Pat Baldwin: My Favorite Drills for Basketball Practice

with Pat Baldwin,
UW-Milwaukee Head Coach from 2017 to 2022;
Northwestern Assistant Coach from 2013 to 2017;
Missouri State Assistant Coach from 2011 to 2013;
Loyola Chicago Assistant Coach from 2004 - 2011;
played for Northwestern University, ranking first in school history in career steals and second in career assists

This video featuring Pat Baldwin provides drills to build transition offense, as well as defensive & offensive principles. As a coach, efficiency and time management are traits needed to be successful. Coach Baldwin builds up his players while working on multiple areas at once, streamlining opportunities to get better.

Closeouts and 3-on-3 Recognition

Closing out on shooters is an important part of any defensive scheme. Baldwin provides progressions to incorporate post digs with closeouts. Scouting reports will dictate how far a wing player digs without doubling to prevent open shots. Coach Baldwin also provides options for high-low and cutter situations. Adding post players and cutters allows you to be efficient with your court time.

It's important to produce players that can make reads and decisions based on what is in front of them. This drill offers up a game-like 3-on-2 situation with a trailing defender. Not only will players look to attack the basket with an advantage, but also find shooters running to the corners.

No Walk Drill

The No Walk drill works on communication between players who are moving to different areas of the floor to attack. Your athletes will improve their motion offense actions, including cuts to the basket, corner spot ups, pick & pops, and pick & rolls. Players are put into position to work on a two-man game and communication while maintaining spacing.

Creating basketball players that can make quick decisions and take advantage of mismatches goes a long way. The drills provided by Coach Baldwin in this video are fundamental in nature, but add a thinking aspect that teaches athletes to recognize and adapt.

67 minutes. 2021.