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In search of some effective new plays to add to the playbook this season? With defensive techniques becoming more complex, it’s key that coaches are equipped with a variety of creative set plays they can call upon for any offensive situation. Check out the following offensive plays designed to attack man-to-man defenses. The plays have been submitted by several of the top basketball coaches in the nation, including Tubby Smith and Fran Fraschilla.
Submitted by Tubby Smith, University of Minnesota Head Coach
The Set-Up: Player 4 should be your best post-up player. Player 1 brings the ball up the floor and the rest of the team should set up in a 1-4 high set. Players 4 and 5 set up at opposite elbows, while 2 and 3 are at opposite wing areas and behind the three-point line.
The Play: Player 1 passes to 2 and 2 cuts to the ball. Players 4 and 5 criss cross in the lane and both break down to the opposite low blocks. Player 2 immediately looks to get the ball to 4 posting on the low block. Player 1 then cuts to the weakside behind the three-point line. Next, player 5 breaks up to the top of the key. Player 2 then initiates a quick ball reversal by passing to 5 at the top of the key. 5 then immediately passes the ball to 1 on the wing. Player 3 breaks toward the basket and sets a screen for 4 on the opposite low block. Player 4 then rolls off the pick and heads to the lowside block. 1 then looks to pass to 4 posting up on the block.
Submitted by Fran Fraschilla, former St. John’s Head Coach
The Set-Up: Player 1 starts out at the top of the key with the ball. Players 2 and 3 are down low on opposite blocks. Player 5 is on the left side wing area beyond the three-point line. Player 4 starts on the opposite wing area.
The Play: Player 5 sets a down screen for player 3 around the low block. Player 3 then curls off the screen and into the middle of the lane, then pops up to the opposite elbow. Player 4 moves towards player 1 as 1 dribbles to the left. Player 5 then sets a screen at the left low block and player 2 cuts baseline off 5’s screen and to the opposite corner.
Player 2 looks for a shot in the corner or 5 in the post. If it isn’t there, the offense resets as 2 passes back to 1, and 1 passes to 4 at the top. The same inside options are available like before, as 5 can set the screen on the low block for 2 as 2 cuts to the opposite low block. Player 5 then cuts off the screen and into the middle of the paint.
Submitted by Nate Webber, Nottingham HS, Hamilton, NJ
The Set-Up: Initially, look for a quick hit option for the guards off the double screen. Two guards start out on opposite low blocks. Two forwards are stacked with them just above them on the blocks. The point guard starts up top with the ball.
The Play: If there is no shot available off the double screen, the left-side guard and forward both screen across the lane for the opposite forward, who cuts around the picks and to the opposite corner. It’s his shot to take if open.
If the shot isn’t open, the forward and guard who last made the double screen now have options. The forward down low sets a screen for the guard right below him, then cuts to the middle of the paint. That guard cuts outside of the pick and to the elbow. At the elbow, the top of the key guard makes an elbow pick, while the other guard then curls around that and to the top of the key area. He should be ready for the catch and shot.
The above plays can be seen on Championship Productions’ DVD “Over 60 Plays to Attack Man-to-Man Defenses” produced by Winning Hoops. To check out the entire Winning Hoops collection, click here.
In this week’s edition of All-Access, we take you to Lawrence, Kansas for an exclusive look inside a Kansas men’s basketball practice. Head coach Bill Self leads his squad through a variety of passing and shooting drills during one of the first practices of the 2009-10 campaign.
With the passing drills, players run through the Seminole Drill, a typical warm-up conducted at the onset of each basketball practice. As for the shooting drills, players go through 5-Minute Shooting and 5-Spot Shooting before breaking up into a positional breakdown of drills.
With four lines established, players will pass to the right and then run a banana back towards the ball. They’ll immediately catch the ball back and then pass to the next guy in line. Notice how each player yells the man’s name that they’re passing to and also calls the person’s name they they’re receiving the pass from. The drill starts relatively simple with two basketballs and eventually moves up to four balls simultaneously. It’s key that players are always ready and focused.
Simple, yet effective, this drill has players shooting 14-15 footers continuously. The drill is timed for five minutes and is conducted as a competition. Players will break up into three groups and then simply step and shoot, one after another until the buzzer sounds. Players will follow their own shot and then pass back to the next guy in line. At the end, each group will tally their shot totals and compare to their teammates.
Next, players split up by position, with post players working on jump hooks, ball screens, flash high shots, 2-on-1 High/Low, 1-on-1 Live, and 2-on-2 Live. Meanwhile, guards work on ball screens, 1-on-1 live, and 3-on-3 live drills.
One featured drill is called “Get Open 2 Side and Throw Over.” It’s a 2-on-2 drill set out on the wing. One coach will get in the post and another at the top of the key with the ball. One offensive player sets a screen for the other, while the other comes off the ball and immediately throws over the top of the defense for a lob pass in the paint. Switch the offense and defense when done with one rep. Then when all players have gone through, switch to the other side of the court.
Next, guards work on dribbles off the screen and pull-up jumpers. It all starts out with a pivot and then dribble drive to the elbow. Players must drive hard each time and remember to “drive behind the hedge.” Stay down with the ball every time.
With this drill, five players shoot at once from five different spots around the arc. As Coach Self constantly reminds his players, you can’t shoot unless you have good shot preparation. Players must get their own rebound before passing to the next player in line. Eventually, players rotate one spot to the right and then continue like before. Always run through the ball and step & shoot.
The above clips can be seen on Championship Productions’ DVD “All-Access Kansas Basketball Practice with Bill Self.” To check out our entire All-Access collection, click here.
In this week’s player development feature, Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo demonstrates a few of his favorite team rebounding drills. The drills have become a cornerstone of his Michigan State basketball practices and have proven to be effective for years. Coach Izzo first breaks down each drill step-by-step before letting players demonstrate them in live action. See what pointers and tips you can take away from this coaching session and then implement with your own squad this season.
Start with one player under the basket and then another player out on the wing area. One coach should stand with the ball on the opposite elbow area. He will shoot the ball and purposely miss, allowing the players to battle each another for the rebound.
This rebounding drill exemplifies the “hit, find, and get” technique. The job of the players is to hit each other. The minute that the player under the basket hits the other player, he will turn, find the ball, and then go get it.
Meanwhile, one of the biggest keys for a team is to get rebounds above the rim – as long as they aren’t on the ground. Get all rebounds above the shoulders. This means we are aggressively pursuing the ball instead of letting the ball come to us.
Defenders must hit their man and then immediately release to find the ball. Don’t hold. If the player is doing the drill right, the ball shouldn’t ever hit the floor. In terms of sequence, go from offense to defense and then to the end of the line.
Tips for good rebounding: The ball is caught above the head, the ball is caught with two hands, and the ball is pulled down to chin level.
Also, be sure to remember offensive rebounding techniques. Try to avoid contact as an offensive rebounder. But at the same time, you need to read the rebounder. Too many times guys will take the path of least resistance. Coach Izzo prefers players who hit and like to be hit.
The 1 on 1 and 2 on 2 drills are both conducted at Michigan State every day. This time, we’ll get two players down low in the paint and tow players at the top of the key. It’s one team against the other as the offense faces the defense in live action.
Make sure the players go after the ball and pull it down with two hands. The offense should be trying to avoid contact and the defense should be trying to make contact. Meanwhile, the job of the offensive rebounder is to get even (AKA even footing with defenders). Once even, they have done half their job already. Also, don’t just lean on the guys’ back. According to Coach Izzo, that’s lazy and a poor tactic.
The above clips can be seen on Championship Productions’ DVD “Tom Izzo’s Basketball Smorgasboard of Drills and Basketball Wisdom.” Check out our entire Tom Izzo/Michigan State DVD catalog by clicking here.
It’s no secret that an attackman in lacrosse must excel at more than just catching and shooting in order to be a triple-threat player. In this week’s player development feature, learn from one of the game’s finest instructors as Duke men’s lacrosse coach John Danowski breaks down key concepts when playing behind the cage, without the ball, and on the transition fast break. If a player can become proficient in these areas, they’ll likely be on their way towards establishing themselves as an elite playmaker in the game.
Once we have the ball behind the cage, this is where we want to be a dodger. First, it’s key to build an attitude and turn the corner. In order to turn the corner, it’s crucial that we get that far shoulder ending up facing the right pipe. Also, look to do this with both hands.
Next, once you have a step on the defender, remember to not slow down. Keep sprinting while turning the corner. If you beat your defender, they’ll likely be trailing just behind you and could look to do a wrap or trail check. Therefore, it’s vital that you’re careful and that you don’t expose your stick to the defender. Keep that stick in front of the body.
There are three important positions to keep in mind when running the transition fast break: the point man, the right-handed shooter, and the left-handed shooter. The point man must run the show. Be sure to set up about 16-18 yards above the GLE or 3-4 steps inside the restraining line. The key is to move the ball and not stand still. If you do stand still, you will give away to the defense where you’re going to be.
However, by moving the ball, you become more athletic, you can receive the ball on the move, and it will open up the field for you. Your first thought should always be to take a shot, but your second thought should be to look for the right or left shooters. Watch the following demo to see proper techniques for moving the ball and taking shots off the point on the fast break.
Another key technique to remember is to follow the slide. This means that when your man leaves you to go play the guy with the ball, you can’t stand still. Rather, you must follow him and move up to the ball. First, it provides a larger area to shoot. And second, it prevents the defenseman from drawing a straight line.
Meanwhile, the complete attackman also needs to know all positions on the break, from how to handle the point, how to move to the ball, how to look to shoot or feed, how to come up the hash, how to follow the slide as a righty, or how to read the point defender as a lefty.
This player should also be able to post up in order to receive the ball from the point man. If the defender is slow getting back, you should be able to maneuver a cross-handed catch inside on the crease. Watch the following clip to see these moves in action.
The majority of the game is played without the ball. Therefore as an attackman, you need to understand your position on the field and what you need to do in relation to where the ball is. There are some simple rules to follow regardless of your own offensive system.
First, if the man with the ball comes towards you, clear through. Next, if the man with the ball goes away from you, follow the ball.
As you clear through, never lose sight of the ball. You never know when your defender will leave you or whether you can break free and get open. Always have your stick in your upfield hand and be looking to make a play and be a scorer.
By following your teammate, you also provide an outlet for a player who may get double-teamed, is fatigued, or simply needs an outlet. Watch the clip below of three attackman playing together with these rules in mind.
When adjacent to the ball carrier, your job is to clear through. But if your defender decides to leave you and double team the ball, you can also execute a fish hook move where you put on the brakes, stop, and come back to the ball with the stick in your upfield hand. Watch the fish hook in action against a near-man slide. This also gives your teammate an opportunity to shoot the ball.
The above clips can be seen on Championship Productions’ DVD “Becoming a Champion: The Attackman” featuring John Danowski. To check out more videos highlighting attackmen and offensive drills, click here.
This week’s player development feature highlights proper goalie positioning covering a variety of different situations. Former Towson head coach Tony Seaman breaks down key tips and techniques for goaltenders when the ball is behind the cage and being dodged from the side. Also, learn about how to “match sticks” and figure out player “tells” in order to stay one step ahead of the opposition.
The position of the goalie when the ball is behind the net is very important. Let’s start with footwork. When a player has the ball behind the goalie on the left, the goalie’s right leg should be in the middle of the goal. Meanwhile, his left leg should be facing towards the player with the ball.
Notice that the stick is not higher than the pipe. This says to the offense that if they want to pass the ball over the goalie, they can probably go ahead and try. However, the goalie has the ability to reach out and knock down any of those passes. We say, “try it”, but we’ll more than likely knock it down.
Next, if an offensive player looks to moves up field from behind the cage on the side, the goalie can also step to the pipe. At this position, a goaltender will be closer and taller in the pipe and won’t allow an offensive player to have the inside angle to shoot at. This also forces the opposition to go around and shoot around the goal. This is considered good pipe coverage.
As for the opposite side (to the right), the left foot should be in the middle of the goal with the right foot facing the offensive player. As that player drives, the goalie should step up and protect the pipe while facing the offensive player. One of the biggest rules for a goalie is to never give up the near pipe – AKA the space between the goalie and the pipe.
One area that isn’t practiced far enough with goalies is when players dodge from behind or pass the ball from behind. These are the situations when goalies must learn how to turn, follow, and pick up the shot. It’s typically one of the keys for most offenses you go against, so it’s important for you to work on this technique and skill. Remember, your body should also follow your hands.
Many goalies keep a rule of thumb in mind to match sticks. In other words, this means to match the plane of the ball. If one offensive player throws a pass out in front to another player, the area where the player catches the ball is probably the level where the ball is going to come from (off the shot).
With the ball down low, 90 percent of the time the shot is going to come from the hip or side arm or lower. The vast majority of shooters in the country will shoot low when they drop their sticks low. Therefore, the biggest thing for the goalie is to follow the plane of the ball and get the stick there.
When intercepting balls thrown from behind the goal, the goalie should be in a position to reach up and deflect or catch a pass. Keep that outside foot in the center of the goal and maintain proper positioning. Always be in ready position.
If a ball is thrown from up top to behind the goal and close to the cage, the goalie can come out and intercept the pass on the run. But beware of the fake pass, as that player will have an open look on net. Don’t get out there early. Leave once the ball has been thrown.
Good technique comes from practice and extra hours even away from the field. Just playing catch can have a major impact for a player — and it doesn’t even have to be with another goalie.
Each and every time you want to get a good step with the lead foot and nice follow through. Continue to pass and catch further apart and work on longer passes. Start with good, straight throws and then eventually move up to arcs and 35-40-yard passes that you can make with accuracy and control.
Meanwhile, when you don’t have someone to throw to, look for a wall. This gives you a chance to work on your skills by yourself. The wall never misses a pass and always throws it back. Remember to work on good technique of stepping towards the ball and stopping the ball. As a goaltender, it’s key to stop the ball, not necessarily catch the ball. We don’t want to turn the stick and cradle. Rather, we want to use as much of the face of the stick to stop the ball as possible.
Notice that the stick is always facing out toward the shot until the ball has hit the stick. Use good form to throw it back. Plus, a wall with an uneven surface really helps for catching and your overall reaction.
The above clips and techniques can be seen on Championship Productions’ DVD “Becoming a Champion Lacrosse Player: The Goalie” with Tony Seaman. Check out more goalie-specific videos in our extensive lacrosse DVD library.
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