Basketball Drills

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

In the video below Coach Keith Urgo from Head Coach at Gonzaga College High School (Washington, D.C.) the former Head Coach at Fordham University Head Coach 92023 Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year) demonstates what he calls the 4 Spot Passing Drill.

In this drill players will drive from the elbow and kick to the ballside corner man. That player will then drive to the basket and stop on two feet and pivot aggressively while keeping his eyes on the rim at all times. He will then pass to the oppososite elbow. That player will then drive the lane line and kick to the corner. The corner man will then drive to the paint, stop on two feet pivot and pass to the opposite elbow.

This clip was taken from Coach Urgo’s instructional DVD. For more information about that DVD Click Here

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In this video Coach John Ashworth demonstrates three defensive drills that he utilizes in his program.

While you might have different defensive philosophies the basic structure of these drill will be helpful in teaching your priniciples.

The set-up for the first drill has 5 players or coaches stationed around the perimeter (Point, wings and corners).

The defensive players start in the lane and close out hard to the coach with their hands high. They turn and blockout and then simulate getting the rebound. Players will then close out to the next position to their right. One rotation will give each player 5 reps.

In the second drill coaches are placed at the elbows and the players close out to the coach and then simulate a quick defensive slide  to prevent a quick drive tgo the basket.

In the third drill (Man in the Middle). He has two offensive players facing each other the defensive player is guarding one of them. The defensive players is working hard to earn a deflection without fouling. The offensive players is working on passing under pressure and not turning the ball over. The offensive player is not allowed to throw over the top. Once the pass is completed the offensive player follows his pass and defends the opposite offensive player.

These drills are just a few examples of the many great drills that you can view on Coach Aswworth’s YouTube Channel. Click Here to see all of Coach Asworth’s great videos

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In the video below Coach Brad Underwood shares a unique Sideline Out of Bounds Play.

Being prepared for every type of situation is critical to your success as a coach.

This play is designed to help you get the ball in play from a sideline inbound situation.

Great to use at the end of the game when the opposition is denying the inbound pass.

The clip is taken from Coach Underwood’s DVD called Winning the Margins: Special Situations and Effort-Based Coaching with Brad Underwood!

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In the video below  Coach Grant Leonard from Queens University shares a Close Out and Rebounding Drill.

The set up is quite simple. Two offensive players vs one defensive player. The first offensive player has the ball in the slot and the offensive player is on the opposite wide of the floor. The defensive player is in the gap and must help to stop the middle drive of the first offensive player and then close out with high hands to the shooter on the pass.

On the catch the offensive player may shoot or drive. Play is live until the offensive player scores or the defensive players records a stop.

This is just one of many drills that you can get with Coach Leonard’s DVD. To learn more about that product click the following link Defensive System Mastery – Close Outs, Drills & Ball Screens

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