Basketball: Steps to Success, 2E
Course Outline
The Sport of Basketball
A. History
1. Origin of the game—James Naismith
2. YMCA Training School
3. NIT and NCAA
4. NBA and Olympics
5. Worldwide competition and participation
B. Equipment and facilities
1. Shoes and clothing
2. Basketballs
3. Backboard and rim
4. Playing court
5. Three-point line
C. Playing the game
1. Essential skills
2. Common player positions
3. Basketball rules
4. Timing regulations
D. Fouls
1. Purpose
2. Penalties
3. Disqualification
4. Free throws
5. Types
E. Violations
1. Ball-handling
2. Time
F. Warm-up and cool-down
1. Purpose of warm-up
2. Offensive footwork activities
3. Defensive footwork activities
4. Cool down by stretching
Step 1 Balance and Quickness
A. Introductory notes
1. Define balance and quickness
2. Explain how to develop good footwork
B. Key points of technique instruction
1. Offensive stance
2. Defensive stance
3. Change of pace
4. Change of direction
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5. Stopping
6. One-two stop
7. Jump stop
8. Pivoting and turning
9. Jumping
10. Side step or slide
11. Attack and retreat
12. Reverse or drop step
C. Common errors and solutions
1. Error: Off balance in offensive stance
• Solution: Flex knees to get low rather than bending at waist
2. Error: Off balance in defensive stance
• Solution: Keep head over waist, hands above waist level, elbows flexed, arms close to
body
3. Error: Unable to make quick change of pace from slow to fast
• Solution: Push forcefully off back foot to accelerate quickly
4. Error: Unable to pivot sharply
• Solution: Use a three-quarter first step and flex knee; pivot sharply and push off; shift
weight and take a long second step
5. 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 base
6. 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
flexed
7. 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 a
balanced stance
8. Error: When jumping with two feet, you do not get an explosive takeoff, limiting
height of jump
• Solution: Flex knees more; forcefully push against floor; reach high toward rim
9. 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 momentum
10. 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 them
closer than shoulder width
11. Error: When drop stepping on defense, you turn away from opponent’s move, losing
sight of opponent
• Solution: Drop step in direction of opponent’s move, keeping eyes on opponent
D. Modifications for slower learners
1. Slow the pace of setups and performance of drills
2. Limit the amount of verbal instruction to one point at a time; teach whole skill in parts
3. Provide additional, slow-motion demonstrations to emphasize basic mechanics
4. Offer additional help before and after class
E. Modifications for faster learners
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1. Group more skilled players together
2. Allow skilled players to progress at faster pace
3. Employ more skilled players to give feedback to beginners (assistants)
4. Increase expectation of successful consecutive repetitions during practice drills
F. Applications to the sport
1. Proper footwork is the foundation for executing each fundamental skill of basketball
with a high level of balance and quickness
2. Being ready to start, stop, and move in any direction with quickness and balance on
offense or defense requires proper footwork
G. Activity setup
1. Maximize and use as much basketball court space as possible
2. 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 attempts
4. Change drills frequently (every 2 to 3 minutes) to maintain student interest
5. Avoid having players or students standing in line waiting to participate
Step 2 Passing and Catching
A. Introductory notes
1. Principles of passing
2. Uses of passes in a game
3. Different types of passes for game situations
a. Chest pass
b. Bounce pass
c. Overhead pass
d. Sidearm pass
e. Baseball pass
f. Behind-the-back pass
g. Catching passes away from the scoring area
B. Key points of technique instruction
1. Locate target
2. Maintain balanced stance
3. Keep hands behind ball in a relaxed position
4. Generate force on ball by extending arms and snapping wrists
5. Take step toward target to generate additional force on pass
6. Release ball off first and second fingers
7. Follow through with arm(s) and fingers extended toward target
C. Common errors and solutions
1. Error: Chest pass lacks force
• Solution: Start pass with elbows in; force wrists and fingers through the ball
2. Error: Bounce pass bounces too high and is too slow
• Solution: Start pass from waist level and aim ball’s bounce closer to receiver
3. Error: Overhead pass lacks force and accuracy
• Solution: Generate force by keeping elbows in, flexing wrists and fingers, and
extending legs, back, and arms; produce accuracy by pointing first and second fingers of
each hand toward target
© 2005 Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc.
4. Error: Sidearm pass lacks force and accuracy
• Solution: Generate force by keeping elbows in, flexing wrists and fingers, and
extending legs, back, and arms; produce accuracy by pointing first and second fingers of
each hand toward target
5. Error: Baseball pass curves
• Solution: Keep passing hand directly behind ball and point fingers at target
6. 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 release
7. 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 learners
1. Slow the pace of setups and performance of drills
2. Limit the amount of verbal instruction to one point at a time; teach whole skill in parts
3. Provide additional, slow-motion demonstrations to emphasize basic mechanics
4. Have players passing to each other stand closer together, gradually increasing distance
5. Offer additional help before and after class
E. Modifications for faster learners
1. Group more skilled players together
2. Allow skilled players to progress at faster pace
3. Employ more skilled players to give feedback to beginners (assistants)
4. Increase expectation of successful consecutive repetitions during practice drills
5. Increase distance between passers and add defenders to increase challenge
F. Applications to the sport
1. During a game, knowing when and where to pass under pressure provides a chance to
score and keeps a team from losing the ball through interceptions
2. Passes help get the ball out of a congested area
3. Passes help move the ball quickly up the court on a fast break
4. Passes help set up offensive plays
5. Passes move the ball around to create opportunities to score
G. Activity setup
1. Maximize and use as much basketball court space as possible
2. Whenever possible, divide into smaller groups to maximize practice attempts
3. Change drills frequently (every 2 to 3 minutes) to maintain student interest
4. Avoid having players or students standing in line waiting to participate
5. Group faster learners together during activities to maintain student interest
Step 3 Dribbling
A. Introductory notes
1. Dribbling is an integral part of basketball
2. When and when not to use the dribble
3. Learning to minimize the use of a dribble
4. Types of dribbles for game situations
a. Control
b. Speed
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c. Footfire
d. Change-of-pace
e. Retreat
f. Crossover
g. Inside-out
h. Reverse
i. Behind-the-back
B. Key points of technique instruction
1. Keep head up; see the rim and your teammates
2. Snap wrist to generate force on the ball
3. Use fingertips to control the basketball
4. Bounce the ball no higher than waist level
5. Use nondribbling hand to protect the dribble
6. Pass to open teammate whenever possible
C. Common errors and solutions
1. Error: You look at ball when dribbling
• Solution: Keep head up and rim in view
2. Error: You take too many dribbles
• Solution: Push each dribble out at waist level and run after it, keeping number of
dribbles to a minimum
3. Error: During one-two stop after speed dribble, you lose balance forward and drag
pivot 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 up
4. Error: You are unstable during footfire dribble
• Solution: Emphasize complete balance and control with feet shoulder-width apart and
knees flexed
5. 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 lower
6. Error: You have trouble retreating quickly when using retreat dribble
• Solution: Do not lean forward; maintain balance, and use short, quick retreat steps
7. Error: You dribble the ball too high or too wide when changing directions
• Solution: Dribble at knee level and close to body
8. Error: Your inside-out dribble is not deceptive
• Solution: Make a head fake in the opposite direction
9. 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 hand
10. 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 learners
1. Slow the pace of setups and performance of drills
2. Limit the amount of verbal instruction to one point at a time; teach whole skill in parts
3. Provide additional, slow-motion demonstrations to emphasize basic mechanics of each
© 2005 Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc.
type of dribble
4. Offer additional help before and after class
E. Modifications for faster learners
1. Group more skilled players together
2. Allow skilled players to progress at faster pace
3. Employ more skilled players to give feedback to beginners (assistants)
4. Increase expectation of successful consecutive repetitions during practice drills
5. Have faster learners play defense against dribbler to increase challenge of drills
6. Have faster learners use weak hand during dribbling drills
F. Applications to the sport
1. Dribbling moves the ball out of a congested area when passing to a teammate is
impossible, such as after a rebound or when double teamed
2. Dribbling advances the ball up the court when no receivers are open, especially against
pressure defenses
3. Dribbling moves the ball up the court on a fast break when teammates are not open in
position to score
4. Dribbling helps penetrate the defense for a drive to the basket
5. Dribbling helps draw a defender to you to create an opening for a teammate
6. Dribbling helps set up offensive plays
7. Dribbling improves your position or angle before you pass to a teammate
8. Dribbling helps a player create space, or an opening, for a shot
9. Develop dribbling skills with both hands so that defenders cannot key on weak hand
G. Activity setup
1. Maximize and use as much basketball court space as possible
2. Whenever possible, divide into smaller groups to maximize practice attempts
3. Change drills frequently (every 2 to 3 minutes) to maintain student interest
4. Avoid having players or students standing in line waiting to participate
5. Group faster learners together during activities to promote competition
Step 4 Shooting
A. Introductory notes
1. Shooting is the most important skill in basketball
2. Shooting mechanics, confidence, and rhythm
3. Types of shots
a. One-hand set shot
b. Free throw
c. Jump shot
d. Three-point shot
e. Hook shot
f. Layup
g. Runner
B. Key points of technique instruction
1. Sight
2. Balance
3. Hand position
4. Elbow-in alignment
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5. Shooting motion
6. Follow-through
7. Shooting off the catch
8. Shooting off the dribble
C. Common errors and solutions
1. Error: Mechanics appear to be correct, but you still miss the basket
• Solution: Concentrate on target, not on ball’s flight, until ball reaches basket
2. Error: You feel tense before and during a free throw
• Solution: Use deep breathing to relax mind and body; breathe in deeply and exhale fully
3. Error: When attempting a jump shot, you lower ball for rhythm, lengthening shooting
stroke, 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 than
lowering the ball
4. 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 spot
5. Error: Three-point shots are consistently short
• Solution: Use more leg to generate force; emphasize follow-through and shooting
rhythm
6. Error: When attempting hook shot, you lose protection and ball control as you shoot
• Solution: Keep balance hand on ball until release
7. 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 can
quickly dip takeoff knee and create upward momentum; on takeoff, lift opposite knee
straight up
8. Error: When attempting to shoot off a catch, you receive the ball but lower it
before shooting, creating a slow release
• Solution: Catch the ball in position to shoot, keeping the ball high; catch and shoot in
one smooth motion
9. 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 motion
10. 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 learners
1. Slow the pace of setups and performance of drills
2. Limit the amount of verbal instruction to one point at a time; teach whole skill in parts
3. Provide additional, slow-motion demonstrations to emphasize basic mechanics of each
type of shot
4. Have slower learners practice shooting close to the basket
5. Depending on age of slower learner, use smaller basketballs and lower baskets
6. Offer additional help before and after class
E. Modifications for faster learners
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1. Group more skilled players together
2. Allow skilled players to progress at faster pace
3. Employ more skilled players to give feedback to beginners (assistants)
4. Increase expectation of successful consecutive repetitions during practice drills
5. Have faster learners play defense against shooters to increase challenge of drills
6. Move faster learners farther away from basket to increase difficulty of shots
F. Applications to the sport
1. Teams cannot score if players cannot shoot
2. Always try to create a high-percentage shot as close to the basket as possible
3. Players and teams should not fall in love with the three-point line; low-percentage shot
4. Confidence and concentration are keys to successful free throw shooting
5. Hook shots are hard to block and are high-percentage shots
6. To become a real perimeter offensive threat, shooters must develop the ability to shoot
off the catch and shoot off the dribble
G. Activity setup
1. Maximize the space and use as many baskets as possible
2. Whenever possible, divide into smaller groups to maximize practice attempts
3. Change drills frequently (every 2 to 3 minutes) to maintain student interest
4. Avoid having players or students standing in line waiting to participate
5. Group faster learners together during activities to promote competition
6. Set short-term performance objectives (shooting goals) for students during drills
Step 5 Rebounding
A. Introductory notes
1. Prerequisites of successful rebounding
2. 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 rebounding
a. 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 instruction
1. Peripheral vision
2. Balanced stance
3. Inside position
4. Hands up
5. Time your jump
6. Catch the ball with two hands
7. Protect ball by keeping elbows out
8. Come down in balanced, strong stance
C. Common errors and solutions
1. Error: When going after defensive rebound, you watch the ball and your opponent cuts
by you
• Solution: Locate opponent first, get inside position, block out or check, then go for ball
© 2005 Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc.
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 feet
3. Error: When rebounding, you have trouble holding onto the ball
• Solution: Catch ball with two hands
4. Error: When rebounding, opponent hooks an arm over yours for leverage
• Solution: Keep hands up
5. 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 learners
1. Slow the pace of setups and performance of drills
2. Limit the amount of verbal instruction to one point at a time; teach whole skill in parts
3. Provide additional, slow-motion demonstrations to emphasize basic mechanics of each
type of defensive and offensive rebounding technique
4. Provide additional practice trials
5. Offer additional help before and after class
E. Modifications for faster learners
1. Group more skilled players together
2. Allow skilled players to progress at faster pace
3. Employ more skilled players to give feedback to beginners (assistants)
4. Increase expectation of successful consecutive repetitions during practice drills
5. Have faster learners rebound against each other to increase challenge of drills
6. Move faster learners farther away from basket to increase rebounding difficulty
F. Applications to the sport
1. You can never rebound too much
2. The team that controls the backboard usually controls the game
3. Emotional rebounding essentials—desire, courage, anticipation
4. Mental rebounding essentials—learn about opponent, check rim and backboard
5. Physical rebounding essentials—quickness, jumping ability, muscular strength
G. Activity setup
1. Maximize space and use as many baskets as possible during rebounding practice
2. Whenever possible, divide into smaller groups to maximize practice attempts
3. Change drills frequently (every 2 to 3 minutes) to maintain student interest
4. Avoid having players or students standing in line waiting to participate
5. Group faster learners together during activities to promote competition
6. Set short-term performance objectives (rebounding goals) for students during drills
Step 6 Offensive Moves With The Ball
A. Introductory notes
1. Developing into an unselfish one-on-one player
2. Concept of draw-and-kick in team basketball
3. Essential low-post moves
4. Essential perimeter moves
B. Key points of technique instruction
1. Low-post moves
a. Drop-step baseline power move (defender top side, drop-step baseline, power
move)
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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-turn
baseline, fake shot, crossover middle, shoot hook shot)
2. Perimeter moves
a. Triple threat to shoot, pass, or drive
1. See the rim and defender
2. Head over waist
3. Back straight
4. Block-and-tuck hand position
5. Ball moving high
6. Knees flexed
7. Feet shoulder-width apart
8. Weight on pivot (back) foot
9. 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 solutions
1. Error: When trying to use low-post move, you land with a one-two stop and can use
only one foot to pivot, not two
• Solution: Land with jump stop so you can use either foot for pivoting
2. 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 read
defender’s position; then make your move
3. Error: You front turn to the middle without thinking, which limits your moves to a
jump shot in the middle or a crossover and hook from the baseline, both of which are
difficult
• Solution: Consider defender’s position; when in doubt, front turn to baseline so you can
use bank jump shot or crossover step to the middle and hook
4. Error: You dribble the ball before making your low-post move
• Solution: Make your move without dribbling; save the dribble until after crossover step
and after defender responds to first move
5. 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 shoulder
6. Error: In triple-threat position, you dribble ball before making your move
• Solution: Make move without dribbling first; save dribble
7. 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 foot
quickly to shoot, pass, or dribble
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8. Error: On a drive to the basket, you dribble too wide, allowing the defender more time
to recover against your drive
• Solution: Dribble behind defender to close the gap and cut off defender’s retreat step
D. Modifications for slower learners
1. Slow the pace of setups and performance of drills
2. Limit the amount of verbal instruction to one point at a time; teach whole skill in parts
3. Provide additional, slow-motion demonstrations to emphasize basic mechanics of each
type of low-post and perimeter technique
4. Provide additional practice trials
5. Offer additional help before and after class
E. Modifications for faster learners
1. Group more skilled players together
2. Allow skilled players to progress at faster pace
3. Employ more skilled players to give feedback to beginners (assistants)
4. Increase expectation of successful consecutive repetitions during practice drills
5. Have faster learners compete against each other to increase challenge of drills
F. Applications to the sport
1. Players who are skilled at a variety of low-post and perimeter moves will be difficult to
stop defensively and will open up scoring opportunities for teammates
2. Effective low-post and perimeter play promotes the concept of draw-and-kick,
essential to successful team offense
G. Activity setup
1. Maximize space and use as many baskets as possible during practice
2. Whenever possible, divide into smaller groups to maximize practice attempts
3. Change drills frequently (every 2 to 3 minutes) to maintain student interest
4. Avoid having players or students standing in line waiting to participate
5. Group faster learners together during activities to promote competition
6. Set short-term performance objectives for students during low-post drills and perimeter
drills
Step 7 Moving Without the Ball
A. Introductory notes
1. About 80% of the time you will not have the ball in your hands
2. The four players without the ball should do something productive for their team to
create scoring opportunities
3. What you can do to help your teammates score
B. Key points of technique instruction
1. 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. Screens
a. Setting the screen
b. Seeing the screen
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c. Using the screen
d. Freeing the screen
e. Using the pick-and-roll
f. Using the pick-and-pop
g. Stretching the trap
h. Slipping the pick
i. Using the screen and weave
C. Common errors and solutions
1. 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 step
2. 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 line
extended; at point, take defender a step above free throw circle
3. 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 extended
4. 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 open
5. Error: As you cut off the screen, you do not create enough space to get open, allowing
screener’s defender to guard you and screener
• Solution: Cut far enough past screen to create operating space for you or screener to get
open
6. Error: You predetermine the direction of the cut without reading the defense
• Solution: Read defense and react to it; do not predetermine or rush cut
7. 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 balance
8. Error: You roll the wrong way after setting screen
• Solution: Reverse pivot on inside foot; open body to the ball to see the pass
9. 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 move
10. Error: When using pick-and-pop, you don’t create enough space between you and
your teammate who popped out for a perimeter shot
• Solution: Take at least two dribbles past pick to create space for a shot or pass
11. 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 and
cutting to the basket
12. 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; keep
dribble alive using retreat dribble
13. 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, then
backdoor cut to the basket is made; timing is everything
14. Error: When trying to execute dribble screen and weave, two offensive players bump
into each other
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• Solution: Dribbler goes to inside, receiver cuts behind dribble to outside
15. Error: When you set a dribble screen, you get knocked off balance
• Solution: Expect to be bumped and maintain balance by widening base and flexing
knees as you hand off to teammate
D. Modifications for slower learners
1. Slow the pace of setups and performance of drills
2. Limit the amount of verbal instruction to one point at a time; teach whole skill in parts
3. Provide additional, slow-motion demonstrations to emphasize basic mechanics of each
type of cut and screen, along with screening plays
4. Add defensive players to drills gradually; have defenders gradually increase intensity
5. Provide additional practice trials with and without defenders
6. Offer additional help before and after class
E. Modifications for faster learners
1. Group more skilled players together at specific baskets
2. Allow skilled players to progress at faster pace; less review, more participation
3. Employ more skilled players to give feedback to beginners (assistants)
4. Increase expectation of successful consecutive repetitions during practice drills
5. Have players compete against each other in half-court games, requiring use of cuts,
screens, and screening options
F. Applications to the sport
1. Moving without the ball will help your team create scoring opportunities
2. You cannot use offensive skills if you cannot get open
3. Use screens on or off the ball to help teammates get open
4. Use cuts off screens to get open or help the screener get open if the defender switches
5. Keep moving away from ball to make it difficult for defender to see both you and ball
6. Be prepared to make quick transition from offense to defense (or vice versa) when ball
possession changes
7. Aggressively go after offensive rebounds; assume every shot will be missed
G. Activity setup
1. Maximize space and use as many baskets as possible during cuts and screens practice
2. Whenever possible, divide into smaller groups to maximize practice attempts
3. Change drills frequently (every 2 to 3 minutes) to maintain student interest
4. Avoid having players or students standing in line waiting to participate
5. Group faster learners together during activities to promote competition
6. Have skilled players compete in two-on-two or three-on-three games incorporating
cutting and screening
Step 8 Fast Break
A. Introductory notes
1. Creating an easy scoring opportunity by numerical advantage
2. Fast break essentials; what is required of players
B. Key points of technique instruction
1. Three-lane fast break
2. Two-on-one fast break
3. Three-on-two fast break
4. Four-on-three fast break
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5. Fast-break swing
C. 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 teammate
2. Error: Point guard is denied receiving outlet pass
• Solution: Make backdoor cut toward basket; if rebounder is in trouble, come back to
ball for short pass or handoff
3. Error: Player other than the best ball handler dribbles to middle, risking a turnover and
missed scoring opportunity
• Solution: Point guard or best ball handler should demand ball and, if necessary, take
ball out of teammate’s hands
4. Error: Point guard penetrates past foul line before passing, creating congestion
• Solution: Penetrate past foul line only if defender gives open lane to basket
5. 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 to
basket
6. 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 in
position for catch-and-shoot bank jump shot, pull-up bank shot, or drive to basket
7. 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 made
8. Error: During fast-break swing, perimeter player looks to shoot first instead of looking
for pass inside to post or swing pass to weak-side player
• Solution: Perimeter player looks inside to post player first, weak-side swing second, and
perimeter shot third
D. Modifications for slower learners
1. Slow the pace of setups and performance of drills
2. Limit the amount of verbal instruction to one point at a time
3. Provide additional, slow-motion demonstrations to emphasize basic mechanics of each
type of fast break and specific player responsibilities
4. Add defensive players to fast-break drills gradually and have defenders gradually
increase intensity
5. Provide additional practice trials with and without defenders
6. Offer additional help before and after class
E. Modifications for faster learners
1. Group more skilled players together at specific baskets or courts
2. Allow skilled players to progress at faster pace; less review, more participation
3. Employ more skilled players to give feedback to beginners (assistants)
4. Increase expectation of successful consecutive repetitions during practice drills
5. Have faster learners compete against each other in full-court games, utilizing fastbreak fundamentals and concepts
F. Applications to the sport
1. Fast-break basketball is exciting for players to play and for fans to watch
2. Good defense and rebounding help create fast-break opportunities
3. Teams can fast break off missed and made shots
4. Transition from defense to offense must be quick and effective
© 2005 Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc.
5. Fast break places a premium on physical conditioning, fundamentals, teamwork, and
intelligent decisions
G. Activity setup
1. Maximize space and use as many baskets as possible during fast-break practice
2. Change drills frequently (every 2 to 3 minutes) to maintain student interest
3. Use continuous fast-break drills to maximize participation and to avoid having students
standing in line waiting to participate
4. Group faster learners together during activities to promote competition
5. Combine team fast-break practice with team offense practice to maximize use of time
Step 9 Team Offense
A. Introductory notes
1. Basketball is a team game—there is no “I” in team
2. Successful team offense depends on intelligent and unselfish play
B. Key points of technique instruction
1. Man-to-man offense (passing game): 3-2 open formation
a. Talk
b. See the rim
c. Maintain spacing
d. Backdoor cut when overplayed
e. Flash between passer and overplayed receiver
f. Keep middle open
g. Move to vacated spot quickly
h. Know your options at each position (point, wing, baseline, post-up)
i. Maintain rebounding and defensive balance
2. Motion offense
a. Backdoor cut
b. Give-and-go
c. Dribble screen and weave
d. Down screen
e. Back pick
f. Elbow curl
g. Cross screen
h. Pick-and-roll
g. Draw-and-kick
3. Zone offense
a. Odd-even principle
b. Fast break
c. Spacing to spread zone
d. Move ball to create gaps in zone
e. Reverse ball
f. Penetrate gaps
g. Draw-and-kick
h. Cut through zone
C. Common errors and solutions
1. Error: When using man-to-man offense, players crowd together near ball or too close
© 2005 Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc.
to basket
• Solution: Maintain spacing and balance in open formation; spread 15 to 20 feet apart;
keep middle open
2. Error: When using man-to-man offense, you and your teammates get confused about
what each other is doing
• Solution: Communicate (talk!); communication is crucial since passing game is not a set
play offense
3. Error: When using man-to-man offense, you and your teammates have difficulty seeing
each 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 court
4. 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, minimizing
defender’s angle to intercept
5. Error: Pressure defense makes it difficult to get open to receive pass
• Solution: When defenders overplay and deny, make backdoor and flash cuts
6. Error: Fouls are called on you and your teammates for setting illegal screens
• Solution: Use jump stop to prevent moving when setting a screen
7. 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 be
and send cutters into gaps, looking for a pass; penetrate gaps to draw defenders, and kick
ball to open teammates
D. Modifications for slower learners
1. Slow the pace of setups and performance of drills
2. Limit the amount of verbal instruction to one point at a time; teach whole skill in parts
3. Provide additional, slow-motion demonstrations to emphasize basic principles and
options of man-to-man and zone offense
4. Add defensive players gradually to man-to-man offense drills; have defenders
gradually increase intensity
5. Provide additional practice trials with and without defenders
6. Offer additional help before and after class
E. Modifications for faster learners
1. Group more skilled players together at specific baskets or courts
2. Allow skilled players to progress at faster pace; less review, more participation
3. Employ more skilled players to give feedback to beginners (assistants)
4. Increase expectation of successful consecutive repetitions during practice drills
5. Have players compete against each other in full-court games, utilizing man-to-man
offense principles and options
F. Applications to the sport
1. Each player must be well grounded in offensive fundamentals for the team’s man-toman offense to be successful and effective
2. Execution is everything; precision is key to motion offense success
3. Passing game, or motion offense, provides all five players with opportunities to shoot,
pass, dribble, and rebound—every player is involved
G. Activity setup
1. Maximize space and use as many baskets as possible during motion offense practice
2. Demonstrate motion offense principle to entire group first, then split into smaller
© 2005 Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc.
groups for practice time; rotate around courts to provide feedback on execution of skill
3. Change motion offense option frequently (every 2 to 3 minutes) to maintain
student interest
4. Combine team offense practice with team defense practice to maximize use of time
Step 10 Team Defense
A. Introductory notes
1. Defense wins games and championships
2. Great defense creates offensive opportunities
3. Attributes of top defenders—emotional, mental, and physical
B. Key points of technique instruction
1. Defense on the ball
a. Turn the dribbler
b. Chest on the ball
c. Force to the sideline
d. Funnel to the middle
e. Force to dribble with weak hand
2. Defense off the ball
a. Help and recover
b. Ball-you-player principle
c. Defending ball-side guard with ball at wing
d. Defending weak-side guard when other guard has ball
e. Defending weak-side wing when guard has ball
f. Defending weak-side guard with ball at wing
g. Defending weak-side wing with ball at wing
3. Defending the low post
4. Defending the cutter
5. Defending the flash cut
6. Defending against the screen
7. Defensive rotations
8. Zone defense: purposes, types, weaknesses
9. Combination defense: purposes, types
C. Common errors and solutions
1. 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 weakside defenders on backdoor pass
2. Error: When defending weak side, you are too close to opponent and not in position to
help on drive or pass inside
• Solution: Sag off opponent; see both ball and opponent; communicate with teammate
that you can help
3. 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 denial
position by stepping in front of low-post player with quick two-step move
4. Error: When defending cutter, you allow cutter to get between you and ball
© 2005 Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc.
• Solution: Change to closed stance and get lead foot and hand into passing lane to force
cutter to go behind you
5. 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 move
with opponent on backdoor cut; open to ball as pass is thrown to intercept
6. Error: When defending against screen, teammate attempts to trail cutter but gets beat
on quick cut
• Solution: Step out into path of cutter to delay cut
7. Error: When defending against screen, teammate is not alert to opponent’s screen
• Solution: Communicate with teammate about screen and its direction
8. 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 screener
after hearing key word “switch”
9. Error: When rotating on defense to defend another player, teammates fail to rotate to
cover player you were guarding
• Solution: Communicate with teammates about rotation; use sound judgment and
teamwork when making defensive rotations
D. Modifications for slower learners
1. Slow the pace of setups and performance of drills
2. 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
screen
3. Limit the amount of verbal instruction to one point at a time; teach whole skill in parts
4. Provide additional, slow-motion demonstrations to emphasize basic principles of team
defense
5. Add offensive players gradually to team defense drills; have offensive players
gradually increase intensity of play
6. Provide additional practice trials with and without offensive players
7. Offer additional help before and after class
E. Modifications for faster learners
1. Group more skilled players together at specific baskets or courts
2. Allow skilled players to progress at faster pace; less review, more participation
3. Employ more skilled players to give feedback to beginners (assistants)
4. Increase expectation of successful consecutive repetitions during practice drills
5. Have players compete against each other in gamelike competitions, utilizing team
defense principles and concepts
F. Applications to the sport
1. Team defense should dictate and control opponent’s team offense
2. Consider strengths and weaknesses of players when deciding what types of defenses
will be most effective
3. Emphasize physical conditioning to overcome late-game fatigue on defense
4. Experiment with zone and combination defenses
G. Activity setup
1. Maximize space and use as many baskets as possible during team defense practice
© 2005 Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc.
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 skill
3. Change team defense option frequently (every 2 to 3 minutes) to maintain interest
4. Combine team defense practice with team offense practice to maximize use of time
5. Use smaller games (two-on-two, three-on-three) first to learn and refine team defense
fundamentals, such as defense on the ball and defense off the ball
© 2005 Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc.