NABC On the Court Open Practice with Jeff Depelteau: Transition Offense and Skill Development

with Jeff Depelteau,
Berkshire School (MA);
formerly at Christ School (NC);
advanced to the 2018 NCISAA State Final Four in 2018 and the State Finals in 2019;
was at Suffield Academy (CT) for nine seasons;
qualified for the NEPSAC Tournament each year;
advanced to the Final Four 6x and the New England Prep Championship 3x - 2013, 2015, and 2017 - won the State Championship in 2013;
2x New England Prep Coach of the Year (2013, 2017);
2015 Nike's "America's Got Basketball Coaching Talent" contest winner

A rising star as a high school coach, Jeff Depelteau takes you inside one of his team's practices at Berkshire School. In this on-the-court video, you will get the chance to see how Coach Depelteau builds his team's offense and defense while also giving his players a chance to work on their individual skill sets.

A key area of emphasis for Coach Depelteau is to get drills to translate into game-like situations. Foundational drilling will be based on how the season plays out, starting with the early season. The early season teaching includes work on installation of offense, developing communication skills, and work on skill development and conditioning.

Installation of Transition Offense

At the start of practice, Coach Depelteau works on his team's installation. This is done during a time when players are the most engaged and are the most receptive to new concepts.

On offense, the first concept for installation is his secondary break offense and its options. In total, there are five different looks as part of their transition attack. If any of the five options are not available, the offense flows into a continuity ball screen attack.

Another option that is demonstrated is the cut along the baseline that can be utilized as part of secondary break. When the ball is passed to the trailer, the opposite-side wing clears to the baseline while the wing on the same side as the trailer comes up for the dribble hand-off. This flows into the continuity ball screen offense if scoring actions present themselves.

Development of Communication Skills

To develop communication skills, Coach Depelteau uses a four line drill called Assumption. The purpose of this drill is for each player in the drill to call out the actions they want performed to their teammate. This drill is designed to improve timing and movement.

For teaching communication and defense, Coach Depelteau utilizes his 4-on-4-on-4 Shell Defense drill. Along with focusing on positioning, ball pressure, angles, and closeouts, the drill also places an emphasis on effective communication. Communication on defense must have a purpose so that players guarding the basketball have an idea of where help is.

Skill Development and Conditioning

As a conditioning drill and as a competitive drill, Coach Depelteau introduces Shooter, Rebounder, Runner. With one minute on the clock, one player will shoot jump shots with each make being one point. Another player will rebound and pass out, but is allowed one dribble for a put back that is worth one point. The remaining player will run sideline touches during the one minute with each sideline touch being worth one point.

One aspect of basketball where many coaches struggle to get their players to execute properly is screening, even in ball screen offense. Basket Ball Screens is a drill that is designed to correct issues with setting proper screens. The drill covers screening angles by screeners, how screeners roll off screens, and different ways to finish in ball screen situations.

For any coach who wants insight into how a winning high school program practices, this video from Coach Depelteau is the one for you.

71 minutes. 2021.