I am starting my third week of a new basketball season. It is paramoun
t that work on the offensive and defensive systems that must be mastered. I also understand how important it is for my athlete to move better so I must train speed and quickness each practice. As all coaches know, there isn’t a lot of time to do both system development and athletic development equally at the beginning of the season, but there is a way.
One of the most important athletic skills I need my girls’ basketball team to be able to perform is cutting or simply change of direction.
If we can perform this skill well we can move well on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. So how do I use my practice breakdown to accomplish this? Combine them!
When we are working on defensive slides during our shell defense, individual breakdown, or 5-on-5, I put a huge emphasis on body position and intensity of speed. I want them moving as quickly as possible, but maintaining great body control. On the offensive side of the ball any time we cut to the basket, change direction on the dribble, or fill an open spot I want the girls in a great stance and using proper acceleration and deceleration angles.
How do I police their movement when it is easy to get caught up on the offensive or defensive system? For me it is simple. This is what I do for a living. I am a movement specialist so when I see an athlete make a poor cut or defensive slide I immediately look at body position and effort. At this point, I blow my whistle and make a big deal out of it. The rest of the team hears it and sees me address this issue so they are less likely to make the same mistakes.
The way that I make sure we get enough repetitions is to drill the basics of basketball offensive and defensive which leads to great athletic movement. So we may spend 8 to 15 reps for each player on a particular movement (the entire team is doing this at the same time), yet it relates to the offensive and defensive system. Take cutting to the basket for example; we will drill a particular cut from the wing, top, or corner for several minutes. This way I can guarantee the players are getting better at all areas of the game including athletic development.
Choosing your drills wisely to develop certain skills will be important. Don’t just do something, do everything with a purpose.
Yours in Speed,
Lee
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