I’d always heard of football coaches scripting out their first 5 or 10 plays of a game, but it’s not something I’d heard of basketball coaches doing. However, when I met up with frequent Basketball Coach Weekly contributor Justin Duke (author of 46 Winning Warm-Ups), who says he sometimes scripts his first few plays to help build confidence.... MORE
Recently, I discussed blowouts and how to handle them from your perspective. Roy Nickerson, a coach in Billerica Travel Basketball, Massachusetts, says he uses a statistical model by Bill James, who is more usually associated with baseball analytics. While Nickerson says the model was developed for college games, he says it can be used for lower levels.... MORE
There are some teams that just struggle coming out of the locker room at halftime. It’s hard to pinpoint why but there are no minutes to be wasted in a game. So, if your team takes a while to get going after the break, consider some of these tips about what to say at the... MORE
in In-Game Strategy, Offense drills
A lot of screening and motion goes into this set in which the opposite post comes high, sets a ball screen, rolls and eventually gets a pass from a dribbling wing. Why use this play Arizona’s offense has five players constantly moving, which keeps the defense on its heels and creates open passing lanes. Set... MORE
in Basketball plays, In-Game Strategy
Central Florida wanted the ball in its ball handler’s hands going to the rim but utilized other action to add in an element of surprise. WHY USE IT So many teams go to a predictable clear-out play for the best ball handler/ scorer when desperately needing a bucket near the end of the game. This... MORE
in Basketball plays, In-Game Strategy, Late-Game Situations, Offense drills
Give your shooter an opportunity to win the game by running that player off a hard off-ball screen before circling to the backside for a 3-pointer. WHY USE IT When fewer than 3 seconds remain on the clock, your options are limited. Defenses tend to overplay the initial receiver and lose track of backside player.... MORE
in Basketball drills and skills, Basketball plays, In-Game Strategy, Passing drills
When you have a player capable of catching a long pass, turning and beating the defender 1-on-1, this is the perfect play to run. WHY USE IT Many great full-court, lategame sets involve lots of screening, quick passes and player movement to create an open shot. This play uses those actions but it’s in an... MORE
in Basketball plays, In-Game Strategy, Offense drills
A high screen in a zone forces the other high defender into a choice — guard the ball handler or stay on the wing — either way you have scoring options. WHY USE IT When facing a zone, use a high screen to eliminate a defender from the action and use your numbers advantage to... MORE
in Basketball drills and skills, Basketball plays, In-Game Strategy, Offense drills
Move your best shooter into a clear window as the point guard attacks and draws the defense, which sets up the kick-out pass. WHY USE IT This is a great play to use late in a game whether you need two or three points. The initial and third actions net two points while the second... MORE
Use a downscreen then a low screen to create space for a talented ball handler to secure a pass, use a pick and score at the basket WHY USE ITThe screening and ball movement action is a lot for defenders to follow – watch the middle open up during these actions. SET UPStart from a standard Horns set with a post... MORE
