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TRANSCRIPT
Volume 2
Hoops Europe Spanish Games Approach
Do you ever watch players like Ricky Rubio and wonder where they get their creativity and flair from? If you watch high level Spanish Coaches you’ll soon realise that those amazing passes he throws today aren’t accidents- those behind the back no look passes were taught to him at a young age. I have been very lucky to have spent some time coaching at a high-level youth programme in Spain, where skills like this were developed. I spent two seasons coaching youth basketball a prestigious youth programme in Madrid, Spain. The club developed some of the 12 players who eventually won Spain’s only basketball World Championship in 2006, including Spanish legends Sergio Rodriguez, Carlos Jimenez and Felipe Reyes, cementing their reputation for developing young players. My time observing Spanish coaching methods, where instead of building upon a basic skill and giving them more advanced skills over the years, they let players try skills with a lot of repetitions at a young age. Once a basic grasp had been achieved coaches then get players to use the skills in 1v1 or small sided games immediately, games with advantages or conditions. Sessions were built on learning a skill/revisiting an old skill in a new exercise and the applying it to a game. The thing that blew my mind during training sessions in Spain was the atmosphere. Instead of “sprint, sprint, sprint” and “you have to do this, you have to do that, it has to be perfect”. There was a lot of freedom to try the skills out, sessions were relaxed, fun with lots of games, it was a breath of fresh air. It is these sessions that I’d like to give you a glimpse of in the following chapters. EachchapterofthisbookshowshowaGamesApproachisusedtodevelopthefundamentalsofplayersfromU10-U16.Thefirstchapterhasaselectionof1v1exercisesusedatthedifferentagegroups.Thesecondchapterdemonstratesmoreteambasedconcepts.Finally,thethirdchapterhasexamplesofspecificskillsthataretaughtusinggamessuchasreboundingorballhandling.Itisimportanttoknowthatineachsession,beforemanyoftheseexercises,itislikelytherewouldhavebeena1v0exercisetotraintheskillsneeded.Itisimportantthatplayersaregiventheopportunitytopracticeandrefinetheskillsneeded1v0butitisasimportantthatplayershavetheopportunitytotrytheskillsoutinasmallsidedgame,freefromjudgement.Happyreading! Joseph Riley
Hoops Europe Spanish Games
Approach Volume 2
1
Table of Contents
1v1. Under 10 1v1 Exercises, p. 4-10.
Under 14 1v1 Exercises, p. 11-12.
Under 15 1v1 Exercises, p. 13-17.
Under 16 1v1 Exercises, p. 18-32.
Team Concepts.
Under 10 Team Concepts Exercises, p. 34-39.
Under 14 Team Concepts Exercises, p. 40-47.
Under 15 Team Concepts Exercises, p. 48-53. Under 16 Team Concepts Exercises, p. 54-65.
Specific Skills.
Under 10 Specific Skill Exercises, p. 67-71.
Under 15 Specific Skill Exercises, p. 72-73.
Under 16 Specific Skill Exercises, p. 74-79.
2
Chapter 1
1v1
HES
Gam
es
App
roac
h�
3
U10 1v1+ Passer The idea behind all of the U10 inbound plays was to catch the ball on the run, so everything we did had a receiver running past the inbound passer. Receivers were told not to dance, just to run to the left or right of the defender as fast as they could.
In this exercise, defenders were told to stay one arms distance at all times and play 1v1 from the catch.
Of course at times the defender would cut off the offensive player but this would set up a cut in the other direction.
2
x2
1
4
U10 1v1 In this 1v1 exercise, the players played full court 1v1. However, when the ball was checked up, the defender had to have body contact with the offensive player, this forced the offensive player to play under pressure.
Key Points:
§ Zero second actions
§ Attack the pressure by using a change of rhythm and speed to �get free
1 x1
5
U10 Ball Handling The players were put into two teams, half were given a ball and half were not. The game was timed and the aim of the game was to keep the players with a ball on court for as long as possible.
Once a defender stole a ball, they had to throw the ball off court and the offensive player had to step off court too. Eventually it would end up with five defenders chasing one offensive player. Players could hunt alone or in 2s, 3s, 4s or as a 5. The winner was the team with the longest time on court.
Key Points:
§ Scan the floor for space and dribble into it
§ Use other players to hide behind
§ Run defenders into each other
5 x2
3 2
1
4 x4
x1
x3
x5
6
U10 1v1 In order to develop 1v1 skills, in this exercise the defender had to touch the line just behind the offensive player with their foot, at this point, the offense had to read this and use a cross or a lead step. This was slow at first and the defenders were able to get back to disrupt the shot.
Offensive players were then put on a line and eventually behind the line to progress the drill. The Coach also mentioned that as an alternative, cones could be put either side of the defender for them to touch before defending rather than stepping towards a line.
2 x1
1 3 x2 x3
7
U10 1v1 + Passer Live 1v1+ passer. Players were encouraged to front cut as much as possible, but as the defenders realised the disadvantage they were at, they began to jump to the ball. At this point we had to demonstrate back cuts and reading the defender.
Key Points:
§ Sprint during all movements.
§ Catch the ball close to the basket to eliminate dribbles
1
Then...
x1
2
2 1
x1
8
U10 1v1 Hip to hip 1v1, the goal was for offensive players to shoot within designated areas around the basket to encourage toughness whilst dribbling, usually it involved making contact early and pushing the defender to the other side of �the floor.
1 x1
9
U10 1v1 1v1 on the move, players had to try and apply ball spikes, but this was not essential. However, catching and stopping were not allowed. The ball had to be on the floor as soon as possible.
This exercise mimics receiving the ball whilst trailing the play.
The defenders were told to try and slow the offensive player and keep them contained.
1
"Contain"
x1
10
U14 1v1 + �Passer In this exercise, if the player attacking could score they had to try to do this alone. if the shot was taken away they could pass.
Player 2 had to move left or right around the three point line, there wasn't a set rule for which way they should move, they just had to try to make the passing line easier for their team mate. if the ball was passed, they had to shoot a three.
I f the ball was passed, the player who was originally on offense had to rebound and the defender boxed out.
2
x1
1
1
2
x1
11
U14 1v1 +�Passer In this exercise, players had to help on the drive before closing out into live 1v1.
Players were told to contain as well as they could and keep players out of the key.
They knew the characteristics of each other and were also told to defend each other depending on ability.
I t was common to add a rule in such as "no three point shots" ...the result would be two press ups for the defender if a three was �even released.
#1
2
Help and
recover
1 x2
12
U15 1v1 The aim of the exercise was to work on being crafty and playing with the defender.
To do this, the offensive player had to pass to their defender, sprint to the centre circle and receive the ball back. After passing the ball, the defender had to sprint to the centre circle and defend.
The offensive player could go to either basket, they were allowed to start heading to one basket and then change their mind as many times as they wanted, but once outside of the centre circle they had to head to the closest basket.
The players were to told to use fakes and shakes both on the catch and after putting the ball on the floor.
It is also worth highlighting that players were told to separate and use 2 - 3 dribbles only on the way to the basket.
1 x1
13
U15 1v1 1v1 Full Court.
The goal of the game was to score twice in a row.
To win players had to cross the defender over twice and score. Anything less, players switched from offense to defense.
Of course, defenders could cheat to avoid being crossed over, but, defenders were told to stick to defensive rules of putting constant pressure on the ball.
1
x1
14
U15 1v1 Full-court 1v1.�The aim of this exercise was to get as many steals as possible. A steal equals a stop and player would stay on defense until they had stolen the ball twice.
Any tag on the back of the offensive player by the defender counted as a steal/stop, so players could not turn and back their player down for the full length of the court.
Key Points:
§ Attack the ball
§ Active feet
§ Stay on balance
2 x3
1 3
x2 x1
15
U15 1v1 1v1 + Passer
The players had to work to receive the ball on the wing.
If they could not receive the ball they could be pushed into the post by the ball handler.
The defenders had to face guard on the wing and force a backdoor cut.
If they were able to deny the back cut they had to front the post so the ball had to be lobbed.
1
x2
"PUSH"
2
2
1
x2
16
U15 1v1 1v1 full court.
The goal was to keep the offensive player in street one.
If the player was able to get into the second street, players had to try to force them back into street one. if the offensive player got into street three the game was over.
The Head Coach counted down from 8 seconds to simulate the shot clock. Players had to be over the halfway line in 8 and usually scored quickly after that.
2
1
x1
1 3
17
U16 1v0 + Passer/�1v1 + Passer All of theses skills were performed from different spots and using with high a high number of repetition. The Coach let the players figure the move out and make sure it looks good.
Options: �
1v0
§ Fake a shot, cross step right leg, 1 dribble left hand, square feet up as if to shoot, now lead step- using a behind the back crossover left to right and lay the ball up
§ Lead step baseline, one dribble, then splitting the legs use a crossover through the legs for the 2nd dribble and finish.
§ Cross step right leg, 1 dribble left hand, wrap the ball left to right for 2nd dribble and finish
§ Cross over through the legs and attack, step away using 2nd dribble. 2 dribbles used in the move but 3 - 4 to set it up.
§ Cross step right leg, one dribble left hand, 2nd dribble wrap the ball, 1 - 2 stop, up and under.
§ Drive base line using a cross step, use a behind the back crossover to the middle, 1 - 2 stop for a pull up jump shot and use an up and under move.
Progression:
1v1 + a passer using the previous moves.
Players were not allowed to use V-cuts, this is too slow. Players had to straight cut and if they were unable to receive the ball this would set up a back cut.
1
1
x1
x1
1
1
18
U16 1v1 +�2 Passers On balance, active feet and active hands at all times on defense!
The post defender will defend three phases in this exercise.
One Coach at the club I worked at used to have three phases of play in every exercise. For example, offense, defense, offense or like in this example, defend 1v1, deny post entry and then help defense.
My favorite was the addition of getting the ball over the halfway line to finish an exercise rather than the exercise being over when a ball drops through the hoop. This helped players stay engaged and move on from the disappointment of being scored on.
1
(1) 1v1 Post defense
(2) 3/4 the post
(3) Close out for 1v1
x1
2
3
19
U16 1v1 + Passer 1v1 from a flash cut.
This exercise started with 1v1 hip to hip and a cross court skip pass.
Continued on the next page...
1 x1
2
20
U16 1v1 + Passer Offensive players had to try to camp out and occupy the space underneath the basket. Defenders had to try their best to stop the post player from receiving the ball and scoring.
Use bowling passes to hit the post and lob passes if the post is fronted.
1 x1 2
21
U16 1v1 + Passer In order to develop passing and cutting skills as well as reading the defender, the players had to play 1 v 1 from the top of the key with a passer to help.
The goal was to catch the ball under the basket or in the post.
§ Front cut
§ If denied, players had to seal off the defender and look for a lob
§ Back cut and curl to�the post
2
Cut from point to
post and play 1v1.
Try to occupy the
space under the
basket.
x1 1 1
2
x1
x1
2
1
Lob
Front cut
Curl or�
swim stroke
22
U16 1v1 + Passer This exercise used similar methods to the last one, however, the offensive player had to begin in the post and try to get open from the post to the wing and play from there, receiving the ball from the corner.
Here are some options:
§ Front cut
§ Back cut
§ Jump reverse pivot and lead step
§ Jump reverse pivot, fake a lead step and cross step
1
Lead
x2 x2
x2 x2
2 2 1
1 1 2 2
Cross step
Backcut Front cut
23
U16 1v1 + Passer Here we have 1v1 plus a passer with a cut from the weak side post.
Options:
§ When receiving the ball, the players had to attack with speed and not let the defender get set. In addition, they had to play off the catch i.e. a zero second action.
§ Pivot to face the basket on right foot using a reverse or front pivot. Once facing the basket players had to shot fake and cross step with the left foot and dribble with the right hand using the body to protect the ball.
§ Jab step into a shot fake in one fluid motion.
1
x1 1
24
U16 1v1 On balance, active feet and active hands at all times on defense!
To begin, the offensive player had to drive and kick against a defender under the basket. After a pass out to the perimeter they had to become a help defender. The game then turned into 1v2.
Key Points:
§ Pass off the dribble
§ Pass in the air
§ No look passes
2
1. Help on the baseline drive
2. Close out and 1v1 against
the wing player
x2
1
25
1v1 +�2 Passers Player one had to dribble to find an angle for a post entry pass. Player two had to seal off, with a forearm in the chest of the defender and one hand out to catch the ball. The ball was caught from one hand to two.
The ball had to be passed out of the post and skipped across to the other wing.
The post player had to then get out of bounds and get to the opposite block. if this was denied players had to cut across the key.
As players arrived at the block they had to receive the ball and go 1v1. Zero second actions were preferable.
2 x2
3 1
3 1
2 x2
3/4 denial
U16
26
U16 1v1 + Passer 1v1 in the low post.
The passer had to take one lateral dribble with lots of choppy steps before passing.
The post player had to first look to receive the ball under the basket.
Next exercise.�The post players had to use a bar arm to hold away defenders before the catch. Players had to catch the ball with one hand and bring it into two hands.
Defenders are set up forcing the post player to the middle or the baseline. Players had to drop step to the space given. Use a drop step before the catch or using a dribble, but most importantly, the players had to use a zero second action.
In the next progression, the defenders were set up behind the post player. Post players were told to sit wide and low with their arms out straight in front to receive the ball.
Players were asked to:
Front pivot on their left or right foot.
Reverse pivot on their left or right foot.
Dribble first and use the above pivots whilst keeping the dribble.
1
x2 2
27
1v1 Continuous Players went 1v1 to the half trying to use the 1v1 skills they were taught in the previous exercise. Once they got to the halfway line, the ball was checked up and they went 1v1 to the basket. This gave the offense two chances�to break the defender.
Once the defenders had to recovered the�ball they had to get out of bounds. The offensive player had to deny an inbound pass to the new offensive player. This exercise is continuous.
Rotation:
Offense switches to defend new player.
Defense switches to be an inbound passer and waits.
Red players will always defend, outlet and go off at the red basket and the blue players will always, defend outlet and go off at the at blue basket, therefore this can be a team game.
x1
x1 3
1
1 2
U16
28
U16 1v1 Both the offensive and defensive players had to face up court.
The players with the ball had to use changes of rhythm and speed to get two cones ahead or two cones behind their defender.
Key Points:
§ Use a hop and go or stutter step to set the move up.
§ Be as tricky as possible. Do not just run off. Offensive player gets a point each time they succeed.
1 x1 x1 1
29
U16 1v1 On balance, active feet and active hands at all times on defense!
The offensive players had to use pull up jump shots, hop layups, runners or avoidance steps to score.
A defender was added to the hip of the offensive player to make this a 2v2 game.
Key points for the offensive player:
§ Attack at speed
§ On balance and in control
§ Look for the space
§ Take the shot that is given
Key points for the defensive player:
§ Attack at speed
§ On balance and in control
§ Take away the space
§ Keep the attacker out of the key
§ Disrupt the shot as much as possible
1
1v1 from a
help position
x2 2
30
1v1
1v1 from underneath the basket.
The players had to try to front pivot
and windmill the ball over the
defenders head. The players were
told to be patient and be as tricky as
possible.
1
2
1v1 off the catch, no dribbles.
The player were told to use
momentum to help with fakes
and finishing
x2
ALSO...
1
U16
31
1v1
x1
1v1, The defense had to keep the�
offense out of the key.
The offense had three
dribbles to get into the
key/score.
The offense had one shot,
whether it was scored or missed
the next pair had to go. High reps!
1
U16
32
Chapter 2
Team Concepts
33
U10 2v2 The players in this exercise had to work to receive an inbound pass on the move. Coming back down court, the other team had work to receive a pass from the baseline on the move. if there was a steal, the ball was taken out of bounds quickly by the team that stole it.
1
x2
2
1
2
x2
x1
x1
Then...
34
U10 Passing In order to develop passing skills, the Coach played 3v3 full court, however, the players only had one dribble per catch. The goal was to improve passing. All passes had to be below head height.
This idea was just to get the players thinking and focusing on something. it is important that you know that 'below head height passes' was not a rule for the team in games.
1 x1
2
3
x2
x3
35
U10 3v3 3v3, half court down and back.
Play offense half-court, play defense full-court and play offense full court.
The aim of the game was that on all inbound passes, all players off the ball had to have their butt to the ball, face guarding their player.
Key Point:
§ In order to keep focus on their player, the defenders had to tap the offensive player on the shoulder until the pass was made.
1 x1
2 3 x2 x2
36
U10 3v3 3v3 half-court, down and back. The aim of the exercise was to play fast. The Coach counted down from eight on each possession in an attempt to speed up play in both half and full court.
I f the time expired, the ball was inbounded from either the sideline or baseline, depending on which is closest.
*In Madrid, the referees did not touch the ball except on free throws, so players had to get used to retrieving the ball and quickly passing the ball back in to play.
2 x2
1
3
x1
x3
37
U10 3v3 The aim of this 3v3 exercise was to score as quickly as possible. The defenders were asked to find and guard their player as soon as they could.
Key Points:
§ Attack quickly
§ Quickly find who you are defending
§ Get within one arms distance as soon as possible
§ Protect the basket and take the ball as soon as possible.
1 x1
2 3
x2
x3
38
U10 4v4v4 This 4v4v4 exercise was continuous and although the defense was already back, the offense was encouraged to fastbreak and score as quickly as possible upon receiving the ball.
The new defenders had to start in the key but could sprint to pick up as high up the court as they wanted when their opponents recovered the ball.
2 x2
1 3
4
1 2 3 4
x1 x3
x4
39
U14 2v2 2v2 half court.
Players off the ball were told to give the on ball player an option on every drive. They were also told to read their defender and cut to where it would be difficult for them to recover.
The idea behind this is that, although it is good to have rules for players to follow on offense, often the defense gets in the way. So instead of players being told they must do X if the ball is driven baseline, they were told to read their defender and be mindful of not only their team mates who they can see but also those who are unable �to see them.
2 x1 1
x2
40
U14 2v2 2v2 half court, full court, �and then step off.
The defense was coached on their off ball positioning and stance at all times. if the offense scored, the ball had to be in bounded and all passes had to be denied. Once the defense recovered the ball, they had to fast break and score in 6 seconds.
Positioning off ball;
§ Players were told to be in a position where if there was a piece of string between the ball and the person they are guarding, they had to be able to touch the string if their hands were stretched out in front. They also had to be 2/3s of the way along that piece of string.
Key Points:
§ Knees flexed
§ Active feet.
§ Hands in front of shoulders �with elbows flexed.
2 x1
1 x2
41
U14 3v3 Half court 3v3- no dribbles.
The goal is for the players to develop their ability to defend cuts using the chest and keeping the arms up and out. The exercise also focused on moving from on ball to off �ball positions.
#2
2 x1
1
3
x2
x3
42
U14 4v4 Full court 4v4 with three basketballs on court. Play regular rules. Players had to figure out responsibilities, how to inbound etc.
Games like this were common, something new to try. A personal favourite that I saw from another coach was 2v2 half court, but there was 2 / 3 games being played on one basket at the same time. All defenders could disrupt the other games e.g. block shots or get steals.
2
x1
1 x2
x3 x3
4 x4
43
U14 4v3/4v4 This exercise started as a 4v3 exercise, with the 4th player waiting as an outlet at the half.
The aim of the 4v3 element was to use ball movement to get the most open shot available.
"Give up good shots for great shots"
Once the defenders recovered the ball, it was a live 4v4 game and they had to try to throw an outlet pass to the half.
The aim of the 4v4 element was to try and score within 8 seconds. Players were praised if this was achieved. if this goal is not completed, play continues until a score or steal.
2 x1
1
3 x2
x3 4
x4
44
U14 4v4 In this 4v4 full court game, if a player turned the ball over, they had to sprint to touch the baseline before getting back to defend.
The team with the advantage had to try to keep that advantage and score.
2
x1 1
3 x2 x3
4 x4
45
U14 4v4 In this half court game the goal was to close the door on the player making a flash cut. This flash cut was the first action of the game and players played from there.
X4 was told to pivot and get face to face with player 4, arms are up and out and the chest is used to protect the middle.
Player 4 could seal off hoping for a lob or entry pass after a skip pass.
The ball could be skipped, reversed, or passed back out from the post.
You will notice, it was common for coaches to isolate one action or skill in exercises. The defense of the flash cut was the first action, if this action was performed correctly, the exercise could continue, if not, the exercise was restarted.
2
x1 1
3
x2
x3
4 x4
46
U14 5v5 In this 5v5 full court exercise, the goal was to defend the cuts as well as possible, looking for contact, and using the chest.
Players were allowed to go 1v1, the game looked natural, however, players were encouraged to cut more, especially to the highlighted spots.
2
x1
1
3 x2 x3
4
x5 5
x4
47
U15 2v2 2v2 half court, down and back.
The off ball defender, denying the wing, had to maintain contact with the off ball player using a bar arm. The foot closest to the basket was on the line to the basket the other foot had to be on the passing line.
The offensive player on the wing had to catch the ball outside the three or inside the key.
Points were given for offensive rebounds and scores.
Once the defenders recover the ball they had to fast break up court.
The pair who had the most points at the end of the repetition wins and the other pair did 1 press up.
*Any steal by the defenders wiped out all points.
1 x1
1
2
2
x2
x2
x1
48
U15 3v3 3v3 Half court.
The goal of this exercise was to work on defending the line of the pass.
To defend the wing players, the Coach asked players to face guard them. This forced a lot of backdoor cuts, but there was help around the basket so we got a lot of steals.
This rule was added in order to force the on-ball defender to work alone and not rely on team mates. Although this is difficult, the Coach focused on the long term and knew that throwing the players in at the deep end would pay off eventually. He was right too, at the end of the season the players had really progressed their on ball defense.
Coaches regularly said that this is not basketball that they are teaching, and that its a different game that will provoke the necessary skills needed for when they are older.
This is why there is such an emphasis on 1v1, technical skills and fast breaks at a young age.
1 The on-ball defender is
isolated in order to develop
their defensive skills
x1
2 3 x3
49
U15 4v4 Full court 4v4.
This exercise helped the players learn a little more about how/where we wanted them to run.
All wings had to cross through.
A big had to run from rim to rim.
Wings could receive the ball before, during (backcut) or after they cross through.
The principles for the offensive players were:
§ Long full court passes
§ Cross through
§ Rim run
§ Swing the ball
§ 1v1 from wing
Defensively:
§ Attack the ball
§ Defend the line of the pass
§ Steal passes to cutters
§ All 5 rebound
§ Lots of contact
This was the basis for how we played in league games too.
2
x4
1 4 3
x2 x1
x3
50
U15 5v5 In games, this is the four o u t / one in formation we usually lined up in.
The goal was to experiment playing 5v5. Players were only allowed to catch the ball in the spots shown in the diagram or in the key.
When caught the ball on the perimeter, the players had to attack 1v1.
Games like this were very common, encouraging players to catch in certain spots forced new actions and new reads. New scenarios appeared often and this helped the players develop.
1
2
5 4
3
51
U15 5v5 Full court 5v5.
The two key points of emphasis in this exercise were that all passes had to be denied and contact had to be maintained with all off ball players.
Off ball defenders had no vision of the ball, however, as the players and the ball moved, they would get a glimpse of the ball and the game did not look as awkward as it sounds.
This game was very intense and they players played hard. As we were looking for all players to look for contact it was a good measuring stick as to whether defensive assignments were being carried out.
The on ball defenders were told to attack the ball, stay on balance, and have active feet.
4 x4
3
1
2
5
x3
x1
x2
x5
52
U15 5v5 For this exercise the players had to swing the ball from one side of the court to the other and attack from the wing using one dribble only.
The game was live so players may have to cut and fill or exchange to get the ball from one wing to the other.
The aim was to create advantages through quick ball movement and using zero second actions.
1
x4
3 2
5 4
x5
x3 x1
x2
53
2v2 Continuous This game, was usually played with the new players/�outlets entering the court either from the corners or free throw line extended. However, in this variation, the Coach kept the whole game confined to the central channel.
The rotation for everyone was:
§ Attack, defend, recover the ball and pass to the new pair stepping on court, and finally, step off court.
§ Players from one group always stepped off at the same basket. The other group always stepped off at the other basket every time.
1 2
x1 x2
3
x3
4
x4
U16
54
Fast Break The first phase of this exercise was 4v3, if the blue team caught the ball all pink players run except for the player working as an outlet.
Continued on the next page... 2
1
4 4
1 2
3 3
U16
55
Fast Break On the way back down court, the outlet at the other end sprinted to join the game and the exercise became 4v4. 4
2 3
1 2
3
4
1
U16
56
2v2 2v2 Half court.
Offensive Rules:
§ All passes had be caught outside of the three point line.
Defensive Rules:
§ The aim of the exercise was to keep the offense out of the key.
§ The defenders had to left/ right/ baseline/ middle/ stay square = Constantly changing their feet.
§ Attack the ball with hands.
2 x1 1
x2
U16
57
U16 2v2 +�2 Passers In order to develop high-low actions the Coach used a 2v2 full court game.
New teams were waiting on the baseline.
After a steal/score- the next pass had to be up court to the Coach and players had to sprint into high low spots.
To get free, the players had to use front cuts and back cuts. Upon receiving the ball players worked the ball from high to low or vice versa. Players were allowed to dribble, and move off the ball as much as they pleased.
2
Coaches
worked as
passers
x2
1
1
2
x1
58
2v2 2v2 continuous.
Rotations:
Attack, defend the new players stepping on court, retrieve the ball, the players then had to outlet to their team mates waiting on the baseline.
Continued on the next page...
1 2
3 4
1 2
3 4
5
5
U16
59
2v2 Players had to try to react after scoring/ losing the ball.
As teams always step off at the same end, this was used as a team game.
Variations:
§ Outlets at freethrow�line extended
§ Outlets behind�the backboard
§ No dribbles
§ One dribble per catch
§ 7 second shot clocks
4 2
2
3
4 3
1
5
1
U16
60
U16 3v2 Classic 11 player fast break exercise 3v2. Whoever rebounded had to attack the other way with both of the outlets. The next set of defenders had to be waiting on the half way line.
The Coach allowed the players to get used to the exercise before loading the exercise.
Progression:
(1) As above, but the two defenders had to switch to offense every time there was a score.
Continued on the next page...
1
1
x1 x2
x4 x3 x5
4 5
2
2 3
61
U16 3v2 (2) To get free, the player receiving the outlet pass had to sprint across the free throw line.
Key Points:
§ Pass the ball ahead
§ Score within 7 seconds
§ Drive and kick for a three point shot
1
x1 2
62
U16 3v3�HC/ FC�and back 3v3 half court into full court down and back.
The first goal of the exercise was for players to catch the ball at the top of the key. After this goal was achieved they had to try to get the ball into the post.
Once these two boxes were ticked players had to try�and score.
The whole exercise was live.
If there was a score or the defenders stole the ball, they had to attack the other basket with the same objectives. This group will then defend once more.
Many exercises I saw had small goals such as this �to achieve in stages.
1
3
x1
x2 2
x3
63
4v4 4v4 Half Court. Defenders had to try to stop the ball getting into the key.
The defender who was defending the basket had to hold a ball above their head. They could use this ball to block shots.
Defenders had to communicate and pass the ball to whoever was ‘basket help’.
x1
x4 4
1
2 3 x2 x3
U16
64
Fast Break The guards in pink stayed, their only job was to spike the ball and throw passes.
The rest of the players�rotated roles.
The goal was to react to�the ball heading towards the rebounders hands. This was the cue for passers, runners, and defenders to run.
The defender started at different distances behind the runner to provoke different passes.
1
2 x2
1 2 3
U16
65
Lesson�Plans
Specific Skills Training
66
U10 1v1 In this defense focused 1v1 exercise, the goal was for the defenders to keep the offensive players between their feet.
"Feet between feet"
The goal for the offensive player was to try and get through the cones.
The offensive players had three dribbles in front of the cones to set their defender up and 2 dribbles after the cones to get a shot off.
I f the players step back through the gate, using step back jump shot footwork, this reloaded their three dribbles, but the players could only �do this once.
1
x1
1
1 1 x1
x1 x1
67
U10 2v2 This defensive game was based in a 2v2 game and emphasised defensive pressure. Of course this may be what Coaches want all the time, however, this exercise put a real emphasis on taking risks and going after the ball at every opportunity. Taking risks was a common theme at the club. As seasons went by these so called risks paid off as players became more attack minded, both offensively and defensively.
The players on offense had only one dribble per catch and the defenders had to try to steal the ball on the catch, steal the dribble or pick off passes. As much pressure on the ball as possible.
Key Point:
§ Players had to have active hands, trying to steal the ball at all times
§ Players had to have active feet at all times
§ Players had to stay low and flexed
§ Straight back and butt out
§ One arms distance from the ball (on ball)
§ Feet between feet (defensive players feet had to be wider than the offensive players stance)
§ Hand on shoulder of the offensive player and pointing at the ball
These key points formed the basis of our defensive rules for the rest of the season.
1 x1
2 x2
68
U10 Positive Climate To begin this session, the coach held a 1v1 tournament.
The first four minutes of the exercise was a 1v1 stops game and the winner was the first player to get two stops. Players were also limited to four dribbles only.
A stop was a steal or a block, extra points were given if the offensive player was unable to get in to the key.
The second half of the exercise was regular 1v1. Points were given for scores and the winner was the first player to score two points.
The Coach tried to make sure that the games were quick and that everyone played everyone at some point.
1 x2
2 3 1 2 3
x3 x1
x2 x3 x1
69
U10 Positive Climate 5v1, the aim of this exercise was for all players to attack at the same time and score without the defender touching a ball.
Players had to read the space and see what shot they had. Some players saw the defender was occupied and took a lay-up. Others saw that the defender wanted to play 1v1 so some players had to create their own shot. Some players shot pull up jump shots due to too much traffic. If the defender just touched one ball the game was over and roles were switched.
The defender could wait and catch a miss to prevent a put back or attack one player.
Players had to make quick decisions, chase rebounds and observe the whole situation.
If the five players succeeded, the defender had to stay defending.
Progression:
Of the five...
§ One player had to wrap the ball behind the back once
§ One player had finish with a hop lay-up
Looking back, this drill worked extremely well and taught us a lot about how good the players decision making skills were. However, as you may know, the Coach of the U10s rarely used the same exercise twice in a season and created fresh exercises for every session. A great exercise, never to be seen again.
1
x1
2 3 4 5
70
U10 Positive Climate The ball handler had to get through each zone and score at the other end.
Options:
§ Crossovers only
§ Wraps only
§ Between the legs only
§ Any move they wished
The court was split from basket to basket, with 2 defenders per zone to get more players going.
1
x2
1
x4
x3
x1
71
U15 Ball Handling For this dribbling exercise, those without a ball had to tag the players with a ball.
Once tagged, the players with a ball had to run a lap around the court and tag all four cones.
The goal for the defenders was to have all players with a ball running a lap at the same time.
This helped the players hunt out the ball handlers and taught them how �to trap.
5
x1
1
4
3 2
x2
x3 x4
x5
72
U15 Ball Handling The players worked together in pairs with a ball each. One player is on offense and the other is on defense. Both players had to dribble, the offensive player had to try to get through any of the gates, the defender had to try to stop them. The offensive players had to try and score at the other end.
Key Points:
§ Use fakes and changes of direction/ rhythm
This can also be used as a team game with the players banking points for the group.
2
1 3
4
73
U16 Ball Handling Players on offense had to be as tricky as possible to force the defender behind them to bump into them (draw a foul).
Defenders had to try to stay one metre behind.
Offensive players had to use stutters and hops to draw the foul. Be as tricky as possible!
If the players crashed, the player in front got a point.
1
x1
74
Defense 1
1v1 No ball, the aim�
is to keep position.
Key points for the defender:
§ Choppy/ active feet
§ Two quick movements
then one big step to cut off.
§ Even if the offense is static,
the feet are constantly moving
and switching. Forcing left and
right and squaring up. Keep
the offensive player�
on their toes!
This could be a random
zig-zag pattern up court or
a deny the wing exercise.
x1
U16
75
U16 3v2 Players X1 or X2 could shoot upon receiving the ball and could use fakes, but the goal was catch and shoot.
Once the shot went up, players 1 and 2 had to box out X1 and X2, and player 3 could help to rebound at this point also.
I f player 1,2 or 3 rebounded, they had to attack the shooters down to the the opposite basket. if X1 or X2 got the rebound the exercise is restarted.
Key Points:
§ The players receiving the outlet had to try to catch the ball in the highlighted areas. Players had to catch on the run and keep sprinting.
2
x1
1
3
x2
76
Fast Break Two pairs on court.
Players had to pass in the pattern shown until the Coach made a signal.
Whoever had the ball when the signal was made could attack either basket. They could even change their mind at any point.
Progression:
§ No fakes = players had to go left or right
§ Players were staggered�so one will have a little offensive or defensive advantage.
1 x2
x1
2
U16
77
U16 Passing Players had to pass in twos and the winner was the first pair to make twenty passes. The ball had to be thrown hard using a technique similar to that of how a tennis ball is thrown and controlled with one hand. After a pass, the players had to run four or five steps into a new space to receive the next pass.
This created a hectic environment where players had to perceive whether a pass was open or not and decide whether to throw a pass or not.
Options:
§ Left hand only (right hand does not touch the ball)
§ Right hand only (left hand does not touch the ball)
§ Through the legs and pass one handed
§ Take two basketballs away and the players had to steal a ball from another pair to complete their 20 passes. Scores could be reset for the pair that lost the ball or not.
5
1 2
3 4
2
1 5
4 3
78
Passing In this passing exercise, the players had to react to the Coach’s signal.
On the signal, player 1 used a bust out move and speed dribble up court. Players 2 and 3 had to sprint. Whoever was ahead out of 2 and 3 once player 1 broke the 3 point line received the ball from player 1. The player who did not receive the ball had to play defense.
Key Point:
• The player who receives the ball had to try to get on the same track at the defender and stay in front so they could not get past.
1 2 3
U16
79