Mastering the 3-on-2 Continuation Basketball Drill

Mastering the 3-on-2 Continuation Basketball Drill

As a veteran basketball coach, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of well-designed drills in shaping young players’ skills and game understanding. One such drill that has consistently yielded remarkable results is the 3-on-2 Continuation Basketball Drill. In this article, I’ll delve into the specifics of this drill, its benefits, and how you can effectively implement it with your youth basketball team.



Understanding the 3-on-2 Continuation Drill

The 3-on-2 Continuation Drill is designed to enhance players’ transition offense and defense skills while promoting quick decision-making and teamwork. It involves two defensive players and four offensive players, with continuous three-on-two scenarios occurring up and down the court.

Key Elements:

  1. Pace and Scoring: The drill emphasizes scoring at a high pace, encouraging players to capitalize on offensive opportunities. This rapid-fire approach keeps players engaged and fosters a competitive spirit.
  2. Tracking Points per Possession: To gauge progress and performance, it’s crucial to track points per possession. This metric provides valuable insights into offensive efficiency and helps identify areas for improvement.
  3. Defensive Variations: Experiment with different defensive setups to challenge players and simulate game scenarios effectively. Avoiding common defensive formations like the one-one stack keeps the drill dynamic and prepares players for real-game situations.
  4. Transition Movement and Spacing: Encourage players to focus on their movement and spacing during transitions. Emphasize the importance of creating open passing lanes and avoiding congested areas, ultimately leading to more efficient scoring opportunities.

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Implementing the 3-on-2 Continuation Drill

When introducing the 3-on-2 Continuation Drill to your youth basketball team, consider the following tips:

  • Start with clear instructions and demonstration to ensure players understand the objectives and mechanics of the drill.
  • Emphasize fundamentals such as ball handling, passing, and finishing at the rim within the context of the drill.
  • Provide constructive feedback during and after the drill, highlighting areas of improvement and celebrating successes.
  • Encourage communication among players to enhance teamwork and decision-making on both offense and defense.

Benefits

Integrating the 3-on-2 Continuation Drill into your coaching regimen offers numerous benefits for youth basketball players:

  • Improved Transition Offense and Defense: Players learn to quickly transition between offense and defense, honing their reaction time and positioning skills.
  • Enhanced Decision-Making: The fast-paced nature of the drill forces players to make split-second decisions, promoting better basketball IQ and situational awareness.
  • Increased Team Chemistry: By working together to score and defend, players develop stronger bonds and communication skills essential for success on the court.
  • Game-Ready Skills: The drill replicates game-like scenarios, providing players with invaluable experience and confidence to perform under pressure.

Conclusion

The 3-on-2 Continuation Basketball Drill is a game-changer for youth teams looking to elevate their skills and performance on the court. By incorporating this drill into your coaching repertoire and focusing on key elements such as pace, tracking, defensive variations, and transition movement, you can empower your players to reach their full potential and achieve success in game situations.


Related: Pros and Cons of AAU Youth Player Rankings


Coach Unplugged Podcast:

Free Basketball Coaching Resources


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Pace-Changing Basketball Practice Activities

Pace-Changing Basketball Practice Activities

Getting the right rhythm and flow to practice remains one of the most challenging aspects for most basketball coaches. It’s important to change up your approach from time to time to prevent players from getting board or simply going through the motions. Adding pace-changing basketball practice activities can inject new life into each session and set players up for success.

Basketball Practice Activities: Opposites

Opposites is a 10-minute scrimmage where every player can only use their opposite hand to dribble, pass, and shoot. Their strong hand can only be used to catch passes, and as a guide for shooting and dribbling transfers. Coaches ref the scrimmage to make sure everybody’s sticking to the rules. Every player on the winning team gets 1 point for “The Practice Breakers Board.”

This activity is hilariously fun, but also strongly encourages each player to work intensely on developing their opposite hand. It gets them in the habit of forcing the issue, and experiencing the intial ups and downs along with the rest of the team. “Opposites” is a tremendous team confidence builder, and is truely a blast. Have fun!

Basketball Practice Activities: Half-Court Heroes

For “Half-court Heroes,” 3 players spread across the half-court stripe. They will all back up several feet, and with a running start at the coach’s whistle, will each take a halfcourt shot at the same time. The challenge is for them to choose the proper height, distance, and speed that will allow their shot to arrive at a different time than their two teammates. Thus giving their shot a better opportunity to go in.

The only true rule is that all three players must shoot at the same time. Coaches ref this activity as well, and often join in with the team, which makes it even more fun. The player with the most makes at the end of 10 minutes, gets a point on “The Practice Breakers Board.” Your team will love it!

Basketball Practice Activities: Stick and Pick

“Stick and Pick” is one of the most engaging basketball practice activities. The coaches select a specific shot for every player to shoot. Whoever makes(sticks) it first, gets to pick the next shot for everybody to take until the next make, which can be any shot they want, regardless of the difficulty. The more difficult each shot becomes, the safer it becomes for the current leader to protect their point for “The Practice Breakers Board”.

There are only 2 simple rules. First, the shot must be attempted from no more than a few feet beyond the 3 point line, and must be shot from in bounds. Second, the line must rotate in order every practice, so each player gets the chance to be the first shooter. It’s very similar to “H.O.R.S.E.”, but is so much more challenging and engaging.

The last player to make a shot at the end of 10 minutes, will of course, get a point on “The Practice Breakers Board”. This is also another great opportunity for coaches to participate whenever they see fit. Enjoy!


Related: Simplifying your Basketball Practice Planning


Resources:


Coach Unplugged Podcast: 

Youth Player Development

Ep 1417 Four Great Practice Drills


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Using Competitive Games in Basketball Practice

Using Competitive Games in Basketball Practice

Basketball coaches everywhere are constantly searching for new Competitive Practice Games. Keeping young players engaged throughout a practice period often means mixing up physical warm-ups and stretching, technical drills and competitive contests. Coaches need to layer the information and embed key skills before introducing and installing specific sets.

But running through the same drills over and over can result in bored, disengaged players. Yes, they need to master the basic layup. But running through the same two-line drill every practice might have players check-out on their coach. So here’s a look at some competitive games to try at your next basketball practice.

Competitive Games in Basketball Practice: 4-on-4 Cut Throat

4-on-4 Cut Throat stands as a favorite drill among young players because of its game-like nature. For coaches, 4-on-4 Cut Throat provides each basketball practice with the opportunity to stress and develop specific elements of the game.

4-on-4 Cut Throat is a high-energy, high-movement drill. Coaches divide their teams into sets of four, with two groups on the floor at all times. Through each progression, players navigate the possession, looking to score or get a stop. As each possession ends, the successful team (the one that scored or made the stop) stays on the floor, while the losing group comes off. The waiting team comes on and fills the vacancy.

Coaches can allow the players to free play, or can install specific needs in a possession. The free-flowing nature of the drill allows players to learn on the fly. Whatever a coach decides to emphasize in the drill often translates directly to the game.

Emphasis: Build solid offensive and defensive habits. The hidden value remains the opportunity for coaches to provide direct instruction to the teams that lose a possession. As the losing team comes off the floor, a coach can immediately pull them aside and talk through what went wrong while the other two teams progress through the drill.

Competitive Games in Basketball Practice: 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.

Emphasis: Defense. Basketball 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.

It’s important for coaches to allow their players to play through their mistakes and learn as these competitive practice games to unfold. These controlled situations and scrimmages also provide plenty of information for coaching staffs to digest. They’re learning the strengths and weaknesses of their teams.


Related: Competitive Shooting Drills


Resources:


Coach Unplugged Podcast: 

Youth Player Development

Ep: 1075 Winning Practices and Competitive Practices


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Simplifying your Basketball Practice Planning

Simplifying your Basketball Practice Planning

Basketball coaches at any level have a limited amount of time with their players. So maximizing practice time, especially entering a new season, becomes paramount.

At the youth level, this remains a stark reality. Coaches might only have their players for a few hours a week. No matter the level, basketball coaches invariably spend time practice planning.

“The structure of your practice is the most determining reason for your success or lack of success as a coach.”  Bobby Knight

Basketball Practice Planning

Most basketball coaches have their own approaches to practice planning. Some minimize the pre-practice work, opting instead for what feels right in the moment. Others build off of the previous day, or something that stood out in the last game. A coach might scribble notes on a pad or random slip of paper. That paper usually finds itself tucked behind the elastic of the coach’s shorts.

The key to a good basketball practice plan will always be efficiency. Coaches must consider not only what their specific goals are, but how those goals will be reached within a given time frame. Youth leagues often limit practice time. Even high school teams find themselves forced into a given time slot at the school’s gym.

The best practice plans can be constructed on one sheet of paper. This paper focuses the goals and approaches for the day. Having a wide view of practice allows a coach to establish a logical progression through the drills. The plan can also keep a general timing structure, although flexibility is key for any coach.

By listing the drills and concepts clearly on the practice plan, coaches know exactly what the focus of each practice segment will be. This will eliminate any lost time between drills or segments, maximizing contact time.

Sample Practice Plan

basketball practice planning

Every coach should know the amount of time available to them for practice, both how long each practice will be and what the schedule looks like for the week.

From there, it’s a matter of dividing the time of each practice. These segments will have specific focuses. Segments might include warm-up and stretching, individual skill development or larger team concepts.

One helpful inclusion for any basketball coach’s practice planning is a drill library. Having the different drills listed directly on the plan itself will facilitate movement from segment to segment. The drill library can include not only the drills themselves, but also the specific focus points for development.

Having a drill library also allows a coach to vary practices from session to session. Sure, each coach will have a core set of drills they like to implement, but falling into a rigid routine is something to avoid. Keeping practice fresh can only benefit the players and maintain engagement.

Beyond that, varying the practice plan itself allows for the drills and segments that invariably will be cut short because others went long to be incorporated into the next practice.


Related: Youth Player Development & Practice Planning

Downloadable Resources:

Download an entire season of pre-designed youth practice plans

Practice Guide PDF with Blank Practice Plan 


Coach Unplugged Podcast

Ep: 807 Practice Planning With Coach Lynch (Part 1)

Ep: 808 Practice Planning With Coach Lynch ( Part 2)


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Basketball Practice Breakers

Basketball Practice Breakers

Basketball Practice Breakers are fun and challenging 10-minute activities that help break up the tedious practice schedule. The monotony of a set practice schedule might lull your players to sleep in some cases. These activities help breakup that monotony and serve almost like ice breakers at the start of any season.

Basketball Practice Breakers

Basketball Practice Breakers stem from a long-held classroom management technique from elementary and middle school. Every player will have their name listed on “The Practice Breakers Board.” They each get 1 Point for every “Practice Breaker” activity they win, including tiebreakers if necessary. At the end of the year, whichever player has the most points gets a symbolic reward or prize from the coaching staff.

What usually works best is an item or symbol that best represents the spirit of “Practice Breakers”, which is all about working hard as a team everyday, but having fun and staying loose as well. Something personalized that the players can wear in class on gameday is always a big hit.

For example, an old style sport coat embroidered with the phrase “P.B. Champ,” the more goofy looking, the better. Something inexpensive that will make your players laugh whenever they wear it or see it, but will also mean something special to them as a season-long accomplishment they have to earn. I encourage coaches at all levels to be creative in implementing new ideas for “Practice Breaker” activities and rewards/prizes. Here’s 3 fun suggestions that work really well:

Basketball Practice Breakers: Opposites

1) “Opposites”: A 10-minute scrimmage where every player can only use their opposite hand to dribble, pass, and shoot. Their strong hand can only be used to catch passes, and as a guide for shooting and dribbling transfers. Coaches ref the scrimmage to make sure everybody’s sticking to the rules. Every player on the winning team gets 1 point for “The Practice Breakers Board”.

This activity is hilariously fun, but also strongly encourages each player to work intensely on developing their opposite hand. It gets them in the habit of forcing the issue, and experiencing the intial ups and downs along with the rest of the team. “Opposites” is a tremendous team confidence builder, and is truely a blast. Have fun!

Basketball Practice Breakers: Half-Court Heroes

2) “Half-court Heroes”: 3 players spread across the halfcourt stripe. They will all back up several feet, and with a running start at the coach’s whistle, will each take a halfcourt shot at the same time. The challenge is for them to choose the proper height, distance, and speed that will allow their shot to arrive at a different time then their 2 teammates. Thus giving their shot a better opportunity to go in.

The only true rule is that all 3 players must shoot at the same time. Coaches ref this activity as well, and often join in with the team, which makes it even more fun. The player with the most makes at the end of 10 minutes, gets a point on “The Practice Breakers Board”. Your team will love it!

Basketball Practice Breakers: Stick and Pick

3) “Stick and Pick”: The coaches select a specific shot for every player to shoot. Whoever makes(sticks) it first, gets to pick the next shot for everybody to take until the next make, which can be any shot they want, regardless of the difficulty. The more difficult each shot becomes, the safer it becomes for the current leader to protect their point for “The Practice Breakers Board”.

There are only 2 simple rules. First, the shot must be attempted from no more than a few feet beyond the 3 point line, and must be shot from in bounds. Second, the line must rotate in order every practice, so each player gets the chance to be the first shooter. It’s very similar to “H.O.R.S.E.”, but is so much more challenging and engaging.

The last player to make a shot at the end of 10 minutes, will of course, get a point on “The Practice Breakers Board”. This is also another great opportunity for coaches to participate whenever they see fit. Enjoy!

Related: Developing Basketball Culture and Practice Planning

If you found this useful, don’t forget to check out additional blog posts at TeachHoops.com. Also, check out TeachHoops on FacebookTwitterInstagram and YouTube.

Favorite Basketball Drill with Nabil Murad

Favorite Basketball Drill with Nabil Murad

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 a favorite basketball drill might make practice all the more enjoyable.

Coach Nabil Murad has been working in the Education & Sports Sector for more than 10 years. Nabil has a proven track record of developing players to achieve their full potential using tailored development programs and a variety of motivational methods. Murad is currently in Austria working with Gmunden Swans youth basketball program to develop players along the player development pathway.

Murad joined Coach Collins to discuss practice planning, youth player development and his favorite basketball drill.

Favorite Basketball Drill: One-Way Basket

favorite basketball drillThis is a full-court competitive practice 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.

Emphasis: Defense. Basketball 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.

Related: Youth Player Development and Practice Planning

Resources:

Coach Unplugged Podcast: 

Ep: 676. Drill of the Day – Coach Nabil Murad Favorite Drill(s)

Youth Player Development

Teach Hoops

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