Build fundamental skills (dribbling, passing, shooting, defense)
โข Teach teamwork and court awareness
โข Make it fun to encourage consistent effort
โข Dribbling with both hands (strong and weak)
โข Proper shooting form
โข Accurate passing under light pressure
โข Basic defensive stance and movement
Dribble Under Pressure: 1-on-1 full court, defender works on cutting off angles
โข Passing on the Move: Full-court passing drills with layups
โข Catch & Shoot + Closeout: Shoot while being lightly contested
Start installing simple structured plays:
โข Pick-and-roll basics
โข Off-ball screens and flare cuts
โข Backdoor cuts vs overplays
โข Motion offenses like 5-out or 4-out 1-in with rules:
โข Pass and cut
โข Replace the cutter
โข Drive and kick
โข Fill the corners
Focus: Elite control under pressure, escape dribbles
Goals: Develop ambidexterity, handle traps, and change pace/speed
Drills:
โข 2-ball dribbling (stationary + moving)
โข Full-court cone zig-zag under pressure
โข Trap & escape drill (double team simulation)
โข Hesitation, in-and-out, and misdirection series
Key Teaching Points:
โข Keep eyes up, low stance, protect with off-hand
โข Create space with hips and footwork, not just the dribble
Focus: Finishing through contact, footwork around the rim
Goals: Expand finishing package at all angles
Drills:
โข Mikan Variations (inside-hand, reverse, euro-mikan)
โข Chair finishing (floaters, euro step, pro-hop)
โข Contact pad layups
โข One-step gathers from different angles
Key Teaching Points:
โข Read shot blockers early
โข Master slow finishes, not just explosive ones
Focus: Reading defenses, timing, spacing
Goals: Improve decision-making and connection in P&R
Drills:
โข Snake dribble vs. drop coverage
โข Pocket pass & lob timing with live defense
โข 2-on-2 P&R with coach changing coverage calls
โข Film breakdown: real P&R reads (e.g. CP3, Jokic)
Key Teaching Points:
โข Read the big, not the on-ball defender
โข Use hesitation to manipulate defenses
Focus: Chemistry, accountability, and unity
Goals: Build a mentally tough, connected team
Drills:
โข โTrust the Passโ full-court flow drill
โข Defensive shell with live communication grading
โข Team huddles (self-led before drills)
โข 5-on-5 where captains coach teammates
Key Teaching Points:
โข Culture is built daily, not just in games
โข Compete without egoโserve the team