NABC On the Court Open Practice with Jim Boeheim: Individual Skill Work & Opponent Prep

Hall of Fame coach Jim Boeheim has had a long and dedicated career. He's won a National Championship, multiple conference championships, numerous Coach of the Year awards, and has been a mentor to many different players.

In this on-court practice video, Coach Boeheim outlines the breakdown drills they use at Syracuse and how they scout opponents' offensive tendencies against their 2-3 zone.

Player Development

To start off, you'll get a look at how Boeheim develops his centers, forwards, and guards both offensively and defensively.

Centers focus on developing strong moves to the basket, footwork, and technique to score around the rim. Defensively, posts work on rebounding, moving in and out of the paint to stop a defender, and denying a driver from the high post. These breakdown drills will help your post players understand how to play within the middle of the zone.

Guards have more responsibility within Syracuse's zone. They have to move constantly and defend screens, actions, cutters, and the ball handler. You'll observe a breakdown on how guards move in pairs at the top of the zone. In 4v2, the top part of the zone must defend screens, wing drivers, corner shots, and rebound out of the zone. This is an excellent drill for you to use to build your guards' confidence within the 2-3 zone.

Forwards work on their finishing around the rim as they attack the glass and gaps in a defense. Within the 2-3 zone, forwards work on rebounding and being able to close out to shooters, helping guards defend the top of the key.

2-3 Zone - Scouting Opponents

Next, you'll see how Syracuse played the previous game and what they need to work on to be successful in their next game. Coaches go over opposing personnel and what their tendencies are as they look for gaps and openings within the 2-3 zone. You will get a lot out of this segment, whether you are looking to defend different actions in the 2-3 zone or looking to attack your opponent's 2-3 zone.

Offensive System and Actions

In the final segment of practice, you will see Coach Boeheim take his team through their "2" offense, a series of screen away actions designed to get shooters open and send cutters towards the rim. You'll also get an inside look at how Boeheim uses his scout team to simulate his opponent's defensive tendencies. This helps starters and regulars get action and rep what will be open during a game. Players transition 5v5 down and back in several trips to help build the flow of the game and get into a rhythm both offensively and defensively.

This practice video featuring Coach Boeheim will give you the opportunity to see how breakdown drills can be used to build your players' confidence when preparing for your next opponent. This is a 'must-have' for your coaching library!

132 minutes. 2021.