Developmental Basketball and Defeating Pressure

It's not "T-ball." I get that. But when adults will sacrifice their souls to win youth basketball games, something is wrong. 

I recognize that many pathways exist to teaching the game and won't claim any one as the best way. But watch the 'average' game and describe what you see. 

Pressure and zone defenses predominate as well as mostly unequal distribution of playing time. Younger players usually struggle against the press (limited ball handling and court vision), don't shoot perimeter shots well, and winning means playing your best players the most. 

"If we're keeping score, then we're trying to win." But is winning paramount or developing players to understand the game? Players have to learn about space and time, ball and player movement, individual and team defense, and how to function one-on-one and small-sided group play. 

The problem arises when you 'teach to the exam'.  Do we teach the broader experience or focus on how to compete? How much time should we devote to breaking the press and to maximizing zone offense (including perimeter shooting)? 

This serves as a lengthy introduction to drills to function against pressure: 

Shaka Smart Circle Trap Drill with trappers and interceptors

Sylvia Hatchell drill disadvantages ballhandler (1) with immediate trap and 3 on 4 disadvantage.

Simulate the front of a 2-3 zone but force trap with every pass. Each player gets only one dribble. 

Max ball pressure, 1 dribble allowed, and must stay in your lane. 

2 on 8 but 4 zones to traverse. Rotation is offense goes to back defense and each defensive zone moves up. 

 Get open against "hawk defense" with 2 on 3. 

Simulate the diamond full pressure and play advantage disadvantage. 

Finally, my favorite is 5 on 7 full court advantage disadvantage with no dribble. This demands awareness, cutting, crisp passing, and conditioning.