Denying the Wing Lead Keeping Everything in Front Defending the wing lead and contesting the entry pass are important aspects of establishing defensive pressure and disrupting the rhythm of the offensive team. By making the guard to wing pass a tough one, the defense can force the offensive team into areas they do not want to operate in and often this can result in turnovers or poor shot selection. Denying the entry pass When attempting to deny or at least contest the guard to forward pass which often keys the offense, the defender guarding the cutting player is in a closed stance, toes to the player they are defending, fore-arm in the passing lane. The passing lane is the line between the ball handler and the leading player. It is important the defender does not place their body in the passing lane, as this will result in creating back cut opportunities for the offence and often force the defender to be out of position on the catch. There are various ways coaches teach the defensive movement if the offensive player back cuts or beats the defensive player as they are denying. The most common is the head snap technique, with the defensive player swiveling their head and swinging their arm through to deny the back cut. The other technique is to open up, with the defender swinging the lead foot back to establish full vision on the ball, then swinging back to re-establish vision on the cutting player. This technique is an effective one, but is less prevalent to the snap head system. (I do not like the opening up technique) The concept of insurance foot or keeping everything in front is one that is perhaps the most effective in defending the back cut or movement towards the basket. This is where the defender maintains the sliding action in a closed stance, keeping the foot closest to the base-line below the line of the cutting player. Often in the head snap technique, young players get lazy and don t work hard enough to keep their player in front, confident they will be able to deny or deflect the pass on the head snap. This is akin to a player guarding the ball allowing the dribbler to go past and then attempting to deflect the ball from behind. By maintaining vision and keeping the offensive player in front by sliding back with the cut, the defensive player is ensuring there can be no easy scores. The head snap is still an effective technique and by teaching the defender to work hard to keep their player in front, then only head snapping if the opponent gets an advantage, the denial will be more effective. Wing denial drill series 1 v 0 denial push point drill - Defender starts in the block - Attempts to cover as much ground on 3 slides as possible in denial stance - Then sides back, (snap head) simulating keeping the cutting/leading player in front - Repeat 4 times per player each side 1 vs. 1 rehearsal - Now introduce an offensive player and coach at the guard spot - The offensive player leads out and back, with the defender having to deny and maintain the insurance foot - The offense can not receive the ball, - this is a build up from the previous drill - Use of snap head technique if beaten on the back door
1 v 0 Denial push point 1 v 1 Denial rehearsal drill 1 vs. 1 Deny & play - 1 v 1 with a coach passing from the guard spot - The offence leads out from the block twice, with the defender having to stay in denial stance and keep everything in front - On the 3rd lead, the coach enters the ball and the two players go 1 v 1 - Defender will need to go from denial stance to on-ball stance - Looking to keep the penetrating player out of the lane (short corner push point) 1 vs. 1 Deny & play drill change of stance from denial to defending the ball These drills are nothing new and like most things in coaching, the detail and instruction will be the key aspects in getting maximum value out of them. Maintaining a stance, closing the gap as the offensive player gets closer to the basket and keeping everything front are the key teaching points for the drills. Depending on the offensive philosophy and rules of the coach, the same drills can be used at the guard spots. 1 v 1 Deny & play drill change of stance - denial to defending the ball
Ideas for the Open Post Motion Offense Why Motion offense? It teaches young players the game Provides opportunities to multi-skill players The team offence can compliment the fundamental development It can be taught in parts 2 vs. 2, 3 vs. 3, 4 vs. 4 It provides opportunities for penetration, jump shooting, post play and screening Playing with an open post Open post motion can be played 4 out, 1 in or the 5 out setting Starting the possession with an open post area assists with spacing for cutting and penetration Open post motion allows for cutting players into the lane/post area, rather than forcing the young player to start with back to the basket Keys to the offense High and wide spacing Purposeful ball movement Purposeful cutting and finishing all cuts all cuts finish at the 3 point line Ball reversal and penetration of ball into the key Receivers on dribble penetration Entering the offense The wing players must get open early through v-cutting and back cutting The ball handler must create a passing angle Always 4 windows to create an entry pass wing, elbow, wing, elbow Players must play both sides of the floor The first cut after the entry pass must be made at speed the first cut steps the tone for the possession All cuts must be made with feet, hands and eyes cut to score Passer must see the help cutter is ball focused, passer can see behind the cutter --
Pass, cut & replace action On any penetrating pass (pass towards the basket), pass, cut & replace On any reversal pass, replace cut OR up screen to move the defense Concept of cutting on the back of a cutter is effective double cut All cuts finish at the 3 point line Dribble penetration On the dribble drive, all 4 players off the ball must move Receivers rules will be determined by age and skill level of players Receivers are cutters, must move with a view to catch to score Variations Elbow entry The low wing player back cuts and then hits the elbow to receive the pass On the catch, the high wing player sets up and runs hard back cut If that pass is not available, the #1 can cut off the high post for a dribble hand-off opportunity --
Pinch post entry Ball is passed to player who has flashed to the elbow from the weak-side post On the catch, the 5 man opposite the ball back cuts hard to the basket 2 lifts in behind to replace 5 Pass can be made from 3 to 5, or skipped to 2 to feed 5 1 and 4 space Post slice Pass is made to the wing Weak-side high wing cuts hard down into the post Player with ball lifts on the dribble as 3 up-screens for 1 (or cut & interchange) Ball is reversed to 1, who penetrates to create opportunities for receivers Summary Cutting is a key element of team offence and must be taught prior to screening Screening should compliment the cutting Success of the offense is predicated upon the ability, of players to dribble, pass, shoot, penetrate with their eyes up, cut and makes catches on the move Motion is fun to coach, fun to learn and makes the game fun for young players -- From That s A Foul - Australia
Floor Spots 1 vs. 1 Close-out Drill - Drill starts with player with the ball at the guard spot and another player on the wing - Pass is made to the wing, that player drives base-line on the catch, getting two feet in the key - Once the dribbler reaches the key, pivot and pass out to the guard, who has now filled in behind as a receiver - On the pass, passer close-out, play 1 v 1 - Drill can also be run with the pass being made from wing to guard for penetration, with wing filling behind driving player for close-out and play. - Build drill to - 2 vs. 2, with the second offensive player and defensive player coming in after the pass has been made to the player filling behind - Play 2 vs. 2 on the kick out, working positioning etc --
Inside Pivot Shooting Drills - Emphasis on catching the ball in the air and catching the ball down - play low to high - Hips down, hands up as a teaching cue - Footwork on the catch heel, toe, toe to ensure athlete is getting drive into the shot from legs - Strong follow through, hold the follow through 3-ball on-ball screen shooting - 3-ball drill, 2 coaches as passers - Side-line screen on the ball, handler drives and kicks to shooter opposite - Screener rolls and receives pass from coach for shot - After penetrating, handler cuts to 3 point line to receive pass for shot from 2 nd coach - Emphasis on hard cuts and early shot preparation Be Shot Ready --
Screen & Roll Points of Emphasis - Sprint the screen verbal & visual communication - Handler ensure they are in screening pocket - Handler must wait for the screen to be set - Wide, low base for the screener - Handler play slow, hesitate, evaluate and separate - Handler comes off the screen shoulder to hip - Penetrate with eyes up see what is in front of you - Screener roll belly to the ball 3 vs. 3 Side line Pick & Roll Defense - Drill starts at mid court - Wing players sprint ahead of the ball and bounce back to receive the pass from the guard - On the pass, the guard cuts through to opposite corner - The weak-side wing sprints across to screen the ball - Defense must defend the action through communication, vision and positioning - Hard show and get over on the on-ball screen
4 vs. 4 Defense - Defending the Middle Pick & Roll - Dribble entry into a shallow cut - On the reversal pass, 4 sets the on-ball screen for drive to score or kick - Defense must maintain vision, stay in stance and adjust position as ball moves - Hard show & get over on the on-ball screen Spots Shooting Plus Defensive Close-Out - Pass is made from guard to wing, wing player drives - Guard fills behind the penetration, penetrating player pivots and passes out - On the pass, passer closes-out, play 1 v 1 to a result - Build to guard penetration and lifting to fill behind - Two hands up (thumbs together) on the close-out, defender s feet outside the feet of the offensive player
Developing Man-4-Man Defense Introduction 5 pillars of man to man defense STANCE, POSITIONING, VISION, COMMUNICATION & COMPLETION Teaching man to man defense first to young players provides them with the tools they need to play in any defensive system The principles of man to man defense are the foundation for zone, press and trapping defense Stance Stance and hand positioning are crucial components of man to man defense The stance should be strong, but not rigid movement should be fluid, not robotic Stance and footwork needs to become muscle memory Hand positioning spear hand, deflection hand Drill One Zig/Zag - Important to keep width in stance on any change of direction - Use of hands to assist with the change of direction - Defender should use swing step rather than drop step movement - Point the toe in the direction of the slide unlock the hip - Keep everything in front important to guard the ball from the side Drill Two Step and Slide
- 1 vs. 1 without the ball - The offensive player moves at ½ pace, changing direction every couple of steps - Defender must step and slide with the offensive player, changing direction to keep in front Drill Three 1 v 1 Waltz, change and defend - Defender starts with ball in denial stance - Offensive player cuts in and out, defender slides and denies - On the 3rd time out, defender hands the ball to the offensive player - Play 1 v 1 - Drill at wing and guard spots - Changing stance remains the toughest concept in defensive footwork Positioning & Vision - Position is determined by relationships between the defender and the ball, the defender and the basket - If player being defended has the ball ball, you, basket - If player being defended does not have the ball ball, you, man - Different coaches will have different rules on stance at different areas of the floor, but positioning remains a constant - Vision see the ball at all times the ball scores! - Point pistols Drill Four Duke 4 v 2 Rehearsal
- 4 v 2 defensive positioning and communication drill - Defenders are guarding the two wing players, but the 2 offensive players at the guard spots are not defended - The defenders adjust their position as the ball is passed around the perimeter - Once the ball has reached the wing a 2nd time, play 2 v 2 live (two guards step out) Drill Five: 4 v 4 Defensive positioning Shell drill - Shell drill should be incorporated in all practice sessions - Can be drilled static or live - As the ball moves, so shall you - Movement takes place AS the ball moves, not after it has moved - Drill provides a check-list of positioning - Add screening or offensive structure to add game situations Communication and Completion - Don t just talk, communicate - Important for coaches to tell players WHAT to say - Keep it simple and relevant - Completion defense stops when we have the ball back!! Drill Six & 7 Switch & change - 4 vs. 4 in the half court - Offense pass, cut & replace - Defense ball pressure, stance, positioning and communication 6) - On the command of switch teams stay at the same end, offence becomes defense, defense becomes offense, new defense can t guard the player guarding them 7) - On the command of change offense becomes defense, defense becomes offense and runs fast break to other end - Drills encourages communication, quick conversion from offence to defense
Drill Eight Box-out Drill - 3 v 3 around the key - Defenders slide around the triangle created by the offensive players - On the shot, defenders must find the nearest body to box out - Offense attempts to get to the offensive glass Summary Man to man defense is fun to teach and fun for the players to play Whatever your defensive preference, it must be drilled and taught every session Like most things in coaching, there are many ways to teach man to man defense and that is what makes our game great The Royal Road to success would have more travelers if so many weren t lost attempting to find short cuts (Short cuts are for losers) Anon What Makes a Good Drill? A good drill: * has a meaningful name * requires only a short explanation * is a way to master a particular objective * fits both the players and the sport * keeps athletes "on task" * can be used with groups of various size * can be modified for use with both skilled and unskilled athletes * provides opportunities to analyze skills and provide feedback to athletes
Transition Defense Players 1 through 4 are on offense. Players 5 through 8 are on defense. Player #6 passes to #2, and then must touch the baseline where #2 was standing. Alternatively, a coach may make the pass to a player on the baseline. The remaining players, both offense and defense then play 3 on 4 full court, with #6 as the fourth player getting back on defensive transition. The drill finishes down the other end of the court. Note the coach may use both visual and verbal cues. Visual cues are where the coach passes to a player on the baseline and the players opposite recognize this and move accordingly. Verbal cues are where the coach passes the ball to a player on the baseline and calls out a player s name who will then touch the baseline. Coaches may also call out the names of two players so that they get a 4 on 2 situation. Drill may be adjusted to be 5 on 5 Selfishness is a disease among athletes that is sweeping the world. Fewer and fewer athletes understand the importance of making sacrifices for the team. We tell our players the quickest way to get the things they want out of life is to help everyone else get what they want. That s called being a team player Steve Witty \
Ten Steps to Overachieving in Business and Life A ten-step plan of attack that will help you become a winner at anything you set your mind to: 1 Build your self-esteem 2 Set demanding goals 3 Always be positive 4 Establish good habits 5 Master the art of communication 6 Learn from good role models 7 Thrive on pressure 8 Be ferociously persistent 9 Learn from adversity 10 Survive your own success -- Rick Pitino Circle the Wagon Box out Drill Emphasis in this drill is on boxing out and communication. Players 1, 2, 3 and 4 are on defense. Players 5, 6, 7 and 8 are on offense. The coach calls kick and the defensive players slide in an anti clockwise direction, calling out the names of the offensive players as they pass them. After a 5-10 second period, the coach shoots the ball, and the offensive players crash the boards. Defensive players must box out and come up with the rebound.
Footwork Agility (Zig Zag Drill) Player 1 sprints to the 1st cone, slides sideways and back to the 2nd cone. Player continues to sprint forward to 3rd cone and slide back to 4th cone. At the 4th cone, player 1 sprints to the free throw line at the other end of the court. Players should stay low, keeping their eyes looking forward at all times (focusing on the backboard and not looking back at where they are sliding to). Emphasize correct footwork, pushing off the correct foot and working at being quick on their feet. Variation: drill may be done as a dribbling drill as well, using behind the back/ between the legs before retreat dribbling when going backwards, and crossovers when going forwards. Keep eyes focused the ring out in front. "There has never been a great 'silent' defense." Del Harris "It is foolish to expect a young man to follow your advice and to ignore your example." Coach Don Meyer
Footwork - Warm up Jumping Drills Players may stand anywhere on the court, as long as they are near a line. Coach watches all players do a series of jumping drills, jumping from one side of the line and over. Drills to be completed include: - Two feet front and back - Left/ right foot front and back - Two feet jumping sideways over and back - Left/ right foot jumping sideways over and back - Single and both feet jumping up and down the line - Single and both feet jumping in the shape of a Square, triangle, letter W, letter V and letter Z. Emphasis on maintaining balance at all times and being light on your feet (don't "pound" the floor" Quiet Feet! Passing Drill Rondo Put an uneven number of players in this case 9, around a circle. Give a ball to player 1 and 9 and let them pass to the right skipping one player. So the pass sequence will be 1-3-5-7-9-2-4-6-8-1 or 9-2-4-6-8-1-3-5-7-9 depending on your starting point. The goal is for one ball to overtake the other. As this might be a bit dull the following variations are possible: - Add balls, up to 3-4 shouldn't be a problem. - Change direction from anti-clockwise to clockwise on a signal. - Let the players tap their feet while passing. - Change the pass type on a signal.
4 Offense on 3 Defense Drill *** A great drill to teach communication or talk as well as defensive rotations Defender 1 is on the BALL on offensive player 2 at the point. Defender 2 is at the TOP of the key. Defender 3 is at the BOTTOM of the key. IMPORTANT: Effective communication and precise positioning are the keys to this drill. Player 2 passes to player 4. Defender 3 now takes the BALL (player 4). Defender 2 now rotates to the BOTTOM, while defender 1 rotates to the TOP. Defender 3 calls "BALL", defender 2 calls "BOTTOM" and defender 1 calls "TOP" If 4 passes to 1, then: - defender 1 takes player 1 (BALL) - defender 2 rotates to the TOP - defender 3 rotates to the BOTTOM Note: If in doubt as to who takes the ball, the closest player takes the ball and the other two defenders get to the TOP and BOTTOM quickly. Dealing with the Angry Sports Parent by Tim Kotzur, Baker College, Sydney, Australia Virtually all coaches at some stage of their career have to deal with complaints from an angry parent. The reasons for the complaint are many and varied, and it makes no difference whether the complaint is real or imagined. No one likes to be the target of a complaint, and it is one of the least desirable aspects of coaching. Here are ten steps for dealing effectively with the angry sports parent: 1. Avoid discussing the problem at the game The first thing the coach should, or rather shouldn't, do is to discuss the problem with the parent on the field, particularly if the parent is irate. The playing field is not the place for confrontations. 2. Agree to meet at more appropriate time/venue
Rather than discuss the problem then and there, the coach should agree to meet or telephone the parent at a mutually convenient time to discuss the complaint. By doing this, the coach avoids giving the parent an audience, allows the parent to 'cool off, and gives them time to prepare an appropriate response to the complaint. 3. Listen When the meeting or telephone call from the parent does eventuate, one of the most important things a coach can do is listen. The coach should listen reflectively. Little things such as taking notes and nodding to acknowledge you have heard what the parent is saying are crucial. 4. Avoid interrupting Even if parents raise their voices or their stones have only half the facts, the coach should avoid interrupting. By interrupting the parent, the coach risks inflaming the situation. 5. Don't dismiss or become defensive The coach should avoid defending or justifying their action? Such behavior at this point will only make the situation worse. 6. Show empathy Statements like I m sorry that you feel your child has been treated unfairly are appropriate at this time. By doing this, parents are more likely to feel that their problem is being taken seriously. They are likely to be calmer and more willing to find a solution. 7. Clarify the problem This can be achieved by asking probing questions. This helps both parties to focus on the problem (not personalities), stick to the facts, and avoid being caught up in extraneous issues. 8. Offer a range of solutions As mentioned earlier; many parents are simply content just to let the coach know. If they want more, try to offer a range of solutions. This demonstrates a willingness to work together to solve the problem. It is important to avoid making promises that you cannot keep. Explain to them what you can and cannot do. 9. Obtain closure In the ideal case the coach will have outlined the options available to the parent and agreed on a mutual course of action. At this point it is appropriate to end the meeting. It should conclude with three things: Leave the parent with a closing action statement (i.e. 'l'll get on to that now'). Thank the parent for their interest (no matter how unpleasant the meeting). If follow-up is required, tell them when you will contact them ('l'll ring you tomorrow'). This will leave the parent feeling as though their complaint has been heard, and the parent-coach relationship will be strengthened. 10. Leave the door open There will be cases, however after this whole process where you will not be able to give the parent the response they are looking for.
It is important in these circumstances that the coach leave the door open for the parent, i.e.. 'If there is ever anything else, please come to me.' By doing this the parent will at least feel that his/her complaint has been taken seriously, and the coach-parent relationship, however strained, will remain intact. This will help to prevent bad word of mouth by the parent against the coach. The do's and don'ts of dealing with angry sports parents Don't Discuss the problem at the game Dismiss the problem Lose your cool Become defensive Interrupt Alienate the parent Do Deal with the issue Listen Empathize Ask questions Offer solutions Leave the door open
Argentina Drill This is an excellent passing and conditioning drill. Ten players are needed and fill the spots as shown on the court. Players 1 and 2 start with a ball each in the corner of the court diagonally opposite one another. RULE 1 - always pass the pass to your right RULE 2 - change position with your partner after passing the ball Example - 1 & 2-5 & 9, 2 & 8, 3 & 7, 4 & 6. Players in the corners will be required to run the furthest distance.
(Wainwright) Pass and Follow Drill Two lines of players are on the baseline, with six spots filled on the court. The ball starts with player 1. RULE - wherever you pass, you follow. Player 1 to player 2 - baseball pass Player 2 to player 3 - overhead pass Player 3 to player 4 - chest pass Player 4 to player 5 - bounce pass Player 5 shoots a layup Player 6 rebounds and passes to player 8 Drill starts again. Variation: Can use as many as 5 balls. Also, can vary the passes and make the players shoot jump shots from different positions (i.e. outside the key or at the block). Layups may also be varied (i.e. reverse, power). Finally, change sides and reverse direction. Agility Star Drill Start in the middle. Slide to each witches hat, returning to the middle cone. Sprint to 5. Walk back to recover. Repeat the drill six times
1 on 1 pivot drill Players work in pairs. One player has the ball. The other player (X) is the defender. The defender must try and steal the ball without fouling. The offensive player can only pivot (no dribbling). Variation: - put a time limit on the person with the ball (i.e. 5-10-20 seconds) - allow defenders to foul (simulating end of game situations) Dribble jump stop pivot and pass Players dribble to the free throw line and come to a jump stop and pick the ball up. Players pivot twice and then pass the ball back to their partner.
2 on 2 Defensive Drill Coach passes the ball to either player 1 or 2. The defender who is defending the coach closes out to whoever the coach passes to. The other defender closes out to the free player. Players play then 2 on 2. Coach passes to player 2 Defensive player on the coach closes out "long" on player 2, while the other defender closes out on player 1. Players play 2 on 2. No Excuses Get It Done!