Titans Combined Team Practice Guidelines and Suggestions
11 – 20 players
We are requiring combined team practices vs. splitting the court and running your own. Having
more kids involved and fully utilizing the format below will maximize court usage and more
importantly provide a strong framework to effectively teach fundamentals.
The attached is a guideline you can follow to effectively run a practice with 11 – 20 players. You
may not accomplish all of the sections listed below in a single practice, that’s fine. The goal should
be to ensure all facets are covered over a couple of practices, or reduce the number of drills per
section to get to everything. Keeping to a schedule, and providing little down time is important to
an efficient practice. As the players get more comfortable with the program / format, you will
accomplish a lot in a single practice.
Time allowed for each session is also a guideline and should be modified to accommodate specific
areas that require improvement or you would like to focus on. All players should perform all drills.
Do not split by position. To be competitive, every player must be skilled at rebounding, dribbling,
performing post moves etc. Mix things up and remember, any drill can be made into a contest. For
players to improve, it is important to identify poor form and correct it immediately. Once bad
habits are adopted, it is very difficult to correct later on.
Hint: In every drill, don’t focus solely on the specific skill being performed. Reinforce that
everything they do should be in the context of game day. For example, if you are performing a
shooting drill, you should not only be watching the shooters form, but also making sure the person
passing the ball to the shooter is doing it properly, and perhaps more importantly, delivering the ball
at the right time.
In doing this, you are really working multiple drills into every drill you do, which will pay off in the
long run.
In addition to this outline below, visit the Coaches Corner on our website for more links and
practice drills. If you have a drill you would like to share email to info@glenellyntitans.com.
Warm Ups - 10 min.
It is highly suggested that players arrive 10 -15 minutes prior to the start of practice to allow for
adequate time to stretch / warm up. This should be communicated at the beginning of the season to
both the players and parents. With the use of GBW, there is ample room to warm up along the
track, off the courts. Warm up and cool down is critical component to prevent sports related
injuries.
Create a warm up routine that players get familiar with. Incorporate skill development and
conditioning into the routine. Activities can include:
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Running simple 2-3 times around the gym.
Stretching circle with team captains for practice.
Lay-ups
Defensive slide moves
Full court 3 on 2 on 1
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11 Man drill - continuous 3 on 2
Passing drills down the court
3 man weave
Informational website regarding ACL inquiry prevention.
http://www.aclprevent.com/pepprogram.htm
Basic ball handling during this time is also effective, such as
1.
2.
3.
4.
Rotate ball 10 times around each ankle, both directions
Rotate ball 10 times around the waist, both directions
Figure 8 between legs, both directions
Figure 8 dribbling between legs, both directions.
Create a core set of warm up activities you use every practice, and introduce new activities / drills to
keep it fresh as the season progresses. Hint: always asks players to use their weak hand only during
warm up ball handling drills. Over time this will significantly improve their skills.
The following drills are designed to utilize the entire court and 6 baskets as appropriate.
Each practice should be designed for 50 minutes of an hour to be dedicated to skill development
drills and exercises. Cover all the core fundamentals while emphasizing certain aspects throughout
the season as the team develops and demonstrates their improvement needs.
Basic fundamentals should be incorporated in every practice as either part of warm ups and/or a set
time dedicated to these important skills. Over time you will see execution and form will break
down and therefore it is necessary to reinforce the importance of the basics through repetition.
Hint: It is easy for players to get into bad habits or get lazy with passing, etc. Not getting the ball to
your teammate at the appropriate time or where he can effectively do something with the ball
significantly impacts the team’s ability to execute.
Dribbling Basketball Practice Drills - 20 min.
Core ball handing drills
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Cross Over
Reverse Spin
Between Legs
Around the Back
Stop / Pull back / Go
As the players gain confidence with these moves, slowly incorporate additional ball
handling drills from the list below. The idea is to focus on the core before you
introduce the more advanced skills.
6. 2 hands, low and wide
7. Right hand, low and wide
8. Left hand, low and wide
9. Right hand and Left hand inside hand change with change of direction
10. Inside hand change cross over
11. Jump stops with 2 fakes every ¼ court. Good ball faking.
12. Freestyle with change of direction up the court, full speed back with a
jump stop at ¾ court, fake, and pass to next in line.
13. 2 ball dribble to ½ court and back, in sync and alternate
14. vs. defender on two sides of the court, later one on one at half court
As you move into team motion drills emphasize GOOD TECHNIQUE, MOVEMENT AND 100%
EFFORT during the drills. Push them to move hard to assist in conditioning effort.
Improving Speed and Quickness Basketball Practice Drills --- a) Dribble-in, b) Hammer drill, c) Body
Circles drill, e) Figure 8 Passing drill, f) Figure 8 Dribbling drill, g) Blur ball handling drill, h) Straddle Flip
ballhandling drill. *Basketball is a game of speed and quickness. #Kids make a circle at mid-court. Each
player has a basketball. Team's leaders are positioned in the middle and lead the different youth ball
handling drills.
Dribbling Basketball Practice Drill --- a) Speed dribble drill, b) Control dribble drill, c) hesitation dribble
(Stutter dribble) drill, d) Stutter crossover dribble drill, e) Behind-the-back dribble drill, f) Spin dribble (Drag
dribble) drill, g) Between-the-legs dribble drill, h) Inside-out dribble drill, i) Retreat crossover dribble drill, j)
Killer crossover dribble drill, k) Crossover-spin dribble drill, l) Two-basketball dribble drill (change of pace
dribbling/ change of direction dribbling) -- *Kids need to learn to dribble low to the floor, with their butt down,
and protect the basketball (ball sureness). #Make 5 lines on the baseline. Each ball player has a ball. Coach
calls the basketball dribble to be performed, and then blows whistle. Players perform dribble move at both
foul lines extended and at the center court line. These are some advanced dribbling moves that you must
practice daily.
Dribbling Practice Basketball Drill (Cones) --- a) Speed dribble drill, b) Stutter-crossover dribble drill, c)
Behind-the-back dribble drill, d) Spin dribble (Drag dribble) drill, e) Between-the-legs dribble drill, f) Retreatcrossover dribble drill. -- *Kids must perform each basketball move two steps from each orange cone. Kids
need to explosively train to develop a first step. Dribblers need to dribble low to the floor, and explode out of
each basketball move. This is one of the top basketball dribbling drills for kids. #Make 2 lines, one under
each rim. The first three players in each line should have a ball. Set orange cones at the foul line extended
(ten feet from sideline), and at the center-court line (10 feet from middle of the floor). Players dribble at each
orange cone, down and back, finishing tough with a lay-up at both ends of the floor. This is one of the best
basketball dribbling drills to teach youth basketball players to dribble.
Defensive Zigzag Basketball Practice Drill --- *Defenders must learn to apply intelligent pressure on the
ball. Kids must learn to maintain a good defensive basketball stance by staying low, maintaining touching
distance from their man, keeping their nose on the ball, keeping their eyes on the dribbler's belly-button,
sliding their feet, faking at the ball with their hands, and not crossing their feet. #Make 3 lines on the
baseline. The 1st line plays full-court man defense. The 2nd line plays offense and dribbles the ball up the
floor in a zig-zag style. In this simple youth basketball drill, we are trying to teach kids how to play defense
and move their feet (defensive footwork) properly. This is an excellent defensive drill for basketball.
Full Court Warm-up Shooting Basketball Practice Drill --- a) Lay-up shot, b) Reverse lay-up shot, c) 15
Foot bank shot, d) 3-point shot off the dribble. *Kids dribble fast up the floor in as few dribbles as possible.
#Start this warm-up practice drill for youth basketball by making two lines, one under each basket. Each line
has a ball. Kids dribble the ball up the court and shoot the shot requested.
Dribble Penetrate Basketball Practice Drills --- a) Speed dribble drill, b) Inside-out dribble drill, c)
Hesitation dribble drill (Stutter dribble), d) Killer crossover dribble drill. Basketball shots off each dribble --- a)
Lay-up shot, b) Reverse lay-up shot, c) Baby jumper, d) Hop-back, bank shot off the glass. *Lids must
develop a go-to move, and a counter go-to move. Perform each youth basketball dribble move two steps in
front of the defender. #Manager stands two steps from the elbow spot at the foul line extended. Kids driible
at the manager and perform the basketball move called. Kids then must rebound their shot and attack the
cone positioned at the opposite elbow and again perform basketball move called. Kids start and finish the
drill at the opposite 28-foot hash marks on the court. This is a great drill for improving your players' basketball
dribbling skills, espeacially your team's point guard.
Pass-and-Power Up Basketball Practice Drill --- *This basketball handling drill teaches kids to drawand-kick and finish strong in traffic. Learning to finish strong close to the basket with other players trying to
block your shot is an advance basketball skill that must be developed. This outstanding youth basketball
coaching drill does just that. #This drill starts with a player in 4 spots. Make 3 lines - 2 lines of players
positioned in the corner of the floor, and another line at the half court circle. Position 1 player in the power
zone just below the foul line. The middle line players with a basketball attack the defensive player positioned
in the power zone and bounce pass the ball to one of the two players running to the top of the block from
each corner. The corner player receiving the bounce pass tries to score while the opposite corner player and
the middle defensive player tries to challenge his shot. This is one of the best basketball handling drills for
point guards.
Dribble Conditioning Basketball Practice Drill --- a) Speed dribble w/ weak hand, b) Crab dribble, c)
Scissors dribble, d) Two-ball basketball dribble. *Your attitude and hard work is the only thing you can
control. Kids need to practice dribbling two basketballs to develop and improve their ball handling skills. This
ball handling drill is very tough and physically very demanding. #Make 5 lines of players on the baseline.
Each line has 2 basketballs. Each group will make 3 trips down-and-back (one cycle) using a variety of
different ball handling dribbles. The 1st cycle kids speed dribble down-and-back using their weak hand. On
the 2nd cycle, kids perform the tough scissors dribble down the court, and then return using the physically
demanding crab dribble. On the last cycle, kids use 2 basketballs and dribble both down and back dribbling
full-speed... As you can tell, this is also makes a great basketball conditioning drill at the end of your practice
before you shoot free throws.
Passing Basketball Practice Drills - 15 min.
Younger players should focus on 1 through 3 and then incorporate 4 leaving 5 and 6 to be
added once the basics are being performed adequately. For younger players you should
also include team passing number 4 below during the early part of the season as well.
Done without and then with a fake
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Chest – thumbs down
Bounce Pass
2 hand overhead
Step around pass
Defender in the middle – fake high pass low
baseball pass – thumb down
Team passing
1. 11 man rebound outlet at each free throw line. 3 on 2 drill.
2. Star Drill 6 players per side.
3. Zone passing drill, reverse ball quickly, on whistle, entry pass from wing
– kick out to weak side for shot
4. Full court 2 man passing staying 8-10 feet apart shuffle hard down.
5. 4 post full court – teaches you to stay wide
6. 3-man weave down and back or just down. Move fast get ahead of pass.
7. Line at baseline 3 man weave, 2 on 1 back with shooter as defender on
the way back
8. Monkey in the middle. Develop ball fakes, bounce around, footwork.
3-Lane Push Basketball Practice Drill --- *In this passing drill, kids must pass and catch the ball with two
hands. Make sure your kids understand the need for making strong passes. Explain to them that they must
concentrate and catch the ball with soft hands. #Make 3 lines of players on the baseline. Kids in the middle
line all have a ball. This drill starts with the player in the middle passing the ball to the right wing. The right
wing catches the ball and then quickly passes the ball back to the player in the middle. The middle player
then passes the ball to the left wing as all 3 players run straight up the court. Now, when the middle player
catches the ball in the power zone (lane), he uses what is called a jump stop, and makes a bounce pass to 1
of the wings running to the top of the block for the lay-up. As the 1st group reaches half-court, the next group
begins the drill. This is one of the better passing drills in basketball.
3-Man Weave Basketball Practice Drill --- *Players must make good chest passes and catch the ball
without dropping it. #Make 3 lines of kids on the baseline. Kids in the middle line all have a ball. This drill
starts with player in the middle line passing the ball to a player on the wing, and then running hard behind the
receiver and filling the outside lane. Players weave up the floor, passing and catching the ball. Players finish
the drill at the opposite end of the floor by shooting a lay-up. As the basketball goes through the net, the
opposite wing rebounds the ball and starts the weave again. Again, players weave up the floor and end the
drill with a lay-up. This basic basketball drill teaches kids to pass and catch the ball while running full-speed.
5-Man Weave Basketball Practice Drill --- *Players must make good passes, catch all passes, and make
all their lay-ups. #Make 5 lines on the baseline. Each group of 5 players makes 3 cycles (three trips down
and back up the court) weaving up the court for the lay-up. This is one of the best passing drills in basketball.
Blow-out Lay-ups Basketball Practice Drill --- *Player must run hard for their teammates. Run the floor
wide and remember to show a hand target. We must make our lay-ups. #Make 2 lines of players. Station 1
line at the foul shot line extended. Station the other line directly underneath the rim. The kid underneath the
rim rebounds the basketball and takes 2 hard dribbles up the center of the floor. After taking his 2nd dribble,
he then passes the basketball up the floor to his teammate running wide who finishes with a lay-up. The
passer runs to the opposite foul line extended, and then runs hard back up the floor as the new pass
receiver. The original shooter gets the basketball and then makes 2 strong dribbles up the center of the floor
and hits his teammate for the lay-up. This is an excellent basketball conditioner drill.
3 on 2/ 2 on 1 Fast Break Basketball Practice Drill --- *We want to make every basketball fast break a 2
on 1. We are aour players to constantly look for opportunities to attack the basket. Kids must learn to read
defenses and take what the defenses gives them. We want our kids to use a bounce pass in the paint.
#Make 3 lines of players on the baseline, and position 2 players at the opposite end of the floor stacked in
the middle of the floor just below the top of the key.
The full court basketball drill starts with the middle line passing the ball (outlet) to the right wing. The passer
the runs behind the right wing and fills the outside lane up the floor. The receiver dribbles the ball back to the
middle of the floor and attacks the top defensive player at the opposite end of the floor. The offensive dribbler
must pick a side to attack the defensive tandem. If the dribbler attacks left, the right wing flashes to the top of
the block, and the left wing spaces to the 3-point line. The offensive dribbler looks to score or draws-andkicks to his open teammate. After taking the shot, the player who shot the ball must sprint back on defense.
The original 2 defenders, then fast break to the opposite end of the court. Again, the ball handler looks to
score, or draws-and-kicks to his teammate running to the top of the block for the lay-up.
Early Break/ Speed Break Basketball Practice Drills --- a) 5 vs. 3, b) 5 vs. 2, c) 5 vs. 1. *This basketball
transition drill is design to teach players how to run our fastbreak, and the various shots we are looking to
shoot. #This is the transition basketball drill we use to teach player roles and assignments for properly
executing our fast break offense. We use what we call a Early break after all missed shots. After a made
shot, we run what we call our Speed break.
Defensive Position - 5 - 10 minutes
1. Use the entire court, with players facing the side with two baskets. Have
everyone spread out and get into the proper defensive stance. Blow
whistle and point in different directions, as players drop step and move in
that quickly in that direction.
2. Players line up down the center court. Defensive position, slide back and
forth touching the extended free throw lanes with their feet.
3. Defend against a player with the ball in a defined space, i.e. Lanes down
court. Teach to drop step and cut off.
4. Start at corner. Shuffles the entire court zigzagging backwards down one
length of the court and back on the other side
5. One on one roll the ball out from baseline to free throw lane. Develop
good defensive positioning and one on one defending.
6. 5 on 5 Shell Defense. Ball movement, defensive positioning and help
line development. Can do 4 on 4 also.
7. Defensive Double teaming.
Shooting Basketball Practice Drills - 15 min.
Drills 1 to 5 can be done with 2 free throws. Drills 1 to 3 have one person doing
conditioning in the middle of the floor. Use all 6 baskets. Younger kids should be spending
the majority of their time on number 1, 2, 3 and 6, while coaches reinforce proper form.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Shooting form on back, shoot 4-6 ft above face.
Wall shots, 5 ft from an open wall shoot the ball 10-13 ft up the wall
Shooting form, 3-12 feet from basket – start with one hand only
No dribble Mikan
Two dribble Mikan
Up the middle and around the corner lay ups. 2 players stand on free
throw lane. – 3 at a basket.
7. 12 to 14 ft jumpers moving across the lane – 3 at a basket.
8. 5 spot shooting – 3 to a basket, 12-15 ft jumper, 1 ball and follow your
shot. 3 different shots at each spot.
9. One on one from baseline to free throw, roll out and defend. Shooter
shoots or ball fakes and drives. Works ball fakes. Rotate.
Split Team at both half courts.
10. 2 balls - 3 groups combine at one basket, V cut with 12-15 ft jumpers,
games to 15
11. One line at time line the other on the opposite side. Ball starts at timeline,
dribble to free throw, pass to other line who is moving to a shooting
position. Shooter shoots follows shot. Fast rotation and get as many
shots in. Could hold competition to a certain made #. Rotate to different
positions of floor. Could add defender to dribbler or shooter.
12. Post Moves. Player at block, defender and passer from wing. Rotate to
other side on a make or miss. Defender moves to offense, passer to
block. Moves include drop step high or low, up and under, left hand,
hook shot.
1 Hand Shooting Basketball Practice Drill --- *Player's shooting arm elbow should be directly above his
foot and tucked in. The shooter's elbow keeps the shot straight. Shooters must bend their arm and make the
L. #Shooters stands close to the rim and form shoot trying to groove his shot. Each shooter must make ten
baskets without hitting the rim.
Two Player Shooting Basketball Practice Drill --- *Kids should stand bent over with their shooting hand foot
back. As you catch the ball, swing your shooting hand foot forward to help you quickly lift the ball up and into
your shot. Remember, the target is the center of the rim. Always finish your shot with your elbow above your
eyebrows, and be sure to hold your follow-thru. #Start this youth basketball shooting drill with teams of 2
shooters positioned at each elbow. Shooters quickly shoot and try to score (two points). If the player misses,
he must rebound the ball and score a lay-up (one point). After making a basket, the rebounder quickly
passes the ball to his partner for the next shot. The game continues until 1 team scores twenty-one points.
Below are the different moves and shots we practice.
a) Catch and Shoot (elbow/ wing, elbow/ elbow, wing/ short corner, wing/ top-of-key) --- *Try to shoot
quickly, but do not rush your shot.
b) Pump Fake, 1 Dribble, Jump Shot (top of the key/wing) --- *Shooters must catch the basketball on
balance, shoot the basketball on balance, and land on balance. Remember, it is not how high you jump, but
how quickly you can shoot the basketball that's important.
c) Jab Step, Shot (top of the key/wing) --- *Use a 6-inch jab step. Make sure to keep your knees bent and
read the defense.
d) Shot Fake, 2 Dribble, Jump Shot (top of the key/wing) --- *Execute a pump fake before you dribble.
Dribble the ball low and hard. Try to get a piece of the paint. Always shoot on the way up. Make sure you
follow your shots with your hands above your head.
Team Three-point Shooting Basketball Practice Drill --- *Shoot with a high, 60 degree arc on your shot.
Hold a high 1 second follow-thru. Don't miss the shot right or left. Make sure you follow your shot with your
hands up. #Groups of shooters compete against each other to see who can score the most baskets the
quickest. Each group must make 5 three-point shots at each three-point shooting position (both wings, both
corners, and at the top of the key). Each group has a member station under the basket to rebound the first
shot.
Low Block Shooting Basketball Practice Drill --- a) Drop step, power lay-up, b) Turnaround jump shot
(baseline side), c) Turnaround, pump fake, up-and-under basketball shot, d) Drop step, middle jump hook
shot. *Kids must catch the ball with both feet in the air. Learn to chin the ball with your elbows out. Read of
the defense by looking over your outside shoulder. #Make 2 lines of players underneath the goal stationed at
the lane lines. Kids cut across the lane and catch the pass on the first hash above the block. Kids quickly
shoot the shot called and then relocate to the end of the opposite line.
Sooner Intensity Shooting Drill --- *The dribble before a player begins his shot should be a high, quick
explosive dribble to swiftly get into your shot. #Kids start with ball in the lane. They then make 2 hard dribbles
away from the basket and shoot the ball off the dribble. Each player gets his own rebound and repeats the
process. The winner of this youth basketball drill is the youngster who makes ten shots the fastest.
Line Shooting Basketball Drill --- *Players must play bent over and catch and pivot on their inside foot.
#Players hustle from elbow-to-elbow shooting the ball (curling into their jump shot). Youth basketball
shooting drill end when a shooter makes 10 shots.
Boxing Out Basketball Practice Drills - 10 min.
1. 4 offensive players are located 15 -18 feet from the basket. They should
line up in a square. Two out from the elbow and two off the low post
box. The 4 defenders are lined up in a single line down the middle of the
free throw lane. The coach throws the ball to one of the 4 offensive
players who will take the shot. The first defender (standing on the free
throw line) always moves to the person on the side the ball was passed.
The other three alternate sides to pick up each man. When the player
shoots the ball, all offensive players move for the rebound. The
defenders find their man and box them out.
2. Align two players (similar in size/position) 15 feet in front of you with
their backs to you. They should be shoulder to shoulder. Bounce the ball
hard on the ground. When they hear the ball hit the floor, they turn to
face you and screen out the other player each fighting to get the ball.
3. Three shooters at arc, coach under basket, two defenders at block. Coach
passes to one, defenders box out non shooters for rebound. Shooter does
not rebound..
Circle Block Out Rebounding Drill --- a) Spin off rebound technique, b) Hook and pin rebound
technique, c) Back stroke rebound technique. *Getting rebounding is 66% desire and 24% ability. #This is a
college basketball drill used to teach players different rebounding techniques to gain inside position on their
opposition.
2 on 2 Boxing Out Basketball Practice Drill --- *Block out and fight for inside position. Players must
make and maintain contact, and stay between the ball and their opponent. #Start with 2 lines of players
underneath the basket. The 1st players in each line play defense, and the next player in each line plays on
offense. The coach dribbles the ball down the middle towards the 2 defensive players who must pinch and
seal the gap with their inside foot high. As the coach shoots the shot, the two offensive players stationed on
the baseline sprint to block-out and rebound the shot. The 4 players then battle for the control of the
rebound. If the offense gets the ball, they try to score swiftly. If a player on defens gets the ball, he then must
outlet the ball to the manager.
Bronx Boxing Out Basketball Practice Drill --- *Kids must make and maintain contact on all block outs.
We block out every day, every drill, all the time. #Start with 3 players in the lane. Each player tries to rebound
the basketball and score. Each basket scored counts 1 point. Each player plays until he scores 3 points. As 1
player finishes, a new player jumps in to continue the drill. All players stay in the lane and battle as long as it
takes for them to score 3 points.
3-on-3 Closeout/Boxing Out Basketball Practice Drill --- *Close-out smart. Kids must get a hand up
and contest every shot. Then 3/4 turn on the perimeter with your arm-bar up. Block-out and rebound the
basketball. No offensive rebounds. #Start the drill with 3 offensive players on the perimeter, and 3 defensive
players under the basket in the lane. The coach then passes the ball to 1 of the offensive players. On the airtime of the pass, defensive players begin to either closeout or assume the proper defensive position
guarding their man. Offense tries to score and defense tries to gain possession of the basketball. If offense
scores a basket, then the same defensive players must go again until they get a stop.
Practice ending conditioning:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Suicide Drills. Add free throw makes.
Tip Drill full and half court.
Defensive shuffling side line to side line.
Sprints side line to side line.
Team Scrimmaging
I would strongly suggest keeping these to a minimum. Kids love to
scrimmage and will ask you everyday if you are going to scrimmage today.
Don’t’ give into this. Kids don’t improve their skills during a scrimmage;
they can only execute what they have learned. So use your practice time for
teaching and games for executing.
1. Fast Break Drilling and Scrimmage play: An effective way to scrimmage
but yet add conditioning and game awareness is 5 on 5 on 5. Need
pennies for each team or similar shirts. 5 on 5 to start. The half court left
open is filled by another set of 5. 5 players score or defend with a
rebound, they turn and face the new 5 on the other end. Compete with
teams and create high fast break energy.
2. Controlled game situations are encouraged to work on breaking the press,
or running your offense against different defensive sets.
Team Breakout – 15 minutes a practice average. (split into your teams)
1.
2.
3.
4.
Work on offensive sets
Out of bounds plays
Press breaking
Review foul shot boxing out and responsibilities and outlet play.
Ideally this is something the entire grade can participate in and be consistent
throughout the grade. Coaches at each grade level should share ideas on
offenses, defenses, press breaking and out of bounds plays. This enables
coaches to entertain having a player play with another team if needed.
Team Offenses and Defenses
The Titans philosophy is supported by our goal of creating players for the high school. 8th grade
teams should familiarize themselves with GBW freshman theories to prepare them for the next
season.
Offense: Motion movement with limited set plays for certain situations. Offenses should be
prepared to challenge man to man defenses, trapping defenses and 2-3 zones.
Defense: Aggressive man to man play or a trapping defense such as 1-3-1. 2-3 zone should be
used at the very minimum.
Shell Defense Basketball Practice Drill --- a) 4 on 4 around-the-horn, b) 4 on 4 penetrate and dish, c) 4 on
4 with low-post, d) 4 on 4 with two offensive players in the corner. *Ultimate drill for teaching all of our man
defensive rules. #Listed above are the situations we use to constantly reinforce to our players our man
defense tactics. Each group of four players must play winning defense before we change player groups on
the court.
Team Offense Basketball Drills --- a) Motion offense, b) Even font zone offense, c) Odd front zone
offense, d) Match up zone offense, e) Flex offense, f) 1-4 High offense, g) Delay game offense, h) Full court
zone press offense, i) Full court match up press offense, and j) Half court press offense.
Basketball Offensive Plays Drills --- a) Man offense basketball plays, b) Zone offense plays, c) Baseline
inbounds plays, d) Sideline inbounds plays, e) Last second plays.
Team Defense Breakdown --- a) Zone defense slides, b) 1 2 1 1 Press slides, c) 2 2 1 Press slides, d) 1
3 1 Half-court press slides, e) Under out-of-bounds defense, f) Triangle and Two, g) Box-and-1.
Basketball Game Preparation --- *Review of our opponent's scouting report - man-to-man offense,
offensive plays, inbounds plays, press breakers, basketball defenses, zone slides, press defense, and
individual players.
Kid's Free Throw Shooting Practice Drills - 10 min.
Make 10 Free Throws in a Row --- *To win the big games, you must get to the free throw line, and then
you must make your foul shots.
Free Throw Practice Shooting Drill (make X) --- *Kids must concentrate and learn to relax when
shooting free throws. Kids must learn to eliminate thinking while shooting free throws. Here is the foul
shooting technique that we coach: a) See the basketball go in twice, b) Use 3 dribbles, c) Tell yourself bounce, bounce, bounce, SWISH! as you let it rip. Always remember, the squad that gets to the foul line the
most, usually wins 85% of the time. #Use this basic basketball drill to improve foul shooting
Additional Resources
This is just a list of suggested practice drills and format. Our web is a great source for additional
drills and plays. Visit our website to view some of those we have selected.