US Sports Net Today!


Live Play-by-Play, Updates, Highlights and More! on US Sports Network!
[Chrome Users-You may have to click on the play button twice to listen]
US Sports Network Powered By Beast Sports Nutrition!




US Sports Radio
The Las Vegas Raiders Play Here
Fitness and Sports Performance Info You Can Use!
The Scoreboard Mall
The Rock Almighty Shaker Of Heaven And Earth!
The Coolest Links In The Universe!
Showing posts with label basketball coaching basketball player high school basketball basketball recruiting basketball instruction video basketball videos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label basketball coaching basketball player high school basketball basketball recruiting basketball instruction video basketball videos. Show all posts

Saturday, November 16, 2024

US Sports Basketball Feat. Michigan State vs. #1 Kansas Game Highlights


The Big 12

 

Presented on US Sports by CoachTube.
Featured course:
The 3 Out 2 In Kansas Offensive Playbook
by Coach Vann.
https://tinyurl.com/3in2Out
If you are a coach that has a dominant post player and needs to find some new ways to get them more touches in the post while also making it difficult for the defense to help and double team them, then this is your book! The 3 Out 2 In Kansas offense is a High/Low offense that provides great spacing, which makes it extremely difficult for the defense to defend against, but it’s not just for your post players. We also teach you the shot, dump, and reverse technique that will then also lead to some easy scoring opportunities for your perimeter players.
Get it here - https://tinyurl.com/3in2Out

Video credit:
Michigan State vs. #1 Kansas Game Highlights | 2024-25 Big 12 Men's Basketball.
The official Big 12 app is a must-have for fans headed to campus or following their favorite teams from afar. With exclusive video, and all the scores and stats surrounding the game, the Big 12 app covers it all!
https://apple.co/3CxL8ou
https://amzn.to/48S9A02

The Coolest Sports, Talk, Music, and Fun.
US Sports Radio
http://www.USSportsRadio.net
https://bit.ly/USSportsRadioToday

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

US Sports Basketball Feat. George and Markkanen Led the Utah Jazz to a Preseason Win! And How to Beat the Three Most Common Pick and Roll Coverages

 

How to Beat the Three Most Common Pick and Roll Coverages

  • By Grant Young

The pick and roll is one of the most effective plays in basketball because it creates multiple options for the team on offense. 

When executed properly, the pick and roll forces the defense to make quick decisions and adjustments. The player setting the screen can roll to the basket for a high-percentage shot, pop out for a mid-range jumper, or even shoot a three-pointer if left open. Meanwhile, the ball handler has the option to drive to the basket, pull up for a shot, or make a pass to the rolling player or to an open teammate on the perimeter. 

This play puts tremendous pressure on the defense and requires precise communication and teamwork to defend effectively. All of these reasons explain why the pick and roll can be an extremely effective and lethal offensive tactic for any basketball team. 

Teams often fail to fully utilize the pick and roll to their advantage for a variety of reasons. One is that some teams may not emphasize the pick and roll in their practice strategy, instead focusing on other plays or isolation sets. This lack of emphasis can lead to underutilization of the pick and roll as a primary offensive weapon. Plus, coaching and playcalling play a crucial role. If coaches do not prioritize the pick and roll in their offensive game plan or fail to teach proper execution, teams will not be able to fully exploit the potential of this play. 

We understand that implementing the pick and roll to your own team’s game plan can be daunting. But once you understand a few key points about this strategy, you’ll realize why employing it should be a no-brainer. 

Coach Luka Bassin’s ‘The ENCYCLOPEDIA of Pick and Roll - 101 ideas to attack different coverages’ course dives deep into different ideas on how to attack different pick and roll coverages. 

Given Coach Bassin’s experience as a Slovenian coach who worked for high-level European teams and national teams (among others with Slovenia NT) as an assistant coach, head coach, or player development coach, he is better suited to explain the strategies to perfect your team’s pick and roll attack better than just about anybody else. 

Attacking TRAP Coverage

“Trap” coverage is the most aggressive pick and roll coverage there is. It includes the primary defender being pressed up close to the ball handler, ideally pushing the player to get a screen and then going with him. The big man playing defense makes an aggressive show to the ball handler as high as possible (ideally right where the screen is set), intending to stop the creator’s offensive drive and get him to pass elsewhere, effectively ending the pick and roll. 

But a great way to break this sort of coverage is by having the ball handler make a quick pass (likely a bounce pass) to the big man who is setting a screen for them as they roll, before the defending big can set all the way up from the screen. Once the big receives the pass, they will immediately look to the opposite corner, where the perimeter should be cutting into the paint. 

Because the big man has vacated the post in order to trap the ball handler, this should leave the paint available for a short window. And if the opposing wing defender can get caught sleeping, this quick pass from the big man can create an easy layup and effectively defeat trap coverage. 

Another key part of defeating the trap covering in the pick and roll is for the ball handler to keep their dribble alive, because as soon as the ball gets picked up then the press will become even tighter, and a jump ball will likely result. 

Attacking UNDER Coverage

A defense’s “under” pick and roll coverage is when the primary defender of the ball handler goes under the initial screen (either under the big man or in between the gap between the offensive and defensive big men), which is typically used either during transition or when the ball handler isn’t a threat to shoot and make a three-point shot. 

A great way to defeat this coverage is, with a speedy ball handler, just to attack the rim as soon as the defender goes under the screen. This typically requires them to take their eyes off the ball for a moment, which is enough time for a speedy ball handler to drive to the paint. And they’ll likely meet minimal resistance there because the defending big is up where the screen is set. 

Of course, another great way to defeat this coverage is to have a ball handler who can confidently shoot and make three-pointers, because just one made three makes this coverage foolish to try again. 

REJECT the screen as first option

null

Rejecting a screen is the most effective when used against an aggressive defender who jumps under the screen early. It’s a great option against teams who force ball handlers away from the screen, and is often used when there’s minimal help on the weak side. 

The key to this scenario is to catch the ball defender slipping, because when they’re told that a screen is coming up, they are always going to be expecting and thinking about how they’ll handle that screen. Adept ball handlers can take advantage of this momentary mental lapse to drive to the other side of the screen, pull up for a shot, or do something else that the defender isn’t expecting to throw the pick and roll defense out of whack.

Thursday, September 19, 2024

US Sports Basketball: How to Stand Out at Basketball Tryouts and Top 10 Plays | FIBA Intercontinental Cup 2024

 

How to Stand Out at Basketball Tryouts


Standing out at a basketball tryout goes beyond just showing up. It's about having a basketball tryout plan that starts well before the day arrives. From improving your drills to mastering the fundamentals of basketball (such as scoring and defense techniques) preparation is key to showcasing your skills. This planning not only involves honing your physical ability but also mastering basketball’s mental aspect to elevate your tryout performance.

Committing to a basketball tryout plan means diving deep into drills that sharpen your shooting form, dribbling finesse, and overall evaluation rubric for a standout tryout. A positive attitude towards teamwork and sportsmanship also plays a crucial role in standing out and becoming a valued player.

So let’s get into how you can stand out at a basketball tryout!

Preparing Physically and Mentally

Your basketball tryout plan should require both physical and mental preparation. Here's how you can ensure you're ready to shine on the court:

Physical Preparation:

Conditioning: Begin with cardiovascular training to boost your strength and conditioning. It’s tough to perform well when you’re constantly winded.

Skill Development: Dedicate time to shooting every day and practicing dribbling drills. At the end of this article, we’ll provide you with a great shooting drill that is sure to improve your long-range skills.

Mental Preparation:

Visualization and Mindfulness: Engage in visualization techniques to strengthen your mental game. Imagine yourself succeeding in your basketball tryout, and making your preferred team. This helps manage anxiety and improves focus.

Positive Self-talk: Regularly practice positive self-talk and read positive affirmations. This builds confidence, which is essential for facing the pressures of tryouts.

Nutrition and Rest:

Healthy Eating: Consume foods that provide quick energy, like oatmeal and bananas. Drink a lot of water as well!

Adequate Sleep: Get at least eight hours of sleep before your tryout, to ensure optimal energy and alertness.

By doing all of these things, you’re setting yourself up for success before stepping on the tryout court.

Mastering the Fundamentals

Remember: it's not just about having the ball in your hands. It's about making every touch count. Here's how you can elevate your fundamentals:

Ball Control Techniques:

o   Focus on dribbling with both hands, so you can navigate the court under pressure.

o   Incorporate passing drills that mimic game scenarios.

o   Set daily shooting goals, aiming for consistency from various spots on the court.

Strategic Play and Coachability:

Engage in game-speed scenarios to understand the flow and transitions of a real match.

Show your willingness to learn by focusing on coach feedback.

Compete against stronger opponents to challenge and improve your skills.

By using these strategies for your basketball tryout plan, you're not just preparing—you're improving. It's the details that coaches notice, so demonstrate your understanding of the game, and your ability to execute their feedback, and display your desire to improve every day.

Showing Coachable Behavior and a Positive Attitude

In the heart of every standout basketball player is an enthusiasm to learn and adapt. This is what being coachable is all about—but this trait isn't just about nodding along to what the coach says. It's about actively engaging with feedback to elevate your game. Here's how you can showcase this invaluable attribute:

Active Listening and Engagement:

Maintain eye contact and nod to show you're absorbing your coach’s every word.

Ask questions if you're unsure, showing you want to get it right.

Apply the feedback immediately in drills or scrimmages.

Positive Attitude and Body Language:

Keep a positive attitude, even when drills don’t go your way. A smile can go a long way.

Avoid negative body language, like slouching or eye-rolling. Coaches notice these small details.

Celebrate teammates' successes openly. High-fives and encouraging words contribute to a positive team atmosphere.

Examples of Coachability in Action:

Arrive 15 minutes early to tryouts and start warming up right away.

Be the player who dives for loose balls, communicates on the court, and always looks to improve.

Lead by example in both practice and game situations.

Embracing these aspects of coachability not only makes you a better player but also a more attractive prospect to coaches who are looking for team players who add to the team dynamic.

Communicating and Being a Team Player

In basketball, communication and being a team player are pivotal. Here's how you can elevate your presence on the court:

Effective Communication Techniques:

Be Loud and Clear: Ensure your voice can be heard across the court. Use specific terms for actions to avoid confusion.

Timing is Key: Communicate early enough so that teammates can react.

Stay Positive: Focus on constructive feedback rather than blame. Encourage and uplift your teammates.

Non-Verbal Cues:

Eye Contact and Hand Signals: Use these when the gym gets noisy. They're quick, effective ways to communicate.

Team Bonding: Engage in activities that build rapport. Building friendships makes for a better team–and better tryout performance.

You don’t need any basketball skills to utilize your voice. Coaches need leaders, and this is your way to showcase that you’re an asset for fostering unity and driving your team toward success.

Conclusion

Basketball tryouts can be stressful. But by preparing both physically and mentally, mastering fundamentals, and showcasing coachable behavior and communication, athletes can significantly enhance their visibility and impact during tryouts. These strategies will guide you toward a standout performance that captures the attention of coaches and teammates alike.

And last (but certainly not least), don’t forget to have fun! That’s why you’re playing basketball in the first place. Think of the tryout as another fun opportunity to play with your friends and show off the skills you’ve worked hard to acquire.

Now go out there and show the world what you’ve got!

 

Steph Curry Shooting Series

null

If you’re looking for a drill to improve your shooting ability before your basketball tryout, give this Steph Curry shooting series (from breakthroughbasketball.com's Joe Haefner) a try. Steph Curry actually practices this drill series on a regular basis! And if it works for the greatest shooter of all time, it will surely work for you, too.

 

All you’ll need is a hoop, a ball, and a teammate, coach, or parent to work with you. Here’s how the Steph Curry Shooting Series works:

 

1. Spot Up / Quick Release

The first shot starts from the wing or the corner.

You simply catch the ball, step towards the basket, and shoot it as quickly as possible.

2. Shoot Off The Dribble

This is the same as the first shot, except you add a long, explosive dribble to the basket then shoot.

3. Cut To Ball - Corner To Wing Cut

Next, you work on shooting off a cut from the corner to the wing. In a game situation, this could be a straight cut or a curl cut off a screen.

4. Flare or Fade Cut - Wing to Corner Cut

This is another game-like shot where you execute a flare or fade cut. This can be done off dribble penetration, a down screen, or a flare screen.

5. Fast Break Shooting

The final shot reflects a shot you will get off of the fast break.

Perhaps start this drill series shooting the same shot 10 times in a row, then move to the next drill. Then, once you’ve completed those 50 shots, go back and add 3-5 more shots in each drill, at a different position on the floor. You’ll rarely shoot the same shot twice in a row in a game, after all.

That’s all there is to it! If you try this set of drills every day for a week, you are sure to impress your coaches during any basketball tryout.

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

US Sports Basketball: Indiana Fever vs. Atlanta Dream | FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS & Three Competitive Shooting Drills For Your Basketball Team

 Attack the Baseline - A WNBA Podcast

Three Competitive Shooting Drills For Your Basketball Team

  • By Grant Young

It's important for coaches to be able to switch things up when running a practice. Things can get redundant when basketball practice planning, and ultimately it can become a bit boring for coaches and players alike. This is why adding a competitive twist to practice can really elevate team morale and foster excitement that translates into success in games. 

 

Coaches can incorporate competitive shooting drills into their practices to not only strengthen shooting, but also boost rebounding, and increase conditioning. While any wise coach will want to kill multiple birds with one stone (so to speak) when constructing their team’s practices, figuring out the most efficient and effective way to do so can seem daunting. 

Luckily that’s exactly what coach Aluara Sharp has done. 

Coach Sharp is the head Women's Basketball Coach at Appalachian State, a job she started in April 2024. Prior to that, Coach Sharp spent six seasons as the head coach at Presbyterian College (PC). Under Coach Sharp’s leadership, PC finished fifth in the regular season standings and earned a first-round bye in the Big South Conference Championship for the first time since 2017-18. The 2019-20 team increased its win total by five games and advanced to the Big South Championship quarterfinal round for the second time under Sharp's leadership.

 Competitive Team  Shooting Drills

Putting together competitive shooting drills for her team has been a cornerstone of Coach Sharp’s success. And her ‘Competitive Team Shooting Drills’ course will teach you how to Implement competitive shooting drills into your practice plan and bring out the best in your team, both individually and as a unit. 

Regardless of the basketball level you’re coaching at, your players’ improvement from these drills will translate onto the court and boost their confidence in their ability to shoot the ball, which could spell the difference between success and despair during your next season. 

Rapid Fire Shooting

The first competitive team shooting drill that Coach Sharp recommends for coaches is what she calls the ‘Rapid Fire Shooting’ drill. 

This drill will start with three lines: a passing line at the wing or at the top of the key, a shooting line in the corner (either behind the three-point line or at mid-range) and a rebounding line on the block. 

The passer’s line will start with the ball, deliver the pass to the shooter in the corner, then follow their pass and get in the shooting line. Upon receiving the pass, the shooter will take a shot. Regardless of whether the shot is made or missed, the shooter will then get in the rebounding line. And when the rebounder secures the ball they will then outlet it to the passing line, and the drill restarts. 

The key here is that this drill will take place on both sides of the court, and you have an equal amount of players on each side. After each player gets a shot up at each spot, both sides will tally their total makes and the winning side will get a point.

After doing this in five different locations, the team with the most points wins and gets to skip conditioning or some other similar reward. 

There can also be bonuses or an additional point given to the team who completes their entire round of shots the fastest, which incentivizes fast passing, shooting, and rebounding. 

Coaches could also do it so that whichever team gets to five made shots in every location first wins, which is another way to prioritize speed and timing in this drill. 

Blue Hose Shooting

null

Another competitive shooting drill Coach Sharp loves is called ‘Blue Hose Shooting’, which she took from a former coaching job at Lousiana Tech. 

The goal of this drill is that the team must have 90 three-point shots in five minutes. While this may sound impossible, the drill’s structure will reveal why it’s not so difficult as it initially sounds. 

There will be three different lines (Coach Sharp has it with one on either wing and another at the top of the key, but this could also work with a line or two at the corners.) Once a person at the front of their line takes a shot, they go and grab their own rebounds before passing it to the line that’s to their left. They’ll then go and join that line. 

This drill is excellent because it blends needing speed and patience. If every shooter on the team is rushing their shots in order to get as many shots up as possible, there’s no way they’ll make enough because their form will suffer. But if a player mimics the (efficient, but not rushed) pace at which they shoot in a game and then hustles to get their rebound, this will allow them to make the 90 shots in five minutes. 

Of course, making 90 three points shots will be impossible for any youth basketball team. So adjust these distances, shots, and timing to whatever level your team is at. 

Skip Shooting

A third competitive team shooting drill Coach Sharp swears by is the Skip Shooting drill. 

This drill is going to require either three or four balls, and it emphasizes skip passes, which is a pass that goes directly from one player to another, usually traveling relatively long distances and skipping over any teammates in between. 

It will initially start with two lines, one at a wing and another at the opposite corner. The balls will start with the wing lines, who will throw an overhead skip pass to the corner shooter. The shooter will catch the pass, take the shot, and then follow the shot. Once they secure the rebound then they will outlet it to the wing line. 

Try doing this for a set number of shots or minutes before moving to a different location and trying the same there.

Sunday, September 1, 2024

US Sports Coachlab Featuring Core Basketball Principles That Dallas Mavericks Coach Sean Sweeney Teaches

 

  • By Grant Young

It takes a lot more than talent to produce a winning basketball team. There are a variety of factors that can (and will) influence a team’s win and loss record each season. And while on-court talent is certainly one of those factors, all of the talent in the world won’t mean a thing if a team doesn't have core principles to abide by.

Creating a team culture can be a daunting task; especially because each team is comprised of different personalities who require something slightly different to put their best foot forward. Although there are coaches who have developed a set of core principles and devoted basketball coaching resources to each team they’ve coached, which has allowed their team to develop, operate as a cohesive unit, and find success, on the court, in the locker room, and out in the world. 

Sean Sweeney is one of those coaches. 

Sean Sweeney is currently an assistant coach for the Dallas Mavericks. Prior to joining Dallas, Sweeney spent three seasons as an assistant coach with the Pistons and the previous four as an assistant with Milwaukee. During his time with the Bucks, Sweeney was Antetokoumnpo’s head trainer and spent countless hours after practices to help the “Greek Freak” develop into the NBA player he is today.

In a 2018 article with The Athletic, Antetokoumpo said of Sweeney, “The killer mentality — he definitely helped me with that… Having Coach Sweeney for those years, he really helped me as a player and as a person off the court.”

In his ‘Core Principles – How We Want to Play’ course, Coach Sweeney details the main pillars he instills within his players. We will be breaking down his most pertinent points and sharing them with you so that you can get your team operating at maximum capacity. 

Core Principles for Offense, Defense, and Program

Core Principles For Your Program

“Some general core principles for your program that make sense to me are: we want to be the hardest working, most together, most competitive, smartest, toughest team.” 

Coach Sweeney begins his sermon by mentioning many ideals that all coaches should want from their own teams. When he mentions being the hardest working, Coach Sweeney means that he wants to see his players diving after loose balls, and otherwise create a mentality of being the hardest-playing team on the court, no matter who it is they’re up against. 

Coach Sweeney then notes a variety of other things that a player can do to be considered hard-working; none of which show up on a box score or a stat sheet. This introduces an imperative point of Coach Sweeney: that hard work isn’t always going to result in points for a player. But it will help result in wins. It will also get a player’s teammates and coaching staff to respect that, and facilitate trust in the other room. Hard sort of the byproduct of an unselfish, cohesive team culture that prioritizes “we” instead of “me”.

“To play with great effort, to be the hardest working team, you have to be in shape.”

Coach Sweeney stresses conditioning as one of the core pillars that he has instilled in every team he has coached for. And while there are multiple different tests and metrics with which conditioning can be evaluated by a basketball coach Coach Sweeney has also devised his own unique method of assessing how fit his players are: Can they play the way he needs them to play for six consecutive minutes? 

The way that NBA games (and the sport of basketball as a whole) are structured, Coach Sweeney doesn’t need his players to have the endurance of marathon runners. Rather, he needs them to be in good enough shape so that they can give 100% effort, 100% of the time, until the next timeout occurs or until they get taken out of the game. If they can do that without exception, then they are conditioned enough.

Offensive Principles

In terms of offensive principles, Coach Sweeney has one overarching rule that he believes is the difference between success in failure on modern basketball: that you want to get a great shot as soon as you can. 

This is going to mean something different for every team. In fact, it’s going to mean something different for every player, considering what their strengths and weaknesses are. But once those “great shots” are defined by each player and their coaching staff, then the goal should become that a team gets one of those shots for one of their players during every offensive possession.

Defensive Principles

null

“We want to allow one contested, long two-point shot.”

Coach Sweeney is very clear about what he wants his teams to allow on defense. In order to do that, he wants his players to sprint back on defense, ahead of the ball. He also wants his players to play defense late into the clock, because a shot that occurs early in the shot clock typically means that it’s a great shot for the other team. 

Coach Sweeney also speaks about not letting other teams out in transition as much as possible. A big part of this is limiting turnovers. But, as all coaches know, turnovers are inevitable (as are great shots for the other team, on occasion). So Coach Sweeney emphasizes that sprinting back on defense and protecting the paint once his players get there is paramount to limiting the amount of great shots that an opposing team can have. 

Instilling these core principles into your team will have them playing like a cohesive (and coachable) unit in no time.

Friday, July 19, 2024

The WNBA On US Sports - Dallas Wings vs. Indiana Fever | FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS &

 

From College to the Pros: Transitioning the Dribble Drive Offense

  • By Justin Tran


The Dribble Drive Offense is a game-changing basketball strategy designed to optimize scoring opportunities and disrupt opposing defenses. With its emphasis on dribble penetration, kick-outs, and spacing, this offensive system has gained significant popularity among coaches and players alike. 

By mastering the Dribble Drive Offense, teams can unlock their full potential on the court, utilizing aggressive drives, precise passes, and strategic positioning to create open shots and exploit defensive weaknesses. Understanding the concepts and strategies of the Dribble Drive Offense is crucial, whether you're a coach hoping to change your team's offensive strategy or a player looking to improve your abilities. Join us as we explore the core concepts, successful implementations, and notable coaches associated with this dynamic offensive strategy.

At the University of Kentucky, Coach John Calipari has long been recognized as an expert at implementing the Dribble Drive Motion offense. With a focus on relentless dribble penetration and attacking the rim, Calipari's coaching philosophy emphasizes dynamic scoring opportunities and aggressive play. 

In Calipari's system, the Dribble Drive Motion offense revolves around a guard who possesses exceptional ball-handling skills and the ability to get to the rim. This allows the offense to constantly put pressure on the defense, as the guard drives past the defender and forces help rotations. 

One of the key advantages of the Dribble Drive Motion offense is its ability to exploit mismatches. Calipari makes sure to recruit and develop players that are adaptable and excel in a variety of positions. By utilizing post players who can stretch the floor and shooters who can attack the rim, Kentucky's offense becomes multifaceted and difficult to defend. The Wildcats are able to generate scoring opportunities both within the paint and beyond the arc thanks to this strategy, forcing defenders to make tough decisions and often leading to fouls.

In this play designed by Coach Calipari, the Dribble Drive Motion offense comes to life. The point guard draws the defense's attention as he attacks the right wing to start the play. Simultaneously, the shooting guard moves to the top of the key, creating space. The point guard then passes it to the shooting guard, who then quickly dishes it to the center. Meanwhile, the forwards set a well-timed screen under the basket, enabling the small forward to find an open spot in the corner. With the ball now in the center's hands, a pass is made back to the point guard positioned on the left wing, who then has options to either drive for a layup or pass to the corner for an open 3. To see more of Coach Calipari’s playbook at Kentucky, click here!

Denver Nuggets Utilizing the Dribble Drive Offense

The Denver Nuggets, the reigning NBA champions, are renowned for their exceptional utilization of the Dribble Drive Offense. Running this offense plays to the strengths of their dynamic roster and allows them to consistently attack the defense with relentless drives and strategic offense moves.

In this style of offense, the Nuggets' perimeter players excel at initiating the attack. By using baseline drives, middle-of-the-key attacks, and kick-out passes when the defender assists, they try to penetrate the defense. This aggressive style of play not only opens up the middle but also creates passing lanes for the players on the perimeter.

With four players positioned on the perimeter, the Nuggets can effectively shoot the outside shot or rotate the ball around the perimeter, creating passing lanes and exploiting defensive gaps. This style of offense, often associated with the teachings of Coach John Calipari and Vance Walberg's innovative approach, gives the Nuggets a lot of freedom to make quick decisions based on the defense's positioning. To mislead the opponent, players must be able to pivot and pass, finding the open teammate or making backdoor cuts. 

In this Dribble Drive Offense play, the Denver Nuggets showcase their strategic ball movement and scoring opportunities. The action begins with the point guard positioned on the left side, passing the ball to the shooting guard, who promptly returns it. Simultaneously, the point guard cuts to the left wing. Meanwhile, the center executes a flare screen for the shooting guard, transitioning to the top of the key. Subsequently, the center sets another screen, this time for the point guard, who aggressively attacks the basket. As this unfolds, the power forward positions themselves near the low block, while the small forward becomes an option for a kick-out pass on the right wing. To learn more about the Denver Nuggets efficient offense, click here!

Dribble Drive Motion Drills

Building skills is one of the main advantages of dribble drive drills. By practicing dribble penetration, players learn how to attack the defense, create scoring opportunities, and draw fouls. The repetition and intensity of these drills help players improve their ball-handling, change of direction, and decision-making abilities, enabling them to excel in game situations.

Dribble drive drills also emphasize kick-out passing, a vital skill in the Dribble Drive offense. In order to create scoring opportunities for themselves and their teammates, players learn to recognize open teammates on the perimeter and execute accurate kick-out passes. These drills enhance passing accuracy, court vision, and offensive awareness.

Conclusion

The Dribble Drive Offense is a game-changing strategy that optimizes scoring opportunities and disrupts opposing defenses. Mastering this offense requires understanding the concepts and strategies behind it. Coach John Calipari at the University of Kentucky has been highly successful in implementing the Dribble Drive Motion offense, emphasizing relentless dribble penetration and attacking the rim. The Denver Nuggets, the reigning NBA champions, also excel at running the Dribble Drive Offense, utilizing their dynamic roster and strategic offense moves. Additionally, dribble drive drills are essential for skill development, improving dribble penetration and kick-out passing. These drills enhance players' abilities to attack the defense, make accurate passes, and create scoring opportunities.

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

US Sports Basketball: Mastering Basketball Defense: Techniques, Drills, and Strategies for Success

 

  • By Justin Tran

Are you looking to take your basketball game to the next level? To become a true force on the court, you must master the art of defense. With the right techniques, drills, and strategies, your team can become an elite defense capable of shutting down even the toughest opponents. 

Defense is often an overlooked aspect of the game, overshadowed by the glamour of scoring and offensive prowess. However, a team's defensive performance can make all the difference between average results and achieving greatness on the court. As a basketball coach, educating your team on multiple defenses such as zone defense, press defense, and packline defense can give you an advantage.

Developing a strong defensive mindset and instilling effective defensive principles in your players can lay the foundation for success. In this article, we will explore the drills and strategies that can help elevate your team's defensive capabilities to an elite level. From individual defensive skills to team concepts and game planning, we will provide valuable insights and practical tips to enhance your team's defensive prowess. 

UConn head basketball coach Dan Hurley mentions the core principles of an elite defense, and toughness is a crucial component. Toughness on defense stands as an essential characteristic that separates great teams from merely good ones in the realm of basketball. The defensive end of the court demands players to exhibit unwavering determination, physicality, and mental resilience. 

Within the context of basketball, defensive possessions are moments of truth that put teams' drive to the test. It is during these instances that the true value of toughness on defense becomes apparent. Possession after possession, players must summon their inner strength, exhibiting quickness and agility to keep up with the relentless offensive attacks. 

In this demonstration, Coach Hurley presents a basketball drill designed to enhance and assess toughness. Positioned at the top of the key, he prompts a defender to challenge the ball handler's movement toward either side. Coach Hurley emphasizes the significance of physicality in this exercise, urging the defender to exert pressure by directing their chest into the ball handler's shoulder, ensuring they remain in front at any cost. This drill effectively enhances defensive recovery skills and communication on defense. To learn more about 2023 NCAA Champion Coach Dan Hurley’s and UConn’s defensive principles, click here!

1-2-2 Defense

Former Villanova men’s head coach Jay Wright's 1-2-2 defense is a formidable strategy designed to stifle opponents and disrupt their offensive flow. This defensive formation is characterized by its unique positioning of players, creating a barrier that is difficult for the opposing team to penetrate.

One of the notable strengths of the 1-2-2 defense is its ability to limit dribble penetration. The defenders in the wings work in tandem to close off driving lanes and deny easy access to the basket. Their positioning and communication enable them to effectively switch and provide support, discouraging opponents from attacking the middle. Simultaneously, the defenders near the baseline act as the last line of defense, contesting shots and securing rebounds.

The 1-2-2 defense is also renowned for its versatility. It can be modified and adjusted to address specific offensive threats or take advantage of a team's weaknesses when playing the opposition. Based on scouting reports, coaches can adjust player positioning and duties, which enables the defense to successfully counter various offensive schemes.

Coach Wright showcases Villanova's 1-2-2 full-court press, a dynamic defensive strategy that aims to overpower opponents and generate turnovers. This press defense positions defenders strategically, with one player pressuring the inbound pass, two guarding the wings, and two near the baseline. By employing this aggressive approach, Jay Wright's teams create chaos, confusion, and rushed decisions among opponents, resulting in steals, deflections, and turnovers that lead to scoring chances. To learn more about the Hall of Fame head coach’s defense at Villanova, click here!

null

Defending the Pick and Roll

Defending the pick-and-roll effectively requires a coordinated effort from the ball defenders, screener defender, and other defenders on the court. By employing tactics such as pressure, physical effort, navigation of screens, consistent ball pursuit, and smart decision-making, teams can neutralize the pick-and-roll offense. USC Women's Head Coach Lindsay Gottlieb emphasizes these key strategies for each defender position.

The ball defenders play a crucial role in defending the pick-and-roll. They need to apply pressure on the ball handler, using physical effort to disrupt their rhythm and limit their options. To navigate the screen, ball defenders must communicate with their teammates, making early and loud calls to initiate switches or defensive rotations. By maintaining consistent ball pursuit, they can stay engaged with the ball handler and minimize passing lanes. If they get temporarily beaten by the screen, their priority is to quickly recover and get back in front of the ball to contest shots.

On the other hand, the screener defender is crucial in preventing the pick-and-roll. They must inform their teammates of the impending screen and the defensive covering strategy, so early and clear communication is essential. The screener defender can successfully block the offensive player's rolling route if they are in the appropriate place before the screen is set. 

The remaining defenders on the court must exhibit solid early rotations to provide help defense and cover potential gaps. However, they must avoid overhelping, as it can create open scoring opportunities for opponents. Two-way stunts should be avoided, meaning they should refrain from leaving their assigned offensive player to help defend the pick-and-roll excessively. Click here to learn more about Coach Lindsay Gittlieb’s theories on defending the pick and roll.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of defense is essential for taking your basketball game to the next level. Offense frequently takes center stage, but defense can be the deciding factor in winning championships. USC Women's Head Coach Lindsay Gottlieb shares valuable insights on defending the pick-and-roll, emphasizing pressure, navigation of screens, and consistent ball pursuit. Meanwhile, Jay Wright's 1-2-2 defense, which he used to coach the men's team at Villanova, is renowned for suffocating opponents and forcing turnovers. By implementing these strategies and techniques, your team can become a dominant force on defense, shutting down even the toughest opponents.

Saturday, June 1, 2024

US Sports Basketball Feat. Chicago Sky vs. Indiana Fever WNBA Highlights

 

Presented on US Sports by CoachTube
Featured course:
Athletic Preparation for the Female (ALL) Athlete
https://bit.ly/AthleticPrep
In this course, Coach Jeremy Heffner offers multiple sets and training philosophies you need to know in order to maximize your athletes' potential. He details different types of sets that you can use to train your own athletes. If you are a coach who wants to learn how to train your athletes better, then this is the course for you!
https://bit.ly/AthleticPrep

On today's show we have a 2026 SG prospect with a huge upside to her game and WNBA Highlights featuring the sensational Caitlyn Clark!

Video credits:
Toni Pernetti - Girls Basketball Recruiting Video (CLASS OF 2026)
Pipeline Productions
@pipelineproductions7215
https://www.youtube.com/@pipelineproductions7215

Chicago Sky vs. Indiana Fever | FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS | June 1, 2024
The Indiana Fever secure their first home win of the season with a 71-70 win over the Chicago Sky 👏
NaLyssa Smith led the Fever with 17 PTS (58.3 FG%) & 9 REB, while Kelsey Mitchell pitched in 18 PTS!
See live WNBA games and more with the app
@ The Apple Store - https://apple.co/3wVUJDf
@ Amazon - https://amzn.to/4e549gb

The Coolest Sports, Talk, Music, and Fun
US Sports Radio
https://bit.ly/USSportsRadioToday

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

US Sports Basketball Featuring: UConn vs. Purdue - 2024 men's National Championship Highlights

Presented on US Sports by CoachTube
Featured course:
Dan Hurley - UCONN`s Defensive Principles
https://bit.ly/3UctfCb
Uconn Men’s Basketball Head Coach Dan Hurley teaches this course on the Huskies team defense. He begins with one of the most crucial elements of every great team: Culture. Building culture and coaching leadership is a huge part of the Uconn basketball team's success. He then dives into the x’s and o’s and covers the core principles of team defense including topics such as pressure, transition drills for practice, scrambling and rotating, 4 & 4 Shells, cutters, and much more. If you are looking to bolster up your team's defensive play and overall mindset, click “book this course” to get started learning from one of the top coaches in the entire country. Book this course here: https://bit.ly/3UctfCb

Video credit:
March Madness
https://apple.co/3CKvVg2
https://amzn.to/4aLKYpt

Cool Sports & Talk
US Sports Radio
http://www.USSportsRadio.net