Open Practice with Jerry Petitgoue

A good practice always includes the fundamentals of the game. In this on-court video, Jerry Petitgoue runs his players through a typical practice complete with a wealth of great drills and information on how to run a practice at the start of the season. See how coach keeps his kids going with positive comments while still holding them accountable for doing things right. Learn his continuity pick and roll offense and get a great look at Cuba City's version of the 1-3-1 Zone Defense.

Coach starts his practice off with a simple yet essential drill. Shot Builder is a fundamentally sound drill that focuses on shooting the ball with good form. Coach then runs the players through multiple press breakers to run against man-to-man and zone full court pressure. Whether its late game situations or teams that go all out for four quarters, having these pressure releases in your toolbox as a coach will help your players stay calm under pressure.

Use fundamental drills throughout your practices to make sure your players continually do things the right way. Coach Petitigoue requires all of his players go through a set of fundamental ball handling drills. He begins this session with some stationary work and then gets into full court transition drills. Rebounding is another key to victory in basketball. Coach presents two great drills that cover the fundamentals needed to be a great rebounder: hand eye coordination, being physical and meeting the ball at the highest point. All the drills are challenging and game like.

A highlight of this practice is the work Coach Petitigoue does with his version of the Continuity Pick and Roll Offense - A simple offense that is flexible enough with different entries and adjustments to be successful at all levels. In a short time he easily explains the ins and outs of this effective attack. He breaks down the posts responsibilities with setting screens, and shows variations for dealing with different strategies against the pick and roll and he gives some unique adjustments that will confuse opponents.

Another key part of Cuba City's success has been the 1-3-1 defense. The is an odd-front zone defense that can easily tailor it's pressure in a variety of ways. By perfecting the pieces the team has been able to control the game from the defensive end of the floor. Coach Petitgoue shows where the defense is must vulnerable and when a team may need to come out of this defense. Coach provides fundamental drills that can build a successful defense, no matter what system you run. Closing out with high-hands, staying in your stance and moving while the ball is in the air are all key concepts that Coach teaches. You'll also see Petitgoue's version of the shell drill that can be used to teach team defensive concepts regarding ball screens and defending cutters.

This unique insight into one of America's premier high school programs is a one of a kind DVD. This is a great video to watch if you want to see what a quality practice looks like.

122 minutes. 2014.