
Repeat on left side of basket, shooting with left hand. Continue alternating right side and left side until you make 12 shots. (Repeat 3 times for a total of 36 shots).
Daily Dozen
From the right elbow (corner of the free throw line) take one dribble to the basket and shoot a right-handed, over-hand lay-up off the glass. Rebound the ball and take two dribbles out to the opposite (left) elbow. Pivot without stopping the dribble and take one dribble to the basket shooting a left-handed, over-hand lay-up.
Go hard to the basket and keep your head up and eyes on target. Dribble with your right hand on right side of basket and with left hand on left side of basket. Continue until you make 12 shots. (Repeat 3 times for a total of 36 shots).
Game Shots
This is not a random “shoot and talk” segment. Concentrate on the areas and types of shots that you will be taking during an actual game. Be sure to include some free throws. Remember – game shots at game speed.
By the time you finish this warm up you should have broken a sweat and be prepared both physically and mentally ready to make the most of official practice.
Finding the right words to inspire your team might be one of the most difficult tasks facing basketball coaches today. Sometimes, though, using great quotes from the past might just do the trick. Here’s a look at 30 great quotes on Attitude to help inspire and motivate your basketball team this season!
Great Sports Quotes on Attitude
I can take anyone down at any time; they can’t take me down; no one can ride or turn me; I can control anyone. – Dan Gable
Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it. – Lou Holtz
Winning is a habit, but unfortunately so is losing. – Vince Lombardi
Life’s battles don’t always go to the stronger or faster man; but sooner or later the man who wins is the man who thinks he can. – Vince Lombardi
I’ve always felt it was not up to anyone else to make me give my best. – Hakeem Olajuwon
Great Author Quotes on Attitude
Life is 10 percent what you make it and 90 percent how you take it. – Irving Berlin
Common sense is the knack of seeing things as they are, and doing things as they ought to be done. – Josh Billings
The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible. – Arthur C. Clarke
Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm. – Ralph W. Emerson
The greatest revolution of our generation is the discovery that human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives. – William James
The wise does at once what the fool does at last. – Baltasar Gracian
When we trust God, He can make the ordinary extraordinary! – John C. Maxwell
Our attitude is the primary force that will determine whether we succeed or fail. – John C. Maxwell
Change your thoughts and you change your world. – Norman Vincent Peale
Some people who yearn for endless life don’t even know what to do with a rainy afternoon. – Harvey H. Potthoff
A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent in doing nothing. – George Bernard Shaw
Look at everything as though you were seeing it either for the first time or last time. Then your time on earth will be filled with glory. – Betty Smith
The roads we take are more important than the goals we announce. Decisions determine destiny. – Frederick Speakman
You’ve got to think about big things while you’re doing small things, so that all the small things go in the right direction. – Alvin Toffler
Habit is habit, and not to be flung out of the window, but coaxed downstairs a step at a time. – Mark Twain
There are two ways of spreading light – to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. – Edith Wharton
Other Great Quotes on Attitude
Four things come not back: the spoken word, the spent arrow, the past, the neglected opportunity. – Omar Ibn Al-Halif
“I can’t do it” never yet accomplished anything; “I will try” has performed wonders. – George P. Burnham
The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them. – Albert Einstein
Maturity is the capacity to endure uncertainty. – John Huston Finley
It’s not your blue blood, your pedigree or your college degree. It’s what you do with your life that counts. – Millard Fuller
Ability is important, dependability is critical! – Alexander Lockhart
Empty pockets never held anyone back. Only empty heads and empty hearts can do that. – Norman Vincent Peale
He is rich or poor according to what he is, not according to what he has. – Henry Ward Beecher
Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are. – Marianne Williamson
Any good basketball coach knows, in order to go on a run in a game, you’ll need consecutive stops on defense. These stops can facilitate a fast break offense and help your team control the clock. But in order to get these stops, your team must stand on those important defensive foundations laid during practice. These skills and strategies should be ingrained in your players, and developing solid team defense drills often helps in this regard.
The following drill might be a simple one, but it helps stress those foundational skills and strategies. It also forces the team to understand the value of getting multiple defensive stops to take control of a game. Here’s a look.
Team Defense Drills: 5 Stops
5 Stops stands out among most team defense drills because of its versatility for basketball coaches. This is a competitive practice drill that allows your team to work on both your half court offense and your half court defense. Coaches can deploy the team’s base defense for each repetition, or sprinkle in specials.
The progression for this drill is simple: the teams play a “live” 5-on-5 half court set where the defense works to get a single stop. Stops are defined as gaining possession of the ball either through a defensive rebound or turnover. After one successful stop, the defense then must repeat that process for five consecutive possessions.
Defenses are allowed just one foul per five stops. Should the defense foul twice before achieving five stops, the counter resets. Once each team has reached five stops, the drill can continue with four straight stops, then three, two, and one. The offensive team should remain aggressive to challenge the defense throughout this team drill.
This drill is typically done when half court defense is the emphasis for practice. It can be adjusted to 4-on-4 if the team has 12 active players for practice. Coaches can choose to have the defense make five straight stops, or alternate with each possession, keeping score along the way.
Points of Emphasis:
Communication – The defense “talk” throughout the possession, calling out cutters, rotations, etc.
Active Hands – Defenders must play “big,” challenging each pass and shot attempt without fouling.
Mental Toughness – Recording five straight defensive stops isn’t easy, so defenders must be mentally ready for the challenge.
Building basketball team chemistry can be one of the most frustrating aspects of coaching a youth team. Rosters change from season to season, making this intangible task new for each any every group. But establishing the right team culture and building positive chemistry often makes coaching a given team that much more enjoyable.
Importance of Team Chemistry in Basketball
Too often coaches and players judge their basketball team’s chemistry by how well everyone gets along off the court. It is an unrealistic challenge to get every player to like each other based on personality. When bringing together 12 to15 players from different backgrounds, you shouldn’t expect them to all be best friends. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t develop chemistry.
To develop chemistry, you must question each individual’s actions on the court. When players know and TRUST that their teammates will make the unselfish play, that’s when they will develop that mutual respect for each other on the court. When each player knows that their teammates are willing to lay their body on the line, when they know that their teammates won’t point fingers if something goes wrong, when they know that their teammates are in it to win it, that’s when they develop CHEMISTRY.
Players don’t play hard because they like each other; they like each other because they play hard.
As a coach, you can help develop team chemistry by putting your players in situations to prove their loyalty to the team.
Below are 10 unselfish, ‘game winning’ plays. There should be a HUGE emphasis on making these plays in practice. Once players take pride in making these plays and they begin showing up in games, you will see your team chemistry get stronger and stronger.
10 Plays to Build Basketball Team Chemistry
Take charges
Dive for loose balls
Contesting shots
Setting solid screens
Delivering a pass to an open teammate
Filling the right spots when your teammate penetrates
Sitting in a defensive stance and communicating the entire possession
Listening to coaches with good eye contact and body language
Acknowledging teammates when they make great plays
Although the modern game of basketball has drifted away from the low block, getting points from the post can still make the difference between winning and losing. While once upon a time, a basketball big man patrolled the paint on offense with his back to the basket, nowadays must develop a more well-rounded game. That said, having a variety of low post moves will help any developing big man in today’s game.
Where’s the Low Post?
The low post area of a basketball court is the section of the painted area nearest to the basket. This stretch features a rectangular block to designate the spot and remains a vital piece of real estate on the court.
The low post stands in contrast to the mid-post, a section middle of the way between the low block and the free throw line, and the high post, which is situated near the free throw line.
Players that occupy the low post often try to pin their defender to their back before receiving a pass. This area makes for prime rebounding position, and when open, provides the highest percentage shots on the basketball court.
Although the modern game has pushed low post players away from the basket, being able to effectively score from this section of the court can often tilt control of the game. These players need to have a variety of low post moves to lean on when trying to score from the block.
Low Post Moves: Baby Hook
Perhaps the most important low post move for young big men to add to their bag is the baby hook. This simple and effective shot leverages the offensive player’s position near the hoop to get up a quality shot. By turning half way, the offensive player creates space from his defender along the length of his body. From there, the offensive player uses one hand to take this shot attempt over his defender.
This low post move requires a wide stance and a solid base to operate from. If the defender is on the offensive player’s back, a shoulder fake one way or the other should create an opening to attack. From there, the offensive player should turn his shoulders parallel to the hoop, with the ball away from the defender. The offensive player then brings the ball up vertically with one hand and executes the shot attempt with a quick snap of the wrist.
The baby hook is a simplified version of the traditional sky hook, a far more difficult move for low post players to master.
Low Post Moves: Drop Step
Another one of the low post moves every big man should have in his bag is the drop step. This simple maneuver leverages a defender’s position on the floor to create space right at the rim for a layup. The offensive player dribbles with his back to the defender after receiving the ball. Once physical contact is made with the defender’s body, the offensive player uses a shoulder fake to position the defender near his pivot foot. From there, the offensive player uses his other leg to wrap around the defender’s foot and “drop” toward the basket.
This move pushes the defender aside, creating an opening for a layup right at the rim. It must be timed correctly to avoid a charging call or to prevent the defender from getting a clean block. Using the dribble to set up the defender, the best drop step progresses the offensive player toward the baseline. Once the spin is made, the offensive player uses his own body to protect the ball from the defender during the shot attempt.
Low Post Moves: Up-and-Under
The up-and-under stands out as an effective set of low post moves that can also create fouls on opposing defenders. This move works particularly well once the offensive player has made a couple of baby hooks. The “up” portion of the up-and-under looks like a hook shot, inducing the defender’s reaction. The “under” takes place when the offensive player steps through while the defender is out of position.
To execute this move, the offensive player should once again start with a wide stance. From there, the offensive players should behave as if he intends to shoot a baby hook. As he moves into a two-foot position after picking up his dribble, the offensive player then performs a ball fake to get the defender to jump. Once the defender is up in the air, the offensive player performs a step-through underneath, getting an open look at the rim.
One of the most important elements to designing a valuable practice plan is deciding what core basketball elements you’ll concentrate on. Many practices begin with traditional layup lines and jump shots. But how often are the players simply going through the motions of those drills? Installing the right warm up drills will vastly improve the efficiency of your practice. Adding these Youth Basketball Finishing Drills will help take your young team to the next level of its development.
Youth Basketball Finishing Drills: Star Passing with Finish
Star Passing is common one in many gyms, but this version of the drill incorporates the necessary element of finishing with a made basket. This doubles well not only as a basketball practice warm up drill, but also as a game warm up.
The drill begins with players arrayed in a star across the half court. The ball starts with the line under the basket. There are lines in the corners, as well as on the wings.
The first pass goes from under the basket to the left wing. The passer follows their pass and joins the end of that line. From there, the left wing passes to the right corner and follows. Right corner makes a baseline pass to the left corner and follows.
The final move in this initial turn through the drill involves the left corner feeding the player that cuts from the right wing. That player receives the pass and finishes the turn with a layup.
Variations of the drill can incorporate a number of additional basketball elements. Coaches can require that the ball never hits the floor. They can reverse the flow of the drill to work on left-hand layups. Coaches can have a defender waiting at the rim to challenge the finisher. The list goes on an on.
This youth basketball finishing drills stands among Coach Steger’s favorite basketball practice drills. The DeMatha Finishing drill can be particularly valuable as both a practice drill and as a pregame warmup drill.
This drill pits two players against one another in a simple clash of offense and defense. It’s a high-impact, fast-paced drill where the offensive player attacks the basket and the trailing defender needs to recover. The drill features two lines and usually a coach for passing. Players can stand in for the coaches as passers if need be.
The drill itself can be situated in a number of different spots on the floor. Where the drill starts can be dictated by the coach and what the team needs are.
The drill itself is simple. The passer feeds the offensive player, who must finish at the rim from their starting point. The offensive player can try a dunk or layup. The defender, meanwhile, must contest the shot as best they can. Physical play can be encouraged for the defense to help the offense improve finishing through contact.
One of the best ways to get a look at any potential new talent for your basketball program is to run an open gym. This activity provides coaches the opportunity to catch a glimpse of potential players to add to the program as the new season nears. Open gyms also give players the chance to flash their skills without the added pressure of performing at more structured try-outs.
Although normally unstructured, an effective open gym needs rules and games in order for coaches to get the best look at the assembled talent. Coaches often watch the proceedings a bystanders, waiting for try-outs to provide direction instruction. But adding certain rules to the traditional basketball open gym often unlocks this activity.
Preseason Open Gyms
One of the most difficult aspects of coaching remains the integration of unstructured time either in practice or during preseason. Running a preseason open gym usually comes well before any try-outs and the season’s official start date. Too often, though, open gyms lead to players not working hard and poor decisions being made.
But players love the freedom of an Open Gym set up. However, implementing a set of rules or games helps players improve specific skills during the run. This often reinforces offseason work players complete to get better and can be a big help for coaches to maximize limited preseason time.
The normal setup of a basketball open gym leaves coaches with minimal responsibilities beyond supervision. Player arrive, shoot around, and eventually organize themselves into teams to run 5-on-5 full court. Coaches can provide additional structure and perhaps even officiate, but layering rules into this activity helps everyone involved.
12 Basketball Open Gym Rules to Try
Running an effective basketball preseason open gym often comes down to time management. Of course the number of players involved will dictate certain aspects, but coaches should implement specific time restrictions on shoot around and warm ups, as well as open runs. 10 minute running clock games often provide coaches with an extended look without completely tiring out the players.
No Dribble 5-on-5
Zone On Makes, Man On Misses 5-on-5
5-on-5 Hockey (ball has to be dribbled across half court by the person who rebounds it)
Everyone must Touch before you can score.
Post must touch
Weak-hand Layup is worth 3-Points
1-2-3- Paint shots are 1 point, 3’s are worth 2, mid-range is worth 3 points
No 3 point shots- everything is worth 2 points
No inbound on Made basket
No ball screens or Switch all screens
Must dribble only with your “weak” hand
Must switch the type of defense you run each possession
These rules add layers to the games for players to navigate. They provide basketball coaches with additional information on the players that might otherwise be hidden in a normal open gyms. The rules also give players an added wrinkle to enjoy while getting their run in.
Sometimes, throwing an unexpected wrinkle at your opponent’s offensive game plan makes all the difference on the scoreboard. While some basketball coaches call combination defenses “junk,” these strategies often help neutralize an opposing team’s top offensive threat. Basketball combo defenses provide coaches with useful changes to traditional strategies.
Many coaches believe it’s better to sport a simple offense and complex defense, rather than the other way around. How a coach crafts their team’s defensive approach often dictates the very identity of the team. Also, not all players, particularly at the youth level, will have the same natural abilities on the offensive end, but most players can be taught complex defensive schemes and excel. A good defense feeds directly into offense and it makes scoring that much easier. Basketball coaches implementing combination defenses can make things even more difficult for opponents.
Basketball Combo Defenses: Box and 1
The Box and 1 Defense stands out as possibly the most well-known “junk” combo defenses available to basketball coaches. A Box and 1 takes your team’s best defender and task him with disrupting the playmaking opportunities of your opponent’s top perimeter scorer. At the same time, the additional four defenders will play a zone in the form of a box, hence “box and 1.”
This defense requires excellent athleticism and anticipation on the part of the single defender, while emphasizing communication and rotation for the box players. It stands built around the chaser’s ability to hound an opponent. The zone defenders cover the perimeter areas adjacent to their respective side of the floor or implement weak side defensive principles.
Basketball Combo Defenses: Triangle and 2
The Triangle and 2 defense stands as an innovative defensive strategy for implementation by basketball coaches. This basketball combo defense seeks to limit the scoring opportunities for the offensive team’s top perimeter players. A variation of the Box and 1, the Triangle and 2 defense combines zone and man-to-man concepts in an effort to neutralize the opposing team’s scoring wings.
The biggest advantage of implementing the Triangle and 2 is the disruptive nature of the defense. Offenses that rely heavily on one or two players to create scoring opportunities remain particularly susceptible to this strategy. Also, opposing teams that incorporate specific timing and flow in their offenses sets find this defense frustrating to navigate. That said, this defense can be neutralized by opposing offenses built around talented low-post scorers.
Basketball Combo Defenses: Diamond and 1
The Diamond and 1 defense stands as a variation of the classic Box and 1 defense. This defensive strategy seeks to limit the scoring opportunities of your opponent’s best player. This is accomplished by installing a combination defense that relies on both man-to-man and zone principles.
A Diamond and 1 takes your team’s best defender and tasks him with disrupting the playmaking opportunities of your opponent’s top perimeter scorer. At the same time, the additional four defenders will play a zone in the form of a diamond, hence “diamond and 1.” This formation provides better protection around the perimeter than the Box and 1 because there will be three defenders in coverage rather than two. However, it provides less help on the backline and can leave the corners susceptible to attack.
For much more on the best basketball combo defenses to implement this season, click the link below!
Learn the Combination Defense to beat the BEST team on your Schedule!
Developing basketball defensive systems stands as one of the most important aspects for any coach out there. While designing offensive plays might be more fun, crafting the right defensive system might make more a difference between winning and losing. A good defense feeds directly into offense and it makes scoring that much easier. Basketball coaches implementing combination defenses, like the Diamond and 1 defense, can make things even more difficult for opponents.
Many coaches believe it’s better to sport a simple offense and complex defense, rather than the other way around. How a coach crafts their team’s defensive approach often dictates the very identity of the team. Also, not all players, particularly at the youth level, will have the same natural abilities on the offensive end, but most players can be taught complex defensive schemes and excel.
What is the Diamond and 1 Defense?
The Diamond and 1 defense stands as a variation of the classic Box and 1 defense. This defensive strategy seeks to limit the scoring opportunities of your opponent’s best player. This is accomplished by installing a combination defense that relies on both man-to-man and zone principles.
A Diamond and 1 takes your team’s best defender and tasks him with disrupting the playmaking opportunities of your opponent’s top perimeter scorer. At the same time, the additional four defenders will play a zone in the form of a diamond, hence “diamond and 1.” This formation provides better protection around the perimeter than the Box and 1 because there will be three defenders in coverage rather than two. However, it provides less help on the backline and can leave the corners susceptible to attack.
Implementing the Diamond and 1 Defense
The Diamond and 1 defense aligns in a similar fashion to the Triangle and 2 defense, but instead of using two chasers, it only uses one.
The chaser in this defensive setup can pickup their mark either full court or once that player has crossed half court. This defense typically employs a ball-denial approach, with the chaser shadowing their mark throughout a given possession.
The other defenders use zone defense principles to guard in the half court. One player takes the top of the key, while two others take the elbow areas. The final defender stands in the lane as the rim protector. The elbow defenders are responsible for the wings, while the backline defender takes the low blocks and short corners.
This defensive set up requires excellent athleticism and anticipation on the part of the chaser, while emphasizing communication and rotation for the zone defenders. This defense is more useful than the Box and 1 when facing an opponent with skilled perimeter shooters. However, there is a weakness in the high-post area. The Diamond and 1 half court defense is different than the Diamond and 1 full court press or half court trap.
Points of emphasis for this defense include securing the rebound to limit second-chance opportunities, and collapsing to the middle when star players touch the ball. The zone defenders must be in position to both rebound and provide help when necessary.
Learn the Combination Defense to beat the BEST team on your Schedule!
Developing basketball defensive systems stands as one of the most important aspects for any coach out there. While designing offensive plays might be more fun, crafting the right defensive system might make more a difference between winning and losing. A good defense feeds directly into offense and it makes scoring that much easier. Basketball coaches implementing combination defenses, like the Triangle and 2 defense, can make things even more difficult for opponents.
Many coaches believe it’s better to sport a simple offense and complex defense, rather than the other way around. How a coach crafts their team’s defensive approach often dictates the very identity of the team. Also, not all players, particularly at the youth level, will have the same natural abilities on the offensive end, but most players can be taught complex defensive schemes and excel.
What is the Triangle and 2 Defense?
The Triangle and 2 defense stands as an innovative defensive strategy for implementation by basketball coaches. This combination defense seeks to limit the scoring opportunities for the offensive team’s top perimeter players. A variation of the Box and 1, the Triangle and 2 defense combines zone and man-to-man concepts in an effort to neutralize the opposing team’s scoring wings.
The biggest advantage of implementing the Triangle and 2 is the disruptive nature of the defense. Offenses that rely heavily on one or two players to create scoring opportunities remain particularly susceptible to this strategy. Also, opposing teams that incorporate specific timing and flow in their offenses sets find this defense frustrating to navigate. That said, this defense can be neutralized by opposing offenses built around talented low-post scorers.
Implementing the Triangle and 2 Defense
The Triangle and 2 defense uses a combination of zone and man-to-man principles in its setup. This defense is designed specifically to frustrate the best perimeter players on any offense. It leverages the alignment to force other offensive players to take key shots for the opposing team.
But there are weaknesses that can be exploited, beyond post touches. Offenses that shoot well from behind the three-point line find additional space on the perimeter against this defense. Also, because of the specific nature of this alignment, the middle of the zone tends to be a weaker point. The Diamond and 1 defense works better to help neutralize shooters..
Using this type of defense can often catch an opposing team off guard, especially during the first meeting of the season. Most basketball coaches prepare their offenses to deal with man-to-man or zone defenses, often forgetting to add prep time for what some consider a “junk” defense.
Implementing the Triangle and 2 defense leans on defensive principles already established in other base defenses. Coaches find this defense relatively easy to implement thanks to the simple and straightforward nature of the responsibilities. The chasers play man-to-man, often in an aggressive, ball-denial fashion. The other defenders then create the zone to protect the rest of the floor.
Points of emphasis for this defense include securing the rebound to limit second-chance opportunities, and collapsing to the triangle when star players touch the ball. The zone defenders must be in position to both rebound and provide help when necessary.
Learn the Combination Defense to beat the BEST team on your Schedule!
Heading into a new season, basketball coaches juggle a number of important responsibilities. Hopefully, coaches used the offseason to better themselves in preparation for the new year. But no matter what level a coach find him or herself coaching at, setting up the right basketball playbook for the team remains an integral step.
Coaches can use the offseason to accomplish several different goals, including becoming a better leader. Often times, evaluating last season’s performance comes at this point, as well as fine tuning the approach to practice planning. But setting up the team’s playbook should also be an important exercise.
Keys to a Good Basketball Playbook
A playbook crystalizes a team’s offensive and defensive approach. It helps build the team’s identity and provides a path to in-season success. Laying out the different sets and plays before hand can often help with drill selection and practice flow. Coaches seek to teach these sets and plays in order to leverage a team’s strengths, both from an individual and a collective perspective.
Any good basketball playbook relies on two relatively broad offensive categories. Those categories are: Man-to-Man Offense, Zone Offense and Specials.
Man-to-Man Offense: Teams execute these plays against man-to-man defenses, where each defensive player guards one offensive player. These plays aim to create opportunities for offensive players with staples such as the use of pick-and-rolls.
Zone Offense: Teams execute these plays against zone defenses, where defenders patrol specific areas in the half court rather than matchup one-on-one. These plays seek to leverage space, movement, and mismatches to create scoring opportunities.
Any basketball coach, no matter the level, should implement fundamental actions into their playbook. These actions often create the foundations for more complex plays and sets in a given offensive strategy. These actions should be incorporated in even the simplest youth basketball playbook.
Pick andRoll: The pick-and-roll remains the most recognizable offensive action at any level of basketball. In this action, an offensive player sets a screen (or pick) for the ball handler. The ball-handler reads the defense before deciding his or her next move, either driving to the basket or making a pass. The screener in this action rolls to the hoop and prepares to receive a pass, whether that pass is coming or not. This action remains a staple of any man-to-man offense.
Pass and Cut: Pass and cut is an offensive tactic in which a perimeter player with the ball passes to a teammate then executes a cut, typically towards the hoop. This basic action looks to draw attention from the defense and limit rotations or overplays. The pass and cut approach works for both man-to-man offenses and zone offenses.
Ball Reversal: The ball reversal action in basketball involves an offense working the ball via pass from one side of the court to the other. When executed properly, this action forces a defense to scramble and can create openings for cutting lanes or jump shots. This action can work against either defensive setup, but it is most effective against aggressive zone defenses.
Tips for Building a Basketball Playbook
No basketball playbook is created equal. Coaches should assess the skill level of their players before making definitive choices for their offensive approach. There’s such a wide variety of plays that coaches can certainly find something that will work for their team. But when building a playbook, youth basketball coaches should consider the following three tips.
Start Simple. This is particularly true if a coach is dealing with newcomers to the sport or relatively inexperienced youth teams. Players will perform all the better as beginners when they aren’t too slowed by thinking about the next action in a play. Layering skills and actions in practice can often set up more complex plays later in the season.
Embrace Space. One of the key skills young players need to develop is being able to move without the ball. Using the full court for drills and conditioning is a must for coaches, especially at the youth level. When designing a playbook, getting players to understand spacing will improve the effectiveness of each set. This is especially true against zone defenses.
No basketball coach’s playbook is ever complete without a go-to baseline out of bounds play. Sometimes referred to as a BLOB, the baseline out of bounds play serves as a scoring opportunity for most teams. These plays are often quick-hitters with multiple options for the passer.
Coaches can be as creative as they want to be when designing these plays, but they have to keep in mind the skill-level of their team. Another consideration is being able to shift directly into the team’s core offense. Finally, some coaches prefer to install baseline out of bounds sets that have multiple variations from which to attack the basket.
Every coach needs go-to out of bounds sets heading into a season. Here’s a look at three effective baseline out of bounds plays.
Baseline Out of Bounds Plays: Box
The first set to consider of these baseline out of bounds plays is called box. This play remains most effective against man-to-man defenses. For this play, the inbound should be your best passer.
Your best shooter should set up on the low block away from the passer, while your best wing finisher takes the opposite high post spot. Your two bigs create the other side of the box, with Player 5 on the low block and Player 4 on the strong-side elbow.
The first action of this play sends the shooter up to the opposite elbow to set a back screen for Player 3. After cutting down toward the basket, Player 3 should clear to the corner if he doesn’t receive a pass.
While this action unfolds, Player 5 slides up the court to set either a double screen or an elevator screen with Player 4.
After setting the back screen for Player 3, the shooter, Player 2 in this graphic, uses the strong side screens. Depending upon the movement of the defense, Player 2 can wrap around the bigs as a double screen or pass between them as an elevator screen. Player 2 clears to the corner and could be open for a three-point attempt.
The final action of this baseline out of bounds play involves the two bigs cutting to the low blocks. Player 3 can cut high as an outlet if need be.
Baseline Out of Bounds Plays: High Double Stack
The next option among these baseline out of bounds plays is called High Double Stack. This play is best used against a 2-3 zone that’s trying to protect the interior of the lane.
The setup for this play stacks Players 5 and 2 at the strong-side elbow, while Players 4 and 3 stack on the opposite elbow. The inbounder should be your best passer.
The first action of this play involves a series of cuts. Player 2 cuts across the free throw line to screen for Player 3. As Player 3 uses the screen and curls along the three-point line, Player 5 makes a dive cut to the hoop.
After setting a cross-screen, Player 2 squares up at the top of the key. Player 4 flares out to the opposite wing as a potential outlet. The cut for Player 3 sees him progress all the way to the strong-side corner.
Baseline Out of Bounds Plays: Side Box
The last set from these baseline out of bounds plays is called Side Box. This play is most effective against a 2-3 zone defense. The setup for this play utilizes an offset box.
Player 5 and Player 4 set up several steps outside the lane line, about halfway between the lane and the three-point arc. Player 2 and Player 3 set up their side of the box in the middle of the lane.
The design for this play is to get an open look at a three-point attempt. Player 2 should be your team’s best shooter. He will be the primary option for this set.
The action begins with Player 4 and Player 5 setting an elevator screen on the side of the zone. Player 2 progresses through the elevator screen and exits high on the wing. The inbounder should look to pass Player 2 the ball.
Player 3 should set a down screen on the zone to create space for Player 4 to relocate to the top of the key.
After making the pass to Player 2, the inbounder should enter toward the strong-side corner, looking to receive the ball back for a shot if open. Player 2 can take the three if open.
Youth player development can be an avenue for coaches to share their love of the game. But if a team is going to be successful, it takes more than just love. Coaches are tasked with improving players both individually and within the context of the team. And during the planning stages, including full-court basketball drills might make practice all the more enjoyable and helps build stamina and improve conditioning.
A well-conditioned team is a team that has an opportunity for great success on the basketball court. To become this kind of team though, basketball conditioning must take place. There are a variety of ways to do this: sprints, distance running, tough drills to improve game conditioning, or a combination of the previously mentioned activities.
Here’s a look at three full court basketball drills to incorporate into your next practice.
Full Court Basketball Drills: Zig Zag Pass and Cut
The Zig Zag Pass and Cut full court basketball drill helps not only with conditioning but also specific skill development. This drill works particularly well with youth basketball teams still learning the game because it encourages players to look up the floor and pass, rather than just dribble. Players hone skills for speed dribbling, bounce and chest passing, pivoting, rebounding, and lay-up finishing.
Two balls are needed to complete this full court basketball drill. Coaches should divide their teams into four or five equal groups, adding any extra players near the basket in the rebounding line. The other lines set up as an outlet, at half court, and on the opposite wing as the finisher.
The drill progresses when the coach tosses the ball off the backboard, creating a rebound. The rebounder retrieves the miss then outlets. The player who receives the outlet pass fires across the line at half court. From there, the ball gets passes to the opposite wing. The finisher receives the final pass and dribbles in for a lay-up.
Each player follows their pass from line to line, progressing to each station along the court. The finisher makes his layup then completes a full court speed dribble up the opposite sideline to get the ball back to the coach on the other end. Coaches can make this a competitive practice game by adding the element of time to each team completed set.
Full Court Basketball Drills: Continuous 3-on-2
One of the most popular full court drills for any basketball coach is the 3-on-2. However, if not implemented correctly, this drill can stagnate. Reset times drag on and momentum is lost. You need two teams with at least six on a team.
The set up for this drill mirrors the graphic here. The team in black defends the first transition repetition from the white team. As white approaches the half court, a third defender enters at the center circle. From the opposite sideline, two players from the white team enter as defenders on the other end.
The third player on black becomes a trail defender, sprinting into the defensive possession from behind. Adding this element makes this version of the 3-on-2 drill more game-like in its repetitions.
Once the white team gets a quick shot attempt or black either forces a turnover or grabs a rebound, the three defenders in black become the new offense. They begin their transition rep heading down to the other end of the court, where two defenders in white await. As before, a third white defender enters at the center circle once the offense progresses beyond half court and two new players on the black team become the next defenders on the other end.
This drill keeps the flow of transition going once the players have the rotations down. Players always return to their sideline after an offensive rep. Coaches can keep score or track other elements, such as paint touches, turnovers, or bad shots.
Full Court Basketball Drills: One-Way Basket
This is a full-court competitive game that allows coaches to install a specific play or set, while also practice key defensive principles. In the half court, the offense runs their first action against a full compliment of defenders.
If this action results in a basket, then the offense and defense switch. But if the defense gets a stop, then it’s a full court game.
The defensive stop flows into transition offense as that squad seeks to score. Only points scored off of defensive stops count in this competitive practice game.
This game should flow back and forth for several minutes before coaches change anything.
Coaches that incorporate this competitive practice game look to establish the mindset that the team needs to focus on getting defensive stops before getting to the offensive end of the floor. The emphasis for this drill remains defense.
Picking the right offense for a youth basketball team can be one of the most difficult decisions for any coach. After evaluating the skill level of a team, coaches must emphasize the sets and skills that will put his team on track for success. But when dealing with newcomers to the sport, sometimes having simple basketball plays to start with is the way to go.
Youth coaches often spend a great deal of time practice planning and developing the right mix of drills to incorporate with their young players. When it comes down to designing an offensive set, being able to score in the half court often dictates success in games. Add these three simple basketball plays that are easy to run to your basketball playbook.
Simple Basketball Plays: Basic Pick and Roll
One of the simple basketball plays even coach should incorporate is the basic pick and roll. This play works well against man-to-man defenses and remains a staple of the game in the professional ranks. Youth basketball offenses can repeat this action over and over until a good look opens up. This play can start in several different alignments.
Using a 4-out, 1-in alignment, the point guard dribbles to the wing, with three players on the opposite perimeter. Player 5 comes up from the low post to set a screen for the point guard on the wing. The ball handler drives off the screen toward the basket while player 5 rolls into the lane. The driver decides to either take a shot or make a pass to the roller. If neither option is available, the driver can kick the ball out to a teammate on the perimeter.
The beauty of this simple basketball play remains the free-flowing nature of the action. The ball handler gets to read and react to the defense. The screen also gets to decide how to move based on the defense’s alignment. Screeners can roll to the hoop or pop to a open spot on the perimeter for a jump shot.
Coaches can layer off-ball actions for the other players as well. This will help keep the weak side defenders occupied and hesitant to help. Basic pick and roll action can be implemented effectively in end-of-game situations and even in transition.
Simple Basketball Plays: Short Corner Jump Shot
Naming the sets can vary from team to team, but this simple basketball play aims to get a open look for a jump shot at the short corner along the baseline.
The play begins with a 3-out, 2-in alignment, with the big men occupying the blocks. The point guard dribbles up and initiates the play with a pass to either wing. The big man on the ball-side of the play comes up to set a screen at the elbow for the point guard after the pass.
The point guard uses the screen and runs a J-shaped cut toward the baseline. The player on the wing looks to pass the ball to the baseline if the point guard is open for a jump shot. If not, the player can dribble to the top of the key and reset the play.
This play works well at the youth level because it involves the basic action of pass and cut. The big man sets a high screen and either roll to the basket or flare for a shot. Having a simple basketball play that can easily reset allows the team to feel more comfortable.
Simple Basketball Plays: Double Screen Curl
The next simple basketball play looks to get another open jump shot. This play uses a 4-out, 1-in alignment to start, though the order along the perimeter doesn’t really matter. For this play, coaches should set the shooter to start in the corner.
The play begins with the point guard dribbling up and making a pass to the 3 on the wing. That player immediately swings the ball to the 4 in the corner. Once the ball ends up in the corner, the point guard and player 3 set a double screen for the shooter, who’s coming up from the opposite corner.
Player 4 looks first to the shooter coming around the double screen. If that option isn’t there, player 4 can then look to player 5, who’s on the low block. 5 mirrors the movement of the ball along the perimeter with each pass, going from elbow to elbow, then to the low block.
This play works well at the youth level because it involves basic movement along the perimeter. The interior player follows a simple run for this basketball play, mirroring the ball with each pass. Should the defense cover both the shooter and the low post, this play can easily be run again in the opposite direction.
Developing basketball defensive systems stands as one of the most important aspects for any coach out there. While designing offensive plays might be more fun, crafting the right defensive system might make more a difference between winning and losing. A good defense feeds directly into offense and it makes scoring that much easier. Basketball coaches implementing combination defenses can make things even more difficult for opponents.
Many coaches believe it’s better to sport a simple offense and complex defense, rather than the other way around. How a coach crafts their team’s defensive approach often dictates the very identity of the team. Also, not all players, particularly at the youth level, will have the same natural abilities on the offensive end, but most players can be taught complex defensive schemes and excel.
Basketball Combination Defenses
A basketball team that uses combination defenses employs a strategy that incorporates two different defensive systems. This normally manifests as a combination of zone defense and a man-to-man approach. The most well-known example of this approach is the Box and 1 defense. Some refer to these approaches as “junk” defenses, but when used correctly, they can really throw off the rhythm and timing of opposing offenses.
A Box and 1 takes your team’s best defender and task him with disrupting the playmaking opportunities of your opponent’s top perimeter scorer. At the same time, the additional four defenders will play a zone in the form of a box, hence “box and 1.” This combination defense can be a polarizing topic among basketball coaches. And, like other defensive schemes, this approach comes with advantages and disadvantages. The most obvious pro to this defensive approach is trying to neutralize, or at least render inefficient, your opponent’s top offensive player. One significant con of this defensive strategy arises when your team’s best perimeter defender is also your team’s best offensive player.
Another example of basketball combination defenses is the Triangle and 2. This approach uses two chasers instead of one, with the three other defenders creating a triangle zone. The two bottom defenders take the low blocks while the third member of the triangle mans the nail. Coaches can invert the triangle if more defensive pressure is needed at the elbows.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Combo Defense
Strengths:
Confusion – This forces the opposition to run an offense completely different to their normal playing style. Forcing the opposition to make massive changes to their game-plan is always a good thing for the defense.
Star Players Will Get Frustrated and Tired– Imagine how frustrating and tiring it will be for their star players who are unable to get open while their teammates pass thebasketball around and take shots.
Easy to Implement – Easy to teach using man principles.
Weaknesses:
Middle of the Zone and the mid-range jumper – The middle of a zone is always the most vulnerable position on the court for the offense to exploit. It’s imperative that your weak side players are always in the correct position to deny the pass into the middle of the zone.
Can’t be used often against great shooting teams – If the team has patience and moves the ball they will find open shots.
Incorporating the right basketball drills for a team makes all the difference for coaches at the youth level. Coaches need to gauge the skill and talent they’re working with, instituting a practice plan to maximize the growth of these young players. Developing specific basketball skills early sets both the player and the team up for success, so picking the best basic shooting drills for kids can be a good place to start.
One of the most important parts of any coach’s practice plan is the incorporation of basketball shooting drills. These drills are valuable no matter the level of the team or the talent of the individual player. Shooting remains a key aspect of the game, and only through repetition and focus can a player improve.
For coaches, finding the right drills for your team can be frustrating. Depending on the team’s level and the talents of the gathered players, coaches sift through dozens of drills, searching for the right series. It’s important for a coach to understand their team’s ability and continuously push them to improve.
When developing shooting drills, a good coach must consider what types of shots they want to focus on. Drills should reinforce the skills that will help the players perform within the context of a game. So shooting drills should be designed around shots that would normally result from a team’s offensive actions. The best basketball shooting drills are representative of a team’s base offense.
This drill involves a set number of players progressing through a series of shots on the floor. The group might start at the short corner, then move to the elbow, free throw, opposite elbow and opposite short corner.
In order to progress to the next spot, the group needs to make a designated number of shots in a row. Once the group has made three from the short corner, for example, they move to the elbow. But if they miss at the elbow, a coach can signal either that the team runs or returns to the previous spot.
This drill can be redesigned as a practice game as well.
3-2-1 Basketball Shooting Drill
The 3-2-1 basketball team shooting drill involves at least two players and is a high-volume, high-repetition practice. Over the course of one or two minutes, non-stop, a single shooter progresses through a series of jump shots. The other player rebounds and feeds the shooter from near the hoop.
The shooter begins behind the three-point line for their first shot. From there, the shooter moves into the midrange for their second shot. The last shot in the sequence is a layup (which is worth one point). The rebounder keeps track of the shooter’s score as their teammate progresses through the drill. After the time is up, the players switch roles.
This shooting drill provides valuable practice for any shooter, regardless of talent-level. The shooter must move, set their feet and find a repeatable release. Even the other player gets reps at securing rebounds and making solid passes.
This drill can incorporate internal competition as well. The two partnered players can compete with one another, or with another pair at another hoop.
Incorporating the right basketball drills for kids makes all the difference for coaches at the youth level. Coaches need to gauge the skill and talent they’re working with, instituting a practice plan to maximize the growth of these young players. Developing specific basketball skills early sets both the player and the team up for success, so picking the best basic shooting drills for kids can be a good place to start.
Finding the right balance for your practice is key. You want your players to practice hard, hone their skills, and become better basketball players. But you also want them to have fun. Coaching at the youth level takes plenty of patience and positivity. You’ll need to incorporate a fast pace and keep your players occupied and engaged, especially during potentially monotonous skill development drills. Developing focus and fun at practice remains an integral effort for coaches at the youth level of the game.
While there’s no magic formula for practice planning or picking drills, leaning on your experience as a head coach often shows the right path for your players. Here’s a look a some of the best basic passing drills for kids.
Proper Shooting Form
It’s important for young players to learn the proper shooting form early so as to not develop bad habits that can be hard to break. Although the kids will want to start shooting immediately, coaches must make them understand chucking the ball does more harm than good. And becoming a great shooter isn’t an easy thing to do!
A good approach to teaching shooting form involves the nemonic “BEEF.” Beef stands for Balance, Elbow, Eyes, Follow Through.
Balance often refers to a shooter’s stance. While there’s no specific stance to teach, generally the feet should be about shoulder-width apart, turned slightly, with the lead foot forward a bit and knees bent. For Eyes, shooters should look in the direction of the rim. While there’s no one spot that must be taught, players can focus on the rim.
The shooter’s elbow remains the key to a shot’s accuracy. Players should try to set the shooting eye, the shooting hand and elbow, and the rim all on the same line. The shooting motion involves the hand and elbow getting under the ball, making an up and out motion. Make sure the elbow doesn’t flare out. Once set, the wrist should hinge at an angle with the forearm.
Follow Through is the release. The shooter should snap their wrist as the ball is released at the same time the elbow is fully extended. The ball should roll off the index and middle fingers to produce a backspin. Shooters should keep their arm extended and not let the off-hand push the ball at an angle on release.
Remember, this shooting method is designed to simplify the approach for inexperience players and kids just coming to the game. It’s not something to teach to more experienced players since it doesn’t address the nuances of great shooting.
Basic Shooting Drills for Kids
Teaching the proper shooting fundamentals remains integral for coaches at the youth level of basketball. Here are some of the best basic shooting drills for kids to help in that process.
Form Shooting
To practice the basic shooting form, kids can participate in this drill with a partner or a group of three. Form shooting allows the players to practice not only the right way to shoot, but also develop concentration. This drill remains ideal for coaches in a station setting.
Shooters begin at a given spot on the floor, depending on their strength, ability, and perhaps position. The shooter should assume the proper stance (hands up, knees bent, feet set) and await a pass. The player catches the pass and comes up shooting. Each player should take 10 shots before progressing to another spot. After another 10 attempts, the player moves to a third spot.
This drill works as a good warm-up before practice, or as part of a larger station rotation for coaches. Stress to each player the need to use the proper form, practicing each element to develop that muscle memory.
Step-Back Shooting
Another one of the valuable basic drills for kids is step-back shooting. This exercise helps players develop and improve their shooting touch with each repetition.
Shooters begin directly in front of the rim for this drill. Players should start low with the ball and arc the shot up over the rim, finishing high with the release. Shooters need to hold their form until the ball passes through the net, taking five shots in total. After the last make, the shooter should step back one and make another five shots. The shooter continues until they reach the foul line.
This drill provides direct reinforcement of the basic shooting form kids should learn. Coaches should stress hand and finger placement, as well as the motion of the elbow, as part of their instruction.
Knockout
A fun competitive game to incorporate into your practices is knockout. This enjoyable shooting drill provides kids the opportunity to learn proper form while under pressure and with a heightened sense of urgency.
Players line up in single-file at the free throw line. The first two players in line have a ball and the drill begins with the first shot attempt. If the first shooter makes his free throw, he retrieves the ball and passes to the next person in line. Then he joins the back of the line. If he missed his shot, he must grab the rebound and make a layup before the next shooter makes their attempt. Should the first shooter can make a layup before the second player scores, he’s still in the game. If the second shooter makes a shot before, the first player is eliminated.
Each time a player takes and misses a shot, the next player in line shoots to try to knock them out. Hence the name of the game. The drill continues until only one player remains, the winner.
There are several points of emphasis for this drill. Each player should maintain proper mechanics and form when shooting. Keep your head up and be aware of other players. Coaches can also stress form with layup attempts and return passes.
Incorporating the right basketball drills for kids makes all the difference for coaches at the youth level. Coaches need to gauge the skill and talent they’re working with, instituting a practice plan to maximize the growth of these young players. Developing specific basketball skills early sets both the player and the team up for success, so picking the best basic passing drills for kids can be a good place to start.
Finding the right balance for your practice is key. You want your players to practice hard, hone their skills, and become better basketball players. But you also want them to have fun. Coaching at the youth level takes plenty of patience and positivity. You’ll need to incorporate a fast pace and keep your players occupied and engaged, especially during potentially monotonous skill development drills. Developing focus and fun at practice remains an integral effort for coaches at the youth level of the game.
While there’s no magic formula for practice planning or picking drills, leaning on your experience as a head coach often shows the right path for your players. Here’s a look a some of the best basic passing drills for kids.
Basic Passing Form
While most kids will want to start with shooting or dribbling drills, it’s important for every coach to incorporate basic passing drills early on in a player’s development. Coaches can’t assume kids will be good passers when first coming to the court. Bad passes destroy offensive possessions, while good passing creates scoring opportunities. Many turnovers come as a result of poor passes. So it’s integral that your young players learn the proper mechanics for bounce, chest, and outlet passes.
Coaches should demonstrate proper form for their players to mimic. For a basic chest pass, players should step into the pass and snap the ball off with their thumbs going through the ball and pointing toward their receiver. Chest passes are not overhead lobs. They should hit their receiver in the chest.
For the bounce pass, passers can start from the triple-threat position. The player should snap the ball off with their pass, but it should hit the court about three-fourths of the way toward the receiver. The resulting bounce from the pass should reach the receiver’s waist.
For overhead outlet passes, the players should be further apart. The passer snaps their pass off with some arc, but not so much that the ball floats to the receiver. The pass should be thrown hard and can lead the receiver down the court if need be.
Players catching the pass need to practice proper form as well. The receiver needs to provide a target with his hands extended to make the grab. After the catch, receivers should immediately turn into a triple-threat position.
Best Basic Passing Drills for Kids
After demonstrating the basic form for basic passing drills, it’s time to divide the players into groups to try their hand at these drills. Below are some of the best passing drills for kids just beginning in the game of basketball. It’s good for coaches to pair players for these drills so the kids can practice both passing and receiving.
Rapid Fire Chest Passing Practice
Players begin this drill with one ball and facing each other, about two feet apart. The first passer starts the drill by passing to his partner and immediately taking two short steps back. The receiver catches the ball and passes it right back. After each pass, the first player retreats two steps, while the receiver stands still. Once the first passer has made five passes, he starts moving back toward the receiver with each pass.
This drill should feature 10 passes total before switching players. Coaches can alter this drill by having both players retreat or return with each pass or having the players alternate with bounce passes. Be sure to stress to players the proper passing form, especially stepping into their passes as the distance grows. Players can practice this drill at home by using a wall.
Two-Ball Line Passing Drill
For this basic passing drill, three-to-five kids line up along the key arm-length apart with one passer facing the line. The passer has one ball and one of the players in the line does as well. The passer should set up on the opposite line of the key.
To start this drill, the passer snaps a chest pass to one random player in the line. The moment that happens, the player in the line holding the second ball passes back to the passer. The passer must catch and make a return pass to any receiver who does not have the ball. The passer slides along the key to catch and return passes as quickly as possible. Coaches should stress form once again as well as vision. The passer must keep his eyes up and react with each progression.
Man in the Middle
For this basic drill, coaches need to form passing groups of three kids each. Each trio uses one ball, with the passers facing each other anywhere from 10 to 20 feet apart. The third player in the group is the man in the middle. This player acts as a defender, trying to deflect or steal each pass as it’s made.
The two passers work together from a relatively stationary position, although a single dribble left or right is allowed to create a new passing angle. Coaches should stress triple-threat position and pivoting for the passers. Players can work on ball fakes to make the defender move. Passes in this drill can include chest, bounce, or overhead outlets. Tell players not to float passes that allow the defender to recover while the ball travels.
When someone says the “f-word,” that word may have a totally different meaning to high school coaches. That word to high school basketball coaches could easily mean fundraising. Unlike big level college programs (and some big-level high school programs), most coaches have to fundraise any money they need for their program. This money could be used to buy the players their gear, basketballs for the program, jerseys, or any other thing that may come up over the course of a basketball season.
Fundraising is one of the many things that falls onto the plate of a head coach once that coach moves 6 inches over on the bench. It is something that is often overlooked or not thought of but could be a huge stressor on a coach and program if not done properly. This article will go through several different fundraising ideas to help generate money for your program.
Basketball Fundraising Options
Below are just five different fundraising ideas to help your basketball program. There are two keys for every fundraiser though: First, find a fundraiser you’re passionate about promoting. Second, be organized and make sure all of your ducks are in a row.
Golf Scramble
This may be the most common type of fundraiser for any high school athletic program. A golf scramble gets players on teams of 4, everybody plays the best ball at each hole, and is a way to make a lot of money.
The best way to maximize profits in a golf scramble is to have a great relationship with a local golf course to maximize profits on your teams, get at least 1 hole sponsor for each of your holes, and any items you can auction off is a great bonus too!
Bowling Bash
A bowling bash is just like a golf scramble but in a bowling alley instead! People form teams of four and the highest score across three games from one of the teams is the winner!
Some keys are to provide food/drinks just like in a golf scramble. Try to acquire lane sponsors instead of hole sponsors. And any auction items would be a great way to help increase revenue.
Chicken Dinner
We are located in the midwest and if there’s one thing midwest people love is fried chicken! We have hosted an annual chicken dinners for the last five years. The key is finding a local restaurant that is willing to donate the chicken and sides at cost and their time to cook the chicken.
Our goal every year is to sell 300+ chicken dinners. We host it on a Sunday during lunch time to hit the church crowd that is looking for lunch after church. Our players serve the food, clean up the tables, and we can generate some great revenue in a short amount of time. Pro Tip: Be sure to offer carry-outs as an option!
Sponsorships
A very simple way to help generate some money is selling sponsorships to local businesses. This could be done in the way of a banner, PA announcement at games, or air time if your games are broadcasted.
The key is to target businesses who have supported your program over the years. Ensure they receive some recognition for their sponsorship.
Dinner/Dance
Another way to generate a large amount of revenue, but this may possibly be the most work of all these fundraising ideas. An ideal time to have this would be close to Valentine’s Day to make it a date night for the couples.
You want to rent out a large enough facility to house all of your guests, book some form of entertainment (DJ, live band, etc.). And have lots of items to auction off. Ideas to auction off could be sporting memorabilia and/or local experiences.
Kyle Brasher | Gibson Southern High School
Lady Titans Basketball Coach
The Rule of 3 basketball offense provides coaches with a concise offensive set up to help your team succeed. This offensive approach works against man and zone defenses and makes operating on that side of the floor easier. Some continuity offenses can be difficult to digest, but the Rule of Three basketball offense remains clear with straightforward principles. A key point of emphasis for this basketball offense is the mesh point.
What the Rule of 3 offense does for a basketball coach is provide a pared down approach that highlights the strengths of a given team. The key to any good offense is finding the openings, and this does just that. This offense remains predicated on ball movement, player movement, and spacing to create scoring opportunities.
The Rule of 3 Offense Basketball Mesh Point
The “Mesh Point” in the Rule of 3 basketball offense remains perhaps the most pivotal part of this scheme. Simply, the mesh point is the place where a screen occurs on the basketball floor. It’s at this juncture that the screen and the cutter need to read their defenders to determine the next progression in the offense.
The mesh point remains the focal point of the Rule of 3 basketball offense. In the graphic shown here, the mesh point becomes the moment when Player 1 sets a screen for Player 3.
Both Player 1 and Player 3 see multiple options depending upon how the defenders choose to play this action.
Since Player 3 receives the screen, he gets to read the defenders at the mesh point first. His options include a slice cut, a curl cut, or to cut high.
After Player 3 makes his read at the mesh point, Player 1 follows with his read on the basketball floor. Player 1’s options include a slip to the basket, to screen away for the wing, or pop high after a curl.
The offensive players should look to vary their cut based on the defender. Each offensive player should look to take advantage of the momentary confusion any unexpected movement caused the defense.
Several key fundamentals need reinforcement from basketball coaches when working through mesh point reads. First, drill the proper form for setting screens. Next, drill how to operate off screen as the cutter. Finally, drill how to “slip” a screen. When preparing to read the defense, teach your players which cut to use. Stress the value of varying cuts to create confusion in the defense.
The Rule of 3 basketball offense provides coaches with a concise offensive set up to help your team succeed. This offensive approach works against man and zone defenses and makes operating on that side of the floor easier. Some continuity offenses can be difficult to digest, but the Rule of Three basketball offense remains clear with straightforward principles. Using the basketball terms for the Rule of 3 is key.
What the Rule of 3 offense does for a basketball coach is provide a pared down approach that highlights the strengths of a given team. The key to any good offense is finding the openings, and this does just that. This offense remains predicated on ball movement, player movement, and spacing to create scoring opportunities.
The Rule of 3 Offense Basketball Terms
Learning the different basketball terms out there remains a challenges for many young players and new coaches. Understanding the key words for a variety of offenses and defenses, as well as the myriad rule violations, makes digesting this information often a daunting task. The Rule of 3 offense is no exception in regards to basketball terms.
So before you and your team dive into the ins and outs of the Rule of 3 basketball offense, you’ll want to know the key terms.
The Rule of 3 basketball offense provides coaches with a concise offensive set up to help your team succeed. This offensive approach works against man and zone defenses and makes operating on that side of the floor easier. Some continuity offenses can be difficult to digest, but the Rule of Three basketball offense remains clear with straightforward principles.
What the Rule of 3 offense does for a basketball coach is provide a pared down approach that highlights the strengths of a given team. The key to any good offense is finding the openings, and this does just that. This offense remains predicated on ball movement, player movement, and spacing to create scoring opportunities.
Rule of 3 Basketball Offense: Basic Concepts
The Rule of 3 basketball offense operates from either a four-out or five-out set. The 5-out alignment clears the key and leverages cutting lanes. It’s looking to force defenders into difficult choices, then attacking the open spaces that result. This offensive approach focuses on what cuts, positions, and scoring opportunities you can get based on reading the opposing defender.
The offense features several basic concepts players need to understand. First, everyone moves on every pass. All cuts are based on reading your defender. So, every defensive overplay should result in a backdoor cut. Every pick is a potential slip opportunity. Finally, and perhaps most important, keep the lane clear.
These basic concepts help maximize the effectiveness of the Rule of 3. Each player understands they’re moving with each progression. This shifts all the pressure to the defense. To leverage the movement and stress on the defense, offensive players should limit themselves to about three dribbles. From there, make a move to score or make the next pass.
Advantages of the Rule of 3
Continuity offenses like the Princeton offense or the Read and React stand out as effective options for some basketball coaches. However, these offenses often feature numerous layers that can be daunting for young players to memorize and call upon. Players hesitate, thinking through a progression, which allows defenses to counter.
The advantages of the Rule of 3 basketball offense include:
Players don’t have to memorize different plays
They learn how to play basketball by reading and reacting to what the defense does
It’s hard to scout and defend because cuts aren’t predetermined
It can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be
This freedom allows basketball coaches to mold their offense to the talent-level of their team that season. The flexibility of this offense is such that players will adjust with each possession, learning more efficiently in both practice and games.
Not forcing players to memorize specific movements for a set removes the anxiety many young players feel on offense. It helps each player develop a high basketball IQ. Learning how to read and react appropriately is also a valuable skill outside of basketball.
Perhaps the best part of installing the Rule of 3 for basketball coaches is, the unpredictable nature of this offense makes it hard to scout. Players might cut differently each time down the floor, depending upon what their defender does or how their teammates move. And the flexible nature of this offense allows coaches to add complexities as players gain confidence.
The 
The drill begins with players arrayed in a star across the half court. The ball starts with the line under the basket. There are lines in the corners, as well as on the wings.
The Diamond and 1 defense aligns in a similar fashion to the 
The Triangle and 2 defense uses a combination of zone and man-to-man principles in its setup. This defense is designed specifically to frustrate the best perimeter players on any offense. It leverages the alignment to force other offensive players to take key shots for the opposing team.
The first set to consider of these baseline out of bounds plays is called box. This play remains most effective against man-to-man defenses. For this play, the inbound should be your best passer.
The next option among these baseline out of bounds plays is called High Double Stack. This play is best used against a 2-3 zone that’s trying to protect the interior of the lane.
The last set from these baseline out of bounds plays is called Side Box. This play is most effective against a 2-3 zone defense. The setup for this play utilizes an offset box.
The Zig Zag Pass and Cut full court basketball drill helps not only with conditioning but also specific skill development. This drill works particularly well with youth basketball teams still learning the game because it encourages players to look up the floor and pass, rather than just dribble. Players hone skills for speed dribbling, bounce and chest passing, pivoting, rebounding, and lay-up finishing.
One of the most popular full court drills for any basketball coach is the 3-on-2. However, if not implemented correctly, this drill can stagnate. Reset times drag on and momentum is lost. You need two teams with at least six on a team.
The 
The mesh point remains the focal point of the Rule of 3 basketball offense. In the graphic shown here, the mesh point becomes the moment when Player 1 sets a screen for Player 3.
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