Tom Crean 4-Pack

with Tom Crean,
Indiana University Head Coach;
former Marquette University Head Coach;
2x Conference USA Coach of the Year; 2003 NCAA Final Four

The key to team success, chemistry and toughness is the tone that is set by the head coach. Coach Crean is a master at setting the tone and he shows you how in this DVD. The first key is coming to practice mentally prepared. Mental focus must be present when players hit the floor. He expects his players, coaches, managers and support staff to be ready to practice effectively with maximum effort. Secondly, positive energy is needed by players while coaches bring intensity and enthusiasm to every practice. The third element for setting the tone is to come in ready to compete, every second of practice. Crean's team demonstrates a variety of ball handling and shooting drills using cones and coaches as passers. Coming off down screens requires players to explode off the screen, use the inside pivot foot and "reach up" as they shoot. Moving into the full court, players work on 2-0 on ball screening situations. One-on-one close out drills become 2-on-2 as soon as the ball is in play. Full court transition drills require all players to concentrate and communicate in order to be effective. Crean concludes with a 25 point full court scrimmage and a 3 minute game that employ all of the techniques introduced in this practice session.

68 minutes. 2007.

with Tom Crean,
Indiana University Head Coach;
former Marquette University Head Coach;
2x Conference USA Coach of the Year; 2003 NCAA Final Four

The key to player development is drill progression. Coach Crean illustrates how this progression occurs, going from an individual mode to a 1-0, 2-0, 3-0 and 4-0 progression. Explosiveness is the focus to every drill Crean demonstrates, and all drills are designed to put each player in a position to score. Ball handling drills are a vital part of this development. Using cones on the floor, players work on seven drills to change speed and direction. The 2-0 perimeter/post drill works on the inside/out game. A second ball is put into play so the perimeter player works on entry passes, flare screens, go cut and the Houston cut. Every possible game type situation is a part of this multi-purpose 2-0 drill. Post players are taught to post big, finish strong, and "punch in" on the weak side. Post spacing is a technique taught when the post defender is straight behind or in full front. A key skill is two step separation, where the post player separates from the defender. Perimeter players learn to fade at the point of the screen to separate from their defenders. Other key skills are the middle drive, spotting up and two step separation. Crean concludes with his weak side series. The 4-0 progression puts all of the smaller pieces together into a cohesive offensive attack.

73 minutes. 2007.

with Tom Crean,
Indiana University Head Coach;
former Marquette University Head Coach;
2x Conference USA Coach of the Year; 2003 NCAA Final Four

According to Coach Crean, one of the most exciting parts of coaching is to create game like action each day in practice. The benefit is that players can see improvement in their game, which will add confidence and make them ready for action. Crean begins by breaking down the Chicago set play, and the multiple schemes from it. He spends time with each player to review his exact role in this play. Clear 40 is another play that addresses improvement through timing and player execution. Hand-offs are a big part of the Marquette offense. The hand off drill works on passing, timing and explosion at the point of the exchange. Game moves and shots are the focus of the 4-Cone Drill. Each player executes a cross over, inside out dribble move and a slide shot or scoop shot. Another part of the offense is reversing the ball to open shooters. Crean's drill for ball reversal addresses key teaching points for good reversal. The art of making a game like lay up is a part of Crean's practice sessions. Each lay up taken in a game can be the difference between winning and losing. Another element of practice is the fast break. The 2-on-1 advantage break relies on specific player responsibilities. The 5-on-5 break is then put together and executed. Set plays are added to the fast break to save valuable practice time.

68 minutes. 2007.

with Tom Crean,
Indiana University Head Coach;
former Marquette University Head Coach;
2x Conference USA Coach of the Year; 2003 NCAA Final Four

Coach Crean opens up one of his practices and shares drills that are vital to the development of the Marquette program on both ends of the floor. Opening with a series of set plays that are run 5-on-0, Crean shows some potent scoring opportunities. Each play includes multiple scoring options that can be run by any offense. Spending practice time on out of bounds plays pay off at game time. Crean shows four plays and offers six different wrinkles to score quick baskets. Drills for building the press offense begin with a full court 2-0 drill. The drill progression includes 3-0, 4-0 and 5-0. Ball handling, passing, decision and game like shots are part of each segment. The close out drill is an intense drill that involves four players who must react quickly to their man and push the ball handler higher. Another game like drill is the drive and kick and baseline drive where players work on shooting and passing. In addition, Crean provides a few competitive shooting drills. Putting the pieces together in a brief scrimmage setting gives Coach Crean's team a chance to execute many skills from the breakdown drills.

103 minutes. 2007.

See all the items in this series!

• Tom Crean: Setting the Tone for a Successful Season
• Tom Crean: Post and Perimeter Fundamental Drills
• Tom Crean: Game Action Drills
• Tom Crean: Competitive Practice Drills