NABC On the Court Open Practice with Rick Croy: Offensive & Defensive Drills to Promote Toughness

with Rick Croy,
Arizona State Associate Head Coach;
California Baptist University Head Men's Coach from 2013 to 2026;
2026 Western Athletic Conference Tournament Champions;
5x NCAA Division II NCAA Tournament appearances (2014-2018);
former St. Mary's Assistant Coach;
former Citrus College Head Coach;
3x WSC Coach of the Year2026 Western Athletic Conference Tournament Champions;
5x NCAA Division II NCAA Tournament appearances (2014-2018);
over 180 wins at Cal Baptist in 8 years (.740 winning percentage);
former St. Mary's Assistant Coach;
former Citrus College Head Coach;
3x WSC Coach of the Year

Rick Croy is quickly making a name for himself at California Baptist University, becoming one of the fastest coaches to reach 300 victories. CBU has also been one of the most successful teams to transition from Division II to Division I, racking up 37 wins in their first two seasons. In this open practice format, you will see the drills and practice outline that have helped create a winning program!

Defense Drills

Nothing gets the blood pumping and creates a defensive mindset better than a charge drill. Practice starts out 3-on-3, working the rotations on baseline drives that result in a charge. Following is a Closeout & Contest drill that works on multiple aspects of individual and help side defense. Players guard on a closeout that goes into post defense.

2-on-2 Jam Blocks builds on the concepts and techniques from the previous drill with live two on two post defense. Next, Coach Croy puts his team through a 3-on-3 Defense drill that reinforces their defensive principles, like running shooters off the line.

Offensive Drills

Moving to the offensive side of the ball, Croy puts his team through a half-court 5-on-0 segment, covering different offensive sets. Flowing nicely from 5-on-0 to 5-on-5 Half-Court, players work on making reads against a defense.

The next segment of offense deals with full court transition drills. The Texas Drill works on a 2-on-1 offensive advantage situation with a trail defender. Once a shot is taken, players convert back to transition 2-on-2. The USA Drill is another full court continuous drill, this time from a 3-on-2 offensive advantage with an extra defender running on after the ball passes half-court. It is a very competitive drill that incorporates conditioning.

Team Drills

Every complete practice includes the Shell Drill! This segment of practice focuses on rotations on wing baseline drives. The Frenzy Drill is a great defensive drill made up of three teams of four. Each team gets points for stops and charges, giving it a great defensive emphasis.

The last part of practice deals with team offense and full court transition offense. The 3 Team 5-on-5 Drill is a great way to complete practice while making it competitive and game-like.

This is a balanced practice with high intensity throughout. Coach Croy shows why his teams have been so successful and will surely get you excited to get out on the court!

64 minutes. 2021.