PLEASE CHECK THIS SITE REGULARLY FOR IMPORTANT UPDATES, TEACHING VIDEOS AND DETAILS.
Practices are every Tuesday and Thursday at 3:45 and Games will be on Mondays and Wednesdays
Entire Schedule is in your Handbook and a spreadsheet of schedule links here.
Here is the link to the Manitoba High School Athletic Association site for our team
Next Practice, FEb 02 at 3:45 One of the things we will do is screens away from the ball, here is a short (under two minute) video
NEXT GAME: FEBRUARY 6 vs. SHAFTSBURY at HOME at 4:30
What Matters to Your Coach
1. Be on time (we have to organize who goes in what car and get there in good time)
2. Get your mind ready to play (stretching, layups, shooting and focusing)
3. On the court, always be guarding someone, ask for help if you do not know who to guard
4. Let anyone shoot three pointers until they hit two in a row but still focus on preventing a drive
5. Make your player use their weaker hand
5. Use picks on offence, both away from the ball and with the ball if man to man
6. Against a zone, we will run a 1-3-1 and if you do not know your role, TELL ME!
6. Only take shots you think you can make or know you will be fouled
7. Never Quit, never walk and never get a Technical Foul
After most practices I will post a short review here, and some good short videos (or other teaching) linked as support for what we did
January 10 Practice Highlights and Team Concepts
We reviewed the game and responded with experimenting with a zone offence
Key concepts of zone offence
-requires the ability to make outside shots and judgement on what a good shot is for you
-if you are not a good shooter (yet), you need to crash the boards and make a difference that way
-requires patience to wait for open shots and reversing the ball from side to side
-requires penetration to take what is given and free up space for shooters
January 5 Practice Highlights and Team Concepts
Very happy to see 10 players scrimmaging at 3:45!
We talked about a number of organizational issues such as uniforms and getting to the game.
We reviewed a number of game situations such as the opening jump ball, free throws, substitutions and more.
We played some half court games with a guard setting the pick for the forward with the ball
Dec 20 Practice Highlights and Team Concepts
I was very happy to meet with so many players and talk about team roles.
I was very happy about the familiarity with setting picks for the person with the ball. I want to see more of picks away from the ball. I do not want to use this offense but you will see what picks away from the ball can accomplish. You also get to hear a coach who sounds grumpier than me.
I was pleased to see the intensity on defense pick up when we played half court and needed three stops to get the ball.
In the January, this will be a lot of what what we do in practice. Half court with embedded teaching.
PLEASE TALK ON DEFENSE!
Dec 15 Practice Highlight (and Team Concepts)
Warmup into Scrimmage was good as we waited for our guest to come.
I was very happy with the attention and respect given to Mr. Kevin Toney.
This makes me very happy. I want my team to be respectful; the rest is detail.
The pick and roll drill IS a shooting drill, that is why I want game-like intensity as you take game-like shots.
You also get to work on doing the pick and roll and defending the pick and roll.
We are working towards our practices being a lot of three on three game you do those things naturally.
Scrimmage was good but I don’t want to remind you so much about the importance of picking people up at mid court.
If you need to rest, do it on offense!!! Walking back on defense is never OK!!!
Agreement was given by everyone to be at practice to either attend next Tuesday
or phone me as I want to have one-on-one meetings with everyone.
Dec 13 Practice Highlights (and Team Concepts)
If all I do is come and watch fifteen students come out and play a game they love to play, I am a happy guy, I am happy today.
But I continue to believe you can all be better players if you simply commit to what I am teaching.
What I would love to see is no one quitting on any play. Here is 11 minutes of NBA where you see incredible hustle and nobody walking and watching.
On offense I will be watching and hoping for better shot selection, it too is a difference maker in wins and losses. Here is three minutes of NBA games where players passed on taking a good shot, because they could see a teammate with a better shot.
Dec 6 Practice Highlights (and Team Concepts)
-I loved the effort from everybody; for those who weren't there I expect you to text, email or Instagram a message when you can't come
-this is how I will determine court time
-to be competitive we need to commit to good defence, putting to work what we learn
-defending the pick and roll is not easy, that is why teams use it all the time, we have a ways to go
-the cutting and shooting drill was to help you realize the need to take game speed shots in practice, I liked the competitive energy getting five in a row
Dec 1 Practice Highlights (and Team Concepts)
-very happy to see we had ten people scrimmaging at 3:45, still want more picks to be set
-five spot shooting drill, happy to see improvements with speed, intensity and a competitive approach
-loved the hustle effort and drill on picking players up just over the center and move that to next step "gap"
-loved watching people commit to hard defence in the middle court area in the controlled scrimmage, next step is "pack line"
defence
Nov 29 Practice Highlights (and Team Concepts)
-setting picks on offense and using them (without picks a "5 Out" offense is nothing" - five games of one on one)
-always be guarding someone, call it out, back up and yell "who's open" if you are not guarding anyone, its a team effort
-commit to defense (never quit, trust your teammates and believe in the difference it can make)
-if you are fouled in practice, CALL IT! Otherwise your teammates don't learn what fouls are!
WHO GETS TO PLAY IN GAMES?
I see us as a development team and therefore rather than thinking about winning games, I will think about winning quarters.
So I will use the following criteria for court time. *
Quarter 1: I will play the players that I believe the best chance of competing
Quarter 2: I will play the players that have had strong attendance and committed to team values
Quarter 3: I will play those who have not played plus those who demonstrated what I have been teaching
Quarter4: The game situation, how people have played so far and other factors will all be part of the decision
At a practice, and if you approach me privately,
I will be happy to talk about where you stand and listen to your thoughts about my decisions.
Before during or after a game, comments about playing time are
not expected, not desired and not welcomed.
I hope you all understand. Thanks!
Coach Glenn
*If I change this I will let you know and as of now I am undecided about bringing up JV players
Foundations of Being on This (or any) Team
Respect the time and effort of each other
Respect for the game
Winning is a by-product (of hard work)
My “go to lines” you will come to know
Offenses should be Simple
Offences work with Deception
Defenses should be even more Simple
Practice
Rules
Not at practice
Defense First: The Head, Heart and Guts
General
1. Know who you are guarding
-you are always defending someone
-call out their number
-loudly and listen for others
-e.g. “I’ve got 11” and act quickly
-if you don’t know run
-towards your own hoop
-turn around and reassess
-Ask- who is open?
-Listen! Communicate your choice.
2. Commit
-defense is about toughness and heart
-embrace and love the challenge
-it is half the game
-but most don’t think so
-already you have an advantage
3. Always be between your check and the basket
-even when ¾ fronting, have a foot there
-even if your head and arms are not
4. Focus on Forcing Tough Shots
-it is an offensive game
-you won’t stop them every time
-goal is to play great defense
-forcing a low-percentage shot
5. Stay in your defensive stance
-whenever the ball is live
-not just when your check has the ball
-knees bent, hands out and straight back
-makes you quicker
6. Take charge of the situation
-be lower than your opponent
-it is a game of inches and milliseconds
-readiness makes the difference
-you can strengthen your legs with
-60 to 90 wall sits
7. Balance is everything
-it follows from the proper stance
-feet shoulder width apart
-keep back straight
-don’t lunge for the ball
-turnovers will come
8. Use your feet and your hands
-use your feet to be quick
-stay between your check and the basket
-use your hands to trace the ball
-to prevent passes and alter shots
-playing with your arms leads to fouls
-five fouls and you are out of the game
-this is an ability that can be developed
-foot speed drills
-hand mirroring drills
9. Rebounding flows from defense
-the are four distinct but quick steps
-contesting the shot
-make contact
-block out
-go after the ball
Away from the Ball
10. See both the ball and your player
-always!
-there are ten players and one ball
-you are not waiting to play defense
-you are playing defense
-especially the ¾ front pass denial
-if you get turned around, adjust back
11. Deny the pass
-guard using a ¾ front
-you need the ball to score
-stealing the ball is not your priority
-do not lose balance
-make it hard and annoying
-make them move away from the basket
-encourage your team saying “deny”
Against the Ball
12. Assess your opponent’s choices
-normally you are one arm length
-but there are exceptions
-active dribble and are too far to shoot
-step back to two arms length
-listen for cutter calls
-if they have stopped their dribble
-call out “no dribble”
-get all over them and trace the ball
-stopping any pass or shot
-this is the most aggressive you will be
13. Assess and Adjust
-decision making all the time
-watch for tendencies and abilities
-games and practices
-many do the same thing every time
-if you are quicker, play straight up
-if equal force them to use weaker hand
-when you are mismatched greatly
-force them to the middle
-yell “forcing middle”
-still play defense
14. Don’t be faked out
-don’t look at the head, feet and hands
-watch their chest or waist
-follow and move when it does.
15. Never leave your feet on defense
-unless you have a 30-inch vertical
-you can’t react in the air
-it is simply not necessary
-blocked shots are over-rated
-they usually go out of bounds
-arms should be straight up
-arms should obscure vision
-always “get a hand in their face”
16. Attack from below
-when trying to steal the ball e
-when your opponent is holding the ball
-or when they are dribbling
-sweep your hand up
-downward motions are called fouls
Team Game
17. Denial requires five players
-only as good as the weakest link
-you are counting on each other
-our system is very simple
-keep your player away from the hoop
-it is that simple, you just have to do it
-we can add other wrinkles later
18. Talk! Its like an extra pair of eyes
-“I’ve got the ball”
-guarding the person with the ball
- “I’m here”
-you are ready to help
- “pick right” or “pick left”
-help your teammate get ready
- “Cutter high / Cutter low”
-so others can adjust
- “No dribble”
-so others know to add pressure
- “Shot”
-so others know rebound
19. Always Listen to Your Teammates
-otherwise, the talking is useless
-this isn’t just encouraging chatter
-it is helpful information
-that helps you assess and adjust
20. Transition
-always be ready for transition
-a loose ball or a shot means “its time”
-know what you are doing
-commit to either defense or offense
-and be doing something
-if lost, bust it back to your own end
-turn around and assess
-pick up for check and tell others
-know which one you are doing and be
Edge
21. Don’t quit – never give up
-if someone goes by you; catch up
-stay between your check and the basket or get back there
-“if you must loaf, loaf on offense”
22. Don’t rest
-after you player has made a pass
-take a jump step toward the ball
-then impede their ability to get open
-reverting to the ¾ front
23. Loose balls are yours!
-turn 50/50 balls into 80/20 by your will, readiness and no fear of the floor
24. Use Your Body to Your Advantage
-basketball is a contact sport
-don’t hold and don’t push
-establish and hold your own position
-know what your opponent wants
-get there first
-it is heroic to “take a charge”
-it accomplishes so much
-foul, turnover and disruption
-it is part of help defense
25. The ref is always right
-you can ask questions
-for interpretation
-but complaining never helps and
-it gives your opponent the edge
-they know that you are frustrated
-refs will make mistakes
-what they call is the reality
26. Never stop learning
-demand this from coaches
-there is a lot to learn about defense
-it requires experience
-playing and reflecting on input
-what can I learn today?
Other Teaching Units
Rules
Shooting
Layup
Passing
Ball handling
Rebounding
One on One defense
Entry pass defense
Team defense
Team offense
Press Break
Transition
Game Awareness
Pick and Roll
Warm up (what to do when you enter the gym)
This is up to you but I encourage you to do the following or something like it
Dynamic Leg stretches: ABC’s full length of court running back
Ankle strengthening of some form but walking on side of feet is fine
Dribble a ball against a wall to get your wrists and fingers activated
Start scrimmaging as soon as are ready
Shooting
Two spot - done in pairs: aka block to block (catching, balance, focus and form)
Drop step left and right done by 3 inside (balance, focus, form, catching and passing)
Inside and outside three spot drill teams of 2 to 4 (balance, focus and form: competitive)
Split by inside and outside and shooting of a cut and a dribble (balance, focus and form)
Catch, Turn and Shoot from one line (cutting, footwork, focus and form)
Chase Layup drill (footwork, focus and form)
V-cut and shoot drill with a passer for kick rotate (footwork, defense, form)
Lay up drills
Ball Handling
Slam and catch (warmup, familiarity and feel)
Side to side rolling (warmup, feel and keeping head up)
Eyes up and yell the number or leader yelling ball for a pass (heads up)
Continues off hand layups (warmup, off hand, footwork, focus and form)
Follow the leader (warmup, familiarity and feel)
Continuous behind the back r-l and l-r (familiarity feel)
Continuous stationary figure 8 (familiarity and feel)
In and out cross over left then right with defender’s arm (feel and focus)
3-3-3 dribble crossover (familiarity, focus and form)
5-5-5 dribble left, right creative (familiarity)
Between, cross and behind the back (familiarity)
Two hand jab drill (familiarity with ball, focus and footwork)
Two hand high-low drill (familiarity and focus)
Dribble, balance (one leg) l-l and r-r and push (balance and footwork)
Dribble relay with jump stop (speed, footwork and teamwork)
Add a few jump stops, no longer a relay
Up vs Down with cones (competition and focus)
Dribble moves facing others
Mirror the leader (heads up integrative drill)
Passing
Continuous four corner chest passing drill for 8 or more (footwork, pass and catch)
Two lines back door cut bounce pass (passing and catching)
Dribble and chest pass to a target drill (competitive, footwork and focus)
Continuous high to low post lob drill (footwork, cutting, sealing and lobbing)
Continuous three-person pass, cut and replace (awareness, catching, passing)
Three on two reverse drill (passing, hustle)
Who is Ready? In-turn and choose, three lines with a point (balance, focus, passing)
Full court running and passing with partner with lay up (footwork, passing)
Kick pass one handed closest in two lines (feel, passing)
Kick pass to shooter from up top (slide, awareness, passing)
Two on shovel pass drill (awareness, passing, finishing)
Full court weave
Rebounding
Defensive Against a wall (contact, balance, jumping)
No ball box out (contact, footwork, voice)
Defensive 3 second pairs ball on the floor (imitating contact and moving with it)
Self shot (jumping catching, possession)
Defensive 4 lines box out no ball (talking, contact, movement, jumping)
Rebound with four or six players (integrated skills)
Even more
Defense
Vocabulary: pick left, switch, I’m over it, cutter low etc. (attitude and voice)
Lateral push drill uses slide steps (balance)
Three touch cone drill with foot fire and stance while waiting (hustle and balance)
Mirror slide steps, jump, hands up, with “coach says” (footwork and focus)
Closeout one on one with choppy feet “ball” “shot” (hustle, focus and voice)
Closeout slide and back pedal: one line with a coach (footwork)
Continuous two-person closeout “ball” “I’m here”
Two on one defense (staying below the ball, making choices, faking)
Deny and layup drill (3/4 front, footwork)
Defending J-cut 2on2 calling “cutter low” “cutter high” (footwork and voice)
Help and recover playing 2 and 2 (shell drill) “ball” “I’m here”
Foot inside the cone 1on 1 rotate on 3 or turnover (footwork and focus)
Competitive Drills
Numbers game one on one and two on two and three on three
Ball on the back one on one drill
Wing drives and post clears for a pass
Half court dribble freeze tag by time
Four on four (entrance passes counting inside 20)
Dribble knockout game in smaller spaces
Drive and kick pass to high post to shoot counting points coach passes
Similar but baseline to low post cut counting points coach passes
Elbows Finish: High post two lines ball makes you offense
Knockout by shooting in a line scoring (five or more) before person behind you
Teamwork carry drill with hips is kinda silly
Capture the cones with tag by coach
Continuous three on two drill
Sub Game Drills
One on one from high post, low post and wing
Two on Two
Three on Three
Team Defense Structure
-if you are better force them to use their weaker hand
-if you are weaker force middle and tell your team you are forcing middle
Practices are every Tuesday and Thursday at 3:45 and Games will be on Mondays and Wednesdays
Entire Schedule is in your Handbook and a spreadsheet of schedule links here.
Here is the link to the Manitoba High School Athletic Association site for our team
Next Practice, FEb 02 at 3:45 One of the things we will do is screens away from the ball, here is a short (under two minute) video
NEXT GAME: FEBRUARY 6 vs. SHAFTSBURY at HOME at 4:30
What Matters to Your Coach
1. Be on time (we have to organize who goes in what car and get there in good time)
2. Get your mind ready to play (stretching, layups, shooting and focusing)
3. On the court, always be guarding someone, ask for help if you do not know who to guard
4. Let anyone shoot three pointers until they hit two in a row but still focus on preventing a drive
5. Make your player use their weaker hand
5. Use picks on offence, both away from the ball and with the ball if man to man
6. Against a zone, we will run a 1-3-1 and if you do not know your role, TELL ME!
6. Only take shots you think you can make or know you will be fouled
7. Never Quit, never walk and never get a Technical Foul
After most practices I will post a short review here, and some good short videos (or other teaching) linked as support for what we did
January 10 Practice Highlights and Team Concepts
We reviewed the game and responded with experimenting with a zone offence
Key concepts of zone offence
-requires the ability to make outside shots and judgement on what a good shot is for you
-if you are not a good shooter (yet), you need to crash the boards and make a difference that way
-requires patience to wait for open shots and reversing the ball from side to side
-requires penetration to take what is given and free up space for shooters
January 5 Practice Highlights and Team Concepts
Very happy to see 10 players scrimmaging at 3:45!
We talked about a number of organizational issues such as uniforms and getting to the game.
We reviewed a number of game situations such as the opening jump ball, free throws, substitutions and more.
We played some half court games with a guard setting the pick for the forward with the ball
Dec 20 Practice Highlights and Team Concepts
I was very happy to meet with so many players and talk about team roles.
I was very happy about the familiarity with setting picks for the person with the ball. I want to see more of picks away from the ball. I do not want to use this offense but you will see what picks away from the ball can accomplish. You also get to hear a coach who sounds grumpier than me.
I was pleased to see the intensity on defense pick up when we played half court and needed three stops to get the ball.
In the January, this will be a lot of what what we do in practice. Half court with embedded teaching.
PLEASE TALK ON DEFENSE!
Dec 15 Practice Highlight (and Team Concepts)
Warmup into Scrimmage was good as we waited for our guest to come.
I was very happy with the attention and respect given to Mr. Kevin Toney.
This makes me very happy. I want my team to be respectful; the rest is detail.
The pick and roll drill IS a shooting drill, that is why I want game-like intensity as you take game-like shots.
You also get to work on doing the pick and roll and defending the pick and roll.
We are working towards our practices being a lot of three on three game you do those things naturally.
Scrimmage was good but I don’t want to remind you so much about the importance of picking people up at mid court.
If you need to rest, do it on offense!!! Walking back on defense is never OK!!!
Agreement was given by everyone to be at practice to either attend next Tuesday
or phone me as I want to have one-on-one meetings with everyone.
Dec 13 Practice Highlights (and Team Concepts)
If all I do is come and watch fifteen students come out and play a game they love to play, I am a happy guy, I am happy today.
But I continue to believe you can all be better players if you simply commit to what I am teaching.
What I would love to see is no one quitting on any play. Here is 11 minutes of NBA where you see incredible hustle and nobody walking and watching.
On offense I will be watching and hoping for better shot selection, it too is a difference maker in wins and losses. Here is three minutes of NBA games where players passed on taking a good shot, because they could see a teammate with a better shot.
Dec 6 Practice Highlights (and Team Concepts)
-I loved the effort from everybody; for those who weren't there I expect you to text, email or Instagram a message when you can't come
-this is how I will determine court time
-to be competitive we need to commit to good defence, putting to work what we learn
-defending the pick and roll is not easy, that is why teams use it all the time, we have a ways to go
-the cutting and shooting drill was to help you realize the need to take game speed shots in practice, I liked the competitive energy getting five in a row
Dec 1 Practice Highlights (and Team Concepts)
-very happy to see we had ten people scrimmaging at 3:45, still want more picks to be set
-five spot shooting drill, happy to see improvements with speed, intensity and a competitive approach
-loved the hustle effort and drill on picking players up just over the center and move that to next step "gap"
-loved watching people commit to hard defence in the middle court area in the controlled scrimmage, next step is "pack line"
defence
Nov 29 Practice Highlights (and Team Concepts)
-setting picks on offense and using them (without picks a "5 Out" offense is nothing" - five games of one on one)
-always be guarding someone, call it out, back up and yell "who's open" if you are not guarding anyone, its a team effort
-commit to defense (never quit, trust your teammates and believe in the difference it can make)
-if you are fouled in practice, CALL IT! Otherwise your teammates don't learn what fouls are!
WHO GETS TO PLAY IN GAMES?
I see us as a development team and therefore rather than thinking about winning games, I will think about winning quarters.
So I will use the following criteria for court time. *
Quarter 1: I will play the players that I believe the best chance of competing
Quarter 2: I will play the players that have had strong attendance and committed to team values
Quarter 3: I will play those who have not played plus those who demonstrated what I have been teaching
Quarter4: The game situation, how people have played so far and other factors will all be part of the decision
At a practice, and if you approach me privately,
I will be happy to talk about where you stand and listen to your thoughts about my decisions.
Before during or after a game, comments about playing time are
not expected, not desired and not welcomed.
I hope you all understand. Thanks!
Coach Glenn
*If I change this I will let you know and as of now I am undecided about bringing up JV players
Foundations of Being on This (or any) Team
Respect the time and effort of each other
- Show up on time and go straight into the warm up routine that you are taught
- Communicate if you must be late or will miss a practice
- When a whistle blows – stop, hold your basketball, stop talking and listen (you are doing this great)
- Test everything you say or do with the question “Am I being respectful?”
- The better attention you pay and the quicker you transition the more we play
Respect for the game
- Never lose sight of this being a team game
- Practice like you are playing in a game
- Good basketballs are expensive, treat them with respect and appreciation (do not kick them)
Winning is a by-product (of hard work)
- You can always find someone to beat or to lose to (so it is not all about winning)
- The goal is to be a constantly improving as a player and teammate
My “go to lines” you will come to know
- Nothing replaces repetition
- Push your limits but play within yourself
- Never give up
- This is a contact sport
- This is a team game
- Talking is (a huge) part of the game (find your voice!
Offenses should be Simple
- Basketball is an offensive game
- The skills of shooting, dribbling, passing, cutting, catching and rebounding will lead to scoring but shooting is the most important
- The "5 Out" set creates space for you to play
- Rather than being taught plays, you will learn to play
- What might be new is movement away from the ball which includes cuts, picks and more
- Everyone has a role on every play; this is a team game
- Don’t take bad shots (that is selfish and not in good team spirit)
Offences work with Deception
- Keep the triple threat alive
- Don’t give up too much with your eyes
- Use fakes with your feet and the ball
- Keep moving, and don’t let the defense get comfortable
- Cuts should be purposeful and crisp
Defenses should be even more Simple
- We will play half court one on one all the time (no zones, no traps, no presses)
- There is a lot that comes into play with caring about defense
- Effective defense depends on effort, concentration and communication
- Assess and adjust
- Don’t let your check get the ball and they will never score
- Don’t let your check get close to the basket and they will not get rebounds
- Help each other with your feet and voice
Practice
- Practice with intensity, unless you practice like it’s a game, it won’t help much
- Like a game, breaks have a time limit! Get your water. Do what you need to.
- If I forget to explain why we are doing a drill, please ask
- The better you pay attention the more we get to play during practice
- In scrimmages call if you are fouled, never argue and never ignore being fouled
Rules
- The details of the rules cannot be covered in practice time
- FIBA rules will be in effect unless special playing rules are put forth by the MHSAA.
Not at practice
- The more you play, the better you get, practice like it is a game
- Links are not always what we are doing, they give a second opinion
Defense First: The Head, Heart and Guts
General
1. Know who you are guarding
-you are always defending someone
-call out their number
-loudly and listen for others
-e.g. “I’ve got 11” and act quickly
-if you don’t know run
-towards your own hoop
-turn around and reassess
-Ask- who is open?
-Listen! Communicate your choice.
2. Commit
-defense is about toughness and heart
-embrace and love the challenge
-it is half the game
-but most don’t think so
-already you have an advantage
3. Always be between your check and the basket
-even when ¾ fronting, have a foot there
-even if your head and arms are not
4. Focus on Forcing Tough Shots
-it is an offensive game
-you won’t stop them every time
-goal is to play great defense
-forcing a low-percentage shot
5. Stay in your defensive stance
-whenever the ball is live
-not just when your check has the ball
-knees bent, hands out and straight back
-makes you quicker
6. Take charge of the situation
-be lower than your opponent
-it is a game of inches and milliseconds
-readiness makes the difference
-you can strengthen your legs with
-60 to 90 wall sits
7. Balance is everything
-it follows from the proper stance
-feet shoulder width apart
-keep back straight
-don’t lunge for the ball
-turnovers will come
8. Use your feet and your hands
-use your feet to be quick
-stay between your check and the basket
-use your hands to trace the ball
-to prevent passes and alter shots
-playing with your arms leads to fouls
-five fouls and you are out of the game
-this is an ability that can be developed
-foot speed drills
-hand mirroring drills
9. Rebounding flows from defense
-the are four distinct but quick steps
-contesting the shot
-make contact
-block out
-go after the ball
Away from the Ball
10. See both the ball and your player
-always!
-there are ten players and one ball
-you are not waiting to play defense
-you are playing defense
-especially the ¾ front pass denial
-if you get turned around, adjust back
11. Deny the pass
-guard using a ¾ front
-you need the ball to score
-stealing the ball is not your priority
-do not lose balance
-make it hard and annoying
-make them move away from the basket
-encourage your team saying “deny”
Against the Ball
12. Assess your opponent’s choices
-normally you are one arm length
-but there are exceptions
-active dribble and are too far to shoot
-step back to two arms length
-listen for cutter calls
-if they have stopped their dribble
-call out “no dribble”
-get all over them and trace the ball
-stopping any pass or shot
-this is the most aggressive you will be
13. Assess and Adjust
-decision making all the time
-watch for tendencies and abilities
-games and practices
-many do the same thing every time
-if you are quicker, play straight up
-if equal force them to use weaker hand
-when you are mismatched greatly
-force them to the middle
-yell “forcing middle”
-still play defense
14. Don’t be faked out
-don’t look at the head, feet and hands
-watch their chest or waist
-follow and move when it does.
15. Never leave your feet on defense
-unless you have a 30-inch vertical
-you can’t react in the air
-it is simply not necessary
-blocked shots are over-rated
-they usually go out of bounds
-arms should be straight up
-arms should obscure vision
-always “get a hand in their face”
16. Attack from below
-when trying to steal the ball e
-when your opponent is holding the ball
-or when they are dribbling
-sweep your hand up
-downward motions are called fouls
Team Game
17. Denial requires five players
-only as good as the weakest link
-you are counting on each other
-our system is very simple
-keep your player away from the hoop
-it is that simple, you just have to do it
-we can add other wrinkles later
18. Talk! Its like an extra pair of eyes
-“I’ve got the ball”
-guarding the person with the ball
- “I’m here”
-you are ready to help
- “pick right” or “pick left”
-help your teammate get ready
- “Cutter high / Cutter low”
-so others can adjust
- “No dribble”
-so others know to add pressure
- “Shot”
-so others know rebound
19. Always Listen to Your Teammates
-otherwise, the talking is useless
-this isn’t just encouraging chatter
-it is helpful information
-that helps you assess and adjust
20. Transition
-always be ready for transition
-a loose ball or a shot means “its time”
-know what you are doing
-commit to either defense or offense
-and be doing something
-if lost, bust it back to your own end
-turn around and assess
-pick up for check and tell others
-know which one you are doing and be
Edge
21. Don’t quit – never give up
-if someone goes by you; catch up
-stay between your check and the basket or get back there
-“if you must loaf, loaf on offense”
22. Don’t rest
-after you player has made a pass
-take a jump step toward the ball
-then impede their ability to get open
-reverting to the ¾ front
23. Loose balls are yours!
-turn 50/50 balls into 80/20 by your will, readiness and no fear of the floor
24. Use Your Body to Your Advantage
-basketball is a contact sport
-don’t hold and don’t push
-establish and hold your own position
-know what your opponent wants
-get there first
-it is heroic to “take a charge”
-it accomplishes so much
-foul, turnover and disruption
-it is part of help defense
25. The ref is always right
-you can ask questions
-for interpretation
-but complaining never helps and
-it gives your opponent the edge
-they know that you are frustrated
-refs will make mistakes
-what they call is the reality
26. Never stop learning
-demand this from coaches
-there is a lot to learn about defense
-it requires experience
-playing and reflecting on input
-what can I learn today?
Other Teaching Units
Rules
- Violations (out of bounds, travel, double dribble, 3 seconds etc.)
- Fouls (pushing, blocking, hitting etc. – contact that gives you an advantage)
- Technical Fouls (being naughty)
Shooting
- Balance, legs, simplicity, focus and finish
Layup
- Power preferred, focus, footwork and finish
Passing
- Choice, focus and snap
Ball handling
- Balance, familiarity, repetition, and challenge
Rebounding
- Contact, intent, relentlessness
One on One defense
- Assess and adjust, straight, weak or middle, take away choices, talk and never quit
Entry pass defense
- Deny Deny Deny. Assess and adjust, Full, ¾ and ¼ front
Team defense
- See the ball, contact, cheating, helping and recovering, never quit, talk
Team offense
- Sets, options, cycling, engagement and balance
Press Break
- Balance, trust and call
Transition
- Focus, talk, fast, finish
Game Awareness
- Respect, readiness, focus, plays
Pick and Roll
Warm up (what to do when you enter the gym)
This is up to you but I encourage you to do the following or something like it
Dynamic Leg stretches: ABC’s full length of court running back
Ankle strengthening of some form but walking on side of feet is fine
Dribble a ball against a wall to get your wrists and fingers activated
Start scrimmaging as soon as are ready
Shooting
Two spot - done in pairs: aka block to block (catching, balance, focus and form)
Drop step left and right done by 3 inside (balance, focus, form, catching and passing)
Inside and outside three spot drill teams of 2 to 4 (balance, focus and form: competitive)
Split by inside and outside and shooting of a cut and a dribble (balance, focus and form)
Catch, Turn and Shoot from one line (cutting, footwork, focus and form)
Chase Layup drill (footwork, focus and form)
V-cut and shoot drill with a passer for kick rotate (footwork, defense, form)
Lay up drills
Ball Handling
Slam and catch (warmup, familiarity and feel)
Side to side rolling (warmup, feel and keeping head up)
Eyes up and yell the number or leader yelling ball for a pass (heads up)
Continues off hand layups (warmup, off hand, footwork, focus and form)
Follow the leader (warmup, familiarity and feel)
Continuous behind the back r-l and l-r (familiarity feel)
Continuous stationary figure 8 (familiarity and feel)
In and out cross over left then right with defender’s arm (feel and focus)
3-3-3 dribble crossover (familiarity, focus and form)
5-5-5 dribble left, right creative (familiarity)
Between, cross and behind the back (familiarity)
Two hand jab drill (familiarity with ball, focus and footwork)
Two hand high-low drill (familiarity and focus)
Dribble, balance (one leg) l-l and r-r and push (balance and footwork)
Dribble relay with jump stop (speed, footwork and teamwork)
Add a few jump stops, no longer a relay
Up vs Down with cones (competition and focus)
Dribble moves facing others
Mirror the leader (heads up integrative drill)
Passing
Continuous four corner chest passing drill for 8 or more (footwork, pass and catch)
Two lines back door cut bounce pass (passing and catching)
Dribble and chest pass to a target drill (competitive, footwork and focus)
Continuous high to low post lob drill (footwork, cutting, sealing and lobbing)
Continuous three-person pass, cut and replace (awareness, catching, passing)
Three on two reverse drill (passing, hustle)
Who is Ready? In-turn and choose, three lines with a point (balance, focus, passing)
Full court running and passing with partner with lay up (footwork, passing)
Kick pass one handed closest in two lines (feel, passing)
Kick pass to shooter from up top (slide, awareness, passing)
Two on shovel pass drill (awareness, passing, finishing)
Full court weave
Rebounding
Defensive Against a wall (contact, balance, jumping)
No ball box out (contact, footwork, voice)
Defensive 3 second pairs ball on the floor (imitating contact and moving with it)
Self shot (jumping catching, possession)
Defensive 4 lines box out no ball (talking, contact, movement, jumping)
Rebound with four or six players (integrated skills)
Even more
Defense
Vocabulary: pick left, switch, I’m over it, cutter low etc. (attitude and voice)
Lateral push drill uses slide steps (balance)
Three touch cone drill with foot fire and stance while waiting (hustle and balance)
Mirror slide steps, jump, hands up, with “coach says” (footwork and focus)
Closeout one on one with choppy feet “ball” “shot” (hustle, focus and voice)
Closeout slide and back pedal: one line with a coach (footwork)
Continuous two-person closeout “ball” “I’m here”
Two on one defense (staying below the ball, making choices, faking)
Deny and layup drill (3/4 front, footwork)
Defending J-cut 2on2 calling “cutter low” “cutter high” (footwork and voice)
Help and recover playing 2 and 2 (shell drill) “ball” “I’m here”
Foot inside the cone 1on 1 rotate on 3 or turnover (footwork and focus)
Competitive Drills
Numbers game one on one and two on two and three on three
Ball on the back one on one drill
Wing drives and post clears for a pass
Half court dribble freeze tag by time
Four on four (entrance passes counting inside 20)
Dribble knockout game in smaller spaces
Drive and kick pass to high post to shoot counting points coach passes
Similar but baseline to low post cut counting points coach passes
Elbows Finish: High post two lines ball makes you offense
Knockout by shooting in a line scoring (five or more) before person behind you
Teamwork carry drill with hips is kinda silly
Capture the cones with tag by coach
Continuous three on two drill
Sub Game Drills
One on one from high post, low post and wing
- Cut the court in half
- Two dribble maximum then either shoot or yell kick and switch
- Only play rebounds in the paint
- Start with a self toss or third player for rotation
- Hustle to avoid wasted transition time
- Call it if you are fouled, makes no difference, don’t foul, don’t argue
Two on Two
- Cut the court in half
- Wing and post give and go and pick and roll
- One rebound in the paint (shoot or look for outlet)
- Hustle to avoid wasted transition time
- Call it if you are fouled, makes no difference, don’t foul, don’t argue
Three on Three
- Use the court from sideline to the far side of the key extended
- Start stacked and with a dribble
- Hustle to avoid wasted transition time
- Like two on two with options (see our offensive set for options)
- Give and go, pick away, pick and roll and create but limit the dribbles
- Don’t be afraid to restart, it is a could habit to create
- Call it if you are fouled, makes no difference, don’t foul, don’t argue
Team Defense Structure
- No zones and no traps; it is up to you to play harder and play smarter and play as a team
- Assess the ability and adjust if needed
-if you are better force them to use their weaker hand
-if you are weaker force middle and tell your team you are forcing middle
- Deny the entry pass with a ¾ and full front if needed
- Defensive should be noisy, you should always be talking: calling cutters, picks, shots and more
- Always be in position to box out, box out then rebound, if the ball bounces on the floor before you get it, you have done your job perfectly