Nate Oats: Building a High Powered Ball Screen Attack

with Nate Oats,
University of Alabama Head Men's Basketball Coach;
2024 Final Four;
2x SEC Regular Season Champions (2021, 2023);
2x SEC Tournament Champions (2021, 2023);
2021 SEC Coach of the Year;
University of Buffalo Head Coach from 2015 to 2019;
2x MAC Regular Season Champions (2018, 2019);
3x MAC Tournament Champions (2016, 2018, 2019);
2x MAC Coach of the Year (2018, 2019);
2x NABC District Coach of the Year (2018, 2019);
Buffalo Assistant Coach from 2013 to 2015;
Romulus HS (MI) Head Coach from 2002 to 2013;
2013 State Class A Championship (MI);
3x Michigan State HS Coach of the Year (2005, 2008, 2009);
Wisconsin-Whitewater Assistant Coach from 2000 to 2002;
Played college basketball for Maranatha Baptist

Build a Relentless, High-Powered Offense
Alabama's Nate Oats has established himself as one of the most innovative offensive coaches in basketball. With his teams consistently among the most efficient scoring programs in the country, Coach Oats has proven that a well-structured ball screen offense can create constant advantages and keep defenses on their heels.

Teaching Offensive Pace & Efficiency
In this on-court video, Coach Oats breaks down how to build a high-powered ball screen attack that pressures defenses from the opening tip. He shares his offensive philosophy of making quick decisions in half a second or less, playing with pace, and targeting the most efficient shots: rim attacks and catch-and-shoot threes.

Training Reads & Decision-Making
Through 2v2 breakdown drills, Coach Oats trains players to master pocket reads and handle blitz, switch, and drop coverages. These principles are layered into 3v3, 4v4, and 5v5 live play to develop spacing, quick reads, and efficient scoring options under real pressure.

Blood Drills & Scoring Mentality
Coach Oats introduces his signature Blood Drills, designed to help players attack both with and away from the ball screen while emphasizing early-clock offense. By training players to drive north-south instead of east-west, your team will maintain downhill pressure and capitalize on every advantage created by the screen.

Screen Variations & Offensive Flow
You'll also learn how to use drag screens, ghost screens, spread actions, and loaded screens to stretch defenses, open driving lanes, and free shooters. These variations build unpredictability and keep your offense flowing with constant movement and purpose.

Complete Offensive Blueprint
Whether in transition or the half court, Coach Oats' system offers a clear, detailed roadmap for creating an unstoppable ball screen attack. You'll come away with drills, teaching points, and strategies to help your team play with pace, confidence, and offensive freedom.

Customer Review: 5 Out of 5 Stars!
"You will love the attention to detail Coach Oats uses when it comes to teaching pick and roll offense. This is an excellent video!"

85 minutes. 2025.