GENERAL BASKETBALL
Do Simple Better
Of all the lessons that I learned in my first year as an assistant at the D2 level, the concept of keeping it simple stands out the most. Being a continual learner and acquiring knowledge is a good thing, but I can go to far if application and effective teaching get lost in the process. […]
Teaching Ball Screen Reads – Interactive Video
Finding creative ways to teach players how to play the game and how to think the game is vital. In the video below, you will find a new video format that allows both players and coaches to drill making decisions off PNR. Additionally, you will also find some general teaching principles that are helpful to […]
#CoachesChalkTalkLive With Doug Novak (Bethel)
Coach Doug Novak is one of my favorite coaches in the game today, and I consider myself very blessed to have had the chance to talk basketball and learn from him. Doug is the head men’s basketball coach at Bethel University and has coaching experience at all levels. In this interview, Doug and I discuss: […]
Mike Neighbors: Trusting The Process
Coach Neighbors is one of my favorite coaches to learn from. This article does a great job showcasing how Coach Neighbors moved from goals and traditional coaching logic, and as a result ended up in the final 4. “’As we sat in Iowa City and I heard my team saying ‘this is so great. We […]
Houtson Rockets High PNR Concepts – By Jon Giesbrecht
First and foremost, if you are not familiar with the work of Jon Giesbrecht, you must follow him, subscribe to his Youtube, and watch this clinic video. In the video below, Jon showcases some of the latest ways the Rockets are developing their high PNR scheme. There is lots of good info in this video, enjoy! […]
My Personal Pyramid Of Success
This past season, I dedicated a small block of time each morning to flesh out my coaching philosophy and to put down my thoughts and beliefs on paper. The very first exercise that I completed was to create my own personal pyramid of success. In this post, you can see my personal pyramid of success, as […]
5-OUT MOTION: “No Mistake Motion”
If you are looking for an easy to implement motion offense system that allows you to have the structure and security of a continuity offense, but the freedom and read/react capability of a freelancing motion offense, then this is a great option for you and your team. For a brief overview of how the offense […]
The Art Of Passing: Ball Movement and Teamwork Complilation
Few things are more fun to watch then when all 5 players are playing seamless basketball as one unit and the ball is changing hands at a high rate. In this video I have collected some great examples of teamwork and passing for you to enjoy and share with your team. Enjoy!
Stride Stop Finishes
The stride stop is a great finishing move that allows the player to finish on balance, as well as have multiple options to create plays upon getting inside the lane. A must for players or all ages and levels!
“Wrong Hand” Finishes
Using the “wrong hand” when finishing allows the shooter to extend the ball away from defenders, throw off the timing of a shot blocker, as well as finish with their preferred hand. This is a must have for any guard that gets to the rim frequently.
1v1 Moves: Hang Dribble Series
The Hang Dribble is a common move used by the best players in the game. By taking a hard pound of the ball, the player can “freeze” it in the air, allowing them time to read their defender and make a positive play. Enjoy!
Miloš Teodosić Pick and Roll Play
If you watched the Olympics, I am sure that you noticed Serbia’s guard, Miloš Teodosić. In this video, I have cut film from Miloš’s games in the Euroleague, Fiba Worlds, and the Olympics. I hope that you and your players can learn and benefit from this!
Scouting Opponents: Scouting Essentials
Scouting Essentials Thoroughly preparing for opponents is a great way to gain a competitive advantage. Good teams prepare for their opponents with a laser sharp focus and are prepared to execute the game plan. In the article that follows, I will provide you with an overview as to how I approach the scouting process, all […]
#CoachesChalkTalkLive With Sam Allen
Sam is the director of Blue Collar Basketball and also works extensively with PGC basketball. In this interview, Sam shares a lot of value in regard to the topics of player development, teaching shooting, growing as a coach, and teaching leadership to players. Give Sam a follow on Twitter.
#CoachesChalkTalkLive Featuring Bobbie Kelsey
I had the pleasure of sitting down to talk hoops with the former head coach at the University of Wisconsin, Bobbie Kelsey. In this interview, Bobbie and I discuss player development, lessons learned from her time at Wisconsin, and how to develop leadership in young people. Follow Coach Kelsey on Twitter. Enjoy!
#CoachesChalkTalkLive With Randy Sherman
I had the absolute pleasure of chatting about hoops with Coach Randy Sherman. Randy is an accomplished basketball coach with a wealth of experience hailing from Texas. In this interview, Randy and I discuss pressure man-to-man defense, motion offense, and an essentialist approach to running a program. If you are serious about growing as a […]
#CoachesChalkTalkLive With John Zall
I had the pleasure of talking basketball with Coach John Zall. John recently worked for the Dallas Mavericks, and is currently in the transition phase to a new college coaching job. In this interview John and I talk all about player development, practice drills, and late-game plays. Follow John on Twitter here.
Set Play Considerations
When it comes to the offensive end of the basketball game, there are so many differing opinions on the best way to attack your opponent and disorganize the defense. Some coaches like sets, others love continuity, and others love a true motion. Each of these offensive systems has their own merit, and it has been […]
#CoachesChalkTalkLive with Zak Boisvert
Zak is an assistant coach at the University of Maine. If you know anything about Zak, then you know that he is a student of the game. In this talk, Zak shares lots of great tidbits for coaches at all levels. Enjoy! For a PDF with links and notes from the discussion that Zak and […]
#CoachesChalkTalkLive with Brooklyn Kohlheim
I had an awesome time chatting hoops with Nova Southeastern Assistant Coach Brooklyn Kohlheim. In this talk Brooklyn shares the following: – How to be a players coach – How to teach leadership to players – Motion offense principles and teaching points – Defensive metrics to promote accountability Give Brooklyn a follow on twitter. To […]
Transition Defense Essentials
Transition is one of the most pivotal elements of a basketball game. From a defensive standpoint, transition can be the difference between an effective defense and an ineffective defense. More often than not, many breakdowns on the defensive end find their root in transition, and for that reason, it is vital to emphasize and teach […]
#CoachesChalkTalkLive With Trey Meyer
Trey is an assistant coach with the men’s program at Miami University. Trey is a fantastic coach, and he brings a wealth of knowledge to our conversation. In this video, Trey discusses motion offense, full court pressure defense, decision making in player development, and the role of an assistant coach. Click here to follow Trey […]
NBA Set Plays – “45”
“45” is a classic play that was often used by the late Flip Saunders. This is a tough play to guard because of all the actions that take place, as well as how those actions place certain players in positions to be successful. This article will feature a play diagram breakdown, as well as a […]
Pick And Roll Offense: Short Roll
The short roll emerged more and more frequently this past NBA season. The short roll is inserted into offense as a way to create an offensive advantage off a high ball screen when the defense has the main objective of getting the ball out of the ball handlers hands. When considering implementing the short roll as […]
Brad Stevens – Late Game SLOB Plays
Brad Stevens is great in late game situations. Here are just two of many of the great SLOB actions that he has used during his time in Boston. Below you will find diagrams and video of both actions. I hope that this article helps you develop a deeper understanding of what makes these actions work, and […]
#CoachesChalkTalkLive: Featuring Josh Loeffler (Loyola Basketball)
Coach Josh Loeffler of Loyola Basketball and I had a great conversation about the following topics: – Transition Offense – Defensive Drills – Shooting Workouts – Leadership Download the Loyola Basketball Transition Document: Click Here to Download the Transition Document Download the Loyola Basketball Shooting Records Tracker: Click Here To Download The Shooting Records Document Enjoy […]
Brad Stevens PNR Concept: Corner Filled PNP
Here is a video showing the advantages that occur when there is a shooter stationed in the corner of the same side of the floor that the pop man goes to on a pick and pop action. I observed this concept by watching film of Brad Stevens Boston Celtics team from the 2015-2016 season. The […]
Motion Offense: Ball Handler Automatics
Motion offense is all about reading the defense and making the appropriate decision to disorganize and distort your opponent’s coverage. In order to provide your players with the freedom to read while still placing them in positions to be successful, it is vital that you install “automatics” in your motion offense. An automatic is simply […]
Jeff Osterman Interview
I had the pleasure of talking to Coach Jeff Osterman, Associate Head Coach at The University of Southern Florida. In this interview, we talk about general coaching philosophy, practice planning, and individual development. Enjoy!
Shooting Drills and Decision Making
Make no mistake about it, teams that can shoot the ball well are very dangerous (Golden State). That being said, being able to develop and improve the shooters on your team is an essential part of good coaching. Being able to teach the skill of shooting, as well as provide opportunities for repetition is a […]
Small Sided Game: Buckeye Build-Up
My time spent at Cedarville was huge in my development as a coach This is a drill that we did on a fairly regular basis. The beauty of this drill is that it incorporates smaller numbers, leading to more touches while also building to the full 5 on 5 game. The drill itself is pretty simple […]
Drill: Paint Game
Another drill that I use often as a means to emphasize and inculcate defending on the ball is the “paint game”. This is a drill that the players love because of the competitive elements. SET UP: Split the players up into two teams. One team is on offense, and the other is on defense. STEP […]
Skill Breakdown: Down Screen Reads and Options
Setting screens off the ball for effective shooters can be a great way to free them up to score the ball or to draw multiple defenders towards them and free up space elsewhere on the court. In this blog, I will talk about all the ways you can use a down screen. Be sure to […]
Skill Breakdown: Change Of Pace Dribble Series
A common trait shared by all effective guards in the game today is the ability to change speeds. Changing speeds has many benefits: Creates indecision for the defender Puts the ball handler back in control Allows extra time for decision-making Promotes control Keeps off ball defenders drawn to the ball I recently made a new […]
Ball Screen Reads and Moves for Guards
I released this video as a paid product in May of 2015, and the response that I got from the coaches who purchased it was fantastic. Now, I have made this resource available in full for free here on my site. If you would like the PDF that accompanies this video, please CLICK HERE. […]
The Complete Guide to Zone Offense
Here is a 40-minute video breaking down many of the concepts and plays that can be used to attack a zone defense. Many teams use the zone as a means to toss the offense of their rhythm and to take control of the pace of the game. If you struggle to score against zone defense’s, […]
NCAA Tournament Sets – Sweet 16 and Elite 8
Here is a short collection of some of the best plays from the second week of the 2016 NCAA Tournament. To download play diagrams, please click the link below. GET PDF HERE
DRILL: 2v2 Get Back
Here is a transition defense drill that I got from Drew Hanlen of Pure Sweat Basketball. I like and use this drill for the following reasons: Really emphasizes how there is no good transition defense for a turnover Creates a fast “next play speed” as players must sprint back as to not allow another basket […]
DRILL: Wing 1v1 with Contested Pass
This is one of the drills that I use to teach guarding the ball 1 on 1. I like this drill rather than a traditional half-speed drill or an “on-air” drill for teaching defense for the following reasons: The defense has a disadvantage (he starts later) and must recover and defend the offensive player. Anticipation […]
NCAA Tournament – Best Set Plays (Round of 32)
Below is a video diagraming and showing video of some of the best plays from the NCAA tournament. To get a handout of diagrams of all the sets, CLICK HERE. Enjoy! Get Plays Here
NCAA Tournament – Best Sets of the First 4
The NCAA Tournament is an exciting time for basketball coaches and fans alike. I especially enjoy this time of year because it provides coaches a great chance to learn and share with one another as basketball is in full swing. Every year during the NCAA Tournament, I am blessed to partner with FastModel Sports and […]
Attacking In Transition: Keys For Point Guards
The best offenses are constantly on the attack. To be an effective team in transition, it is essential that all 5 players play their role and run their lanes hard. With that being said, it is essential that the point guard is ready and able to take advantage of their teammates attacking by getting them […]
Fred Hoidberg – Iowa State Playbook
This video is one of my relics, but there is a lot of good action in this. Fred Hoidberg, coach of the Chicago Bulls, ran some great stuff at ISU and this video highlights some of the plays and sets that I liked the best! Enjoy!
Ball Screen Reads and Moves for Guards
Below is a 6 minute preview of my 30-minute long “Ball Screen Reads and Moves for Guards” video. This video provides in-depth teaching of all the various and reads and moves that are available for guards playing in pick and roll situations. Every type of defensive coverage is discussed, as well as solutions for beating […]
3 Tips for Transition Offense
I recently had the pleasure of talking with Maine Assistant Coach, Zak Boisvert, and he shared a few ideas regarding transition offense that he learned in his time coaching at Iona. As we are getting deeper and deeper into the season, easy baskets are hard to come by. Improving your team’s transition offense gives you […]
BBALL BREAKDOWN – Coach Nick Interview
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Coach Nick of BBall Breakdown, and we had an awesome time talking basketball. To view our conversation check out the video below. Also, for a PDF containing the main points of our conversation, click the button below! Download PDF Bonus
Using False Actions In Your Offense
As we are getting deeper and deeper into the season, it is vital that your team is making adjustments based on what is working well for you and what teams are doing to take some of your main offensive actions away. One of the ways that you can jump-start your offense without having to overhaul […]
Creating Double Gaps
With the emphasis on hand-check fouls and freedom of movement in basketball this year, it is wise to make penetration a large part of your offensive philosophy. Additionally, as the season goes on, games get tighter and tighter, and ball security becomes a vital skill for teams to possess. Creating a double gap within your […]
How To Create Spot Up Shots
As the second half of the season is getting ready to kick off and teams are beginning to enter conference play, it is vital that coaches add some new wrinkles into their offense to keep opponents honest. The efficiency of your teams offense is dictated by your ability to take care of the ball, create […]
Easy Basketball Plays: High Stack Pick and Roll
Here is a very easy basketball play from the LA Clippers. In this simle play, they stick a shooter beneath the ball screener in a high pick and roll situation. This allows the screener to roll over top of the shooter, enticing the shooters defender to roll with the screener to the rim. This opens […]
Ball Screen Defense
Here is a video showing many of the common ways that NBA teams guard ball screens and rotate off the ball to cover the actions.
Elbow Actions
To view the coaching content, please watch the video found below.
Drop Action
A nice counter to the high ball screen that NBA teams use late in the clock.
Land on 2 Feet
One of the acronyms I use to teach is “OTIP” (On Two In Paint). The teaching point is for the ball handler to land in a controlled jump stop or stride stop around the rim when there is a crowd. This is a better solution than going off one foot because going off two allows […]
Penetrate Pass Pass
When you are able to get by a defender and gain an offensive advantage the defense will collapse to help. It is vital to reverse the ball after it is passed out of the help. This two pass swing creates a large closeout and lengthens the offenses advantage over the defense.
Belmont Offense
Here is a video edit showcasing some of the set plays in the Belmont Bruins offense.
Princeton Offense
Here is a detailed video breakdown of the famous Princeton Offense. Enjoy!
Triangle Offense Breakdown
Here is a detailed video breakdown of the famous Triangle Offense. Enjoy!
Spread Offense Breakdown
Here is a detailed video breakdown of the Stephen F. Austin Spread Offense. Enjoy!
Davidson Motion Offense
Here is a detailed video breakdown of the Davidson Wildcats motion offense. Enjoy!
Pick and Roll Passing – Roll Man Options
A little while ago I did a post on passing out of pick and roll situations for the ball handler. In a similar way, there are many passes that are available for the roll man to throw as the defense rotates to take away the finish at the rim. The advantage of running pick and […]
Set Play – Curl Gate
One of the go-to set plays for the Golden State Warriors is the “Curl Gate” action. This play is designed to get a 3 point shot at the top of the key, but can also flows nicely into horns or pinch post action. Enjoy.
Why You Should Consider Switching Screening Actions
Switching screens is an effective way for the defense to accomplish the following: 1. Disrupt the initial offensive action. 2. Protect the key and contest shots through always having the player with the ball guarded. 3. Limiting rotations and closeout situations. Remember, mismatches do not get you beat, open shots do.
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