Facetiously, we said, "making little girls cry every day." Sport is a meritocracy. Fight for a spot every day. Varsity players forget that we taught them to fight for spots, roles, and minutes and that the next iteration of players gets the same or better teaching. The best players prove their value to the organization every day.
What are some drills that translated to separate contributors early?
1. Score from the three point line on one dribble. Quarterback layups.
We remove the defender in eighth grade to reduce the risk of violent collisions. We don't run the drill outdoors on asphalt with defense.
2. Penetrate/stop penetration.
Players flip the ball back-and-forth and offense chooses when to attack. Defense must stop penetration. Competitive drill teaching both offense and defense.
3. Survive extreme pressure... 2 on 8.
Apply and defeat pressure. Offense must traverse the four "quarters" of the court against eight defenders, two in each zone. The ball handler is constrained by one dribble per touch. Cut urgently and pivot well. Be decisive. The rotation is that defenders move up and the last offensive pair moves to the back zone.
4. Win in transition.
Condition within drills. Attack with advantage with a defensive chaser. Defense "shapes up," stops the ball, and delays attack to allow chaser to get back into play.
5. Score in the half court (individual and team)
- Box drills and wing attack (e.g. drive, stop-and-pop, step back) initially solo and later against defense.
- 3 point shots off the catch, off the fake and side-dribble.
- Pick-and-roll, pick-and-pop, slip the pick.
Learn to play fast, be decisive, and execute.
Lagniappe (something extra). Great concepts from Coach Hanlen, "Paint Game."
