All Access Jim Calhoun: Shooting and Fast Break Drills

By adam.warner - Last updated: Wednesday, October 3, 2012

In the latest edition of All Access, we take you back to Storrs, Connecticut for an inside glimpse at a UConn men’s basketball practice. Follow along as former head coach Jim Calhoun leads his squad through a variety of team shooting and fast break drills.

The legendary basketball coach announced his retirement on September 13 after 40 seasons. Calhoun has racked up 873 wins and three national titles during his illustrious career. In 2005, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Two-Shot Fouls

The team starts off by shooting 10 two-shot fouls against a partner and the winners move on. Players shoot two one-handed shots in the middle of lane, two one-handed shots at foul line, and then two foul shots with both hands. Coach Calhoun reminds players to get under the ball and use their legs. Players keep track of their makes. One-handers don’t count, but regular foul shots do.

2-on-1 Throw Outs

For this full court fast break drill, offensive players will attack wide (in a 2-on-1 format) down the court while the big guy in the middle is trying to block shots and break up the play.

The team starts with three lines at the baseline. The bigs in the middle line start with the ball and throw it out in front. Meanwhile, the big man sprints down court and looks to stop the 2-on-1 break. One of the two offensive players will pick up the ball, pass ahead to his wing teammate, and look to finish. The bigs should look to defend and block shots.

3-on-2, 2-on-1

This next drill starts with a coach shooting and missing. The defense then gets the rebound and sprints down court the opposite direction. Meanwhile, a team of two defenders is already set up and waiting for the offense. The simulation plays out from here. After the play ends, the two defenders now head down court and go up against one defender in 2-on-1 situation.

2-on-2

This final 2-on-2 drill focuses on boxing out and crashing the boards in a half-court setting. The coach begins by passing to one offensive player. This player will immediately shoot it. Next, defenders box out and look to get the rebound. The offensive players work on crashing the boards looking for the offensive rebound. Once you box out, you need to sprint to the ball and beat your man.

The previous clips can be seen on Championship Productions’ DVD “All Access Practice with Jim Calhoun.” To check out the latest videos in our All-Access catalog, click here.

Filed in Basketball Newsletter • Tags: Basketball Coach Newsletter, Fast Break Drills, Issue #46, Jim Calhoun, Shooting Drills, UConn Men's Basketball

All Access UConn Men’s Basketball: Full Court Drills and Defending the Pick & Roll

By adam.warner - Last updated: Wednesday, March 7, 2012

In the latest edition of All Access, we take you back to Storrs, Connecticut for an exclusive look inside a University of Connecticut men’s basketball practice. Watch as renowned head coach Jim Calhoun leads the Huskies through an early season pep talk plus a variety of team drills during the second practice of the campaign.

After opening comments and discussion, Connecticut runs through several full court drills that include 2-on-1 Throw Outs, Fast Break 5 Full, and Straight Pick & Roll. Make sure that you pick up some new tips, insights, and drills from this all-access session and look for ways to incorporate them with your own squad.

Opening Comments and Huddle

Coach Calhoun opens up practice with a discussion on opportunities and chances to get better as a team every day. Says Calhoun, “Don’t just come to practice to survive, come to excel.” Additional topics discussed include rebounding, transition, execution, effort, and attitude.

2 on 1 Throw Outs

This is a full court transition drill involving three lines of players. The middle player throws the ball out to around the free throw line area before quickly hustling down court and defending the impending 2 on 1 transition break. The defensive guy must get back as fast as he can to stop the fast break or else it’s an easy basket for the offense. Meanwhile, offensive players must make good decisions and finish the play.

Fast Break 5 Full

Next, this full court drill starts with a rebound in the half court setting and continues with a fast break up the floor 5 on 5. The group plays it out on both ends as each team gets a shot at offense. Teams should be immediately looking to run and get the ball up the floor fast. It’s key that players communicate with each other and help teammates through picks.

Pick & Roll Straight

Finally, this last team drill focuses on having players talk their teammates through a pick and roll in a 4 on 4 setting. Communication is crucial here. The goal is to get your teammates through the picks and don’t allow the ball handler to come off the screen too quickly. Get out on the help and make sure that you show yourself.

The previous clips can be seen on Championship Productions’ DVD “All Access Practice with Jim Calhoun.” To check out more videos in our All Access collection, click here.