Basketball Coaching Techniques and Drills

One-on-One Perspective

• Small-Sided Games:
  • Used constraints like space, shot clock, dribble limits, and point variations based on shot quality.
  • Aim: Rework players' mindset on valuable offensive shots.
• Offense Philosophy:
  • Play up-tempo.
  • Focus on advantage creation, maintaining it, and achieving easy shots like layups or free throws.

Drills and Techniques

Competitive Layup Drill

• Setup: Ball placed on player's back; move it any time.
• Objective: Create, maintain advantage, and score layups easily.
• Instructions:
  • Players use deceptive movements to gain an advantage.
  • Emphasis on getting past the opponent without heavy rim contesting (for injury prevention).
  • Inclusion of bigs and guards for experience and comfort.

Layup Practice

• Daily Dozen Finishing Routine:
  • Developed from Michigan State's routine.
  • Includes six different finishes per side (total 12):
    • Over and underhand finishes, reverse finishes, slides, and floaters.

Three-on-Three Drills and Reps

• Short Roll Action Drill:

  • Prepared players for ball screen coverages with decision-making reps.
  • Players practice creating advantages and making passes.
  • Focus on unintended defensive reps and offensive skills.

• Advantage Maintenance:

  • Emphasis on transitions from drill setups to actual gameplay scenarios.
  • Teaches decision-making under pressure and game-like scenarios.

Player Development and Decision-Making

• Importance of Game-Like Drills:
  • Fostering better skills and decision-making in real-game situations.
  • Transition from drills to game actions quickly.
• Coaching Adjustments:
  • Coaches adapt and adjust drills to offer various defensive looks.
  • Use of film and analysis for teaching through play.

Intentional and Unintentional Outcomes

• Competitive Environment:
  • Encourages creativity, problem-solving, and adaptation from players.
• Increased Film Opportunities:
  • More live-action scenarios offer greater opportunities for review and teaching.

Personal Development Plans (PDPs)

• Customized Player Plans:
  • Incorporation of personal backgrounds, physical constraints, and development goals.
  • Emphasis on individual strengths and growth areas.
• Accountability:
  • Plans help track progress, adjust strategies, and ensure discipline in training.
  • Tools for both player improvement and coaching self-assessment.

Conclusion

• Focus on creating advantages, decision-making, and preparing players for in-game scenarios effectively.
• Emphasis on accountable and structured development plans for players.
• Encouraging a competitive yet supportive practice environment to enhance both individual and team skills.