The NCAA men’s college basketball season tips of on Nov. 25 so we’re celebrating with a #Top25XsOs series. At last, here’s the Top 5! #Top25XsOs: Honorable Mention Teams | Teams 25-21 | Teams 20-16 | Teams 15-11 | Teams 10-6 | Teams 5-1 You can also follow this series by searching the hashtag #Top25XsOs on…
Yes, Zone Offense Works vs Junk Defenses – Here’s How
Several examples of zone offenses that will provide success against junk defenses, such as a Box & 1 or Triangle & 2. When looking at attacking junk defenses, there are a few questions coaches should ask themselves: Do you run normal offense versus junk defenses? Will you use quick hitters, continuities, or special offenses versus junk…
Here’s Why Double Low Alignment is an Effective Zone Offense
Unlock scoring opportunities with double low alignment – placing both post players on the low block with a focus on screening and slipping. Hopefully by now, you’re aware that I’ve been writing about offensive concepts this off season, including zone offense tips and 1-4 sets to score. This post will dive into how to break down odd front zones…
Zone Offense Philosophy + 8 Attacking Principles!
A comprehensive checklist on zone offense to go through before the coming season, including 8 principles of attacking zone defenses. At the time of writing, it is the end of July – meaning basketball season will be here before we know it. As all of us coaches know, summer is the perfect time for professional development. Every year I…
1-4 to Score: Disguise Offensive Sets Using 1-4 High Alignment
The 1-4 High alignment is one of the best ways to begin offense as it offers so many options, and works vs both man and zone defenses. Summer is almost over and coaches across the country are preparing for the start of the 19-20 basketball season. Coaches use this time to analyze, modify, and adjust…
Pre-Practice Drills: Setting the Tone for Success
The 15-20 minutes before official practice begins are crucial, and having a routine of pre-practice drills can help set the tone for success. Designing and organizing a successful daily practice plan may be the most important quality of any successful coach. Practice plan design, time length, and goals may be differ for each coach, but…
Keys to Attacking a Match-up Zone: 8 Plays to Score
A Match-up Zone can cause problems for offenses finding ways to score. Here are 8 top sets to help beat it. The 2018 NCAA basketball tournament has been one for the ages, giving college basketball fans monumental upsets and amazing come-from-behind victories. It also further illustrates that teams with unique and unorthodox styles of play…
Attacking Pressing Defenses
As a young coach growing up in Kansas, I was able to learn from some great high school and college coaches. One coach in particular was hall of fame coach Jim Baker from Buhler, KS. Coach Baker was the first girls prep coach in KS to win 500 games. His teams were relentless on defense…
Attacking the Switch: Set Plays vs Switching Defense
As you prepare for the upcoming season, it is important to have a game plan versus a switching man-to-man defense. A team that switches everything can be disruptive and hard to play against if you are not adequately prepared. Whether you run pure motion, a set play system or continuities; having a few set plays…
Man-to-Man Defense – Competitive Team Rebounding
Competitive Team Rebounding is part 5 of a 5 part series on drills that can help any man-to-man defensive system. Read part 1, Man-to-Man Defense – 2 Essential Questions here part 2 Man-to-Man Defense – Drills for On and Off Ball Defense here part 3 Man-to-Man Defense – Team Post Defense here and part 4 Man-to-Man Defense – Defending Screens. My…