Pops 4 on 0 Fullcourt Drill

We are big fans of having game-like drills. While I have nothing against a 3-man weave full-court I find it hard sometimes to recognize the translation to a competitive situation. It certainly works on fundamentals (Passsing/catching/running/teamwork etc) but we prefer drills that have more of a transfer of skills to game situations. In this 4 on 0 Drill (Click Here) we got from Gregg Popovich and the San Antonio Spurs we use a full-court passing drill that combines outlets, hit ahead passes and our fastbreak principles (run the wing wide, sprint to half and don't look back until you get there, look over your inside shoulder with your butt facing the sideline etc). Obviously the drill is simple but you can create your own modifications. For example on return trips we will have them come back into a 4-0 offensive breakdown sequence.

Keep on learning

The summer sessions of COBA camp may have ended but the learning continues - for campers and instructors. The last two weeks have been fantastic and intense. Basketball boot camp is challenging, both physically and mentally. The planning for next year has already begun. Bookmark the COBA site and watch for updates and details. In the meantime, amongst many topics, players are reminded to work on the following skills:

• first step footwork
• shot fakes (remember it is "a shot not taken")
• offensive ballscreen reads (have patience)
  
• high post series
• ball handling (get the work done but also be creative)
  
• perimeter attack series
• low post footwork (start from the proper area)
• ball tough stance (varies based on location on the court)
• spacing off of ballscreen and dribble drive action
  

Making a difference

The concept that coaches "get what they accept" is so simple and so true. At the peak of any season, beyond a team sharing the ball and making their shots, coaches often comment that championships come down to aspects such as defense, rebounding, and ball protection.

That said, why are players allowed to come in to the gym and not work with a purpose, even if they are in for extra/leisure time? The small changes will make the big difference. Granted, the sport needs to be fun but consider the following:

• if a player walks in to an empty gym and sees a ball they will likely pick it up and dribble it - they would be more effective going through a short series of dribble moves
• if a player is simply taking shots, get them to move to new spots, move laterally or inside/outside, chart their progress, take a set number, don't just shoot
• emphasize footwork, don't simply shoot close to the rim, self-pass to imitate a post reception and then work on various moves to each shoulder
• throw the ball off the backboard, work on rebounds, catch above the head with two hands, protect the ball at the chin, work on strong wide pivots with a look downcourt
• pass the ball off a wall, practice good pass reception to strong ball protection - applies to post players and perimeter players, vary the body location of the catch (chin, overhead, hip, etc)
• work on slides, digs, loose balls, close-outs - these can be done without a partner
  

Playing big in BIG games

Interesting that, beyond all the game planning, matching up, special sets, and other details, games are often decided by a commitment to fundamentals. When coaches talk about players playing big in big games (more importantly playing big LATE in big games), they don't usually use the word 'fundamentals' but they certainly know it is implied.

Take Game 5 of the current NBA Western Conference final - it is a perfect example in many ways. An LA player, instead of doing the fundamentally proper move of using up some shot clock after getting another chance on offense (when up 3), puts up an ill-advised hurried 3 point attempt. Enter the mental side of the game. Need to always be thinking 'time and score' - of which that player was reminded by fans, teammates, and coaches alike. A missed box out allowed Phoenix a 3 point attempt, which they then made. Tie game under 4 seconds to go.

Finally, a sideline inbound that was obviously going to LA's hot shooter. Defensive focus was on that player. Shot goes up, but falls short. Fundamentals now play the role. Instead of finding LA players and making contact with them (hit and sit with a solid box out), the defenders are slow to the ball - focussed only on the ball. As is often the case, the aggressive weakside offensive rebounder (who sees the entire play in front of him, as well as the adjustment of the defense) charges to the ball and beats the defender. No contact was made, offensive rebound, put back off glass, clock expires, game over, two point loss. In just two seconds, a potential series lead turns into a deficit - all because of fundamentals.

End result is that a player (who mentally could have lost focus) erases the recent poor decision play from his mind, plays in the moment, uses proper fundamentals, makes a play, and changes a series. Kobe Bryant said it best. "It comes down to just fundamental things," Bryant said. "They knocked down a 3-pointer because we didn't box out. They wind up losing the game because they didn't box out. It's just the little things like that that are the difference between winning big playoff games and losing them."