GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY'S BUILDING THE FULL COURT SCRAMBLE

By Eric Konkol Assistant Coach George Mason Univeristy

Applying effective full court pressure is an excellent way of taking your opponent out of their comfort zone in two simple ways. Its immediate effect is placing duress on the ball handlers, potentially forcing on passing errors, well before they get across half court and into the scoring area. In the long term, the effects of persistent pressure, constant guessing, and an increase in tempo can cause additional physical and mental fatigue on your opponent and give you a great opportunity for success.

Nearly eight years ago, Jim Larranga inherited a George Mason University men’s basketball program that suffered through seven losing seasons including four last place finishes in the Colonial Athletic Association. After implementing an intense style of pressure defense that includes the Full Court Scramble, George Mason now has the most wins in the CAA as well as four postseason tournament appearances in the past six years.

At George Mason, we believe that being successful at the Full Court Scramble requires three inner qualities before our players ever step onto the floor. Our three-part philosophy includes: attitude, commitment, and class.

First, everyone must have a positive attitude. Each of us makes a decision each day on what type of attitude we will have. We emphasize enthusiasm, passion, along with hard work in our program. There is going to be adversity, and how we bounce back is vital.

Secondly, everyone must be totally and unconditionally committed. We must work hard to improve every day, no matter the circumstances. It is easy to work hard when things are going well, but those who are totally and unconditionally committed work hard even during tough times.

Thirdly, everyone must act in a first-class manner. We must represent the program with pride and respect. We understand that our actions impact not only ourselves, but also our teammates, coaches, university and family.

Once we deliver this philosophy to our team, we are ready to get on the floor and build the Full Court Scramble.

Full Court Scramble Drills

On the court, the Full Court Scramble requires three essential fundamentals before we practice our 5-on-5 situations. They are: 1. Apply extreme pressure on the ball handler 2. Anticipate the pass 3. Effectively trap the dribbler

In order to excel at these three fundamentals, we spend time each day in our pre-season individual workouts as well as our team practices on drills that incorporate these fundamentals. In addition, although we are developing our defense, the offensive players in each drill must work hard to make game-line plays to make each drill effective.

These drills are: 1. Nose on the Ball 2. Anticipation Drill 3. Herding Drill

Nose on the Ball

“Nose on the Ball” requires the defender to work very hard to influence the ball handler to crossover at least three times before half court. We call it “Nose on the Ball” because we want our defenders to do just that. Our defender isn’t looking to gamble and the ball. His goal is to make the offense’s job very difficult. Diagram 1.

1. In Diagram 1, the defender passes the ball to the offense and closes him with hands high and quick choppy steps.

2. The offense then quickly zig-zags up the court with the defense closing guarding and making him crossover at least three times.

3. At half court, the offense picks up his dribble and the defender immediately pressures the dead ball by closing the space between them and “mirroring” the ball with both hands. After a count of two, the offense passes the ball to a coach at half court.

4. In Diagram 2, the defense immediately jumps to the ball and denies the pass back to the offense.

5. The ball is passed to the offense and the zig-zag dribble continues to the end line.

Anticipation Drill Diagram 2. The “Anticipation Drill” works the defender to quickly anticipate the direction of a pass. The defender is concentrating on deflecting the basketball three times to get out of the drill.

1. In Diagram 3, the defender begins in the middle of the line facing half court. Two offensive players stand with their inside foot on the elbow, also facing half court. A coach stands on the circle at half court, with a ball, facing the players.

2. The coach passes the ball quickly to one of the players at either elbow. The defender in the middle

Diagram 3. tries to anticipate where the ball is going and get a deflection. The Diagram 4. coach can utilize pass fakes and no- look passes to make it difficult.

3. The defender stays in the middle until he gets three deflections.

Herding Drill

The “Herding Drill” focuses on two defenders trapping a dribbler and then running out of the trap once a pass is made. The offensive player’s goal is to dribble as quickly as he can in straight lines to the left or right. We do not want him to use a variety of risky moves.

Diagram 5. 1. In Diagram 4, the offensive player begins underneath the rim with a ball. The two defenders begin where the lane line extended meets the three- line. A coach stands at half court facing the players.

2. As soon as the dribbler begins in one direction, the two defenders try to “herd” him into a trap. It is important that they do not get beat! They must use the sidelines as another defender and work together. 3. In Diagram 5, the dribbler crosses over, the defenders close up the space between them and force a trap. The trap must wrap up the dribbler and now allow him to step through the trap.

4. Once the trap is made and after a two-count, the passer throws the ball to the coach at half court. The defenders then sprint out of the trap, run the coach down, and either tip the ball out of his hands or an attempted lay up.

Full Court Scramble Defenses

Now that we have built a strong foundation with our philosophy and drill work, we are ready to work with our players 5-on-5 in our five full court scramble defense. Our five full court defenses are:

1. Full Court Man 2. Quick trap 3. Slow trap 4. Twist 5. 55

George Mason University's Building the Full Court Scramble PART II

By Eric Konkol Assistant Men's Basketball Coach George Mason University

Applying effective full court pressure is an excellent way of taking your opponent out of their comfort zone in two simple ways. Its immediate effect is placing duress on the ball handlers, potentially forcing dribbling or passing errors, well before they get across half court and into the scoring area. In the long term, the effects of persistent pressure, constant guessing, and an increase in tempo can cause additional physical and mental fatigue on your opponent and give you a great opportunity for success. (See Part I: Building the Full Court Scramble in Vol. II/1st Quarter of ABQ)

Full Court Scramble Defenses

Now that we have built a strong foundation with our philosophy and drill work, we are ready to work with our players 5-on-5 in our five full court scramble defense. Our five full court defenses are: 1. Full Court Man 2. Quick trap 3. Slow trap 4. Twist 5. 55 Full Court Man

Our Full Court Man sets up the rest of our scramble defenses. There are no traps in this defense, but extreme pressure is placed all over the floor.

1. In Diagram 1, each defender is guarding their man while the ball is taken out. X3 attempts to deflect any pass that comes in. The rest of the defenders deny the inbound pass but also try not to get beat with a long pass.

2. In the Full Court Scramble, we switch like size players. When O2 screens for O1, X2 switches and tries to deny O1.

3. In Diagram 2, the ball is inbounded to O1. X2 incorporates the “Nose on the Ball” drill and applies pressure to O1 by turning him at least three times. The other defenders are up the line, between the ball and their man, faking at the dribbler to make him think a trap may be coming.

Diagram 1. Diagram 2.

Quick Trap

Quick Trap begins just like our Full Court Man. The first pass is denied, however, if a pass is entered, the man guarding the ball out of bounds quickly traps the receiver. 1. In Diagram 3, X3 pressures the inbounder, X2 and X1 switch the , and the ball is passed to O1.

2. In Diagram 4, on the pass, X3 immediately traps the pass receiver with X2. X1 splits the space between O3 and O2 and anticipates the next pass looking for an errant one. X4 splits O2 and O4, X5 falls back with O5 and is the goaltender.

Diagram 3. Diagram 4.

3. In Diagram 5, the pass is made out of the trap to O3, X1 rotates to him. X3, who left his man to trap, must now go to where his help came from and guard X2.

4. Now we are in our basic Full Court Man. X1 applies “Nose on the Ball” on O3. X2 denies O1 from getting the ball and the other defenders are up the line, between the ball and their man, faking at the dribbler to make him think a trap may be coming.

Slow Trap

Slow trap is used to trap a dribbler the very moment he dribbles. This is the fundamental developed in the “herding drill.”

1. In Diagram 6, X3 pressures the inbounder, X2 and X1 switch the screen, and the ball is passed to O1. Diagram 5. Diagram 6.

2. In Diagram 7, X2 switched on to O1 and forces him to the middle. X3, drops back and plays between the ball and O3 just like he would in our Full Court Man. Once O1 dribbles, X2 and X3 immediately “herds” him until a trap is formed. Once again, X1 splits the space between O3 and O2 and anticipates the next pass looking for an errant one. X4 splits O2 and O4. X5 falls back with O5 and is the goaltender.

3. In Diagram 8, the pass is made out of the trap to O3, X1 rotates to him. X3, who left his man to trap, must now go to where his help came from and guard X2. Diagram 7. Diagram 8.

4. Now we are at our basic Full Court Man. X1 applies “Nose on the Ball” on O3. X2 denies O1 from getting the ball and the other defenders are up the line, between the ball and their man, faking at the dribbler to make him think a trap may be coming.

Twist

Twist is use to completely deny the opponent’s inbound pass from going to the point guard. This forces one of the other players to make a move to receive the first pass and is a terrific way to force a five-second .

1. In Diagram 9, just as the ball is taken out by O3, X3 “twists” and double teams by face guarding O1 with X2 who switched the screen.

2. With O1 denied, O2 is forced to get open. In Diagram 10, O3 passes to O2 and X3 runs out of the trap to his own man, O3. Diagram 9. Diagram 10.

3. Now we are in our basic Full Court Man. X1 applies “Nose on the Ball” on O2. X2 denies O1 from getting the ball and the other defenders are up the line, between the ball and their man, faking at the dribbler to make him think a trap may be coming.

“55” (1-2-1-1 Match-up Zone)

"55" is our only zone press. Unlike our man-to-man presses, this gives our players specific spots to run to when converting from offense to the Full Court Scramble. We look to deny the first pass, but if a pass is received, we trap it.

1. In Diagram 11, the defense is set in our "55". X4 is always on the ball, X3 is on the left, X2 on the right, X1 in the middle, and X5 is back and the goaltender. X4 pressures the inbounder, X2 and X1 switch the screen, attempt to deny the first pass, but the ball is inbounded to O1.

2. In Diagram 12, on the pass, X4 immediately traps the pass receiver with X3. X2 aggressively splits the space between O3 and O2 and anticipates the next pass will be back to X3. X1 splits Ox and O4. X5 falls back with O5 and is the goaltender. Diagram 11. Diagram 12.

3. In Diagram 13, the pass is made out of the trap to O3 and X2 rotates to him. X1 rotates to O2, and X4, who left his man to trap, must now go to where his help came from and guard O4.

4. Now we are in our basic Full Court Man. X2 applies “Nose on the Ball”: on O3. X3 denies O1 from getting the ball and the other defenders are up the line, between the ball and their man, faking at the dribbler to make him think a trap may be coming.

When playing defense, there are essentially three ways of ending the possession and returning to offense. First, the opponent misses and you get the . Secondly, the opponent turns it over. Lastly, the opponent scores. At George Mason, creating turnovers is a top priority because it completely takes away scoring opportunities from the opponent. They do not attempt a shot or have an opportunity to rebound offensively. Moreover, many times the turnovers created by the Full Court Scramble result in high percentage transition scores for our Diagram 13. offense. At George Mason, The Full Court Scramble has been an integral force in lifting a program that suffered seven straight losing seasons to achieving the best record in the conference the last six years. We hope you find our philosophy, drills, and Full Court Scramble defenses effective in achieving all of your goals.

About the author Eric Konkol

Eric Konkol just completed his third season as a member of Jim Larranaga’s coaching staff at George Mason. His responsibilities include recruiting, game preparation, scouting, evaluation of players, and breaking down game tape. Konkol previously was an assistant on Buzz Peterson’s staff at Tennessee and Tulsa. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire and earned a master’s degree in sport management at Tennessee.

Questions? You can email the author at: [email protected]

BAYLOR UNIVERISTY'S PRESS OFFENSE

By Matt Driscoll Assistant Coach, Baylor University

Included are some basic sets of the Press Offense. This will be our basic set vs. man or zone.

Most of the time we will go to our 14 Triangle set, but this gives us good early movement and the potential for an easy basket on the other end. The inbounder must clear the lane and basket. Never throw the ball to the offense below the block (trap area). Later in the year, add cut and replace with your bigs coming to front court. (See Diagrams 1A-1-D) Diagram 1A. Diagram 1B.

Diagram 1C. Diagram 1D.

Press Offense - l Man A. 1 man will always work to get open off the 5 man...if the 3 man hits the 1 man we are in our normal movement (Diagram 1-A) B. 5 man will look for an opening in the middle... 4 man is diagonal... 2 man is up the sideline... 1 man must pass fake first up the floor...normally we will eventually reverse to 3 man (Diagram 1-B)

C. 3 man will take a dribble then hit the 4 man flashing back up the sideline... 5 man will bail out help side on pass back to 3 man...2 man will fill middle where 5 man vacates then quickly get back to the ball side deep spot...1 man will become the middle relief (Diagram 1-C)

D. If we haven’t been able to make a forwardadvancing pass, we will now ask our 1, 2, or 3 man to get the ball across half court in a triangle formation... the 2 man is looking for an open area anywhere in the middle of the floor... 4 and 5 man are going to space to the front court staying stretched (Diagram 1-D)

Diagram 2A. Diagram 2B. Diagram 2C. Diagram 2D.

Press Offense - 14 (2 man) This will be our basic set vs. man or zone. Most of the time we will go to our 14 Triangle set, but this gives us good early movement and potential for an easy basket on the other end. Inbounder must clear lane and basket. Never throw the ball to the offense below the block area (trap area). Later in the year, add cut and replace with bigs coming to front court.(See Diagrams 2A-2D)

A. If the 1 man is being dogged, the 2 man must always be ready to walk his man to the middle of the floor then change direction quickly out to the wing (Diagram 2-A)

B. 5 man will look for an opening in the middle... 4 man is diagonal...1 man is up the sideline...2 man must pass fake first up the floor...normally we will reverse to 3 man (Diagram 2-B)

C. 3 man will take a dribble then hit the 4 man flashing back up the sideline... 5 man will bail out help side on pass back to 3 man...1 man will fill middle where 5 man vacates then quickly get to the ball side deep spot...2 man will become the middle relief (Diagram 2-C)

D. If we haven't been able to make a forward advancing pass, we will now ask our 1, 2, and 3 man to get the ball across half court in a triangle formation...1 man is looking for an open area anywhere in the middle of the floor... 4 and 5 man are going to space to front court staying stretched (Diagram 2-D) Press Offense - 14 (4 man)

This will be our basic set vs. man or zone. Most of the time we will go to our 14 Triangle set, but this gives us good early movement and the potential for another basket on the other end. Inbounder must clear the lane and basket. Never throw it to the offense below the block area extended (See Diagrams 3A-3D).

Diagram 3A. Diagram 3B. Diagram 3C. Diagram 3D.

A. If the 3 man can't hit the 1 or 2 man he must run the baseline and pass to the 4 man...4 man is walking his man into the middle then making a quick change of direction to the outside open area...3 man will hit 4 man (Diagram 3-A) B. 1 man is going ball side hard toward the sideline... 3 man is filling behind... 2 man is going deep diagonal. If 4 man can hit 1 man, we're successful...normally, we reverse the ball back to the 3 man (Diagram 3-B)

C. 3 man will take a dribble then hit the 2 man flashing back up the sideline...5 man will bail out deep ball side...1 man will fill middle where 5 man vacates...4 man will become the deep diagonal (Diagram 3-C)

D. If we haven't been able to make a forward advancing pass, we will now ask our 1, 2, and 3 man to get the ball across half court in a triangle formation... the 1 man is looking for an open area anywhere in the middle of the floor... 4 and 5 man are stretching deep to create space (Diagram 3-D) Diagram 5A. Diagram 4.

Diagram 5B. Diagram 5C.

Press Offense - 14 Double

This will be a nice option to go to at the end of a game to get the ball in the hands of our best free throw shooter. 2 man has to make a quick change of direction to move deep... 4 and 5 man set a double staggered for the 1 man... 1 man has a choice reading his defender – he can turn down the screen or go under the double or over the double (Diagram 4)

Press Offense - 14 Triangle

This is a common offense vs. presses. The 1, 2 and 3 man will form a triangle staying 15 – 18 feet apart at all times. The triangle will sometimes have 2 in the back court or 1. That is the beauty of this press offense; the fact that it is very flexible. Inbounder must clear the lane and basket. Never inbound to the offense below the block area extended. (See Diagrams 5A-5D)

A. No matter what it takes we will get the ball inbounded to the 1 man or 2 man coming back to the ball... if we have to go to the 4 man who will go right back to the 3 man when we are in Triangle (Diagram 5-A)

B. 5 man is bailing out to the ball side deep and scraping the sidelines... 4 and 5 men arearound the 3-point line extended waiting for a possible long pass (Diagram 5-B)

C. 1, 2 and 3 man will continually work ball back and forth looking to get ball over half court...middle person is always Diagram 5D. looking to move to an open area... staying behind ball in back court is important to make an easy pass out of any trap... we can throw it ahead to a post player as well... bigs can also communicate a cut to each other. (Diagram 5-C) D. We will drive the middle man hard to the basket then out the ball side (looking for a trap)...the opposite big will fill the line area...3 man will fill behind... 1 Man is deep diagonal...these are our normal spots when we are getting trapped...this is a good time for teams to trap so we should be prepared (Diagram 5-D)

About the author

Matt Driscoll Assistant Coach Matt Driscoll is in his second year on Coach Scott Drew’s Baylor staff. Previously, Driscoll spent five years as an assistant to Clemson Coach Larry Shyatt from 1998-2003. Prior to his years at Clemson, Driscoll was an assistant coach for Shyatt at Wyoming. A 1992 graduate of Slippery Rock, Driscoll can be reached at [email protected].

SNAKE BITE PHILOSOPHICAL APPROACHES TO IMPLEMENTING THE RUN & JUMP "SNAKE" DEFENSE

By Dr. Gamal Smalley Assistant Basketball Coach, Pasadena City College

In naming our trapping style run & jump defense, “snake”, we had to look at the significance of the code name itself and question if it fit the philosophical approach to what we were trying to teach. Snakes are legless reptiles, some of which have a venomous bite which they use to kill their prey before eating it. Other snakes kill their prey by constriction, for example strangulation, which causes suffocation. At Pasadena City College, we love to take advantage of our quickness and aggressive defensive style of play. The run & jump defensive pressure is one of several defensive niches that we use to take our opponents out of their rhythm, while causing indecision and disrupting their offensive structure, thus causing an offense to suffer asphyxiation. This is a condition of severe lack of oxygen, and in the absence of remedial action (such as effective dribbling and passing) can very rapidly lead to unconsciousness and even death, otherwise known as offensive confusion.

Ok, enough of the metaphoric articulation, I think you get the picture. The run & jump man to man defensive pressure can be extended full court from end to end if preferred but we like to attack in the back court while allowing the poison to continue all the way into areas that go a few feet beyond the half-court line. Those are areas where we especially like to bite because the offense can no longer throw the ball backwards, for risk of a backcourt violation.

The run & jump defense epitomizes our team concept of togetherness and unity through hard work and individual commitments to the greater whole of our team goals for success. If just one person does not carry out their assignment, the defense can break down. Thus the run & Diagram 1. Deadly bites jump defensive pressure requires complete dedication from for run and jomp trap opportunities are in the trapping zones. every player on the floor. However the elements required to implement the run & jump effectively are also elements that promote our overall team philosophy with regards to everyone making a difference. The psychological impact of everyone being a piece to the puzzle is greatly emphasized in the run & jump, as it requires a trapping pressure defense that must be carried out with an aggressiveness that is intensified by having hands tracing the ball and blocking the passing lanes.

Defensive teammates away from the ball must be aware of all the holes and quick enough to make the necessary switches in the rotation. There are no lay-ups given because the determined defenders away from the ball don’t allow anyone to get open. We get into our run & jump by applying tough full court man -to -man pressure. You can influence the dribbler toward the sideline by overplaying him to one side, but our defenders must possess the ability to deny all passing lanes while being intelligent enough to turn the dribbler to the jumper side to allow the to happen.

In our defensive sliding drills we emphasize turning the dribbler with a run and slide drill, daily. We are always preparing our players for the mindset needed to bite in the run & jump. Because we are playing straight man-to-man defense, teams generally do not design a press break offense against us. We want the ball handler to be convinced that he can beat us up the floor, one on one. We have to be cleaver enough to sell that concept to our opponent by mixing up the run & jump on various trips down the floor, luring the dribbler into a false sense of security. Dribblers that try to push the ball up the floor at a high speed are even more vulnerable to the run & jump, and that’s just the way we like it. We love those impatient, "-tape-watching" ball handlers whose egos won’t allow them to pass the ball up the floor, with patience, control and deliberate ball fakes as well as precision (the way we subsequently teach our offensive pressure releases). That’s not a knock on the producers of those street-ball mix tapes and shows. I hope they keep making them over and over. That’s more opportunities for the snake defense to bite those non-fundamental ball handlers where it hurts, but enough of that for now!

Just like a snake who waits for the most opportune time to attack, we bite with a quick double team as our defender either forces the dribbler to one side or we take advantage of our opponent’s inability to space themselves properly on the floor. In that instance our jump comes when offensive players get too close to the man bringing the ball up the floor. When one or more offensive players are close enough to each other, our defender not guarding the ball can leave his man and jump the offensive player with an aggressive double team. In that scenario our defenders are taking what the offense gives them. Diagram 2. Special bites The run & jump is an exciting means of applying defensive are at the mid-court area because the offense can not throw in the backcourt. pressure and is particularly effective against teams with poor dribblers. However a element to the success of the run & jump is our ability to help and recover. We realize that we are leaving one man open for a moment but we are ready to give help when needed and recover back in our rotations. When the opportunity presents itself, we run & jump but we never gamble. We like to think our opponents are the one’s gambling by not spacing themselves properly. Though we use the code name, “snake”, and symbolically referring to our run & jump traps as bites, we are also like piranhas on the kill for the ball. We often change our code names but the symbolism is the same: we are antagonistic predators seeking to provoke an attack on our opponents. (See Diagrams 1-4)

Though the run & jump can often produce steals, steals are not our main objective. What we really want to do is disrupt the flow of our opponent’s offense and force them to play a hurried style of play with quick shots outside of the context of their offensive design. Thus we control the tempo of the game.

Another important aspect of implementing the run & jump defense centers on quick transitions from offense to defense. After a score we have no time for artistic celebrations, Diagram 3. Players must Diagram 4. When a crowd acknowledgements, or rotate to cover gaps and ballhandler dribbles in finger pointing to one’s holes once the bites are your area you can leave grandmother. on! These trapping bites your man at any time to are not risks when jump him but the We must be totally committed to everyone is hustling in primary areas to bite are the attack, for any wasted gestures the defensive rotation. in the trapping zones. or temporary distractions caused by a lack of concentration could result in a lost opportunity to hurt our opponents ability to function properly. The run & jump style of play relies on a lot of defensive communication which coincides with our overall expectations as a team. It takes hard work to play the run & jump defense but it’s a lot of fun and serves as a great teaching tool with regards to applying defensive pressure.

About the author

Dr. Gamal Smalley Dr. Gamal Smalley is in his third year as an assistant coach at Pasadena City College. Considered a defensive specialist, Dr. Smalley works primarily with the Lancers on defensive philosophy, drills, and footwork. He can be reached at: [email protected]

Screening Drills at Kansas State

By Deb Patterson Head Women's Coach Kansas State University

At Kansas State University we prefer to be very diverse in both our offensive and defensive systems. I believe one of the greatest elements of basketball is the extent to which coaches and players can be creative in their approach to the game. There are a wide variety of highly effective offensive systems and styles of play utilized by programs in the Big 12 Conference. We see systems that are predicated on the three-point shot, some committed to a power game, some who run various motion offenses, pro sets, the triangle, 4 around 1, 1-4 high, basic high-low offense, just to name a few. Whether offenses are designed for playmakers, great athletes, utilization of the full 30 Diagram 1A. Diagram 1B. seconds, quick hits, or to hide and minimize weaknesses the reality is there are a variety of ways to play.

The Kansas State offensive system is predicated on solid fundamental execution, diversity of options, and scoring balance. We are challenged each year in our league by great Diagram 2A. Diagram 2B. defensive teams with superior athleticism and depth. My belief is that the more playmakers and athleticism you bring to the floor the more simple the system can become. There is nothing in the world like watching great players make plays.

Last season in Big 12 games, Kansas State ranked first in scoring offense, FG%, 3 pt. FG %, assists, 3 pt. FG’s made, scoring margin, / ratio, FG% defense and 3pt. FG% defense. We finished 11th however in offensive rebounds and 5th in steals. In other words, our system and personnel led to a high level of each possession. Offensive rebounding and steals are two great offensive weapons. As we all know, offensive rebounding can turn the worst possession or the ugliest shot into gold. The fewer offensive rebounds, the greater the pressure on each possession to be perfect. As our rebounding numbers from 2003-04 illustrate, it’s important to consistently analyze and measure all factors that potentially contribute to offense. Needless to say, we all want our players rebounding the ball at a high level. The obvious starting point is by making it a priority of thought and action every day at practice.

However, as a coach you must also analyze numbers relative to your personnel and the system. What are the physical and mental characteristics of your personnel? Do you have athletic, quick and explosive players? Do you have any leapers, strength or power in your front line? Do you have any mentally fierce and aggressive ‘nose Diagram 3A. Diagram 3B. for the ball’ competitors with the intrinsic knack for asserting themselves on the boards? Secondly, what kind of impact is your system having on your players’ ability to beat people to the ball? What are you getting and what are you giving up to your system? Diagram 4A. Diagram 4B. In 2003-04 one of the priorities in our offense was to maximize post touches and to compensate for double teams on our All America post player, Nicole Ohlde. We achieved that objective as she was the Big 12’s leading scorer and also finished 6th in the league in assists. We spread the floor a great deal to maximize Ohlde touches, but our perimeters were not effective driving and putting pressure on the rim. They were better 3 point shooters than penetrators; consequently we were sixth in the league in free throws attempted. Our inability to penetrate was a factor that contributed to our poor rebounding numbers. Penetration draws defenders and improves opportunities for offensive post rebounding. We consistently evaluate statistical elements relative to both the strengths and weaknesses of our personnel, our Diagram 5. Diagram 6A. overall offensive production and our system. Is the system working?

The objective of every coach is to teach players how to play offense and then to let them play. My belief is that an offensive system should take into

Diagram 6B. Diagram 7A. account each player’s strengths and put them in a position to play to those strengths while minimizing weaknesses. We put a high priority on repetition as a means to mastering fundamental skills and basic offensive concepts. The success of our offensive system depends in large part on our individual players’ ability to read, react and make appropriate decisions. Following are some of the fundamental offensive screening concepts that we teach to build upon player skills, reads and overall understanding and knowledge.

Basic screening teaching cues (Drills 1A through 10B) 1. Passer takes 1 or 2 steps in direction of the pass prior to setting the screen 2. Head hunt for defender early in the cut 3. To maximize angles: a. on down screens - set with back to the ball b. on flare screens - back to the corner of the floor c. on back screens - back to the basketd. on cross, flex or pin screens - back to the sideline Diagram 7B. Diagram 8A.

Natural exceptions to these angles may occur in play but these allow for maximum ability to exploit a defender’s response to the screen.

4. Player receiving the screen should set the screen up by stepping 2 or 3 steps hard (v-cut action) in the Diagram 8B. Diagram 9A. horizontal direction of the ball 5. Require both verbal and physical cues for the screener 6. Player receiving the screen must wait. Tendency is to run to the screener too soon

The following screening drills are geared toward improving 5 areas: 1. verbal communication - talking 2. use non-verbal cues 3. reading defense and teammates 4. reacting to defense and our teammate 5. spacing

These drills should enhance any offense you run. Players learn to talk, watch, read and react to both the defense and their teammates. Progression: 1. No defense 2. Add one defender on the cutter (not the screener).

Offense makes the correct read and then screener reacts to a second ball 3. Add a second defender 4. Work live 2 on 2 (no switching) with one ball. Scores will not come on every screen. Space the floor and try again and again.

Key to K-State Screening Drills

Drill 1: Basket Cut and Fill 1A. 1: Step in direction of pass – then head hunt 2: Step down and then in direction of the ball 1B. 1: Basket Cut 2: V-cut, Rub off hard cut and fill

Drill 2: Curl and Pop (fill) 2A. Curl and Pop (fill) 2B. 1: Screen, pop, and fill 2: Curl

Drill 3: Screen and Re-screen 3A. Screen and re-screen 3B. 1: Screen, re-screen, flair, basket cut Diagram 9B. 2: Pop off flair

Drill 4: Basket Cut and Fill 4A. Basket cut and fill 4B. 1: Screen, pop, and fill 2: Basket cut

Drill 5: Flex with Basket Cut and Pop (fill) 5. 1: Basket cut Diagram 10A. 2: Pop and Fill

Drill 6: Flex with Screen/Re-screen Flair 6A. 1’s Defense cheats inside screen rather than over the top 6B. 2: Screens and re-screens

Drill 7: Backscreen with Fill 7A. 1: Cut hard under the net 7B. 1: Basket cut to shot (post if size) Diagram 10B. 2: Fill for shot Drill 8: Flair Screen with Basket Cut 8A. 1: Walk defense into lane 2: In charge (verbal and visual) Get into lane to set flare 8B. Variation of flair screen with basket cut

Drill 9: Flair with Screen/Re-screen and Basket Cut 9A. If defense goes under the screen – 1 stops behind screen 9B. 1: Stop behind screen, shorten pass and fill About the author 2: Screen and re-screen, then basket cut Deb Patterson

Drill 10: Flair with Chaser/Drag In her eighth season as head coach at Backdoor Kansas State, Deb Patterson has catapulted 10A. If defense locks on and goes with K-State into the national spotlight by player.... making back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances. She has also helped produce a top six program nationally in home attendance and lead several players to All- America honors. You can reach her at The Closeout [email protected]. Cincinnati's On Ball Defense

By Laurie Pirtle Head Women's Basketball Coach Univeristy of Cincinnati

At the University of Cincinnati we spend a great deal of time developing the basketball skills of our players. We teach offensive, defensive and rebounding techniques that develop our players into the best they can be. However, for the purpose of this article the focus will be on drills that enhance on ball defense.

The closeout requires a hard nosed mentality. The hard nosed mentality is Diagram 1. Diagram 2. enhanced by a player’s desire to control the offensive player. That desire is a reflection of the player’s competitive nature and sets the stage for skill development.

Diagram 3. Diagram 4. The skill development requires technique, work ethic and repetition. The closeout technique involves breaking down or chopping your feet towards the offensive player while being disciplined not to jump or lunge at them. Developing an instinctive closeout requires work ethic during proper repetition.

Utilizing repetitive breakdown drills to simulate game situations will prepare your players for the many aspects of defending the ball. Our breakdown drills include, but are not limited to: rolls, skips, skips with a bump screen, screen the screener and half court closeouts. Additionally, during our closeout drills we incorporate a variety of offensive skills for the player to defend. For example, during the closeout drill a coach will designate or remind the defender whether the offensive player is a shooter, driver or driver/shooter. This enables the defender to adjust their closeout according to thestrengths of the offensive player.

As a rule, we keep score during our closeout drills.

Sometimes we keep track of baskets made, but generally we keep track of the number of stops. It depends upon what we’re emphasizing during practice. We always have a winner or loser. This keeps the drill game-like while developing the competitive nature of our players. Diagram 5. Diagram 6. Cincinnati Closeout Drills

Roll Closeouts: The roll closeout drill consists of three players on the perimeter on offense and one defensive player under the basket. A coach is under the basket with a ball. The coach rolls the ball to a player and the defender closes out on the ball (see Diagram 7. Diagram 8. Diagram 1). The defender attempts to stop the offensive player from scoring (see Diagram 2). The players rotate clockwise after every possession. We play for five minutes. If you want to emphasis baseline closeouts drop the wings down. We also modify this drill to include high post closeouts (see Diagram 3).

Skip Closeout: The skip closeout involves two offensive players on the wings, one defensive player under the basket and a coach under the basket with a ball. The coach rolls the ball to either wing while the defensive player closes out on the ball (see Diagram 4). O1 can look to score but preferably skips to O2 (see Diagram 5). O2 can drive forcing the X1 to help and recover (see Diagram 6) Ultimately O2 skips the ball to O1. The wings continue to repeat this skip action a few times with the drill ending when O1 attempts to score while the X1 tries to stop her (see Diagram 7). The players rotate after every possession. Diagram 9. Diagram 10.

Skip Closeout with a Bump Screen: This is the same drill as the Skip Closeout but we add O3 setting a bump screen on O1’s side while O2 has the ball. As O2 skips the ball to O1, O3 sets a bump screen on X1. We instruct the defender to go over the top of the bump unless the screen is set too high Diagram 11. Diagram 12. (see Diagram 8). This allows the X1 to forceO1to the baseline while O3 is clearing out of the way (see Diagram 9).

Screen the Screener Closeout: This drill requires six players and a passer. It begins as a 3 on 3 drill with an offense and defense on the ball side box, offense and defense on the weak side box and offense and defense at the free throw line. The coach is on the wing with the ball (see Diagram 10) .O1 sets a cross screen on X2 for O2 (see Diagram11). O3 sets a down screen on X2 for O2 to curl to the free throw line and the coach looks at O1who used the cross screen but preferably passes to O2 who has curled to the free throw line (see Diagram 12).

X2 closes out on O2 while everyone Diagram 13. else steps out of the play (see Diagram 13).

Half Court Closeout: All players are Diagram 14. in lines at half court with one player on offense and another on defense while a coach has a ball. The coach passes to O1 who is on the run and X 1 attempts to get a stop as O1 attacks the basket (see Diagram 14). O1 and X1 go to end of the lines while the next two players prepare to play.

About the author Laurie Pirtle

The most successful women's basketball coach in Cincinnati history, Laurie Pirtle is now into her 19th year as head coach for the Bearcats. In the past seven seasons, Pirtle has guided UC to six winning seasons, six 20-plus win campaigns and seven straight post season appearances. A three year starter for Ohio State, Pirtle graduated in 1980. She can be reached at laurie.pirtle@ uc.edu.

Harvard University's Combination Drills

By Kathy Delaney-Smith Head Women's Basketball Coach Harvard University

COMBINATION DRILLS

I am always interested in finding new combination drills. I look for drills that will accomplish a lot in a short period of time. The drills described below are among my favorites. You will be able to practice multiple parts of the game, adjust the drills to meet your team’s needs and keep the intensity level high. Players love these drills.

CONTINUOUS 3 ON 3 Needed: 4 teams of 3

This is a drill that you may already use, but we’ve added a few variations. It’s a great conditioner that simulates offensive and defensive transition better than most. By keeping the teams the same throughout the entire drill, you can keep score and maintain a high level of competition. You can adjust this drill to fit your particular needs. We saw great improvement in our transition decision-making and shot selection. This drill practices 3 on 2’s, 2 on 1’s, and most situations.

There are four teams of three. Team 1 starts by playing offense against Team 2. Team 3 positions two outlets on the sideline at the three-point arc extended and another outlet at the hash mark. Team 4 is positioned at the opposite 3-point arc extended and hash mark. Team 1 attacks Team 2 until there is a change of possession (basket, rebound or turnover) (See Diagram 1) Team 2 (defensive team) takes the ball out of bounds and outlets the ball quickly and accurately to a member of Team 3 at the 3-point arc on the same side of the floor. The two other members of Team 3 may not move or head down court until the outlet pass is caught. A designated coach is in charge of making sure that these two do not leak out, as it results in Diagram 1. Diagram 2. uncontested lay-ups, which defeats the purpose of the drill. Team 3 tries to fast break against Team 1, who has sprinted back and is defending the break. (See Diagram 2)

Team 3 offenses Team 1. Team 2 fills the three outlet positions that have been vacated by Team 3. (See Diagram 3) After a change of possession, Team 1 outlets to Team 4 on the same side of the floor. Team 3 sprints back to defend the fast break, and Team 1 fills the outlet positions. (See Diagram 4) Diagram 3. Diagram 4.

CONTINUOUS 3 ON 3 Needed: 3 teams of 3

In order to make this drill more of a conditioner, play with only three teams of 3. This time, the team throwing the outlet pass sprints to the other end to fill the outlet positions. (See Diagram 5)

Important points and other considerations:

• No one may head down the floor until the outlet is received - there will be a natural tendency to leak out, so we put a coach in charge of that. We use this drill to practice 3 on 2’s and 2 on 1’s and setting up - not the uncontested fast break lay up!

• The team throwing the outlet pass after a score, turnover, or rebound must do so quickly and accurately. Since they are not throwing to their own team, it is a little awkward in the beginning. If they are quick enough and accurate enough to help create a lay-up at the other end, we award those points to both teams. This really helps! • If you want to work on offensive rebounding in transition, award 2 points for an offensive rebound. This gets very interesting!

• If you want to practice defending the 3 in transition, award extra points for a 3-point .

• If you want to minimize the number of 3 on 2’s/2 on 1’s and focus on decision-making and shot selection, then play with teams of 4 instead of 3.

CONTINUOUS 4 ON 2 (or 3) INTO 4 ON 4 Needed: 3 teams of 4 Diagram 5. Diagram 6. This is a variation of the same drill. There are two major changes. The first is that you outlet the ball to your own team. The second is that the third team sets up with two players at half court (ready to come in) and two in the opposite key ready to play defense. You can adjust the rules to create a 4 on 2 into a 4 on 4, a 4 on 3 into a 4 on 4, etc. This is a good transition drill and a GREAT drill to work against breaking backcourt pressure. The backcourt gets crowded so it is that much more difficult to get the ball across half court. We will use different Diagram 7. Diagram 8. pressing strategies (ie. trap immediately, trap the dribble) to practice against. Again, the teams stay the same and the drill is competitive.

Team 1 offenses Team 2. Team 3 has two players at half court, and two players at the opposite end. (See Diagram 6)

Once there is a turnover, rebound, or basket made, Team 2 takes the ball out of bounds on the endline (except on the rebound when the play stays live) and passes to a teammate in the backcourt. Team 1 may press in the backcourt. If they get a steal, they go for the score and press again. Once the ball crosses half court, the Team 3 players at half court must touch the jump circle and play defense. Team 1 fills two defensive spots in the key and the other two go to half court. (See Diagram 7) CONTINUOUS 5 ON 5 ON 5 Needed: 3 teams of 5

This is a good drill if you have a large team and you want to include everyone. We will use coaches to fill in if there are not enough players. We like to practice our zone offenses this way. You can accomplish a lot in a short period of time and there are no players standing around.

We do not press in the back court with 5 players and we do not set up a transition situation (although you could). We just work on our zones (offensive and defensive). (See Diagram 8)

We will do some form of these drills almost every day all year. I am a big believer in goals and /or consequences. We try to make everything we do competitive and the players respond well to this. Any particular offensive situation you are trying to work on can be included in these drills by awarding more points to them (i.e. double points for executing a , post move etc.) You will be surprised how hard your players will work to get those points! The other benefit is you are also practicing defending those situations.

About the author

Kathy Delaney-Smith

Now in her 23rd season as the head coach of Harvard women’s basketball, Kathy Delaney-Smith is the winningest women’s basketball in school’s history. Entering this season, Delaney-Smith’s coaching record at Harvard is 335-240 with a 203-97 record in the Ivy League. She is a graduate of Bridgewater State College and a member of its Athletic Hall of Fame. She can be reached at [email protected]

The New Zone Offense

By Ron Reed Men's Head Coach Ohio University-Southern

With the success that teams have had playing zones against the 2004 Olympic team, coaches will see more zones this year. Since 1974, my teams have run the . I have been blessed/cursed by taking over programs in poor shape; in every situation we started out with one and sometimes no scorer. We were patient in our motion offense and teams recognized that the way to beat us was to use the zone.

An assistant of mine, Steve Barriger, suggested the use of the “New Zone Offense.” Over the years, it has become effective against the zone with only one scorer. The “New Zone” offense will work against all zones since after the first pass most zones are the same. Here are some set plays for the “New Zone Offense” that may be helpful to you and your team (See Diagrams 1-8).

Diagram 1. Diagram 2. #1 Best ball handling guard #4 breaks up and out to foul line #2 Best scoring guard extended #3 Best perimeter scorer #2 passes to #4 and runs the circle to #4 Forward opposite elbow #5 Post #5 rolls to the ball side block #1 replaces #2 #3 holds on the block

Diagram 3. Diagram 4. #4 pass fakes to #5, shot fakes (Zones must #4 reverses the ball to #1 and cuts respect shot fakes and pass fakes) through to the corner (#4 must cut under #3 and then to the deep corner) #1 receives the ball, if #2 is open at the elbow then take the shot... if #2 is not open at elbow he steps out on the perimeter to receive the pass from #1 Diagram 5. Diagram 6. After receiving the pass #2 will make a pass fake #2 will reverse the ball to #1 as #1 to #4 (#2 will not pass the ball to #4 even if he is receives the #5 sets a screen on open can not score) defensive man “D” #3 times the ball reversal to #1 #3 comes off #5’s screen to the corner for a wide-open shot #5 after he screens “D” will post-up and seal “D” out looking for the ball

Diagram 7. Diagram 8. If #3 does have a wide-open shot, he takes it. If The offense is run to the opposite side. not, he looks inside for #5, if he can’t get it inside (don’t force it) #3 will reverse the ball to #1, #1 will (can) drive the ball in the gap in the zone and reverse the ball to #1 and the offense is reset.

I have found over the years you can incorporate the motion offense principles using the “New Zone” but coaches will find if they run the pattern, the elbow shot will be there. The post will open up and the scorer, #3, will get great looks. Even though this offense is designed for only one scorer, if both #4 and #3 are scorers, it enables the offense to be run to either side.

The “New Zone” offense is an effective offense if the opposition is running a box and one; put the player being “chased” in the #3 position. #3 must be patient.

This offense has been good to our teams over the years, even in college, with the 35-second clock. Coaches need to emphasize the basic fundamentals against zone such as pass fakes, shot fakes, and driving the gaps to make two defensive players play one man. As coaches look at different zones they will find the “New Zone” offense will be effective against all of them. Diagram 9.

About the author Ron Reed

Head Coach at Ohio University-Southern, Ron Reed has coached for 39 years, He has 20 years of high school coaching experience in Kentucky, was head coach at Milligan College and an assistant at both Morehead State and Mississippi. This fall he starts his sixth year at Ohio University-Southern.

Questions? You can email the author at: [email protected]