CONTENTS

page content

3 DRIBBLING AND CROSSOVERS DRILLS

4 FIRST STEP DRILLS
5 SHOOTING DRILLS
6 POST GAME DRILLS
7 PASSING DRILLS
8 OFFENSIVE REBOUNDING DRILLS
9 MOVING WITHOUT THE BALL DRILLS
10 HAND-OFF DRILLS
11 OFF-BALL SCREEN DRILLS
12 PICK AND ROLL / PICK AND POP DRILLS
13 TRANSITION DRILLS
14 DEFENSIVE MOVEMENTS DRILLS
15 CLOSE OUT DRILLS
16 BOX OUT DRILLS
17 HELP SIDE AND DEFENSIVE ROTATION DRILLS
18 OFF-BALL SCREENS DEFENSE DRILLS
19 PICK AND ROLL / PICK AND POP DEFENSE DRILLS
20 ZONE DEFENSE DRILLS
21 ZONE PRESS DEFENSE DRILLS
22 1-ON-1 DRILLS
23 HANDICAP GAME DRILLS
24 DEVELOPING COMPETITION DRILLS
25 BASKETBALL DRILLS FROM A TO Z PRESENTATION

2
 DRIBBLING AND CROSSOVERS DRILLS

PIECES OF ADVICE AND COACHING TIPS FOR PLAYERS:

- Perform the ballhandling drills every day, before or after the practice.
- Keep your head up, and control the ball without watching it while dribbling.
- Every dribbling must be strong. Never stop developing the power of dribbling.
- Use the dribbling to create an advantage for the teammates or yourself.
- The hand must always be above the ball while dribbling.
- Perform all changes of direction with sharp angels to get the best advantage after a
crossover.
- Protect the ball under the pressure of a defender.
- Keep the ball close to the body.
- Don't do useless and passive dribbles.
- Choose the right power and rhythm of the dribbling regarding the game situation and the
pressure of the defenders.
- Take care of developing both hands in every drill you make.
- Perform the dribbling exercises with guided defenders to get the best improvement.

DRIBBLING AND CROSSOVERS DRILL no. 1001

We set four cones at the middle line of the court. Players
start in the middle by the sideline. Every player makes a
rolling at the first cone and the in and out fake at the sec-
ond one. Then they finish with a floater inside the paint.
After they take the rebound, they move to the end of the
opposite row.

3
 FIRST STEP DRILLS

PIECES OF ADVICE AND COACHING TIPS FOR PLAYERS:

- The first dribble must create an advantage.
- Don’t perform passive first dribble when you hold the ball.
- React as soon as you receive the ball.
- Use the fakes before you execute the first step.
- Make the pivot step to get in a better position under the pressure of an aggressive
defender.
- Respect the pivot foot rule to avoid traveling.
- Keep a good balance and try to be unpredictable.
- Insist on a parallel offensive stance, so you can choose all types of the first step before
defining the pivot foot (in both directions).
- Avoiding traveling in the first step is one of the most critical offensive habits.
- Put the ball on the floor when you receive it at full speed as soon as possible.
- Even if you’re not the fastest player on your team, you can create a significant advantage
by performing the first step with proper technique and timing.

FIRST STEP DRILL no. 1022

Players start in four rows (two on the wing and two in the
corners). Players 1 and 2 drive to the baseline after the
first step and pass the ball to the first player in the corner
row. After the pass, players 1 and 2 move to the end of the
corner row on the opposite side. Players 3 and 4 penetrate
to the middle after the first step and pass to the top rows.
After the pass, players 3 and 4 move to the end of the wing
row on the opposite side.

4
 SHOOTING DRILLS

PIECES OF ADVICE AND COACHING TIPS FOR PLAYERS:

- Get in a good position before the shot. Keep an optimal balance during the execution. -
Focus on the target when you start the shot.
- Hold the ball in a comfortable position before the shot.
- Flex your knees and find a good rhythm during the shot.
- Extend the elbow and follow the throw to get a good arc and a proper ball rotation.
- Mental preparation will help you stay consistent during the practices and in stressful
situations during the game.
- Be aware that the shooting technique changes following the body development. Keep
repeating the basic shooting technique drills even when you think you are in a perfect
shooting shape.
- Put yourself in a game situation when you practice the shooting.
- Practice the finishing near the basket against the contact of a teammate.

SHOOTING DRILL no. 1031

Players start in a row with two balls in the middle of the
court. Player 2 without the ball starts from the corner and
receives a ball on the wing position for a 3-point shot.
Player 3 then makes one dribbling and shoots from the
elbow position. Player 1 is the rebounder. He has to get
both balls and move to the end of the row. Player 2 is the
next rebounder and player 1 moves to the opposite corner.

5
 POST GAME DRILLS

PIECES OF ADVICE AND COACHING TIPS FOR PLAYERS

- Fight for position near the basket even if you don’t receive the ball. The fighting habit is
crucial for the low post play.
- Check the court (teammates and opponents) at the moment when you receive the ball.
- Keep a good balance all the time from getting open to the execution. Stay low and move
the defensive player with every dribble or pivot step.
- Develop both sides of the low post (left and right side).
- Learn as many moves as you can, but in the end, choose your go-to moves and master
them.
- Convince the defensive player with every fake you make and learn how to recognize the
right timing for beating the opponent.
- Be ready to receive a difficult pass under the pressure of the defenders.
- Execute every low post move during the practice against the contact of a coach or a
teammate.
- There is a massive difference between an excellent low post player and a good
demonstrator. Learn how to develop your skills against opponents.
- The ability to get space is crucial for the "big guy". Learn how to move without the ball
near the basket.
- The idea of every set offense is to put the defenders in a miss-match situation. The low
post game against a smaller opponent requires the collaboration of the whole team.

POST GAME DRILL no. 1106

Players start in two rows with one ball on two wings.
Player 1 cuts to the opposite low post to receive the ball
from player 2 and makes a diagonal pass to player 3. Player
1 moves to the right row, and player 2 is the next to cut to
the opposite low post. We can add a defender to make the
diagonal pass harder.

6
 PASSING DRILLS

PIECES OF ADVICE AND COACHING TIPS FOR PLAYERS:

- The ball travels faster by passing than by dribbling.
- The pass executed must be fast, direct, and precise.
- Choose the proper passing technique regarding the position of the defenders.
- Get in a well-balanced position before every pass during the game.
- Use a fake or a pivot step under the pressure of an aggressive defender to create a clear
passing line.
- If you want to make the perfect pass at the right moment against an aggressive defender,
you have to make a separation with a dribbling or a cross/direct step.
- Every player on a high level has to develop good passing habits.
- There are hundreds of different situations during a basketball game, and the players have
to choose the appropriate passing technique.
- Learning how to pass is as much important as how to catch the ball.
- The proper selection of the passing technique makes all the difference between the
average and the great passers. Prepare yourself to become great.
- Don’t be predictable by watching the target.
- If you want to develop a proper technique, include a defender in your drills.

PASSING DRILL no. 1120

Players start in four rows. Players 1 and 10 have the balls.
Players 4 and 7 move to the right side to receive the ball
from players 1 and 10. After the reception, they pass it to
players 5 and 8 and move to the end of the row. Players 1
and 10 are the next to move at the same time.

7
 OFFENSIVE REBOUNDING DRILLS

PIECES OF ADVICE AND COACHING TIPS FOR PLAYERS:

- The most crucial characteristic of a great rebounder is their character.
- The determination, desire, and fighting spirit are more important than the knowledge and
the technique.
- Everyone can decide to become a good rebounder.
- Try to anticipate where the ball will bounce after every shot.
- When you learn all the rebounding skills, start competing for every rebound. - Finish every
shooting drill with an offensive rebound.
- After you get the rebound, try to score or pass the ball as fast as possible.
- Make clean contact with the opponents without a foul.
- Prepare your hands to get the ball by raising them at the rebound moment.
- Try to get the ball at the highest point.
- Protect the ball after the rebound by keeping it above the shoulders.
- Make a safe landing on both feet after the rebound.
- Prepare your next move (shot or pass) while fighting for the rebound.
- If you want to be a good rebounder, you have to be in good physical shape.

OFFENSIVE REBOUNDING DRILL no. 1145

Players are standing inside the paint. The coach takes the
first shot. The player who gets the rebound dribbles the
ball out of the paint and takes the next shot. The last
player that stays in the paint loses the game.

8
 MOVING WITHOUT THE BALL DRILLS

PIECES OF ADVICE AND COACHING TIPS FOR PLAYERS:

- Take care of the proper spacing in every moment of the game.
- Even if you’re not a great shooter or ballhandler, you can be a good scorer by cutting and
finding the gap in the defense during the game.
- Learn how to move without the ball, even if you’re a good ballhandler.
- Always put yourself in a situation that will be difficult for your defender.
- Be active in offense, and find a way to enjoy putting your defender in trouble.
- Learn as many cutting and getting open techniques as you can.
- If you want to master the getting open technique, you have to play against a stronger
opponent.
- The best way to master all the movements without the ball is to play the 3-on-3 (streetball)
game during your free time.
- When you work on getting open, you have to learn how to react in the moment of
receiving the ball.
- Search for the ball on every cut you make, making a target with your hands to occupy the
defenders and give space to your teammates.

MOVING WITHOUT THE BALL DRILL no. 1166

Players start in a row on the top of the key, with one player
on the wing position. Player 1 cuts to the right wing to re-
ceive the ball from player 3. Player 2 cuts to the right
corner to receive the ball from player 1 for a 3-point shot.
Player 3 is the next to cut the left wing.

9
 HAND-OFF DRILLS

PIECES OF ADVICE AND COACHING TIPS FOR PLAYERS

- Distract the defenders before you start the handoff.
- Be unpredictable and ready to change the direction before and after the handoff.
- When you give a handoff to your teammate, try to make a screen by positioning your body
at a proper angle.
- Pay attention to making a clear driving handoff at high speed to avoid the offen- sive foul.
- Reed the defense after you receive the handoff from your teammate. The defender can
follow or go under.
- Don’t rush after you receive the ball; act intelligently and effectively.
- Never play a handoff only to pass the ball to your teammate.
- Make the clear first dribbling after receiving the handoff to avoid traveling.
- Keep an eye on the other teammates and defenders during the handoff.
- React after you give the handoff by cutting toward the basket or to the perimeter based on
the defender’s reaction.
- A handoff situation will often provoke a switch in defense, so be ready to punish the
opponents after the handoff.

HAND-OFF DRILL no. 264

Players in the middle of the court with balls, the ones on
baseline without them. The baseline player cuts to the
elbow where he receives the ball. The top player runs
a few steps to the side and cutss to get a handoff. They
then perform different finishes and switch lines.

10
 OFF-BALL SCREEN DRILLS

PIECES OF ADVICE AND COACHING TIPS FOR PLAYERS:

- Set the screen at the right moment and try to watch the player with the ball and the
defenders simultaneously.
- Set the screen at a proper angle based on the defenders' position and the position to
which you want to send the teammate after the screen.
- Set every screen in a stable and good balanced position without moving. - React after the
screen considering the defenders' movement and tactic.
- You’re allowed to correct the screen's angle and position until a few moments before the
contact with the defenders.
- Distract the defender before you cut to receive the screen.
- Make sure to cut shoulder-to-shoulder and don’t let the defender step between you and
the screener.
- If the defender moves above the screen, cut away from the screen to receive the pass.
- The passer must be ready to read and react at the right moment with a pass. Prepare the
pass by creating a separation during the pivoting or dribbling
to execute the pass at the right moment.

OFF-BALL SCREEN DRILL no. 279

Players in line on the top of the key, each player with his
own ball. Two players without a ball, one on the low post
and one on the elbow. First player in the line passes the
ball to the coach and then makes a stagger screen with the
player on the elbow for the player on the low post who
runs around the screens, receives the ball on the free
throw line and finishes with a shot. Players move by one
spot and perform the drill continuously.

11
 PICK AND ROLL / PICK AND POP DRILLS

PIECES OF ADVICE AND COACHING TIPS FOR PLAYERS:

- Screener:
- Set the screen in a well-balanced position, considering the opponent's defensive tactics.
- Stop the defender on the ball by setting a solid screen at a proper angle. Don’t move when
you come to the screening point to avoid the offensive foul.
- Make a quick change of direction before you set a screen to make it harder for your
defender.
- Make a proper reaction after the pick and roll by cutting to the basket, short roll, or pop to
the perimeter based on the defender’s reaction.
- Control the help side at the moment of the pick and roll.
- If your defender is preparing to make a hedge or switch on the pick and roll, surprise him
by making a slip cut.
- Be ready to play in a mismatch situation if the defenders switch.
- Player with the ball:
- Distract your defender before the screen by making a fake or a dribble away from the
screen before the pick and roll.
- React to the opponent’s defensive tactics.
- Keep your head up and monitor all the teammates and defenders at the pick and roll
moment.
- Decide what to do after the screen, choosing the best option for your team and the
hardest for the defenders.
- Don’t be predictable by putting the defenders in uncomfortable positions before and after
the pick and roll.

PICK AND ROLL / PICK AND POP DRILL no. 295

Players in two lines. Centers on the baseline and guards on
the top of the key. Player from the bottom line runs out
and sets a central PNR for the player on the top. The ball
handler then drives and decides to finish himself or pass to
the rolling screener. Next player from the bottom line then
passes the ball to the next player on the top and they
repeat the drill. Both players finish from different
positions.

12
 TRANSITION DRILLS

PIECES OF ADVICE AND COACHING TIPS FOR PLAYERS:

- Offensive transition:
- The defense ends at the moment of the change of possession. From that moment, you
must react to transition as fast as possible.
- A good box out and a defensive rebound are priceless starting positions for every
transition.
- Quick inbound after the basket is the best reaction to surprise the opponents with a
transition offense.
- A pass is faster than a dribble.
- Respect the running lines and keep a good spacing in the transition offense.
- Run, even if a defender guards you. That way, you can create space and an advantage for
your teammates.
- Try to run the transition after every change of possession. When the defenders stop your
fast break, you can start preparing your set offenses.
- Transition offense is one of the best weapons against the aggressive zone pressing or zone
defense.
- Defensive transition:
- The offensive rebound will stop the transition in the first few seconds after the change of
possession.
- Define who will go for the offensive rebound and who will sprint back to stop the long pass
in transition.
- First, run back to guard the paint, then recover and play 5-on-5.
- Communicate and find the right opponents in the fast break to avoid mismatch situations.

TRANSITION DRILL no. 307

Offensive player and defender start in the corner and play
(passively) 1:1 from the sideline to the edge of the paint.
The defender then becomes the second offensive player
and runs by the sideline. The ball handler drives through
the middle and passes to the second offensive player who
has to finish with a layup without making a dribble or
changing his speed.
The passer has to grab the ball before it touches the floor.
They change roles on the way back.

13
 DEFENSIVE MOVEMENTS DRILLS

PIECES OF ADVICE AND COACHING TIPS FOR PLAYERS:

- You can become your team’s best defender if you make that decision. - You don’t have to
be a good basketball talent to be a great defender.
- Desire, will, sacrificing for the team, and fighting spirit are the main attributes of a great
defender.
- Find a proper basic defensive stance that will allow you to play the best possible defense.
- Make small lateral steps and combine the sprint and defensive stance when you put
pressure on your opponent on the full court.
- Put your opponent in an uncomfortable position all the time.
- A good defender tries to attack the offensive player all the time.
- Be aggressive and intelligent to be successful in defense.
- Good anticipation, coordination, footwork, and physical condition will help you use your
defensive knowledge.
- Analyze your opponents before or even during the game and try to get the advantage of
their weaknesses.
- Every practice, push yourself to be a better defender because basketball is a game of
habits.

DEFENSIVE MOVEMENTS DRILL no. 333

3 on 3, pressure on the ball. Three offensive players
inbound the ball under the basket. When the the game
starts, all three players have to receive the ball without
making a dribbling. The defenders put pressure on the
passes and try to intercept the ball. After the third
offensive player receives the ball, he passes it to one of the
coaches by the sideline. Coach returns the ball to one of
the offensive players and they then play 3 on 3 with no
restrictions to the other side.

14
 CLOSE OUT DRILLS

PIECES OF ADVICE AND COACHING TIPS FOR PLAYERS:

- Be ready to react to every movement of the ball, so you can help your teammates and be
on time for a good closeout on your player.
- You can make a closeout on a short or a long-distance; it is up to you to get to your best
position to react on time.
- Put yourself in an active defensive position when you play defense on a player without the
ball to be ready to react at the right moment.
- Execute the closeout from a sprint to short defensive steps to be ready to react to the
opponent’s move.
- Raise your hand when you come close to the offensive player to push the opponent to
penetrate and avoid an open shot.
- Respect your team’s tactics when choosing which side you want to push the opponent to
penetrate (to the baseline or the middle).
- Prepare yourself to get in a parallel stance to stop penetrations to both sides.
- When you play in an isolation 1-on-1 situation, prepare to stop the opponent’s strong
hand.
- Stay on the ground so you can react fast at the right timing.
- Don’t run straight to a closeout. Instead, make a slight curl move to get in a good position
if you want to push your opponent to one side.
- You can find a closeout situation on a full court in different places and distances. So be
ready to get in a good closeout even when you play a full-court press or
a zone defense.
- Put a significant effort into every closeout during the practice and the game if you want to
become a great defender.

CLOSE OUT DRILL no. 345

Two lines of defenders in the paint, two lines of offensive
players on the wings. First two defenders pass the ball to
the offensive players and close out on them. When they
approach the offensive players, they prevent a drive to the
baseline with two strong steps. The offensive players pass
the ball to the next player in the paint. Players switch lines
after a completed drill.

15
 BOX OUT DRILLS

PIECES OF ADVICE AND COACHING TIPS FOR PLAYERS:

- Always put your body between the basket and your opponent.
- The basic rule to get a defensive rebound is to put yourself in a position where you are the
first to jump on the ball.
- If you want to create an advantage in the moment of the shot, you must box out.
- Based on your opponent's position and the shot's distance, you have to choose different
boxing out techniques.
- If your opponent is far away from the basket, make a short contact with him and go to get
a rebound at the highest point possible.
- Control the shooter and predict where the ball will bounce after it touches the rim.
- Insist on the rebound even if the shot is made to get the ball from the net and make a
quick inbound pass.
- Analyze your opponents to make the right decision at the moment of the shot.
If your opponent is an aggressive rebounder, focus on the box out and don’t worry about
the defensive rebound.
- In a mismatch situation, the box out is usually a problem because of the size ad- vantage.
Accept the responsibility and put your max effort until the defense is over and your team
gets the ball possession.
- Don’t stop playing defense at the moment of the opponent’s shot. Control the rebound
and contribute to your team even if a good box out is not a part of the stats.

BOX OUT DRILL no. 362

Four players on the perimeter positions, one in the middle
of the paint. 5 defenders move in a circle around the
offensive player in the middle in a defensive stance. When
the coach shoots the ball, each defender boxes out the
closest player. If the offensive players get the ball, they
stay on offense. If the defenders get the rebound, they
switch roles.

16
 HELP SIDE AND DEFENSIVE ROTATION DRILLS

PIECES OF ADVICE AND COACHING TIPS FOR PLAYERS:

- Be active and put yourself in a proper position considering the positions of the ball and
your defender.
- Prepare yourself to help, rotate, close out or box out in every moment of the time spent in
defense.
- React on every pass when the ball is flying from one opponent to another.
- Stay in a defensive stance and control (watch) your player and the ball all the time.
- We want to put pressure on the ball and be active with four players with hands up. So
keep your hands up to prevent the direct passes and shorten the offensive gaps for the
offensive players.
- Respect the teams’ tactics and agreements of pushing the offensive players to the baseline
or the middle.
- If you defend the closest player to the ball, keep your position in an open stance or a deny
position regarding the team’s tactics.
- When you play on the weak side, be ready to help on the penetrations or rotate and
recover by the teams’ rules.
- When you help on penetration or a low post, play a strong double-team to ob- struct the
opponent’s vision and a pass to his teammates.
- When you defend the player with the ball, be ready to react at the moment of the pass –
jump to the ball and prevent a quick front or backdoor cut.

HELP SIDE AND DEFENSIVE ROTATION DRILL no. 865

Three offensive players are set on the top of the key, on
the wing position, and in the corner. Three defenders run
in a circle in the paint. Coach with the ball on the oppo-
site side. When he penetrates to the baseline, the defend-
ers help and rotate. After he decides to pass, the defensive
players are sliding to the nearest offensive player. One of
the offensive players has to shoot a 3pt shot. After the
shot, the offensive players go for the of- fensive rebound,
the defenders have to make a closeout.

17
 OFF-BALL SCREENS DEFENSE DRILLS

PIECES OF ADVICE AND COACHING TIPS FOR PLAYERS:

- Defender on the screener:
- Put yourself between the screener and the ball.
- Watch the player with the ball at the same time.
- Move away from the screener if the cutter decides to cut over the screen.
- Protect the space by the screen by stepping out if the cutter decides to curl around the
screen.
- Be ready to switch and defend a mismatch situation.
- Defender on the cutter:
- Predict the movements of your opponents and prepare your position to react, considering
your team's defensive tactics and agreements.
- Try to put your body between the cutter and the screener at the moment of contact with
the screen.
- Don’t show your intentions to go over or follow the cutter until you come to the screen to
be unpredictable.
- After switching, be ready to react and put yourself in a position to reduce the mismatch
situations or make an invert with other teammates
as soon as possible.
- Defender on the ball:
- Put pressure on the offensive player with the ball to prevent him from making a good pass.
- If you know the offense's intentions, try to push your opponent away from a good position
and angle of the pass.

OFF-BALL SCREENS DEFENSE DRILL no. 880

2 on 2 game. Using the screen for screener situation.
Player 1 drives the ball from the top of the key to the wing
position. Player 2 receives screens from players 3 and 4
and cuts to the top of the key to receive the ball. Then
player 2 drives to the wing position and receives two
screens. After a while, we switch roles. We define the
principles and rules of defense on the screens in regards to
what we want to train.

18
 PICK AND ROLL / PICK AND POP DEFENSE DRILLS

PIECES OF ADVICE AND COACHING TIPS FOR PLAYERS:

- Defender on the screener:
- Communicate with your teammate when the screener starts setting the screen.
- Anticipate the offensive players and react regarding the defensive concept on pick and roll.
- Be aggressive no matter the type of defensive tactic you use.
- After you stop the guard, run back to recover on your player inside the paint with hands up
to avoid the direct pass.
- Communicate and run to the next offensive player in a rotation system of the other
teammates.
- If you switch the guard, put the max effort to make the best defense you can in a mismatch
situation.
- Defender on the guard:
- Put pressure on the opponent to make it hard to organize and prepare a proper angle and
timing for the pick and roll.
- Don’t allow the opponent to attack away from the screen if you push him on the screen.
- Put your foot and your body between the guard and the screener at the moment of the
pick and roll.
- Stay in a defensive stance and try to recover to a 1-on-1 situation as fast as you can.
- In case of a switch, be ready to fight to prevent the pass near the basket and box out after
the shot against a taller opponent.

PICK AND ROLL / PICK AND POP DEFENSE DRILL no. 884
Two guards start on the wings without the defenders, and
two centers are on the low post (one on offense and one
on defense). The center on offense sets the pick and roll on
the ball, and the defender plays based on the defensive
principles we want to train. The guard stops on the free-
throw line and passes the ball to the other guard. The
center runs to set the pick and roll on the ball again. After
four pick and rolls, the players take a break and change
roles.

19
 ZONE DEFENSE DRILLS

PIECES OF ADVICE AND COACHING TIPS FOR PLAYERS:

- Keep your hands up to deflect the passes and cover more court space.
- Communicate with your teammates all the time.
- Based on the zone type, cover the empty gaps when you play away from the ball.
- Be active; a good zone requires a lot of energy, movements, and teamwork.
- It’s hard to box out in a zone defense, so be ready to fight for the defensive rebound no
matter where your position is at the moment of the shot.
- Be quick to recover in defensive transition at the moment of the change of the possession.
Guard the paint, and then get into your zone position.
- Stay in your zone position by the arranged rules and be ready to make an extra effort to
help and recover your teammates.
- Try to "steal" as much time as you can when you pass from a zone-press defense to a zone,
so your opponents will have trouble organizing a good offensive set.

ZONE DEFENSE DRILL no. 903

A 5-on-4 game. Four offensive players start on the
perimeter and one on the high post. We have four
defenders in a 2-2 zone formation.
The team on offense tries to find an open shot. The player
on the post cannot shoot; he can only pass. The offense
gets 3 points for a scored shot and 1 point for a pass to the
post. If the offense misses the shot, they change position.

20
 ZONE PRESS DEFENSE DRILLS

PIECES OF ADVICE AND COACHING TIPS FOR PLAYERS:

- The zone press defense is a system to surprise the opponents, so be ready to react at the
right moment and raise the aggression on the full court.
- Keep your hands up while guarding the empty gaps and during the double-team to make it
harder for the opponents.
- Control as many opponents as possible to deflect a pass or cut into the area you’re
guarding.
- Use the out-of-bounds lines and the 8-seconds rule to help you in your defensive concepts.
- The zone pressing usually turns into a zone defense when the opponents bring the ball to
our defensive half. So try to get as much time as possible during the zone pressing.
- Trust your teammates and execute your part of the job in zone press the best you can.
- Communication helps the defensive team and raises motivation and aggression.
- Be ready to sprint back if the opponents beat the pressing to stop the transition and an
easy basket.
- If you return to man-to-man defense after the zone pressing, get the right oppo- nent
quickly to avoid the mismatch situation.
- The ability to predict well, quickness, sacrificing for the team and smartness are the most
important weapons of a great defender.

ZONE PRESS DEFENSE DRILLS no. 907

Two teams are set alternately in a circle, running in the
paint. Coach calls the offensive team and gives the ball to
the closest player to inbound. The defenders have to take
their positions on spots that are defined in a zone press
defense. On the example 1-2-1-1 zone press. After the
coach defines the possession, they play 5 on 5.

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 1-ON-1 DRILLS

PIECES OF ADVICE AND COACHING TIPS FOR PLAYERS:

- If you want to be an excellent 1-on-1 player, you must be good on both sides of the court
(offense and defense).
- Be focused on all the defenders on the court when you beat your direct opponent. Prepare
your next move before you act.
- React fast and don’t waste time with useless moves and dribbles.
- Practices will give you a lot of basketball knowledge, and it’s up to you which moves you
will use to beat your opponent.
- Be unpredictable, and use fakes to get the advantage. Don’t exaggerate with hesi- tation
and dribbling moves because you will have less time and space to play 1-on-1 during a real
game.
- It’s not enough to be a good demonstrator and successful against the cones and chairs
while practicing. You have to know how to use your skills against different opponents.
- Psychological stability is essential for every contest on the court. The quantity of the
repetitions under the game-like pressure will give you the right confidence.
- The best skills are developed against bigger and stronger opponents in 3-on-3 basketball.
So take your basketball, go outside and practice while others are resting at home.

1-ON-1 DRILL no. 941

Two offensive players in the middle of the court, two de-
fenders under the rim. All four players start playing 1 on 1
on coach’s sign. The offensive players have to curl around
the cone in the middle of the court. Two defend- ers run
around the side cone to anticipate the offensive player.
After they finish the game, they change roles.

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 HANDICAP GAME DRILLS

PIECES OF ADVICE AND COACHING TIPS FOR PLAYERS:

- Be the first to recognize the handicap situation at the moment of the change of possession.
- The handicap situations do not last for a long time. Be quick and inventive to take
advantage and create an opportunity to score.
- Reading and reacting at full speed requires a lot of basketball knowledge. Execute all the
technical drills at full speed with your head up to become comfortable in handicap transition
situations.
- The handicap game is attractive to the spectators. All you need is to be effective.
- Don’t force yourself to score a basket in a handicap situation. The most important is to
bring points to your team.
- Don’t let the opponents stop a handicap game with a tactical foul. Instead, pass the ball to
an open teammate.
- Reed the situation on the basketball court and make the right decision. Don’t insist on
finishing with a transition if you evaluate the situation as unappropriate. Sometimes it is
better to stop and run a set offense than risk a turnover.

HANDICAP GAME DRILL no. 972

line. Defensive players on the free throw line. The mid-
fielder passes to one of the opponents. The defensive
players at the elbow must reach the baseline and then re-
turn to defense. Offensive players can start playing when
they receive the ball.

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 DEVELOPING COMPETITION DRILLS

PIECES OF ADVICE AND COACHING TIPS FOR PLAYERS:

- Be the first to recognize the handicap situation at the moment of the change of possession.
- The handicap situations do not last for a long time. Be quick and inventive to take
advantage and create an opportunity to score.
- Reading and reacting at full speed requires a lot of basketball knowledge. Execute all the
technical drills at full speed with your head up to become comfortable in handicap transition
situations.
- The handicap game is attractive to the spectators. All you need is to be effective.
- Don’t force yourself to score a basket in a handicap situation. The most important is to
bring points to your team.
- Don’t let the opponents stop a handicap game with a tactical foul. Instead, pass the ball to
an open teammate.
- Reed the situation on the basketball court and make the right decision. Don’t insist on
finishing with a transition if you evaluate the situation as unappropriate. Sometimes it is
better to stop and run a set offense than risk a turnover.

DEVELOPING COMPETITION DRILL no. 992

Three players start on the baseline. We set three balls in
three rings. On coach’s sign, three players fight to get a ball
and to finish with a layup as soon as possible. After a
scored basket, players get their own rebound and place
their ball into a ring. Players get 3 points if they put a ball
in the outermost ring, 2 points for the middle one, and 1
point for the nearest ring. After they all place balls into the
ring, they return to the baseline. Players change start- ing
spots before every round. They play up to 21 points. We
can give different starting positions (sitting, laying,
defensive stance, etc.) and give additional tasks on the way
to the rings.

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Coach,

I hope the drills were helpful and you can apply them to your practice plans.
It is only a brief introduction to the huge library of drills that can be found in
the three books “BASKETBALL DRILLS FROM A TO Z”

BAKSETBALL DRILLS FROM A TO Z is the best choice for you if you want to
improve your coaching knowledge. The remaining 1478 drills are included in
the three books, along with other tips for better practices.

We received orders from more the 120 countries worldwide, and the coaches’
feedback is more than positive!

Purchase your books at www.500bballdrills.com right away. The price

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1st book:
500 Basketball drills from A to Z

2nd book:
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3rd book:
1001-1500 Basketball drills from A to Z

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