Brian Williams

Closeout and Baseline Drive Drill

By on

Coach Kevin Boyle has won multiple National High School Championships and in the video below he shares a defensive breakdown drill.

SUMMARY
Coach Boyle is demonstating a closeout and baseline drive drill, emphasizing defensive fundamentals, footwork, and offensive technique. Coach demonstrates how players should execute proper closeouts, defensive slides, and reactions to offensive drives, while also explaining the nuances of hand positioning, shot fakes, and reading offensive movement. The session blends physical repetition with teaching moments on decision-making and discipline during defensive and offensive actions.

DRILL STRUCTURE AND PURPOSE
The drill begins with players sprinting to a coach or teammate to simulate a defensive closeout, followed by lateral slides and a baseline drive defense. The goal is to teach defenders how to control their momentum, maintain balance, and anticipate the offensive player’s moves. The repetition of “slide, sprint, close out” reinforces the need for defensive consistency and conditioning.

CLOSEOUT TECHNIQUE AND HAND POSITIONING
The coach discusses the importance of hand placement during closeouts. While many coaches teach closing out with both hands up, this coach prefers raising the hand closest to the middle of the floor to better contest shots and defend drives. He notes that elite shooters (like Ray Allen or Chris Mullin) might require different tactics—sometimes allowing a midrange shot instead of risking an uncontested three-pointer.

SHOT FAKE AND DRIVE MECHANICS
The session transitions to offensive instruction, highlighting the proper use of shot fakes. The coach emphasizes executing the fake with controlled tempo—“slow fake, fast drive”—to sell the move without traveling. Players are encouraged to stay low, maintain balance, and shift the ball outside their body when driving to prevent turnovers. This rhythm trains athletes to deceive defenders while remaining fundamentally sound.

PRACTICAL EXAMPLES AND APPLICATIONS
The coach shares a story about a former player, Dean Kowalski, who wasn’t a strong shooter but mastered the shot fake, helping teammates like Kyrie Irving get open looks. This anecdote underscores the importance of technique and basketball IQ over pure shooting ability—smart movement can create scoring opportunities for others.

KEY TEACHING POINTS

  • Sprint to closeouts, then slow into balance and control.

  • Use the correct defensive hand positioning depending on the situation.

  • Maintain low body posture for quick lateral movement.

  • Execute realistic shot fakes—slow the fake, then explode into the drive.

  • Don’t drive through defenders; change lanes and attack around them.

  • Prioritize game-speed drills that simulate live defensive reads.

OVERALL INSIGHT
The session blends defensive discipline with offensive deception, showing how proper closeout technique and intelligent shot fakes can shift game momentum. It reinforces that basketball fundamentals—balance, timing, and footwork—are key to both preventing and creating scoring opportunities.

This clip is taken from Coach Boyle’s full clinic presentation. For information about how to gain access to that presentation please click the following link: 20 High Energy Drills for Pressure Defense

The YouTube video below has audio, so please make sure that volume is turned up on your speakers

 

Finishing Thru Contact

By on

In this video San Antonio Spurs  Associate Head Coach  Sean Sweeney demonstrates a simple drill to work on finishing thru contact.

PLAYING THROUGH CONTACT IS ESSENTIAL FOR OFFENSIVE SUCCESS
The video highlights the importance of teaching basketball players—especially offensive ones—how to maintain control and strength while playing through contact. While flashy moves have become popular, true scoring consistency comes from being able to finish plays after absorbing physical defense, a skill that becomes especially critical during postseason competition.

GAME-LIKE DRILLS TO BUILD REALISTIC STRENGTH AND CONTROL
The coach outlines a detailed drill using coaches with pads to simulate in-game contact. Players practice absorbing bumps while maintaining balance and protecting the ball. The setup includes specific footwork techniques such as reverse pivots, rip-throughs below the knees, and long, powerful strides to help players adjust to defensive pressure naturally.

FOOTWORK AND BALANCE UNDER PRESSURE
The drill teaches players to maintain a low, balanced base and stay strong on two feet. Reverse pivots are emphasized to control body positioning and prevent defenders from forcing turnovers. This approach helps players stay grounded, even when absorbing hits, leading to more efficient and confident finishes near the rim.

PROTECTING THE BALL WITH BODY POSITIONING
A major focus is on ripping the ball low—below the knees—to keep it away from defenders’ reach. This movement naturally positions the player’s shoulder against the defender’s hip, giving them leverage and space to finish. The technique trains players to use their body intelligently, not just their hands, to protect the ball.

STRONG, LONG STRIDES FOR POWERFUL FINISHES
Players are trained to take one deliberate, long step to absorb contact while maintaining momentum. This “bump-bump-finish” rhythm helps prevent disruption from defenders and ensures powerful, controlled finishes at the basket. Long strides also help maintain forward drive through defensive resistance.

ONE-DRIBBLE FINISHES TO BUILD DECISIVENESS
The drill prioritizes one-dribble finishes, forcing players to make quick, assertive moves toward the basket. This builds faster decision-making, minimizes turnovers, and enhances offensive tempo, especially when defenses close gaps quickly.

OFFSEASON DEVELOPMENT FOR YOUNG PLAYERS
The coach stresses the offseason as the ideal time to develop these foundational skills. Younger players can focus on strength, balance, and body control without the pressures of competition. These fundamentals prepare them to handle physical contact and excel at higher levels of play.

SUMMARY
The video delivers a complete framework for developing players who can thrive under contact. By combining realistic physical drills, precise footwork, and intelligent body mechanics, coaches can help athletes build the confidence and toughness necessary to score effectively in high-pressure, physical game situations.

This clip was taken from a recent coaching clinic. If you would like access to the full presentation click the link:Insights on Transition, Isolation & Modern Offensive Principles

Make 50 3-Pt Shooting Challenge with D1 Guard Allie Ziebell

By on

A short video from my friends at Dr. Dish Basketball.

Allie Ziebell, Uconn.

In this challenge, you’ll be shooting from five spots: corner, wing, top, wing, corner. Y

You need to make 10 shots from each spot before moving on.

The goal is to finish as fast as possible.

This challenge helps you stay consistent, shoot under pressure, and to compete against yourself. So that’s my challenge to you. See you on

Click the play arrow to view this YouTube video.

Two Box Set BLOBS

By on

In this video legendary Coach Tara VanDerveer shares two Box Set BLOBS.

In the first set the players on the blocks up screen and the ball is passed to the player cutting to the ball side corner.
The player that took the ball out of bounds then receives an elevator screen from the two players that originally set the upscreen.
This is a great set for a quick 3pt shot.

In the second set the bottom players screen up. The player that started at the ball side elbow cuts to the ball side corner while the player at the opposite elbow flashes to the opposite corner. The ball is inbounded to the ball side corner and then the inbounder will set a diagonal screen for the player at the elbow who will dive to the ball side block.

Now both players at the elbow will set a stagger screen for the player in the opposite corner.

These plays are just two examples of some great situational coaching that Coach VanDerveer showed during a recent clinic. For more information about how to gain access to the full clinic presentation, click the following link: Championship Culture, Leadership & Special Situations

The YouTube video below has audio so please make sure that your volume is turned up.

Inbounding vs Pressure

By on

In this video Coach Matt Painter demonstrates one method he uses to solve the problem of inbounding vs pressure.

SETUP AND POSITIONS
The drill begins with five offensive players and five defenders. Positions are assigned as follows:

1 and 2 start near the inbound area.

3 is positioned on the wing.

4 is at the top of the key.

5 starts low on one of the blocks.
Defenders match up accordingly.

L-CUTTING AND ANGLE CREATION
Coach Painter emphasizes teaching players how to create effective angles when cutting instead of simply dancing to get open.
Players must avoid face-guarding situations by stepping over the defender’s foot to establish leverage and generate a clean passing lane. The goal is to create a strong angle for the inbounder to make a safe pass.

TWO CLEAR SPRINT CUT CONCEPT
This action is called “Two Clear Sprint Cut.”

The first cutter moves to clear space.

The second player (the target)—the one intended to receive the ball—uses the angle created by stepping over the defender’s foot.

The cutter gives a target hand to signal readiness for the pass.
The movement opens up spacing and eliminates congestion on the strong side.

SPACING AND DECISION-MAKING
Proper spacing is essential—offensive players must pull defenders away from the ball side. The 4-man (high post) plays an important role in maintaining this spacing, especially against pressing defenses.
If the initial pass is unavailable, the cutter sprints to the basket immediately after the cut, creating a second scoring opportunity or forcing defensive help.

KEY COACHING POINTS

Always create angles before cutting.

Step over the defender’s foot to gain positioning.

Use the target hand for the pass.

Maintain spacing to avoid help defense.

Transition from cut to sprint to the rim if the ball isn’t received.

This drill trains players to execute sharp, purposeful cuts, enhance passing angles, and apply movement principles that are effective against pressure defenses.

This clip is taken from Coach Painter’s clinic presentation. For more information about how to gain access to the full presentation, click the following link: Press Offense Solutions to Handle Pressure When the Game’s on the Line

Full Court Mid-Range Shooting Drill

By on

This drill  from Coach Mike White is called Full Court Mid-Range Shooting Drill, used to develop players’ mid-range game, especially off the bounce. It is part of a two-drill series, paired with Full Court Threes, which is mentioned but done afterward. The mid-range drill focuses on in-game shot creation, decision-making, and footwork in full-court motion.

DRILL SETUP

Three perimeter lines are used, including corners.

Bigs are positioned in the middle of the floor.

Players move in a full-court weave before catching and shooting.

Guards focus on creating mid-range shots (between 10-17 feet).

Bigs are not allowed to shoot layups — they must use jump hooks, turnaround jumpers, or similar in-between post moves.

KEY INSTRUCTIONS

Guards must alternate directions and use varied moves: shot fakes, wipe moves, floaters, or pull-ups.

Bigs simulate rim running but must adapt to a defender already in position — forcing a non-layup finish.

Players are instructed not to dribble when unnecessary and to get into their moves immediately after catching.

Emphasis is placed on balance, footwork (“two down when we catch”), and gathering properly.

POINT SYSTEM AND TIMING

The team has 2 minutes to collectively score 130 points.

Coaches encourage players to track the score themselves to build accountability and awareness.

Points are earned through successful mid-range makes, reinforcing game-speed execution.

PLAYER OWNERSHIP AND VARIATION

Players are encouraged to take ownership of their development by using moves that suit their style — step-backs, floaters, or other personal game elements.

The drill is not rigid; variety and creativity are promoted, so players aren’t just “robots.”

TRANSITION AND ROTATION

After completing a rep, perimeter players rotate to the opposite wing to ensure they work from different angles.

Bigs stay central, repeating their sequences.

This keeps all players active and developing multiple aspects of offensive play.

COACHING TONE AND FOCUS

Coach White emphasizes game realism, pace, and variety. Players are challenged but also given freedom to work on their individual strengths in a structured, competitive setting. The focus is on developing real game moves under pressure, not just repeating static actions.

This clip is taken from Coach White’s complete presentation. For information about obtaining access to that presentation, click the following link: Mike White: Team Skill Development

The YouTube video has audio, so please make sure that you have your volume turned up.

coachestoolbox
personaldevelopmenttoolbox
basketballplayerstoolbox
basketballtrainer
athleticperformancetoolbox
coachingbasketball