BLAINE GIRLS BASKETBALLPHILOSOPHY/PLAYBOOK/DRILLS

These are the defensive and offensive ideals that will drive our program from 1st grade to varsity.

Table of Contents1. Philosophy2. Man to Man Defense – Half Court3. Man to Man Offense – Half Court4. Fastbreak/Transition Offense5. Zone Offense6. Full Court Press Offense7. Full Court Press Defense8. Fundamentals9. Drills

Basketball Philosophy

Man to Man Defense. We are going to be the best defensive program in the state. We are going to build a reputation for defense. There will be nights when our shots aren’t falling, but there will never be a night when we aren’t playing tough defense. Defense takes team work, effort, and sacrifice. These are things we

can control every game. The fans will come out to watch if you play defense and give a championship effort every night. We believe defense starts first with having a great half court man to man defense.

Man to Man Offense. As a program we want all of our teams, from youth levels to varsity, to know how to run our “BENGAL” offense. We believe in the “Read and React” offensive framework. We believe by teaching this offense at the early levels and developing skills and reads through it we’ll be teaching players how to play the game, instead of how to run plays. Therefore their play in games will become more instinctual, more 2nd nature, and they will be much harder to guard man to man. Other plays and offenses should not be used as the offense is adaptable to fit personnel. The BENGAL motion should be the primary offense at every level. Plays may be ran in special game situations.

Zone Offense. Again we want all of our teams, youth to varsity, running the same zone offense. We have a zone offense that we feel works great against any zone. It is based on teaching players how to play against zones, rather to run plays. The skills, reads, and rules to our zone offense are simple and effective.

Press Breaks and Trap Breaks. Again we want all of our teams, youth to varsity, running the same press and trap breaks.

Pressing, and Zone defenses. We believe the first defense that should be developed once the half court man has been learned is our full court man to man trap. Zone defenses are not encouraged to be used before the high school levels.

BOB/SOB, Special Plays. We believe every team should have their own identity when it comes to out of bounds and special plays. Plays can be shared but diversity here is encouraged, and teams should run these plays to fit their personnel.

Man-to-Man Defense (half court) “5”

Our base defense is called “5”. It is a man to man defense that aims to keep the ball out of the middle, looks to steer the offense towards the sideline and baseline, and then looks to trap in advantageous situations. The defense is predicated on the idea that the worst spot for the ball to get to is close to the basket, or in the paint. To teach this defense we number sections of the court in the diagram below.

The point of the numbering system is to break the court into scoring sections by priority.Section 0 – is the absolute worst section for us to allow the ball to get to, whereas section 3 is the best section for us defensively, its where we want the ball to be. So lets first define the sections.0 – is the entire lane up to the 3rd lane line, it is a bit wider than the lane as a player catching the ball just outside the lane would be in good position to put on a scoring move.1 – is the last lane position, the high post, up to the 3pt range of the player in that section who has the ball.2 – is the top half of what is left of each side of the court after sections 1 and 0 are defined.3 – is the bottom half of each side of the court, this section includes the corners, sidelines, and baseline.We want to be constantly steering the ball closer to the sidelines, corners, and the baseline. The red area represents our trap/dig areas. We will be looking to trap the ball in this area if it is driven there or passed into the low post on those blocks. Screens – players should fight through all screens, and try to never get screened. Switching can happen in emergencies or special situations / calls.

Other calls: “5UP” deny position when 1 pass away defenders are getting up on the passing line, “5down” like 5 but no baseline help, challenge ball defender to lock their player down and force them into a bad shot on baseline, “5on” players are now encouraged to switch all screens – the light switch is on

Man to Man Offense – Half CourtUse the read and react framework as our half court man to man offense

Rick Torbett’s Read and React Offense

Contents Introduction........................................................................................................................................................4

What It's Not...................................................................................................................................................4

What It Is.........................................................................................................................................................4

What It Can Be................................................................................................................................................4

Goals of the Read and React...........................................................................................................................4

Secrets of the Read and React........................................................................................................................4

Is the Read and React Another Motion Offense?...........................................................................................4

Flexibility / Adaptability..................................................................................................................................5

Definition of Read and React Habits...............................................................................................................5

Keys to Read and React ..................................................................................................................................5

Youth Coaches ................................................................................................................................................5

Teaching the Offense..........................................................................................................................................6

Layer by Layer.................................................................................................................................................6

Read and React ...............................................................................................................................................6

Level A - Laying the Foundation.....................................................................................................................6

Layer 1 - Dribble Penetration & Circle Movement .....................................................................................6

Layer 2 - Dribble Penetration & Baseline Drive .........................................................................................6

Layer 3 - Pass and Cut : Scoring and Spacing .............................................................................................6

Layer 4 - Post Reactions to Dribble Penetration........................................................................................7

Layer 5 - The Speed Dribble .......................................................................................................................7

Level B - Completing the Foundation .............................................................................................................8

Layer 6 - The Power Dribble .......................................................................................................................8

Layer 7 - Circle Reverse..............................................................................................................................8

Layer 8 - Back Screens................................................................................................................................8

Layer 9 - Multiple Staggered Screens ........................................................................................................8

Level C - Post Play ..........................................................................................................................................9

Layer 10 - Advanced Post Reactions ..........................................................................................................9

Layer 11 - Post Blocking .............................................................................................................................9

Layer 12 - Post Passing...............................................................................................................................9

Layer 13 - 3 out 2 in Dribble Penetration ................................................................................................10

Level D - Icing on The Cake ..........................................................................................................................10

Level 14 - Counter Helping Defense - Pin & Skip ....................................................................................10

Level 15 - Attacking Zone Defenses .........................................................................................................10

Level 16 - Seamless Transition - Fast Break to Half Court Offense .........................................................10

Level 17 - The Ultimate - Flowing Naturally from Set to Set...................................................................11

Conclusion ....................................................................................................................................................11

Drills to Build Habits .........................................................................................................................................12

Introduction..................................................................................................................................................12

Layer 1 - Dribble Penetration & Circle Movement ......................................................................................12

Natural Pitch .............................................................................................................................................12

Middle Drive & Dish..................................................................................................................................12

Wing Drive & Dish.....................................................................................................................................12

Safety Valve ..............................................................................................................................................12

Read Drive: Circle Movement...................................................................................................................12

Corner to Corner.......................................................................................................................................12

Natural Pitch Safety Value........................................................................................................................13

Pitch or Dish (Top) ....................................................................................................................................13

Pitch or Dish (Wing)..................................................................................................................................13

Layer 2 - Baseline Adjustment .....................................................................................................................13

Corner To Corner ......................................................................................................................................13

Corner to 90 Degree .................................................................................................................................13

Corner to 45 Degree .................................................................................................................................13

Layer 3 - Scoring and Spacing ......................................................................................................................13

Front Cut...................................................................................................................................................13

Rear Cut ....................................................................................................................................................13

Fill Rear Cut...............................................................................................................................................13

Front Cut...................................................................................................................................................14

Rear Cut ....................................................................................................................................................14

Fill Rear Cut...............................................................................................................................................14

Layer 4 - Post Reactions...............................................................................................................................14

Elbow Slide................................................................................................................................................14

Short Corner Slide.....................................................................................................................................14

Layer 5 - Speed Dribble................................................................................................................................14

Backdoor Cut ............................................................................................................................................14

Layer 6 - Power Dribble................................................................................................................................15

Dribble Handoff - Pick & Roll ...................................................................................................................15

Layer 7 - Circle Reverse................................................................................................................................15

Circle Reverse ...........................................................................................................................................15

Layer 8 - Back Screens..................................................................................................................................15

Pass, Cut, & Back Screen...........................................................................................................................15

Layer 9 - Staggered Screens .........................................................................................................................16

Layer 10 - Advanced Post Reactions ............................................................................................................16

Post Rear Cut ............................................................................................................................................16

Circle Safety Valve ....................................................................................................................................16

Layer 12 - Post Passing.................................................................................................................................16

Laker-Cut Low ...........................................................................................................................................16

Laker-Cut High ..........................................................................................................................................16

Relocate Corner ........................................................................................................................................16

X Cut..........................................................................................................................................................16

Layer 14 - Pin Screen and Skip Pass .............................................................................................................17

Pin Screen & Skip ......................................................................................................................................17

Strategies and Ideas .........................................................................................................................................18

Through the Players Eyes..............................................................................................................................18

Ideas and Strategies to Fit your Team ..........................................................................................................18

3 Out 2 In ..................................................................................................................................................18 4

Out 1 In ..................................................................................................................................................18 5

Out .........................................................................................................................................................18

Shot Selection and Turnover Control ...........................................................................................................18

Taking Our Game to a Higher Level ..............................................................................................................19

Untraditional Practice Plans .........................................................................................................................19

Introduction Coach Torbett states that this is not an offense he has used to win championships but rather an offense that he has developed after retiring from coaching. It is an offense that he has tested out in camps and

shared with coaching colleagues.

What It's Not The Read & React is not suited for a specific type of player. It is not a collection of set plays. In reality it is really not a set offense.

What It Is Ultimately the Read & React is offense. It is a principled framework out of which players can play. It is a system of 2 man reads and reactions that can be drilled into habit. It ties the 2 man reads into a seamless

five man offense.

What It Can Be It can be your entire man to man and zone offense. It can be the principled foundation of your offense. It can also be a system of development taught in layers.

Goals of the Read and React 1) 2)

3)

4)

5)

6)

7)

Easily taught and transferred from coach to coach or coach to player Simple enough to master with repetition

Built on habits and not high IQ

Provide freedom and excitement for players. Encourage attacking skills

The system would build 5 man coordination

Simple enough for kids but contain potential for as much complexity for highest levels

Two edged sword : the better the fundamentals the better the execution and vice versa.

Secrets of the Read and React The real secret to the read and react is the build-up drills contained on the third DVD. Getting in a high amount of repetition with these drills is the key to being successful with this offense.

Is the Read and React Another Motion Offense? The Read and React is not another motion offense. It is a developmental framework that can help build skills a piece or layer at a time. Motion offenses tend to provide complete freedom and endless choices to

players. The read and react has specific reactions for specific reads. It has freedom but requires

disciplined habits.

Flexibility / Adaptability If this offense was not named the Read and React offense he could call it the Adjustable offense. It is completely flexible depending on the types of players that are in your system. It can be used with no post

players or very skilled post players. It can be used with quick penetrating teams or teams with more

deliberate style of play. It can be use with a 5-out, 4-out 1-in, or 3-out 2-in set. It can be used with screens

or no screens.

Definition of Read and React Habits This is a game played by instinct not like chess where you have to think about each move and weigh all the different options. The read and react is system of habits taught through drill and repetition. The habits

taught build on each other. The less the players have to think the better. The less they think the quicker

they move and react. Be patient in teaching these habits. Sometimes less is more. Master each layer of

habits before moving on. There is a difference between understanding something and being able to react to

something. The key here is reaction and not just understanding.

Keys to Read and React The Read and React offense is keyed off of what the ball handler does. The ball handler is clearly the initiator and the rest of the players are reactors. The players without the ball are not just free to react as in

a motion offense. They have a single trained response for each specific action of the ball handler.

Youth Coaches Traditional Offenses have one thing in common. Master of the whole is necessary in order to be useful. This is not true of the Read and React offense. This makes it the perfect offense for youth teams. You

don't need the entire 17 layers to be successful at the youth level. The first 5 levels are sufficient to the

success of a youth team. This is actually true for all coaches at all levels. You don't need to teach all layers of

this offense to be effective.

Teaching the Offense

Layer by Layer The offense is built in layers. There are 17 total. You can't add the next layer until the previous layer is mastered. Don't go to the next layer until the players are bored with the layer that they are on. Drill them

until they hate the drill and they are rolling their eyes at you. You want the read and react habits to be so

automatic that players can focus all their energy on their defender and reading the defense. If players are

constantly stopping and asking what to do then you are moving through the layers too fast.

Read and React Each layer is made up of two-player read and react habits. Each layer is taught with drills to reinforce these habits. Look at the offense as two halves making up the whole. One half is made up of the 2-player

read and react habits. The other half is the 5 player teaching layers.

Level A - Laying the Foundation He teaches these layers in a 5-out set but that does not mean they have to be run in a 5-out set. He does it for simplicity.

Layer 1 - Dribble Penetration & Circle Movement The first layer teaches the reaction of perimeter players when dribble penetration occurs. All players on the perimeter circle right or left depending on the direction of penetration. They circle in the direction of

the penetration. This leaves the penetrating player with the following options:

1) Take the ball all the way to the basket

2) Natural Pitch to adjacent player on the perimeter

3) Kick back to the safety value; the player filling behind

4) Dish to the baseline cutter

Layer 2 - Dribble Penetration & Baseline Drive On a baseline drive, the opposite corner must not circle up like the rest of the perimeter players. He must stay and fill the opposite corner. This is referred to as the baseline adjustment. It is the natural pitch

window for the baseline penetrator. Even if the opposite corner is empty it must be filled with the closest

player on that side of the floor on a baseline drive. The remaining players on the perimeters have only

minor adjustments. They must fill the 45 degree pitch option, the 90 degree pitch option, and the safety

valve pitch option. The opposite corner is the only real adjustment we make on a baseline drive.

Layer 3 - Pass and Cut : Scoring and Spacing Every time you pass the ball to one player away you must always cut to the basket. Every pass must be turned into a scoring threat with a basket cut. Every cut creates good things for your teammates. Every cut

takes one of the immediate help defenders away from the ball. In addition the cut allows your teammates to

fill spots and open up new scoring opportunities.

Two Basic Rules for this layer:

1) When you pass the ball to a teammate one spot away you must basket-cut. This is rule that the

offense will never break. This does not apply to skip passes.

2) Open spots are filled from the baseline up as quickly as possible. This will leave the basket cutter

with an open spot to fill.

Three Scoring Opportunities:

1) Before a pass is made we must be sure the receiver is open. The 19 foot arc is your Read-Line. If

your defender is over the 19 foot arc you must basket-cut. Don't wait for a pass just cut.

2) When filling an open spot the player without the ball must view this movement as a great scoring

opportunity. As soon as your defender steps on or over the Read-line then Rear Cut.

3) When the pass is finally made scoring opportunity #3 presents itself. Passer can score on a Rear

Cut or Front Cut. If defender jumps in denial position then rear cut straight to the basket. If the

defender does not jump to the ball then front cut him. Front cut and Rear Cut must be drilled to

point of reaction.

Layer 4 - Post Reactions to Dribble Penetration

There are two different post reactions to dribble penetration. The reactions are the same no matter if the

post is playing ball side or weak side.

1) Post Slide #1 - When the ball enters the lane above the post player he slides to the short corner

area opening up the lane area. You create separation from the defender and prepare to receive

bounce pass.

2) Post Slide #2 - When the ball enters the lane from the baseline or below the post player then the

post slides up to the free throw line elbow area.

Layer 5 - The Speed Dribble

The speed dribble is an east west dribble. There are three east west dribbles used for pressure relievers.

The other two are power dribble and circle reverse. These two are more complicated so we cover the

speed dribble first. Whenever the ball handler dribbles at another player on the perimeter that signals for

that player to rear cut or back cut to the basket. Back door bounce pass can be made right off the dribble.

The speed dribble does three things to open up scoring opportunities :

1) It gets the entire team moving

2) It can create an immediate post matchup by sending a player down to the block

3) It also creates a great opportunity for a scoring option for the person filling the vacated spot.

Level B - Completing the Foundation

Layer 6 - The Power Dribble The power-dribble signals a dribble handoff and then pick-and-roll. It's a pressure reliever. It's also a safe way for post players to signal a pick and roll on the perimeter. The power dribble must be so obvious that

your teammate does not mistake it for a speed dribble. A power dribble is signaled by turning your back to

your defender and dribble at a teammate. If the teammate mistakes it for a speed dribble then the ball

handler can continue on to next teammate.

Layer 7 - Circle Reverse Circle reverse refers to the action that takes place when dribble penetration is shut down. As dribble penetration begins, the perimeter players begin to circle. As dribble penetrations is shut down they must

reverse the circle giving the ball handler additional options.

Layer 8 - Back Screens Back screens are hard to defend and an important ingredient of a successful offense. He likes to require a back screen after every basket cut. His philosophy is now you've had your chance to score give a

teammate a chance to score. Don't hog the lane. Setting a back screen is not entirely an unselfish act

though. It can lead to a 3 point shot for the screener. Back screens are also helpful if a player basket cuts

and empties out to the wrong side where no empty slots exist. Instead of turning around and vacating just

set a back screen to vacate one of the spots. The 2 player read and react habit here is after a pass and

basket cut you always fill out with a back screen. He emphasizes calling players name and yelling back

screen as you set the screen. You have to get his attention. He doesn't care if the defense hears. You set

the back screen by getting both feet in the air and landing on both. Timing is critical. The cutter cannot

use the screen until he hears your feet hit the ground. You should be yelling back screen before setting it.

Layer 9 - Multiple Staggered Screens This is an interesting layer. These multiple staggered screens are not intentional but something that happens when you are setting one back screen and another perimeter player has started a basket cut. It's

something that you recognize and then take advantage of the situation. The basket cutter instead of

turning around to keep the lane clear for the cutter off the back screen continues on and just sets a

staggered screen. The nice thing about a 4 out 1 in is that you always have a second screener down there

for the double staggered.

Level C - Post Play

Layer 10 - Advanced Post Reactions He reviews the post reactions discussed in layer four in regard to post reactions to dribble penetration. These reactions are essential so that dribble penetration can occur from the perimeter without the posts

clogging the lane. He adds a few twists to each of these slides.

1) Post Slide #1 - When the ball enters the lane above the post player he slides to the short corner,

getting out of the way, and opening up the lane area. You create separation from the defender

and prepare to receive bounce pass. If the post defender follows you to short corner then you rear

cut toward the basket.

2) Post Slide #2 - When the ball enters the lane from the baseline or below the post player then the

post slides up to the free throw line elbow area.

Layer 11 - Post Blocking

He talks about post blocking in regard to a 4 out 1 in offense. The post player can be constantly setting

back screens for the cutters. He talks about picking a side of the floor perhaps for the post player to stay

on most of the time. He does this first to emphasize their strong hand and also to keep one side open for

penetrating lay-ups. In a 4 out 1 in you have the corners empty so wings can drive baseline without getting

defensive help from that side. He talks about the wing reading the post in order to decide which way to

drive. If the post is being defended on the high side then the wing can drive baseline and vice versa.

Layer 12 - Post Passing

When you feed the post make one of these cuts

1) Laker-Cut Low - basket cut that must go below the low block along the baseline. Spacing is

important so post defender can't guard post player and cutter at the same time.

2) Laker-Cut High - basket cut that must go above the ball side elbow

3) Relocate - if your defender doubles down to the post then relocate to the corner and prepare for

the pass.

4) X-Cut - Wing sets screen for guard above you and then cuts to the basket. It is deceiving

misdirection.

He will often teach these basket cuts as part of the first couple layers that say you must cut every time you

pass. As one player cuts the others must fill spots on the perimeter. As you are filling spots if your

defender steps across the read-line you must basket cut.

These rules for feeding the post apply to any position on the floor. If you feed the post from one of the top

slots you still must basket-cut.

Layer 13 - 3 out 2 in Dribble Penetration

Level D - Icing on The Cake

Level 14 - Counter Helping Defense - Pin & Skip This layer could be taught much earlier if needed. There are no habits or skills previously taught that are necessary for this layer. This layer teaches a pin screen on the weak side of the floor to counter help in the

lane. The pin screen is set on the player closes to the ball with the most distance to recover. The PIN

screen should yell PIN to alert his teammates to what is happening. He talks about the pass receiver

getting the ball handlers attention by doing the PE class jumping jack. Once the skip pass is made you can

shoot or feed the pinner who has now sealed in the post. He also talks about this as a natural way to

transition from 5 out to 4 out 1 in. It's also great for creating an immediate post up opportunity for the

post player. You can start in a 4 out and transition to a 3 out with this same action.

Level 15 - Attacking Zone Defenses He wants to build off the same read and react habits we have discussed to attack zones. He feels that most man defenses are not necessarily true man to man defenses. With help side defense most man defenses

turn into some kind of zone defense. In short he wants to take the same habits and make minor

adjustments for zone defenses.

1) Pass and Seam Cut - instead of basket cutting, you cut through a seam and out the other side

2) Add Short Corner as Spots - Cutters can stop in these spots. If the ball ever enters this spot it's a

lot like a baseline drive. All the same things that happen with a baseline drive should happen here.

Someone needs to occupy the opposite baseline corner, the two elbows, and the safety valve.

3) Penetrate & Pitch (even more) - Complete penetration to the basket against zones is usually

difficult but it is easy to attract two defenders and pitch to an open teammate.

4) Safety Valve Advantage - The Safety valve is almost always open on dribble penetration. If the

defense adjusts to cover this, then a few extra passes on the perimeter should find the open player.

5) Pin and Skip - He believes the pin and skip might be the best single weapon against a zone. All

zones are ready made for the pin and skip.

Note: As long as you don't turn the ball over there is no way to mess things up.

Level 16 - Seamless Transition - Fast Break to Half Court Offense

Goal with seamless transition is to never give the defense a chance to regroup. He drills this by having 5

players circle under the hoop while he puts up a shot. He lets any of the players get the rebound. The

rebounder then pushes the ball up the court while the others fill lanes. The ball handler pretends the fast

break fails and stops at any of the perimeter positions. When the wings hit the arc they make basket cuts

and continue on to other side of the floor. He feels it's extremely important for the wings to change sides of

the floor in transition taking their defenders with them. The wings can them optionally set back screens

for the two trailers coming down depending on the speed of the trailers. He calls this the secondary

break.

Full Court Trips - Drill with a set number of trips. Each trip is run with some specific type of offensive

action. They break back off missed shots and take it out of bounds on made shots.

Level 17 - The Ultimate - Flowing Naturally from Set to Set He believes the hardest teams to defend would be teams that can flow from 5 out to 4 out to 3 out in a single possession. When a team can flow from one set to the next naturally depending on the defense;

this is a sign that your team truly understands the read and react offense.

Conclusion

The strength and beauty of this offense is not in any one layer but lies in the combination of these layers.

Drills to Build Habits

Introduction Secret to this offense lies in the drills that teach the read and react habits. You can run these drills with 2, 3, or 4 plays and get high amounts of repetitions. The more repetitions the quicker the reactions turn into

habits. You will be frustrated if you try and teach this offense without drilling the habits through these

drills. If you see your players thinking on the floor then you know they are not yet habits. They need to be

drilled more. You can actually also incorporate lots of fundamental skills (i.e. passing and shooting) into

these read and react drills.

Layer 1 - Dribble Penetration & Circle Movement

Natural Pitch Middle Drive & Dish Wing Drive & Dish

Safety Valve Read Drive: Circle Movement Corner to Corner

Requires a reverse pivot and pitch Combination of Natural Pitch and by

ball handler. Safety Valve Drills. Direction of

penetration is the key.

3 Player Drills

Natural Pitch Safety Value Pitch or Dish (Top) Pitch or Dish (Wing)

Safety Valve Pass requires jump stop

and reverse pivot.

Layer 2 - Baseline Adjustment

Corner To Corner Corner to 90 Degree Corner to 45 Degree

Layer 3 - Scoring and Spacing

Front Cut Rear Cut Fill Rear Cut

Front Cut Rear Cut Fill Rear Cut

Do these from all angles on floor

Layer 4 - Post Reactions

Elbow Slide Short Corner Slide

Done with post player on strong and

weak side.

Layer 5 - Speed Dribble

Backdoor Cut

Important to do this on both sides

of the floor.

Layer 6 - Power Dribble

Dribble Handoff - Pick & Roll

Layer 7 - Circle Reverse

Circle Reverse

Layer 8 - Back Screens

Pass, Cut, & Back Screen

Layer 9 - Staggered Screens

Layer 10 - Advanced Post Reactions

Post Rear Cut Circle Safety Valve

Add Circle Safety Valve

Layer 12 - Post Passing

Laker-Cut Low Laker-Cut High Relocate Corner

X C ut

X is the coach in these drills.

Layer 14 - Pin Screen and Skip Pass

Pin Screen & Skip

Strategies and Ideas

Through the Players Eyes

Benefits to Players

1) Develop and use your attack skills

2) No guesswork - watch the ball and react accordingly

3) No plays to learn - you will be learning moves that will help you in any system

4) More practice time to get better at game -

Ideas and Strategies to Fit your Team

3 Out 2 In

4 Out 1 In

Post in Short Corner - great formation for post who is not a great back to the basket player but good to

receive drive and dumps.

Post as Blocker - post player is used to constantly screen for cutters.

High Post that Ball screens - post player comes high and sets a ball screen after any pass to the wing and

basket cut by one of the perimeter players up top. A lot like UCLA offense.

4 Out Ball Side Triangle -

5 Out

Gut Drive Adjustment - weak side corner player will basket cut before starting his circle movement.

Delay Game -

Shot Selection and Turnover Control

1) The Know No Rule - Knowing Your Role equals no turnovers. Each player should play to their

strengths.

2) The WWW rule - When and Where equals Wins. Each player needs to know when and where to

shoot.

Taking Our Game to a Higher Level

Untraditional Practice Plans

To really teach this offense you need to move away from your traditional practice plans. Practices need

to be totally centered around read and react skills. It can't be something you buy into half way.

Game Warm Ups - Should be a review time of read and react skills.

Fundamental Skill work - teach fundamentals using read and react drills. Do not make them a

separate thing. Teach layups with front cuts, rear cuts, Laker cuts, etc. Work on 3 point shooting

through a back screen drill with the shooter shaping up.

Fastbreak/Transition OffenseHow do we fastbreak/transition into the read and react?

Zone Offense – “Zone O”

Our zone offense, like our man to man offense, is not about running a play its about teaching players to play. The offense is about teaching players skills and rules that can be used against any zone. The offense was originally called “Triangles and Dancers” (Dick DeVenzio, Dena Evans) but we’ll just call it “Zone O.”

Keys to Beating a Zone1. Puncture the middle, don't trim the hedges (pass it around the 3pt line). Don't be a

windshield wiper. NO PIFN' passing for nuthin', PIWAP pass w/ a purpose2. The player with the ball needs to Engage 2 (E2) and then see your 4 teammates (C4) -

engage but don't marry, which means make them commit to you but dont put yourself into a double team (unless you can clearly split) and then take the time to see your 4 teammates unless someone is wide open. This is the basis for good play making vs. man or zone. If you are always E2ing and C4ing every D turns into a zone. B/c you want to E2 you should rarely be dribbling the ball towards the corner.

3. The player with the ball also needs to Ball Fake and Grimace (BF & G) every time they have the ball - extremely effective against zones b/c they are constantly ready to shift, this will also energize your cutters, make them feel they could receive a pass at anytime.

4. Players one pass away need to make equilateral triangles with two nearest defenders. And give the ball a target, sometimes stretching on their pivot foot to be more available for the pass.

5. The 2 players behind the zone, or furthest away from the ball (not the triangles) are the “dancers” or flashers, cutters. They must alternate their cuts. Dance and go away, Dance to opening (could be anywhere - makes you tough to scout / to D up). Best way to get a layup versus a zone is from a Dancer to dancer pass - non dancing dancer make sure you get dangerous. How to dance: Dance triple wide 1. Wide stance. 2. Wide palms. 3. Wide mouth (use a name don't just call for the ball) – player with the ball shouldn’t throw it to them if they are not triple wide

6. All players should not be afraid to “P1” - position a teammate to make play successful. Constantly see the floor and communicate to teammates to move if they are out of position. The player who can best do this is the one with the ball, they have the “microphone” in a sense as everyone is looking to the ball.

See following diagrams on Zone Offense

Full Court Press Offense

Full Court Press Defense

Fundamentals

Drills1. Man to Man Defense – Half Court2. Man to Man Offense – Half Court3. Fastbreak/Transition Offense4. Zone Offense

a. Create an opening (passing drill)5. Full Court Press Offense6. Full Court Press Defense7. Fundamentals

a. Dribbling/Jumpstoppingb. Shootingc. Passingd. Rebounding

THE 4 MOST OVERLOOKED RULES OF GOOD BASKETBALL MOOOOOVE!!! – It doesn’t matter what plays or defenses a team runs it matters how they run

it. Teach your players to move like basketball players. Almost never stand, unless standing is a move that is setting up your next move.

MAKE IT TOUGH FOR YOUR OPPONENTS – don’t let your opponents do what they want. Deny passing lanes, pressure the dribble, get position in the post, box out. “Million Dollar Possession” treat each defensive possession like if you can stop the other team from scoring, you get a million dollars.

ALWAYS THROW THE BALL TO YOUR TEAM – good teams can pass the ball without turnover. Make sure you spend time working on how to get open, set screens, using screens, passing with pressure, and dribbling against pressure. Getting open and being able to through undeflected passes is a skill that few teams are good enough at.

TAKE ONLY VERY EASY SHOTS – teams that shoot worse than 40% almost always lose, teams that shoot over 50% almost always win. Make sure your team understands what a good shot is. Work on proper shooting techniques. Develop shooting confidence.

Some Defensive Principles Never give up an easy basket Use talk help, Constant, Loud Talk from everyone Always beat the ball back Our property, how far do we extend? Ballside, helpside, Ball! Deny! Help! Great Wall of China Bump the cutters, screens, know switching and non switching situations Ball pressure, Guard a Yard, No direct Drives No uncontested shots, High Hands on Close-outs Constant readjustment, Move on every pass or bounce Finish the war, 5 Guys Defensive Rebound Individual points of pestitude Paint the floor Always see the ball Force to the out of bounds lines

Some Offensive Principles Always make the defense move! Race the ball up the floor. Be opportunistic, look for advantages to attack. Be opportunistic, BUT don’t be wild and out of control. Shot selection, get a 7, If an early easy shot doesn’t come make the opponent play defense. Be comfortable as the possession get longer, that is when defenses will break down, get tired. Sureness with ball, tough position. Moooove!!! Move ball, Move people, Pass and Cut Hunt the paint, Jump stop, be dangerous Help teammates get open, set double wide screens, drive and kick Spacing, Spread the Defense No P-dribbles Know your game Assume the miss, Offensive Rebounding

MORE OFFENSIVE IDEAS

“Nothing good happens arc to arc” – Dena Evans

Translation: Get the ball down to our scoring end as fast as possible when we obtain possession.

7 critical habits of a good fastbreaking team/player(RACECAR)

R - Race. race the ball up the floor. It is uncomfortable to the defense. race does not mean rush.

A - Arc to Arc. nothing good happens arc to arc (thats why we race). do it all the time (habit). it makes us special.

C - Control. #1 commandment. control the ball, your teammates, and your emotion. do people feel nervous when they have the ball or are they relaxed and confident? best way to show off your control is to get to the paint and do a dynamic jump stop. should do these 25-30 times a game.

E - Eagerly Hunt the Paint. get inside the lane (paint). most dangerous place for the ball to be. be obsessive about getting the ball there. when you get to the paint - stop and get ferocious - assess the situation - "hupppppy dont hurry." if you dont you will look little, try to look big.

HUPPPPPYP - POWERFULP - PURPOSEFUL - decisive / not tentative, its a game of mistakesP - PEEK (at the basket) eyes to the rim, make it a habitP - PHAKE extremely effective b/c you are dangerous here, toy w/ the DP - PRECISE no sloppy passes, rushed shots, also make you look small, spoon feed your shooters

C - Cleverness. use fakes. especially when you reach the paint.

A - Arrum. get the defender in the air. make big people look stupid, make you look special.

R - Reminders. Great players cannot mind their own business. give them before they are needed. if you say it after you are a complainer instead of a leader. it doesn't help, same goes for coaching. there are probably 30 different things you can say at any pt. in the game, be special. if you only lead by example you are not a good leader.