We have a new basketball coaching contributer in Matt Yarc. I think that you will like his skill development ideas.

Coaches-
As the season rapidly approaches, have you decided what you will be emphasizing to your players during the first couple weeks of practice before your first game ? From a skill , offensive and defensive standpoint

Below is a collection of my favorite coaches notes. The indivdual skill development notes can be incorporated into your own practice drills. The Offensive and Defensive thoughts are commonly talked about but often forgotten until the season has already begun.

I have put these together after seeing and hearing some of the games finest in person, on dvd and on paper. I hope you find them helpful.

I have also included 3 quick hitter plays that are guaranteed to get you a great scoring opportunity . They are patterned off of the notes in the Offensive Schemes and Action section. These sets are nice to have as part of your game plan early in the season as they are quick and simple to teach your players.

Good Luck to you and your players this season.
Coach Yarc

Individual Skill Development
Shooting
Perfect Feet and Perfect Follow through
Feet- All 10 toes pointing at the rim
Follow Through – Shooting Elbow above ear
If the ball hits back rim check players follow through (needs to be higher) – if shot is off line check players feet

Receiving the Perimeter Pass
Ball in the Air -Feet in the Air
Enables the player once the catch is made and he/she lands on both feet to establish either foot as their pivot foot.

After the Pass is caught
Be the Boss with the BALL !!!
Turn and Face
Get Shoulders Lower than the defenders
Rip the Ball through across your laces
Keep the ball active to make the defender work

Ball-Handling
Two Ball Dribbling Drills
Fastest way to work on a players weak hand ball-handling skills
Stationary Ball Handling Drills
Go as fast as possible, losing the ball is okay.
Builds Hand Speed

When going to the basket or in the open court , player should make as big as steps as possible

Start every drill that you do that involves going to the basket on the left side of the court and emphasize the use of the left hand.

Half Court Offensive Schemes and Actions.

Ball Screens
Have at least one play when you ball screen that uses a second ball screen after a ball reversal. By this time within your possession the defense is scrambling and their help is less effective.

Always have someone replace the area where a ball screen has just taken place.
Dribble Handoff
Initate a set by having your secondary ball -handler/best shooter (#2 or #3 ) hand off to your primary ball-handler (#1). When this is done your best shooter will be free for an open look on what is now the help side of the court or the player with the ball will a wider driving lane to the rim.

Vs Zones
Position at least one post player (two if possible ) behind the last line of defenders. This stretches the gap between the rows of defenders along the FT Lane and makes it harder to guard the wing/ first pass areas.

Half Court Defense
No penetration into the middle/lane area

Zones
Zones will give up something within your opponents offensive schemes, just don’t give up the first two options
Force all dribble penetration to the baseline
Surprise the ball handler when he/she goes baseline with a trap by the lowest defender on that side of the court

Use M2M principals and terminology in your Zone concepts ex.
 Sprint to the gap or ball
 See the ball and your man
 Be closer to the ball than the player in your zone.

M2M
Force ball to the baseline –
Post defenders can now stay at home and rebound
Up the line or Packline
Play on the line/ Up the line when you are more athletic, Play Packline when you are not
Just adjust the ball pressure and the spot on the court you willor will not deny a penetrating pass

Bio
Over 22 years of Coaching and Skill Development Experience
Head Boys Varsity Coach at Keith Country Day School in Rockford, Illinois
Founder/Lead Trainer of the Hoopsterz Basketball Academy
Website: www.hoopsterzbasketballacademy.com
Facebook: Hoopsterz Basketball
Twitter: Hoopsterzbball