Hints & Tips

Coach Ed,

Offensively utilise your strengths, if you have a good post player, emphasise the importance of getting the ball to that player to your guards and 3, getting the ball to the post immediately breaks down or threatens the defence zone or man. If you have reasonably skilled guards, use your post high on occasion, preferebly 4 out 1 in this allows for good passing and cutting options. Have your big always square up and look at the basket if they receive the ball in the high post, so they can shoot it if they are open. The disadvantage however of running the high post too much 4 out 1 in is you reduce your ability to get the offensive boards effectively.

As a half court offence, teach the simple principles of pass, cut and replace from the weakside. Pass and cut being the main point of emphasis. If you have trouble achieving court balance teach your players that only one player can be in one area of the court at any one time in offence, often you'll get replacement happening on this principle alone.

To be the zone teach the basic principles of ball reversal, dribble penetration, flashing from behind and filling the gaps/seams, these same principle applies to zone presses.

Your fast break will be most effective off the rebound, have a look at what the defence gives you regularly in the game. If the team you are playing religiously heads down the court on defense in the middle of the court offering little pressure and with their backs to you, I recommend a sideline fastbreak. At this age level getting the ball down the court in 5 seconds is achievable.

Simply all players, except your 3 go ballside on the rebound one around FT line extended, the another to over half way on the same side, and another in line with the free throw line extended at your offensive end. The 3 or non-rebounder whichever you choose (ie your best finisher) should go opposite the ball. The rebounder trails but delays his trail to act as a safety. Teach your players to keep the ball off the floor, dribbling will slow your fastbreak, teach don't dribble where a pass is possible.

The other option if pressure is played is to run lanes and use the man ahead principles, look to get the ball to a man ahead in the open court, avoid dribbling and try to get the ball to the middle, your players have more passes from there.