SECTION 4 ON COURT SKILLS TRAINING

4.3 Scoring Offense

From the youngest players all the way to the NBA players, 2-dribble pull-ups, or cross over moves. Then, when they being able to handle the ball to “make plays” is a critical get in a game, or a defender is present in the drill, they part of . In this section, we talk about a major cannot perform the drill because their ball handling is not part of any development program: being able to create good enough. Or they make the move then miss every space and “make plays” using the jab step and dribble shot because their shooting is weak. moves. When I am coaching young players I always spend a lot of time talking to them about what makes We all know that if a player is known to be able to knock good players. And, as simple as it sounds, I tell them, down open shots, the defense will play him tight and great players make great plays. Period. While most of the recover to him hard, opening up opportunities to drive. If moves we will discuss involve a process to score the ball, you look at Rajon Rondo, one of the bet guards in they will also open up passing opportunities, shift the the game, his ability to create off the dribble improve as defense to create open shots for teammates, and really he improves his . Defenders could once play making the game easier for everyone. Being a threat far off him, closing passing lanes and driving lanes, but as to make a play using the dribble from anywhere on the his shooting improves, these lanes will open up more and court makes a player uniquely valuable to his team. We more since they cannot leave him open on the Perimeter. have discussed and drilled shooting and ball handling, Not a fancy discovery but, the more things a player can now it is time to put it all together and create shots and do, the tougher he is to defend. make plays off dribble moves. There are certain shots and simple counters that every As coaches and trainers striving to develop our players, basketball player should be able to execute successfully we must teach them how to get open where they want at all levels. We will train these skills extensively at high- the ball, and then to create space to gain an advantage intensity in order to increase game-time proficiency. Elite with proper footwork, and utilize the dribble. This will players will have the opportunity to advance into more create and offensive advantage and, most often, a scoring elaborate offensive moves, but the foundational, universal opportunity for himself or teammate. Scoring off of the scoring skills must be in place and sharp. Just as we will dribble is a skill that combines the ball handling and discuss for post plays, players do not need 8 moves - shooting skills that you must also develop with proper they need a very strong go-to move and a few counter intense training. As we do with all areas of development; moves. we build a puzzle and keep building. Once your players have improved their shooting and ball handling, the Developing a wide variety of scoring skills takes intense possibility of being dangerous off the dribble arrives. If training and high-repetition. Players must repeatedly the player cannot handle the ball and cannot shoot, how work on new dribble and finishing moves in order to do we expect him to be able to execute these moves off develop full repertoire as a scorer. Your players should the dribble? We should not expect it, and must make sure be able to attack and finish in so many different ways so the base is in place before we move on. I have trained that the defense is always guessing and never able to shut 100‘s of players who look very good in the drills on 1 and down your offensive game. We will guide you through

IMPACT BASKETBALL CERTIFICATION COURSE MANUAL 1 SECTION 4 - ON COURT SKILLS TRAINING, 4.3 Scoring Offense the complete process of scoring off the dribble; from as soon as the defender moves one way or another. If getting open, to creating space, to reading the defender, the jab is made upright, the offensive player will have no to finishing the play. Our drills will be combinations of power to explode past the defender or enough power in scoring moves that will train you to react to defenses and the shot to get a quick shot off. their adjustments while being able to utilize the most Player must also protect the ball when making the job efficient scoring skill. step and not show the ball to the defender. This is a critical part of the move. We tell our guys preparing for the NBA Draft - “You must Then, the read is made. learn how to create space.” Creating space means just that - being able to “have room” away from your defender ∞ If the defender backs up, player will shoot the ball - to score, pass, or make a play. No matter what offense which is why you have to make sure he is catching it in the players are in, if they can create space, the offense shooting range. will be much better. Then, if all 5 players can create ∞ If the defender lunges at the jab, player attacks the top space, the defense is at a serious disadvantage and good foot and makes an aggressive move to the rim or for a things will happen on the offensive side. scoring move. ∞ If the defender is too tight, player rips through and THE ESSENTIAL DRILL SECTIONS FOR SCORING OFF finishes the play to the rim or to a pull-up jumper. THE DRIBBLE Watch any NBA game and you will see the best scorers JAB SERIES and playmakers, Durant, Billups, Chris Paul, Garnett: all The Jab Series will begin the process of how to train catch, stay low, and jab if they do not attack immediately creation of space upon catching the basketball. The Jab (defense will dictate). will often serve as the foundation of many offensive- The jab step series is the foundation of all moves. Every scoring moves of all types. Using the jab to make a move we do below can be started with a jab step when defender lean in one direction or overreact to the threat you want to insert it. of a dribble drive will open up lanes to score. Like we have said, defenders are at their most vulnerable when ONE DRIBBLE PULL-UPS they are uncomfortable and off-balance, the jab is a great The simplest way to effectively use the dribble is to be way to make this happen. able to react to an over-extending defender and execute a one-dribble pull-up jump shot. We use the one-dribble I do not see enough youth players or high school players pull-up to quickly escape from a defender and score using, and understanding how to use, the jab step. The before the defensive rotation has a chance to react and jab is a in being able to get your defender to commit become effective. to a side, fall off balance, or lunge, to be able to then take advantage of them and create space to make a play. The technique of the one-dribble pull-up is absolutely essential to its success. Due to the shot’s relative With the foundation set and players becoming simplicity, many players often relax on the fundamentals comfortable using the jab, we can build an offensive and compromise their percentages. Players must repertoire of scoring moves off the dribble. remain in an athletic stance; with hips low, feet wide and balanced, and shoulders and chest upright. * The jab drills section will be incorporated into the The player’s first step should be long and explosive, at a other scoring sections sharp angle with respect to his defender’s positioning. The best player’s will be able to out-quick their defender, When a player makes a jab step at the defender, he must take a sharp angle, and reduce the defender’s chance of remain low and in a position of power, ready to attack stopping him.

IMPACT BASKETBALL CERTIFICATION COURSE MANUAL 2 SECTION 4 - ON COURT SKILLS TRAINING, 4.3 Scoring Offense

Upon completion of the dribble, players must again BALL SERIES settle into a low and balanced stance with feet wide and As a primary tool of many team offensive schemes, then extend upward into a jump shot. The foundations ball-handling players, usually but not always guards, of proper shooting footwork from our Shooting section are required to be able to make plays using the on- apply to all jump shots in our scoring off the dribble ball screen. The game, at all levels, has evolved into a section. game of skill. And therefore, the best players, regardless of position or size, are able to play off of ball-screens, MULTI-DRIBBLE MOVES especially when there is a perceived advantage that a Multi-dribble moves are a way of extending past a coach wants to exploit. defender with an additional dribble. We also use multiple Angles and body positioning are the key factors to ball- dribbles in transition to set up pull-ups and other screen proficiency. Because the defense can realistically offensive attack moves. The principles of a one-dribble only defend the action in so many ways, there are basic move apply here as well; a low center of gravity and reads that we will train in order to gain comfort with wide foot base will increase balance and consequently making the necessary play. Players that are able to score shooting percentages. the ball in many ways possess the biggest threat to the defense and are therefore the most difficult to defend. Ball handling proficiency will be important to scoring Players that can make shots, get to the rim, and make off- off of multiple dribbles. Players must pound the ball balance shots are tough to defend and cause defenses forcefully in order to generate the most power and many problems. If your offensive game is limited, you explosive speed. give the defense an advantage and they will work to force you to use your weakness, and therefore limit your The multi-dribble drills will be incorporated with our effectiveness. change of direction, ball-screen, transition, and floater/ runner sections. RUNNERS/FLOATERS/AT-RIM FINISHES Runners and floaters are a great way to finish a drive to CHANGE OF DIRECTION MOVES the basket and score while your defender doesn’t expect Changing direction while using the dribble is a skill that it, or before he (or his help) has time to react. These players at the elite level have mastered in order to score shots are very difficult and low percentage, unless you the ball at any time, from any position. In addition to elite extensively train them. Runners and floaters are often ball-handling skills, players must also be able to control indefensible because they are used when a defense is in their bodies and possess the agility to move their feet the process of rotating and can’t recover in time to deter quickly. the shot attempt. A player is required to change direction when the defense There are a wide variety of runners/floaters that players has cut off one option and therefore a player needs to go can work on with the idea of gaining elite comfort with a in another. Therefore, offensive players must keep their few options that the player can rely on and trust to work. eyes up and visualize the entire court in order to make Many coaches will attempt to dissuade players from the necessary change of direction. using these shots, and they’re often correct because the Our counter moves will all be predicated on being able to shots can be difficult low percentage. If players shoot change direction upon reacting to a defense. a low percentage on any type of shot, coaches should look elsewhere for scoring options. But, when mastered, The ball handling section of the Impact Training System runners/floaters are a great way to expose a defense and provides the essential foundation of all of our dribble score. moves. You must be able to handle the ball with both hands equally well while maintaining proper posture.

IMPACT BASKETBALL CERTIFICATION COURSE MANUAL 3 SECTION 4 - ON COURT SKILLS TRAINING, 4.3 Scoring Offense

JOE’S KEY ELEMENTS OF SCORING OFF OF THE Player must also see and comprehend the opposing DRIBBLE team’s defensive position in order to take advantage with the proper and most effective offensive move. Getting Open Players must be able to create enough space between Angles themselves and a defender in order to receive a pass Once a player has received the pass, created space, and from a teammate. Efficient footwork is essential to read the defense, he must now attack. Taking the proper gaining a step or angle on a defender in order to get free and precise angle is very important to being able to get from a defender. Balance, agility, and strength are major where you want to go. Sharp attack angles that limit a factors in getting open, along with precise movements defender’s ability to cut off your lane are most effective. and understanding of the defense’s strategy. Combining When an offensive player takes a flat angle, a defender is physical skills with sharp angled V and L cuts and more likely to be able to beat him to the spot and thwart impeccable inside and outside pivots off of both feet will his scoring attempt. allow a player to get open frequently and with ease. A player that is a threat to attack in many ways, with speed The best offensive players are able to get by their cuts, open shots, or attacking off the dribble is likely to defender with the sharpest angles that put the most be able to get open by making a defender overreact to a pressure on the opposing team’s defensive rotations. The fake. most direct line to the basket, from any scoring position on the court, will usually be the most effective. Changing speed and body positioning will be major factors of your ability to get open. Defenders are least Shoulder/Hip Height effective when they’re uncomfortable, off balance, and The player that is able to lower his shoulders and hips in unsure of the offensive player’s intentions. Therefore, order to maintain balance and power, will much more you must tirelessly work to keep your defender likely to get to where he wants to go on the court as well uncomfortable in order to create an opening to receive a as hold off physical contact by a defender. pass. Players must maintain a low center-of-gravity starting Creating Space Upon the Catch with their lower body in order to generate the most Once a player has received the ball, he must alleviate the power possible from their explosive offensive attack pressure of a defender through aggressive and assertive movements. footwork, pass or shot fakes, or escape/attack dribbles. Creating space will force the defender to present his The best players are able to use their shoulders to gain strategy to the offensive player and allow for the offensive leverage on an defender; with the ball, coming off of attack. screens, and in the low post. Ideally, when making an attack move with the ball or speed cut, your shoulder Creating space requires players to be in a balanced and should be about the height of your defender’s hip. As functional body position in order to utilize their footwork with your low hips, keeping your shoulders low will help and strength to stop a defender from crowding them, or you maintain your balance will pushed as well as keep a forcing them into an undesirable position. defender from gaining advantageous positioning.

Reading the Defender Rip Through Once the pass has been received and space created, Once the ball is caught, players will need to be strong the player must quickly and accurately read the primary and aggressive in order to maintain position and defender’s foot and body position. possession of the ball. When a defender is reaching

IMPACT BASKETBALL CERTIFICATION COURSE MANUAL 4 SECTION 4 - ON COURT SKILLS TRAINING, 4.3 Scoring Offense for the ball or attempting to dislodge a player from The footwork and skills trained in this section can be his position, the offensive player aggressively, but not slowed down and trained at a low speed pace in order to maliciously, rips the ball from side to side gain comfort making each move. As the player gets more comfortable with the skill set, the pace and intensity can The Rip Through is also used to generate momentum in a increase. desired direction when beginning a dribble move. Players Technique is paramount here, if you compromise the will be more explosive and resist defenders better when proper footwork and basics in favor of the speed and the ball is ripped toward where they want to go. intensity, the skill is less likely to be fully developed. Many of the skill drills are position-specific and therefore Executing the Attack can be used/adjusted based on your player’s position and By utilizing your ball handling and athletic skills, you must skill level. now capitalize and score the ball through well-trained scoring moves and their counters. Impact players are able DRILL SECTIONS FOR SCORING to quickly react to the defender and utilize a wide array of OFF THE DRIBBLE pull-up jump shots, mid-range runners and floaters, and finishes at the rim. In order to fully use a complete set of JAB PULL-UP SERIES scoring moves, your dribbles must be crisp, your body We now add the jab to our one-dribble pull-up action balanced, your first step quick and explosive, and your as a way to get a defender off-balance or leaning in change of direction and speed precise. one-direction while we attack the opening. The jab is performed from a low, balanced, and athletic stance Foundational Scoring Moves by simulating an aggressive first step while maintaining ∞ Pull-Up Jump Shot balance and therefore body position. The ball must be ∞ Runner and Floater protected and shielded from a defender’s reach while ∞ Fade-away the jab is made. Players’ eyes must be up and alert to ∞ Finishing at the Rim recognize the defender’s reaction to the jab and capitalize ∞ One foot, two feet, euro-step, goofy-foot, scissor step, on it. inside hand, hooks, ∞ We will make a set of jab series shots from both corners Counter Moves and wings, and the top of the key ∞ Step back + re-cross, pull back + go, spin, hesitation, ∞ Jab and Go same direction, make 5-7 euro-step ∞ Jab and go opposite, make 5-7

JOE’S KEY POINTS FOR DRILLING ONE DRIBBLE PULL-UP DRILLING SECTION

This topic will be covered in its entirety in the drill Footwork: There Are 2 Types sequencing and workout building section. 3 step The 3 step pull-up is completed by stepping with the foot Some basic points to keep in mind as you are reading which is closer to the direction you want to go; right foot through this drill section: when going right, left foot when driving left.

Many of these drill options will be advanced and more 2-Step/Cross-over Step than some players can handle. This is not always a bad The cross-over step is completed by stepping across your thing, players often respond well to being thrown out of body with the right foot when going left, and left foot their comfort zone and sometimes discover that they’re when driving right. capable of doing things that they did not realize.

IMPACT BASKETBALL CERTIFICATION COURSE MANUAL 5 SECTION 4 - ON COURT SKILLS TRAINING, 4.3 Scoring Offense

Drift to the Wing Pull-Up Series Drift and Pull-up Player begins at the top of the key and quickly slides Player begins on the wing and drifts laterally to the corner laterally to the wing where he receives the pass where he receives the pass He then executes a one-dribble pull up Right Wing ∞ 5 makes of each of the following sets of mid-range ∞ 7 makes, one-dribble pull-up right pull-ups on each side of the court, from each corner ∞ 7 makes, one-dribble pull-up left ∞ 3 step pull-up left and right ∞ Cross Over Step left and right Left Wing Curl and Pull-Up ∞ 7 makes, one-dribble pull-up right Beginning in the corner of the court, player performs ∞ 7 makes, one-dribble pull-up left a curl cut to the mid-wing where he receives a pass. Footwork is all based on the shooting section; players will Alternating sides between each shot plant their inside foot first and follow with their second ∞ 8 one-dribble pull-up makes all going middle foot. ∞ 8 one-dribble pull-up makes all going toward the ∞ Player completes the following sets of 5-7 makes on both sides of the court: CHANGE OF DIRECTION DRILLING SECTION ∞ One-dribble pull-up to the right and left ∞ Players will utilize both sets of footwork; 3-step and We add changes of direction now to our drills in order crossover step to simulate reaction to a defender taking away an angle or option. Players must continue to gain proficiency Trail In and Pull-Up with ball-handling and agility drills to be at their best Beginning at half-court, player trails (runs hard) into the when making change of direction scoring moves. The mid-range area where he receives a pass and executes Jab Series continues to be an option to add to any drill the following sets on the right side, left side, and center as a way to begin each scoring move. We will leave that lane of the court: option up to the coach. ∞ One Dribble Right 5-7 makes ∞ One Dribble Left 5-7 makes Change of direction is best accompanied by a change *Because the trail cut is directly toward the rim, player of speed, which is something that coaches should be can utilize either footwork set. The proper footwork encouraging on almost all of our drill movements. usage depends on which foot the player establishes upon Change of speed is another element that makes a catching the basketball and which direction he would like defender uncomfortable and ineffective, especially when to go combined with the hard change of direction angles we will be training. Spot Pull-Up Series Player will make 5 pull-up jump shots in each direction Coaches will add a getting-open move to each set to from both corners and wings, and the top of the key. simulate receiving the pass with defensive pressure and executing proper footwork. Drift + Curl Pull-Up Series In this drill, we combine a drift to the corner cut and One Dribble Cross-Over Pull-Up Series a curl to the wing cut, both with dribble pull-ups. The In this set, the player take an aggressive dribble in one player alternates from each cut on consecutive shots and direction and then crosses his dribble over to his other performs sets of the following on both sides of the court: hand and then makes a pull-up jump shot. ∞ 10 makes, all going left from both spots ∞ 10 am, all going right from both spots

IMPACT BASKETBALL CERTIFICATION COURSE MANUAL 6 SECTION 4 - ON COURT SKILLS TRAINING, 4.3 Scoring Offense

From each wing and top of the key: BALL-SCREEN DRILLING SECTION ∞ One-dribble right, cross over to left, make 5-7 ∞ One-dribble left, cross over to right, make 5-7 Many coaches will often have varying directions on how to utilize ball screens, and not many of them will be Transition Cross-Over Series wrong; there are so many ways to score using a ball- We begin this set with players from behind half- screen, and some specific elements of a team’s offensive court toward their team’s basket, as if in transition game system will dictate their usage. However, most of the action. When reaching the 3pt line, player performs a simple reads will be universal, and these are what we will cross-over dribble and then a pull-up jump shot. train in this section. ∞ From right side, left side, and down the middle ∞ Cross over from right to left, make 5-7 Again, body positioning and ball-handling will be very ∞ Cross over from left to right, make 5-7 important to a player’s ability to successfully use a ball- screen, so continue to train your ball-handling. Typically Step-Back Series ideal body position is parallel to the screener, with the We now add a step-back move for advanced players screener being underneath the 3pt line. This positioning who possess elite body control, agility and ball handling. will yield the most options and most concerns for a Players must remain with a low center-of-gravity with defender. proper body positioning in order to make a jump-shot after a step back. The ball-handler will need to utilize low shoulder positioning (near the level of the screener’s hip) and Players attack in a direction, and plant hard on their inside change of speeds in order to best thwart the defender’s foot, driving their body backwards at about a 45-degree options. Again, the more off-balance and uncomfortable angle while maintaining a low hip and shoulder position the defender is, the less effective he is. with their chest up. Player then gathers himself and rises for a jump-shot by keeping his feet wide. Sideline ball-screen ∞ 5-7 made shot sets, will be completed on both sides of The step-back requires a player to protect the basketball the court: with forceful dribbles and proper body position. By using ∞ Pull-up middle (defender gets caught in screen) the ball as a tool to gain momentum toward the step ∞ Step-back middle (defender going under screen and back, players will be able to gain the separation that is playing the dribble-drive) necessary to make a clean and undeterred jump shot. ∞ Snake (defender trailing) ∞ Pull-up behind screener (defender going underneath The step back can be made at any time in an offensive and getting pinned by screener) move when the offensive player senses that the defender ∞ Reject and pull-up (defender forcing to baseline) has over-extended or is off-balance in one direction; ∞ Reject and float (defender forcing to baseline) after one or two dribbles, in transition, off of a jab step, ∞ Slip and pull-up/float (simulated soft hedge) etc. ∞ Drag out and attack (simulated trap/hard hedge) ∞ Re-screen and pull-up (defender gets through screen Complete each set of 5-7 made jump shots in each and screener sets another screen in opposite than direction, from right and left wings, and top of key: original direction) ∞ Jab, go opposite, step-back pull-up ∞ Jab and follow, step-back pull-up TRANSITION DRIBBLE DRILLING SECTION ∞ Cross-over, step-back, pull-up We again simulate the offensive player dribble at his basket in a transition setting in this section. Players

IMPACT BASKETBALL CERTIFICATION COURSE MANUAL 7 SECTION 4 - ON COURT SKILLS TRAINING, 4.3 Scoring Offense must be proficient in ball handling and in elite physical condition to be their best in the transition game. Much body-control and muscle endurance is required when attacking off the dribble in transition; players must be able to see openings, attack them, and execute the precise and proper scoring method that the defense yields.

Transition Pull-Ups Sets on right/ left sides and middle 5-7 makes each set:

From half-court, full-speed 3-5 dribble pull-up From half-court, change of speed (hesitation) at 3pt line into a mid-range pull up From half-court, change of direction into a mid-range pull-up

RUNNERS / FLOATERS / AT-RIM FINISHES DRILLING SECTION

This section is an additional drill compilation dedicated solely to finishing shots nearer to the rim, often off- balance, with varying runners, floaters, etc. Coaches can add one of the following scoring moves to any drill sequence that we have trained so far.

Scissor step into 2-foot finish ∞ Euro-step ∞ Goofy-foot ∞ 1-foot runners ∞ 2-foot push floater ∞ Running hook ∞ Spin and finish, spin and react ∞ Fake spin and add finish

Floater Finishes The finishes above are added to the following drill sections, 5-7 makes of each set. ∞ Change of Direction ∞ Ball Screen ∞ Transition

IMPACT BASKETBALL CERTIFICATION COURSE MANUAL 8