Mike Netti: Creating an Offensive Identity

with Mike Netti;
Illinois State Assistant Coach;
Ohio State University Assistant Coach from 2017 to 2024;
East Carolina University Assistant Coach from 2014 to 2017;
Gardner-Webb Assistant Coach from 2011 to 2014

Players have to be fundamentally sound, know what their offensive identity is and who they are when things break down.  For nearly twenty years, coach Mike Netti has been helping head coach Chris Holtmann build these critical concepts both at Ohio State and when they were together at Gardner-Webb.  In this video you will get an inside look at how Coach Netti helps build player identity and improve essential fundamentals that prepare them for the Big 10 conference grind and for the high goals they set for ending every season deep in the NCAA tournament. 

Offensive Musts

Coach Netti describes the offensive concepts every coaching staff should be asking themselves in the pre-season: 

• How is our system giving us the ability to set the rules?
• How can we be difficult to guard?
• Are we tough and unselfish enough?

Another integral defining part of what drives Ohio State basketball to find an offensive identity is built around 5 offensive musts: 

1. Play Unselfishly
2. Play with Pace
3. Value the Ball
4. Attack the Paint
5. Play to your Strengths 

Fundamental Drills

Learning to apply these concepts and teaching shot selection will lead to offensive effectiveness.  Using simple build-up drills, Coach Netti is able to demonstrate how to teach proper footwork to any position player on the floor.  

In follow the leader footwork drills, players are working on catching with two hands and using two feet to build a strong foundation.  By playing off of 2 feet your players will be stronger with the ball, more confident with their finishes, and lead to less turnovers.  This is a great build up drill that will teach proper footwork and finishing anywhere on the court.  

In follow the leader 2v0, players are learning to play off of dribble penetration.  With 2 players working together to find each other and applying the same concepts of getting to 2 feet this drill will be a favorite for your players to attack the rim and find each other on the offensive end.  The drill will build up from 2v0 to 3v0 to 4v0 and 5v0 so you can teach any offensive concept.  

Closing Thoughts

Coach Netti summarizes identifying your set families of plays, what your plan is for the play after the play, and special situations.  Netti’s presentation gives you a variety of key concepts and practical applications which will show you how you can build your offensive identity in the off-season to create consistent in-season success against the top programs you face! 

50 minutes. 2022.