Building a team (example from girls U16) A chain is only as strong as its weakest link Building a team play or improving a team is directly connected to the improvement of individual players enhanced fundamentals enrich the technical skills of each player, who will then have more tools to use in various game situations when interacting with teammates (Buceta, Killik, 2000; Recalcati, 2007). The ultimate goal: versatile/polyvalence player Components: Technical-tactical preparation Teach them to understand the game, develop decision-making or reading the game (opponents and teammates); quick & proper reads on what defense is doing (reacting) can be called basketball intelligence. Basketball IQ is connected with selective attention (paying attention to relevant cues), anticipation (how the play is likely to develop based on processing the given information or simply see the play before it occurs ) and executing quickly with an appropriate (open) skill. To know the tactical solution is one part, but in order to execute it, the players need technical skills. Considering that these two elements are in conjunction I like to use the term technical-tactical skills. Physical preparation Speed and Agility (SAQ, SAC), Strength, Coordination, Flexibility, Aerobic Capacity (Endurance) Mental/psychological preparation Millennials Know your players: behavioral style, L/R brain, intelligent types Motivation Goal setting short, long term & constructive criticism/feedback (verbal, visual) Competitiveness & Ideal Performance State: visualization, breathing techniques zone Coping techniques self-image (failure/success), confidence, self-talks Grouping : small groups of 2-3 members Common goal Synergy and Teambuilding Cohesion 1 * (players = neurons of the team) (1+1+1=4, work together, coherence) can be counterproductive 1 *Carron et al. 1997 defines it as follows: stick together in goal pursuit and satisfaction of its members
Sociology of the group - know the phases: forming, storming, norming, performing - Team Roles and its accepting (black sheep, leader, talker ) Leadership teambuilding - important meetings to know each other and learn about each other: e.g. camp before the season starts, kick-off meeting ( magic of beginning this time ), realizing team roles, motivational meetings, identity reminder meetings, etc. Practice the way you want to play Modeling training: drills with non-changing and changing conditions High level of intensity game-like drills and controlled games: restriction rules (area, dribble, options) Early specialization / position-specific training Post position introduce: hook, up&under, short corner, high post, drop step/reverse pivot (also fake and go opposite), crab series (always move and contra move) Importance of on and off ball screens In every screening situation 3 players are needed for successful read: if it is done/set properly, always 1 player gets open! Continuity offense (motion 5-out cuts, DDM 4-out-1-in) Probably the best offenses are 5-out and 4-out-1-in, based on the principles of motion offense (cut and refill) and dribble-drive-attack (penetrate and kick /relocate), which provides the players with enough room for playing 1on1 from different positions and in the paint. Most important FB/T = advantageous situations, power plays: If it is not possible to score from primary FB, attack the defense before it is set up - the advantage/disadvantage plays in the FB prepare players to make the right decisions in other broken play situations. Coach Pat Summit says Basketball is a game of transition and you must practice transition basketball. FB fill the middle lane in 3:2, offensive triangle reads Based on the defensive alignment parallel or behind each other.
T finish within 8-12 s The FB/T introduces players to the key points of any offense: Initial alignment (positioning) / Spacing Timing Floor balance. - interchangeable perimeter players responsibilities - rim runner (1 st trailer) and second trailer Importance of: secure OR, quick outlet and first quick steps (reaction time) lanes: primary into secondary FB Options to execute the reads: build it up (off and on ball screens). Warm up: 4-corners (or UCLA/ open outlet drill) On the dribble players should use speed dribble. Inbound without using the dribble. Two handed pass (for advanced one handed) off dribble forward, runner must show the target and sprint first steps (before the half court line) without looking/asking for the ball. Different finishes.
2on2 FB drill Offensive goal is to get a quick outlet and an open runner. After score/or defensive rebound (TO) the rebounder makes quick outlet, attackers become defenders (safety/ball coverage) and two new offensive players go for attack. Modifications: - Starting position is the baseline - Off-ball screen implementation - 3- or 4 players involved - Screen away reads Players perform reads on coach's cues. Good screens are teamwork between the screener, cutter and passer. Rules for screener: good angle, stance, open to the ball (opposite to cutter). Rules for cutter: set up the D, brush it off, read the D and show the target. P&R situations Offensively the goal is to create an advantageous situation 2on1: with an open ball handler to drive or shoot; the second option is a pass to the screener or a mismatch situation. Complex FB/T drill - 1:1, 1:2, 2:2
Skill-development for youth players Abilities vs skills: coordination feel the ball, kinesthetic-differential and orientation in space Motor learning stages: cognitive, associative and autonomous (habits / details) Coach Messsina says Passing is one of the weakest areas in nowadays basketball. Passing: Drills with two or three balls (Šimonek, circle) Drills with tennis balls - show hands (target) to get a pass Ballhanding: Drills with cones Drills with resistance bands stationary and dynamic Drills with tennis balls Drills with balloons DDM principles with 2, 3 and 4 players Zig-zag / push to side Box out (inside) and check-n-go (perimeter / weak side) drills Different finishes from baseline situation from flare situation improves creative finishes in game like situations Shooting drill 1-2 count stop: footwork and balance = inside/outside leg + drive P&R fundamentals (split) for guards and inside players Whole-part-whole method: Guards work on different ballhanding moves and finishes. Inside players work on screening and rolling/popping action and different finishes.
1on1 reads off-ball screen Offensive player goes through the cones (3 or 4) and defense must go around. While going through he/she must watch the ball, show the target and read the defender. Modification: - Change numbers of cones (minimum 3) - Change the spacing of the cones 1on1 Ježdík reads (backdoor/front cut) Anytime while playing 3on3 coach will show a hand to defender and she/he must give the same hand to coach. That allows the offensive player for little room and time to do either a front or backdoor cut. Defense must help and rotate accordingly. Modification: - post position - second coach giving hand as well. Post moves Games on several baskets: - calling numbers - 5on5 (or 6on6) with no dribble rule - Shooting drills: made one clockwise/ missed contra clockwise
Defensive team concept How many points do you (want to) allow in D? (Keeping opponent under 60 points almost equal win) Disrupt the opponent from what they want to do and make them feel uncomfortable, learn to anticipate (make them do what we want them to do). Disrupt their flow. You must give up something (men s basketball: push to mid-range jumpers, women's more to 3's). COMMUNICATE: trapping, forcing, switch, awareness of teammates More they know, more they can choose from! (e.g. what is right? front/back running to roller from pick) The players should know theoretically and on the court basics of: Man to man defense Zone defenses Junk defenses Transition defense Presses Works better from more aggressive to softer /easier (e.g. trap-hedge, switch is almost automatic) All in one drill Combines the different situations one can be in the game: on ball to off ball D., weak side, low post 2on2 close out drill First drive is to move the defense; from the kick it is played live. Push baseline with banana close-out. Modification: dribble out two drives.
2on2 P&R competition Different defenses, first line of the defense: offensive scores / defensive stops counts. 3 on 2 Middle Picks reads Helps the ball handler to read the second line of defense (help) better. 3on3 help and recover drill Drill improves the cooperation of defenders in isolation plays. Communication and pushing to the baseline is vital. In help the helper situation player #1 must sit on the offensive player on the block to not be screened and be ready to go back. 4on4 shell drill Help the helper options defensive rotations on drives. Double the post rotation options weak side/strong side coverage. Defensive transition drills 3on3 safety and control drill 4on4 lanes drill Defender goes touch the baseline on the pass or a call of lane number. FC Presses situations drills UNC transition drill Player #1 dribbles full speed to basket for a lay-up, player #2 and #3 follows. After the shot: #1 becomes the defender, #2 inbounds the ball, #3 touches the baseline and becomes the new offensive player. Modifications: - add players (up to 5) - touch the line with leg.
1:2 Full Court drill Ball hander tries to attack the opposite basket and stay in the middle lane, while the two defenders try to force/funnel her/him towards the side lines and double her/him. 2on2 funnel, double Drill improves the cooperation of the defenders in 2-2-1 press situations and in run and jump defense (blind side double). Defenders must always be on the ball level or lower, with active hands. Communication is vital. 2on2 double middle Defender hands the ball to start the drill and pushes the player immediately to the sideline. Second defender fakes and waits for a good trapping opportunity anywhere below the mid-court line. Modification: - Add 3 rd player to defense - Trap before the line. 5 on 4 diamond press options examples: aggressive / match-up / 2-2-1 Buy them in, so they will start trust in it. Work regularly on it. Then add options. Zone 2-3: use extra offensive players for space coverage explanation Helps to better understand the spacing of the players in their areas.