Basketball: Steps to Success · Web viewFast break essentials; what is required of players B. Key points of technique instruction 1. Three-lane fast break 2. Two-on-one fast break

Basketball: Steps to Success, 2ECourse Outline

The Sport of BasketballA. History

1. Origin of the game—James Naismith2. YMCA Training School3. NIT and NCAA4. NBA and Olympics5. Worldwide competition and participation

B. Equipment and facilities1. Shoes and clothing2. Basketballs3. Backboard and rim4. Playing court5. Three-point line

C. Playing the game1. Essential skills2. Common player positions3. Basketball rules4. Timing regulations

D. Fouls1. Purpose2. Penalties3. Disqualification4. Free throws5. Types

E. Violations1. Ball-handling2. Time

F. Warm-up and cool-down1. Purpose of warm-up2. Offensive footwork activities3. Defensive footwork activities4. Cool down by stretching

Step 1 Balance and QuicknessA. Introductory notes

1. Define balance and quickness2. Explain how to develop good footwork

B. Key points of technique instruction1. Offensive stance2. Defensive stance3. Change of pace4. Change of direction

© 2005 Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc.

5. Stopping6. One-two stop7. Jump stop8. Pivoting and turning9. Jumping10. Side step or slide11. Attack and retreat12. Reverse or drop step

C. Common errors and solutions1. Error: Off balance in offensive stance• Solution: Flex knees to get low rather than bending at waist2. Error: Off balance in defensive stance• Solution: Keep head over waist, hands above waist level, elbows flexed, arms close tobody3. Error: Unable to make quick change of pace from slow to fast• Solution: Push forcefully off back foot to accelerate quickly4. Error: Unable to pivot sharply• Solution: Use a three-quarter first step and flex knee; pivot sharply and push off; shiftweight and take a long second step5. Error: When attempting one-two stop, you lose balance and drag pivot foot• Solution: Hop before you stop, allowing gravity to slow your forward momentum; lean back, landing on back foot, then on front foot; keep a wide base6. Error: When attempting jump stop, one foot lands before the other• Solution: Hop before you stop, lean back, keep feet shoulder-width apart and knees flexed7. Error: When pivoting, you lose balance and lift or drag pivot foot• Solution: Keep weight on ball of pivot foot as you move nonpivot foot; maintain abalanced stance8. Error: When jumping with two feet, you do not get an explosive takeoff, limitingheight of jump• Solution: Flex knees more; forcefully push against floor; reach high toward rim9. Error: When jumping with one foot, you long jump rather than high jump• Solution: Shorten last step before takeoff, dip jumping knee, and lift opposite knee straight up as you lift arms; this will increase upward momentum10. Error: When retreating on defense, you cross front foot in front of back foot• Solution: Push off front foot and step with back foot; do not cross feet or bring themcloser than shoulder width11. Error: When drop stepping on defense, you turn away from opponent’s move, losingsight of opponent• Solution: Drop step in direction of opponent’s move, keeping eyes on opponent

D. Modifications for slower learners1. Slow the pace of setups and performance of drills2. Limit the amount of verbal instruction to one point at a time; teach whole skill in parts3. Provide additional, slow-motion demonstrations to emphasize basic mechanics4. Offer additional help before and after class

E. Modifications for faster learners


1. Group more skilled players together2. Allow skilled players to progress at faster pace3. Employ more skilled players to give feedback to beginners (assistants)4. Increase expectation of successful consecutive repetitions during practice drills

F. Applications to the sport1. Proper footwork is the foundation for executing each fundamental skill of basketballwith a high level of balance and quickness2. Being ready to start, stop, and move in any direction with quickness and balance onoffense or defense requires proper footwork

G. Activity setup1. Maximize and use as much basketball court space as possible2. Some skills may be introduced with the entire group in an exercise-like formation (multiple rows, facing the instructor, with room to move)3. Whenever possible, divide into smaller groups to maximize practice attempts4. Change drills frequently (every 2 to 3 minutes) to maintain student interest5. Avoid having players or students standing in line waiting to participate

Step 2 Passing and CatchingA. Introductory notes

1. Principles of passing2. Uses of passes in a game3. Different types of passes for game situations

a. Chest passb. Bounce passc. Overhead passd. Sidearm passe. Baseball passf. Behind-the-back passg. Catching passes away from the scoring area

B. Key points of technique instruction1. Locate target2. Maintain balanced stance3. Keep hands behind ball in a relaxed position4. Generate force on ball by extending arms and snapping wrists5. Take step toward target to generate additional force on pass6. Release ball off first and second fingers7. Follow through with arm(s) and fingers extended toward target

C. Common errors and solutions1. Error: Chest pass lacks force• Solution: Start pass with elbows in; force wrists and fingers through the ball2. Error: Bounce pass bounces too high and is too slow• Solution: Start pass from waist level and aim ball’s bounce closer to receiver3. Error: Overhead pass lacks force and accuracy• Solution: Generate force by keeping elbows in, flexing wrists and fingers, andextending legs, back, and arms; produce accuracy by pointing first and second fingers ofeach hand toward target


4. Error: Sidearm pass lacks force and accuracy• Solution: Generate force by keeping elbows in, flexing wrists and fingers, andextending legs, back, and arms; produce accuracy by pointing first and second fingers ofeach hand toward target5. Error: Baseball pass curves• Solution: Keep passing hand directly behind ball and point fingers at target6. Error: Once you start behind-the-back pass, you are unable to stop and fake• Solution: Start pass with both hands on ball; use both hands to move ball behind hip;keep both hands on ball until release7. Error: You fumble ball as you receive it• Solution: Keep hands up; watch ball all the way into your hands; keep hands relaxed and give with ball as you catch it

D. Modifications for slower learners1. Slow the pace of setups and performance of drills2. Limit the amount of verbal instruction to one point at a time; teach whole skill in parts3. Provide additional, slow-motion demonstrations to emphasize basic mechanics4. Have players passing to each other stand closer together, gradually increasing distance5. Offer additional help before and after class

E. Modifications for faster learners1. Group more skilled players together2. Allow skilled players to progress at faster pace3. Employ more skilled players to give feedback to beginners (assistants)4. Increase expectation of successful consecutive repetitions during practice drills5. Increase distance between passers and add defenders to increase challenge

F. Applications to the sport1. During a game, knowing when and where to pass under pressure provides a chance toscore and keeps a team from losing the ball through interceptions2. Passes help get the ball out of a congested area3. Passes help move the ball quickly up the court on a fast break4. Passes help set up offensive plays5. Passes move the ball around to create opportunities to score

G. Activity setup1. Maximize and use as much basketball court space as possible2. Whenever possible, divide into smaller groups to maximize practice attempts3. Change drills frequently (every 2 to 3 minutes) to maintain student interest4. Avoid having players or students standing in line waiting to participate5. Group faster learners together during activities to maintain student interest

Step 3 DribblingA. Introductory notes

1. Dribbling is an integral part of basketball2. When and when not to use the dribble3. Learning to minimize the use of a dribble4. Types of dribbles for game situations

a. Controlb. Speed


c. Footfired. Change-of-pacee. Retreatf. Crossoverg. Inside-outh. Reversei. Behind-the-back

B. Key points of technique instruction1. Keep head up; see the rim and your teammates2. Snap wrist to generate force on the ball3. Use fingertips to control the basketball4. Bounce the ball no higher than waist level5. Use nondribbling hand to protect the dribble6. Pass to open teammate whenever possible

C. Common errors and solutions1. Error: You look at ball when dribbling• Solution: Keep head up and rim in view2. Error: You take too many dribbles• Solution: Push each dribble out at waist level and run after it, keeping number ofdribbles to a minimum3. Error: During one-two stop after speed dribble, you lose balance forward and dragpivot foot• Solution: Hop before you stop to allow gravity to slow your momentum; lean back, landing first on back foot, then on front foot; maintain wide base for stability; sit on heel of back foot; keep head up4. Error: You are unstable during footfire dribble• Solution: Emphasize complete balance and control with feet shoulder-width apart andknees flexed5. Error: You do not control dribble when changing from speed dribble to control dribble• Solution: Widen base and flex knees for balance; dribble ball at knee level or lower6. Error: You have trouble retreating quickly when using retreat dribble• Solution: Do not lean forward; maintain balance, and use short, quick retreat steps7. Error: You dribble the ball too high or too wide when changing directions• Solution: Dribble at knee level and close to body8. Error: Your inside-out dribble is not deceptive• Solution: Make a head fake in the opposite direction9. Error: You change hands on dribble as you reverse, causing you to dribble too wide• Solution: Dribble backward; as you reverse pivot, emphasize pulling the ball forward and close to body using same hand10. Error: You dribble too wide during behind-the-back dribble• Solution: Emphasize pulling the ball forward and close to body on the second dribble,using the same hand

D. Modifications for slower learners1. Slow the pace of setups and performance of drills2. Limit the amount of verbal instruction to one point at a time; teach whole skill in parts3. Provide additional, slow-motion demonstrations to emphasize basic mechanics of each


type of dribble4. Offer additional help before and after class

E. Modifications for faster learners1. Group more skilled players together2. Allow skilled players to progress at faster pace3. Employ more skilled players to give feedback to beginners (assistants)4. Increase expectation of successful consecutive repetitions during practice drills5. Have faster learners play defense against dribbler to increase challenge of drills6. Have faster learners use weak hand during dribbling drills

F. Applications to the sport1. Dribbling moves the ball out of a congested area when passing to a teammate isimpossible, such as after a rebound or when double teamed2. Dribbling advances the ball up the court when no receivers are open, especially againstpressure defenses3. Dribbling moves the ball up the court on a fast break when teammates are not open inposition to score4. Dribbling helps penetrate the defense for a drive to the basket5. Dribbling helps draw a defender to you to create an opening for a teammate6. Dribbling helps set up offensive plays7. Dribbling improves your position or angle before you pass to a teammate8. Dribbling helps a player create space, or an opening, for a shot9. Develop dribbling skills with both hands so that defenders cannot key on weak hand

G. Activity setup1. Maximize and use as much basketball court space as possible2. Whenever possible, divide into smaller groups to maximize practice attempts3. Change drills frequently (every 2 to 3 minutes) to maintain student interest4. Avoid having players or students standing in line waiting to participate5. Group faster learners together during activities to promote competition

Step 4 ShootingA. Introductory notes

1. Shooting is the most important skill in basketball2. Shooting mechanics, confidence, and rhythm3. Types of shots

a. One-hand set shotb. Free throwc. Jump shotd. Three-point shote. Hook shotf. Layupg. Runner

B. Key points of technique instruction1. Sight2. Balance3. Hand position4. Elbow-in alignment


5. Shooting motion6. Follow-through7. Shooting off the catch8. Shooting off the dribble

C. Common errors and solutions1. Error: Mechanics appear to be correct, but you still miss the basket• Solution: Concentrate on target, not on ball’s flight, until ball reaches basket2. Error: You feel tense before and during a free throw• Solution: Use deep breathing to relax mind and body; breathe in deeply and exhale fully3. Error: When attempting a jump shot, you lower ball for rhythm, lengthening shootingstroke, creating more room for error; shot is easier to block• Solution: Keep ball high and use down-and-up action of legs for rhythm rather thanlowering the ball4. Error: When attempting a jump shot, you float in, back, or to the side and miss long,short, or to the side• Solution: Jump and land in the same spot5. Error: Three-point shots are consistently short• Solution: Use more leg to generate force; emphasize follow-through and shootingrhythm6. Error: When attempting hook shot, you lose protection and ball control as you shoot• Solution: Keep balance hand on ball until release7. Error: When attempting layup, you use a long jump (floating forward or to the side)rather than a high jump• Solution: Keep head focused on target; make step before takeoff short so you canquickly dip takeoff knee and create upward momentum; on takeoff, lift opposite kneestraight up8. Error: When attempting to shoot off a catch, you receive the ball but lower itbefore shooting, creating a slow release• Solution: Catch the ball in position to shoot, keeping the ball high; catch and shoot inone smooth motion9. Error: When receiving a pass from the side, you face the passer and reach for the ball,slowing your release• Solution: Face the basket, turn your head to see the pass, and let the ball come to you;jump behind the ball and catch and shoot in one motion10. Error: When shooting off the dribble, the ball misses either left or right• Solution: Dribble to the front of your shooting knee and pick up the ball while facing the basket, in position to shoot; do not reach for the ball

D. Modifications for slower learners1. Slow the pace of setups and performance of drills2. Limit the amount of verbal instruction to one point at a time; teach whole skill in parts3. Provide additional, slow-motion demonstrations to emphasize basic mechanics of eachtype of shot4. Have slower learners practice shooting close to the basket5. Depending on age of slower learner, use smaller basketballs and lower baskets6. Offer additional help before and after class

E. Modifications for faster learners


1. Group more skilled players together2. Allow skilled players to progress at faster pace3. Employ more skilled players to give feedback to beginners (assistants)4. Increase expectation of successful consecutive repetitions during practice drills5. Have faster learners play defense against shooters to increase challenge of drills6. Move faster learners farther away from basket to increase difficulty of shots

F. Applications to the sport1. Teams cannot score if players cannot shoot2. Always try to create a high-percentage shot as close to the basket as possible3. Players and teams should not fall in love with the three-point line; low-percentage shot4. Confidence and concentration are keys to successful free throw shooting5. Hook shots are hard to block and are high-percentage shots6. To become a real perimeter offensive threat, shooters must develop the ability to shootoff the catch and shoot off the dribble

G. Activity setup1. Maximize the space and use as many baskets as possible2. Whenever possible, divide into smaller groups to maximize practice attempts3. Change drills frequently (every 2 to 3 minutes) to maintain student interest4. Avoid having players or students standing in line waiting to participate5. Group faster learners together during activities to promote competition6. Set short-term performance objectives (shooting goals) for students during drills

Step 5 ReboundingA. Introductory notes

1. Prerequisites of successful rebounding2. Defensive rebounding

a. Front turn (front turn, block out, go for the ball)b. Reverse turn (pivot reverse, block out, get the rebound)

3. Offensive reboundinga. Straight cut (hands up, straight cut, rebound)b. Fake-and-go (fake, cut opposite, rebound)c. Spin (forearm on back, reverse pivot, rebound)d. Step back (opponent leans on you, step back, rebound)

B. Key points of technique instruction1. Peripheral vision2. Balanced stance3. Inside position4. Hands up5. Time your jump6. Catch the ball with two hands7. Protect ball by keeping elbows out8. Come down in balanced, strong stance

C. Common errors and solutions1. Error: When going after defensive rebound, you watch the ball and your opponent cutsby you• Solution: Locate opponent first, get inside position, block out or check, then go for ball


2. Error: When going after defensive rebound, you lose balance when opponent fakes• Solution: Use wide base and keep moving on the balls of your feet3. Error: When rebounding, you have trouble holding onto the ball• Solution: Catch ball with two hands4. Error: When rebounding, opponent hooks an arm over yours for leverage• Solution: Keep hands up5. Error: After gaining rebound, you have it stripped away by opponent• Solution: Protect ball above forehead with elbows out; keep ball away from opponent

D. Modifications for slower learners1. Slow the pace of setups and performance of drills2. Limit the amount of verbal instruction to one point at a time; teach whole skill in parts3. Provide additional, slow-motion demonstrations to emphasize basic mechanics of eachtype of defensive and offensive rebounding technique4. Provide additional practice trials5. Offer additional help before and after class

E. Modifications for faster learners1. Group more skilled players together2. Allow skilled players to progress at faster pace3. Employ more skilled players to give feedback to beginners (assistants)4. Increase expectation of successful consecutive repetitions during practice drills5. Have faster learners rebound against each other to increase challenge of drills6. Move faster learners farther away from basket to increase rebounding difficulty

F. Applications to the sport1. You can never rebound too much2. The team that controls the backboard usually controls the game3. Emotional rebounding essentials—desire, courage, anticipation4. Mental rebounding essentials—learn about opponent, check rim and backboard5. Physical rebounding essentials—quickness, jumping ability, muscular strength

G. Activity setup1. Maximize space and use as many baskets as possible during rebounding practice2. Whenever possible, divide into smaller groups to maximize practice attempts3. Change drills frequently (every 2 to 3 minutes) to maintain student interest4. Avoid having players or students standing in line waiting to participate5. Group faster learners together during activities to promote competition6. Set short-term performance objectives (rebounding goals) for students during drills

Step 6 Offensive Moves With The BallA. Introductory notes

1. Developing into an unselfish one-on-one player2. Concept of draw-and-kick in team basketball3. Essential low-post moves4. Essential perimeter moves

B. Key points of technique instruction1. Low-post moves

a. Drop-step baseline power move (defender top side, drop-step baseline, powermove)


b. Drop-step middle hook (defender baseline, drop-step middle, hook shot)c. Baseline bank jump shot (defender behind, front-turn baseline, bank jump shot)d. Front-turn baseline crossover middle and hook (defender behind, front-turnbaseline, fake shot, crossover middle, shoot hook shot)

2. Perimeter movesa. Triple threat to shoot, pass, or drive

1. See the rim and defender2. Head over waist3. Back straight4. Block-and-tuck hand position5. Ball moving high6. Knees flexed7. Feet shoulder-width apart8. Weight on pivot (back) foot9. Short drive step with shooting foot

b. Drive-step jump shot (triple-threat, shoot jump shot, follow-through)c. Drive-step straight drive (straight drive, close gap, shoot layup)d. Drive-step crossover drive (triple-threat, crossover drive, close gap, shoot layup)e. Straight-drive jump shot (straight drive, jump stop, shoot jump shot)f. Crossover-drive jump shot (triple-threat, crossover drive, jump stop, shoot jump shot)g. Step-back jump shot (triple-threat, step back dribble, shoot jump shot)

C. Common errors and solutions1. Error: When trying to use low-post move, you land with a one-two stop and can useonly one foot to pivot, not two• Solution: Land with jump stop so you can use either foot for pivoting2. Error: You rush into low-post move without reading defender’s position• Solution: After receiving pass in the low post, stop for at least one count to readdefender’s position; then make your move3. Error: You front turn to the middle without thinking, which limits your moves to ajump shot in the middle or a crossover and hook from the baseline, both of which aredifficult• Solution: Consider defender’s position; when in doubt, front turn to baseline so you canuse bank jump shot or crossover step to the middle and hook4. Error: You dribble the ball before making your low-post move• Solution: Make your move without dribbling; save the dribble until after crossover stepand after defender responds to first move5. Error: In triple-threat position, you hold the ball too far from your body, allowing defender to grab it• Solution: Keep ball high and close to head and shooting shoulder6. Error: In triple-threat position, you dribble ball before making your move• Solution: Make move without dribbling first; save dribble7. Error: In triple-threat position, you make first step too long or you lean• Solution: Keep weight on pivot foot as you execute a shorter drive step; move lead footquickly to shoot, pass, or dribble


8. Error: On a drive to the basket, you dribble too wide, allowing the defender more timeto recover against your drive• Solution: Dribble behind defender to close the gap and cut off defender’s retreat step

D. Modifications for slower learners1. Slow the pace of setups and performance of drills2. Limit the amount of verbal instruction to one point at a time; teach whole skill in parts3. Provide additional, slow-motion demonstrations to emphasize basic mechanics of eachtype of low-post and perimeter technique4. Provide additional practice trials5. Offer additional help before and after class

E. Modifications for faster learners1. Group more skilled players together2. Allow skilled players to progress at faster pace3. Employ more skilled players to give feedback to beginners (assistants)4. Increase expectation of successful consecutive repetitions during practice drills5. Have faster learners compete against each other to increase challenge of drills

F. Applications to the sport1. Players who are skilled at a variety of low-post and perimeter moves will be difficult tostop defensively and will open up scoring opportunities for teammates2. Effective low-post and perimeter play promotes the concept of draw-and-kick,essential to successful team offense

G. Activity setup1. Maximize space and use as many baskets as possible during practice2. Whenever possible, divide into smaller groups to maximize practice attempts3. Change drills frequently (every 2 to 3 minutes) to maintain student interest4. Avoid having players or students standing in line waiting to participate5. Group faster learners together during activities to promote competition6. Set short-term performance objectives for students during low-post drills and perimeterdrills

Step 7 Moving Without the BallA. Introductory notes

1. About 80% of the time you will not have the ball in your hands2. The four players without the ball should do something productive for their team tocreate scoring opportunities3. What you can do to help your teammates score

B. Key points of technique instruction1. Cuts

a. V-cut (cut to basket, V-cut away from basket, catch and front turn)b. Backdoor cut (take defender high, cut to basket, catch the pass)c. Give-and-go (pass to teammate, fake away from ball, front cut to basket)d. Give-and-go backdoor (pass to teammate, fake toward ball, backdoor cut)e. Flash (quick cut toward the ball)

2. Screensa. Setting the screenb. Seeing the screen


c. Using the screend. Freeing the screene. Using the pick-and-rollf. Using the pick-and-popg. Stretching the traph. Slipping the picki. Using the screen and weave

C. Common errors and solutions1. Error: You circle your change of direction rather than making a sharp cut• Solution: Use a two-count move; take three-quarter step, flex knee to pivot sharply, push off in direction you want to go; shift weight and take long second step2. Error: You do not have enough space on your backdoor cut to get open• Solution: Take defender high; on wing, take defender at least a step above foul lineextended; at point, take defender a step above free throw circle3. Error: With the give-and-go, you do not have enough space to get open• Solution: At point, start give-and-go at least a step above free throw circle; on wing,start a step above foul line extended4. Error: After starting backdoor cut, you stop cutting and the pass is thrown away• Solution: Cut all the way to the basket; passer should pass only if you are open5. Error: As you cut off the screen, you do not create enough space to get open, allowingscreener’s defender to guard you and screener• Solution: Cut far enough past screen to create operating space for you or screener to getopen6. Error: You predetermine the direction of the cut without reading the defense• Solution: Read defense and react to it; do not predetermine or rush cut7. Error: You do not set a strong pick, and defender is able to stay with cutter• Solution: Set screen at an angle that forces defender to go under screen; use wide base,flex knees to maintain balance8. Error: You roll the wrong way after setting screen• Solution: Reverse pivot on inside foot; open body to the ball to see the pass9. Error: You are called for a foul because you used a moving screen• Solution: Use a wide, two-foot jump stop as you set the screen; don’t move10. Error: When using pick-and-pop, you don’t create enough space between you andyour teammate who popped out for a perimeter shot• Solution: Take at least two dribbles past pick to create space for a shot or pass11. Error: You slip the pick before defender steps out, enabling defender to stay with you• Solution: Read defender and wait for defender to step out before slipping the pick andcutting to the basket12. Error: When trying to stretch the trap, you stop your dribble and get trapped• Solution: Make at least two dribbles past pick to create space for shot or pass; keepdribble alive using retreat dribble13. Error: When using flash and backdoor cut, the backdoor cut is made too soon• Solution: Backdoor cutter steps away from basket just as flash cutter catches ball, thenbackdoor cut to the basket is made; timing is everything14. Error: When trying to execute dribble screen and weave, two offensive players bumpinto each other


• Solution: Dribbler goes to inside, receiver cuts behind dribble to outside15. Error: When you set a dribble screen, you get knocked off balance• Solution: Expect to be bumped and maintain balance by widening base and flexingknees as you hand off to teammate

D. Modifications for slower learners1. Slow the pace of setups and performance of drills2. Limit the amount of verbal instruction to one point at a time; teach whole skill in parts3. Provide additional, slow-motion demonstrations to emphasize basic mechanics of eachtype of cut and screen, along with screening plays4. Add defensive players to drills gradually; have defenders gradually increase intensity5. Provide additional practice trials with and without defenders6. Offer additional help before and after class

E. Modifications for faster learners1. Group more skilled players together at specific baskets2. Allow skilled players to progress at faster pace; less review, more participation3. Employ more skilled players to give feedback to beginners (assistants)4. Increase expectation of successful consecutive repetitions during practice drills5. Have players compete against each other in half-court games, requiring use of cuts,screens, and screening options

F. Applications to the sport1. Moving without the ball will help your team create scoring opportunities2. You cannot use offensive skills if you cannot get open3. Use screens on or off the ball to help teammates get open4. Use cuts off screens to get open or help the screener get open if the defender switches5. Keep moving away from ball to make it difficult for defender to see both you and ball6. Be prepared to make quick transition from offense to defense (or vice versa) when ballpossession changes7. Aggressively go after offensive rebounds; assume every shot will be missed

G. Activity setup1. Maximize space and use as many baskets as possible during cuts and screens practice2. Whenever possible, divide into smaller groups to maximize practice attempts3. Change drills frequently (every 2 to 3 minutes) to maintain student interest4. Avoid having players or students standing in line waiting to participate5. Group faster learners together during activities to promote competition6. Have skilled players compete in two-on-two or three-on-three games incorporating cutting and screening

Step 8 Fast BreakA. Introductory notes

1. Creating an easy scoring opportunity by numerical advantage2. Fast break essentials; what is required of players

B. Key points of technique instruction1. Three-lane fast break2. Two-on-one fast break3. Three-on-two fast break4. Four-on-three fast break


5. Fast-break swingC. Common errors and solutions

1. Error: Point guard receiving outlet pass dribbles before looking upcourt• Solution: After catching ball, look for quick pass upcourt to open teammate2. Error: Point guard is denied receiving outlet pass• Solution: Make backdoor cut toward basket; if rebounder is in trouble, come back toball for short pass or handoff3. Error: Player other than the best ball handler dribbles to middle, risking a turnover andmissed scoring opportunity• Solution: Point guard or best ball handler should demand ball and, if necessary, takeball out of teammate’s hands4. Error: Point guard penetrates past foul line before passing, creating congestion• Solution: Penetrate past foul line only if defender gives open lane to basket5. Error: Point guard fails to read defense as they reach scoring area• Solution: Always read defense and take what they give; either pass to cutter or drive tobasket6. Error: Inn three-on-two fast break, wings cut to corners, not to basket• Solution: At three-point line, wings should cut at 45-degree angle toward basket to be inposition for catch-and-shoot bank jump shot, pull-up bank shot, or drive to basket7. Error: In four-on-three fast break, wing player stops dribble prematurely• Solution: Wing player keeps dribble alive until pass to trailer or point can be made8. Error: During fast-break swing, perimeter player looks to shoot first instead of lookingfor pass inside to post or swing pass to weak-side player• Solution: Perimeter player looks inside to post player first, weak-side swing second, andperimeter shot third

D. Modifications for slower learners1. Slow the pace of setups and performance of drills2. Limit the amount of verbal instruction to one point at a time3. Provide additional, slow-motion demonstrations to emphasize basic mechanics of eachtype of fast break and specific player responsibilities4. Add defensive players to fast-break drills gradually and have defenders graduallyincrease intensity5. Provide additional practice trials with and without defenders6. Offer additional help before and after class

E. Modifications for faster learners1. Group more skilled players together at specific baskets or courts2. Allow skilled players to progress at faster pace; less review, more participation3. Employ more skilled players to give feedback to beginners (assistants)4. Increase expectation of successful consecutive repetitions during practice drills5. Have faster learners compete against each other in full-court games, utilizing fast-break fundamentals and concepts

F. Applications to the sport1. Fast-break basketball is exciting for players to play and for fans to watch2. Good defense and rebounding help create fast-break opportunities3. Teams can fast break off missed and made shots4. Transition from defense to offense must be quick and effective


5. Fast break places a premium on physical conditioning, fundamentals, teamwork, andintelligent decisions

G. Activity setup1. Maximize space and use as many baskets as possible during fast-break practice2. Change drills frequently (every 2 to 3 minutes) to maintain student interest3. Use continuous fast-break drills to maximize participation and to avoid having studentsstanding in line waiting to participate4. Group faster learners together during activities to promote competition5. Combine team fast-break practice with team offense practice to maximize use of time

Step 9 Team OffenseA. Introductory notes

1. Basketball is a team game—there is no “I” in team2. Successful team offense depends on intelligent and unselfish play

B. Key points of technique instruction1. Man-to-man offense (passing game): 3-2 open formation

a. Talkb. See the rimc. Maintain spacingd. Backdoor cut when overplayede. Flash between passer and overplayed receiverf. Keep middle openg. Move to vacated spot quicklyh. Know your options at each position (point, wing, baseline, post-up)i. Maintain rebounding and defensive balance

2. Motion offensea. Backdoor cutb. Give-and-goc. Dribble screen and weaved. Down screene. Back pickf. Elbow curlg. Cross screenh. Pick-and-rollg. Draw-and-kick

3. Zone offensea. Odd-even principleb. Fast breakc. Spacing to spread zoned. Move ball to create gaps in zonee. Reverse ballf. Penetrate gapsg. Draw-and-kickh. Cut through zone

C. Common errors and solutions1. Error: When using man-to-man offense, players crowd together near ball or too close


to basket• Solution: Maintain spacing and balance in open formation; spread 15 to 20 feet apart;keep middle open2. Error: When using man-to-man offense, you and your teammates get confused aboutwhat each other is doing• Solution: Communicate (talk!); communication is crucial since passing game is not a setplay offense3. Error: When using man-to-man offense, you and your teammates have difficulty seeingeach other when you get open on a cut, off a screen, or when posting up• Solution: Keep head up to see the rim and the court4. Error: When trying to swing the ball from ball side to weak side, passes are intercepted• Solution: Cut high above circle to receive pass and swing the ball, minimizingdefender’s angle to intercept5. Error: Pressure defense makes it difficult to get open to receive pass• Solution: When defenders overplay and deny, make backdoor and flash cuts6. Error: Fouls are called on you and your teammates for setting illegal screens• Solution: Use jump stop to prevent moving when setting a screen7. Error: When playing against zone defense, ball is kept on perimeter• Solution: Move ball to cause zone to shift, creating gaps; anticipate where gaps will beand send cutters into gaps, looking for a pass; penetrate gaps to draw defenders, and kickball to open teammates

D. Modifications for slower learners1. Slow the pace of setups and performance of drills2. Limit the amount of verbal instruction to one point at a time; teach whole skill in parts3. Provide additional, slow-motion demonstrations to emphasize basic principles andoptions of man-to-man and zone offense4. Add defensive players gradually to man-to-man offense drills; have defendersgradually increase intensity5. Provide additional practice trials with and without defenders6. Offer additional help before and after class

E. Modifications for faster learners1. Group more skilled players together at specific baskets or courts2. Allow skilled players to progress at faster pace; less review, more participation3. Employ more skilled players to give feedback to beginners (assistants)4. Increase expectation of successful consecutive repetitions during practice drills5. Have players compete against each other in full-court games, utilizing man-to-manoffense principles and options

F. Applications to the sport1. Each player must be well grounded in offensive fundamentals for the team’s man-to-man offense to be successful and effective2. Execution is everything; precision is key to motion offense success3. Passing game, or motion offense, provides all five players with opportunities to shoot,pass, dribble, and rebound—every player is involved

G. Activity setup1. Maximize space and use as many baskets as possible during motion offense practice2. Demonstrate motion offense principle to entire group first, then split into smaller


groups for practice time; rotate around courts to provide feedback on execution of skill3. Change motion offense option frequently (every 2 to 3 minutes) to maintainstudent interest4. Combine team offense practice with team defense practice to maximize use of time

Step 10 Team DefenseA. Introductory notes

1. Defense wins games and championships2. Great defense creates offensive opportunities3. Attributes of top defenders—emotional, mental, and physical

B. Key points of technique instruction1. Defense on the ball

a. Turn the dribblerb. Chest on the ballc. Force to the sidelined. Funnel to the middlee. Force to dribble with weak hand

2. Defense off the balla. Help and recoverb. Ball-you-player principlec. Defending ball-side guard with ball at wingd. Defending weak-side guard when other guard has balle. Defending weak-side wing when guard has ballf. Defending weak-side guard with ball at wingg. Defending weak-side wing with ball at wing

3. Defending the low post4. Defending the cutter5. Defending the flash cut6. Defending against the screen7. Defensive rotations8. Zone defense: purposes, types, weaknesses9. Combination defense: purposes, types

C. Common errors and solutions1. Error: You are unable to deny pass after wing fakes step to basket and cuts back for ball• Solution: Ignore wing’s first step to basket; you will have defensive help from weak-side defenders on backdoor pass2. Error: When defending weak side, you are too close to opponent and not in position tohelp on drive or pass inside• Solution: Sag off opponent; see both ball and opponent; communicate with teammatethat you can help3. Error: When defending post, you are unable to deny pass to low post from wing or corner• Solution: As ball is passed around, change sides when necessary but maintain denialposition by stepping in front of low-post player with quick two-step move4. Error: When defending cutter, you allow cutter to get between you and ball


• Solution: Change to closed stance and get lead foot and hand into passing lane to forcecutter to go behind you5. Error: When defending flash cut, opponent flashes high, then beats you on backdoor cut to basket• Solution: Assume closed stance to deny flash high; maintain closed stance as you movewith opponent on backdoor cut; open to ball as pass is thrown to intercept6. Error: When defending against screen, teammate attempts to trail cutter but gets beaton quick cut• Solution: Step out into path of cutter to delay cut7. Error: When defending against screen, teammate is not alert to opponent’s screen• Solution: Communicate with teammate about screen and its direction8. Error: When defending against screen, as you and teammate switch on defense,screener gets open on roll to basket or pop-out for outside shot• Solution: Player being screened works to get defensive position on ball side of screenerafter hearing key word “switch”9. Error: When rotating on defense to defend another player, teammates fail to rotate tocover player you were guarding• Solution: Communicate with teammates about rotation; use sound judgment andteamwork when making defensive rotations

D. Modifications for slower learners1. Slow the pace of setups and performance of drills2. Use smaller games (two-on-two, three-on-three) to emphasize team defense principles, such as defending low post, defending cutter, defending flash cut, and defending against screen3. Limit the amount of verbal instruction to one point at a time; teach whole skill in parts4. Provide additional, slow-motion demonstrations to emphasize basic principles of teamdefense5. Add offensive players gradually to team defense drills; have offensive playersgradually increase intensity of play6. Provide additional practice trials with and without offensive players7. Offer additional help before and after class

E. Modifications for faster learners1. Group more skilled players together at specific baskets or courts2. Allow skilled players to progress at faster pace; less review, more participation3. Employ more skilled players to give feedback to beginners (assistants)4. Increase expectation of successful consecutive repetitions during practice drills5. Have players compete against each other in gamelike competitions, utilizing teamdefense principles and concepts

F. Applications to the sport1. Team defense should dictate and control opponent’s team offense2. Consider strengths and weaknesses of players when deciding what types of defenseswill be most effective3. Emphasize physical conditioning to overcome late-game fatigue on defense4. Experiment with zone and combination defenses

G. Activity setup1. Maximize space and use as many baskets as possible during team defense practice


2. Demonstrate team defense principle to entire group first, then split into smaller groups for practice time; rotate around courts to provide feedback on execution of skill3. Change team defense option frequently (every 2 to 3 minutes) to maintain interest4. Combine team defense practice with team offense practice to maximize use of time5. Use smaller games (two-on-two, three-on-three) first to learn and refine team defensefundamentals, such as defense on the ball and defense off the ball


Documents

Basketball: Steps to Success · Web viewFast break essentials; what is required of players B. Key points of technique instruction 1. Three-lane fast break 2. Two-on-one fast break