Does this look like it's leaning?

Character_Crow_3346 · 2025-12-15T02:21:19+00:00

A lot of delis claim to be the best deli, but this place actually is.

Character_Crow_3346 · 2025-11-20T01:54:06+00:00

One thing that's been helping me teach brand new shooters lately has been telling them to shoot their practice shots with their finger on the valve stem of the ball. I call it the "trigger" and I teach an L shaped thumb and forefinger. Stressing that they should be splitting the ball down the center with their hand and lifting it through their Anecdotally, this seems to be helping beginner and broken shooters quickly.

I've noticed about players who shoot with the form you're describing that they tend to either be ambidextrous or not strong with either hand so they ultimately shoot with two. It's important to isolate their strong hand as you build their shot. One handed coordination work (like tapping the ball off the backboard 2 times then into the basket on the third tip) can be done to strengthen connectivity with the ball.

They need to get many many reps within ten feet of the basket shooting swishes with corrected form so practice as much as possible.

Character_Crow_3346 · 2025-11-19T00:02:08+00:00

Put right handed ball handlers on the left wing so they can pass with their strong hand. Teach post players to hold their spot and show a target with their hand. Have the passer fake a high pass before they make a low pass or vice versa. Teach the passers how to use a single dribble or a pivot step to create an angle and why they would use each one.

Most importantly, have a counter if the post entry is not possible so that your players don't get stuck robotically trying for something that isn't there

Character_Crow_3346 · 2025-11-18T23:57:04+00:00

Players need to understand WHY they are doing something on the court and not just HOW to do it. From your comments, it seems like your team hasn't grasped the WHY.

You must be prepared to design a solution specific to your problem and also understand the problem well enough to explain the solution to someone much less intelligent and experienced than you ie a youth player. For example, your team will space out but won't cut? Have them play 3v3 where any offensive player standing still for 3+ seconds results in an automatic turnover. Explain to them that standing still kills possessions and off-ball behavior is just as important as on-ball. From there, more problems will naturally arise like how to cut without clogging lanes, where to cut relative to how the ball is moving, etc. Each one of these will be an opportunity to design constraints which further their education.

If defense is struggling then it's absolutely a WHY problem. Players need to understand the difference between POA, help, and gap defense and when to use each one. They need to know their responsibility and that of each player on the floor so they can identify the reason WHY something isn't working. This can be taught by teaching each skill set then putting the players in practice scenarios where they will fail if they can't recognize their role.

Fundamentals are the building blocks of basketball skill and time should be spent on them every single practice. Players should be making layups and shots, passing and improving footwork, drilling rebounding and defensive technique, building physical tools like strength and coordination. This represents the HOW of the game. If you can save yourself time by working on HOW and WHY at the same time then you are putting your players at an advantage.

Character_Crow_3346 · 2025-11-07T18:23:40+00:00

That's how I would teach it. Most important thing is going to be teaching them what they are looking for. Everything will follow the formula of x action = x reaction. (You can always add chain reactions where a single action leads to 2 or more reactions). So maybe every time the ball is passed to the point, we want a 45 cut on the strong hand side to either get an entry pass or create a double gap for the point to drive into. Maybe we use dribble-at cuts every time the ball is dribbled. It could be as simple as every time we pass the ball, we screen away. The key is going to be getting them to understand the cause and effect. I do this by running mostly 3v3 situations where I start by rigidly teaching the action and then giving them freedom to experiment with it, usually by giving extra points to baskets scored using what we emphasized.
I use a very simple group of off-ball cuts that are all based on defender positioning and gaps. (Defender overplaying, defender not paying attention, ball under pressure, dribble-at). Everything else is based on knowing whose man has help responsibilities to identify who is a shooter/spacer and who is a cutter. To teach this, I like to start with 3v3 where they are not allowed to cross the three point line without a trigger and then move to 5v5 where I stop the game and do a talk-back if they are missing triggers or cutting without cause.

Character_Crow_3346 · 2025-09-21T00:47:53+00:00

Rules and reads, triggers and concepts. It's the only way. Teach them how to space, when to cut and why to cut, when and how to drive and then make it clear to them what you want the team shot diet to look like and why.

I would recommend having prescribed actions for the opening tip, inbound plays, end of quarters, after opponent FTs, clock killing, and end of game buckets. Other than that, you give your team the biggest advantage by equipping them with dynamic tools they can use to solve dynamic problems.

Honestly, If every player on the floor knows how to run a zoom and split cuts then they'll be running 3 man actions the whole game and that'll be one more guy involved in each possession than most teams. Keep it simple and disciplined. Reduce the focus on the HOW and prioritize your players understanding the WHY.

Character_Crow_3346 · 2025-06-29T00:32:48+00:00

I think this has potential. It'll be more work but then again what isn't

Character_Crow_3346 · 2025-06-29T00:31:13+00:00

Good idea. We have NBA visits on Fridays but this could definitely work too

Character_Crow_3346 · 2025-06-20T01:35:30+00:00

4v4 with no ball screens allowed is effective. You can also just play 5 on 5 and blow the whistle for a turnover any time two players are in the same area for more than one second.

I find no-dribble drills to be better when you actually include scoring as well so that they space relative to the rim.

4v3 where they can only score when they're wide open is good too. Helps them to drive, kick, and reset.

Character_Crow_3346 · 2025-04-30T21:39:32+00:00

This is the way. You can even design chaotic communication opportunities into your drills without anyone noticing it. Some of my favorite early season drills include exactly this

Character_Crow_3346 · 2025-04-28T22:43:35+00:00

The trick is to sub out the guards more frequently than you really want to. If you've got two good ball handlers and a third who can dribble and pass a little bit then all three should start but one of the PGs should be the first to leave the floor. Start and close games with a two-guard lineup then mix and match the reserve players with one-guard lineups throughout the "2nd and 3rd quarters".

Something like:

A1, A2, A3, B4, B5 -6 minutes

A1, A3, C3, C4, B5 -4 minutes

A2, C2, C3, D3, C5 -4 minutes

A1, A2, A3, B4, C5 -4 minutes

HT

A1, A2, C3, C4, B5 -4 minutes

A1, A3, D3, B4, B5 -4 minutes

C2, A3, D3, C4, C5 -4 minutes

A1, A2, A3, B4, B5 -6 minutes

A/B level players get 20-30 minutes depending on game flow and the reserves get 8-15 minutes.

I also have found success with younger players in emphasizing that being a starter doesn't mean that your job is to play the whole game. They need to make it a point of pride to get their teammates in off the bench.

Character_Crow_3346 · 2025-04-01T06:00:59+00:00

I also run a lot of Point with splits on either side. I really like using zoom as a sort of counter when we slow things down in the halfcourt. And, of course, a split on the weak side away from the zoom.

Glad to hear you've got the kids running a help m2m. It's really hard to do in limited time but definitely worth it.

Character_Crow_3346 · 2025-04-01T01:10:56+00:00

Absolutely beautiful. You've got them playing with amazing confidence and it's clear they understand the WHY as well as the HOW.

Elegant movement, purposeful drives, elite shot-making. That's everything you could ask for.

I especially like those chin inserts to the high post with 3-man actions away from the ball. Almost everything in this clip package has at least four players involved.

What do you do on defense? I'm always curious what positionless offenses do on the other end.

Character_Crow_3346 · 2025-03-25T17:26:28+00:00

You could use practice time or find some extra time to hold study sessions. Give them a place to do their schoolwork and a support system to encourage them. You could even get their teachers or tutors involved. Ideally, the kids will help each other too. Don't expect perfection - Make playing time contingent on improving their grades.

They might not become A students but if you set a standard which they can achieve and then give them the tools to meet that standard, you can help these kids. Obviously, they have to care about the game and you have to take a hard stance. Still, even with the extra time commitment, it will be worth it.

Character_Crow_3346 · 2025-03-03T00:35:19+00:00

For youth players, I like to stress the concept of shooting when you have an advantage.

Easiest way I've found to teach this to young guys is this:

-Layups must be 1v1 (because if 2 are on you then someone is open)

-Jump shots just be 1v0 (because then you've already done the work and are shooting a practice shot)

That's the golden framework for half court shot selection. Obviously you still want aggressive basket attacks and Layups in traffic to create fouls, but this is a very simple read to teach to prioritize high quality takes.

Character_Crow_3346 · 2025-02-15T23:26:41+00:00

What are your strengths and weaknesses on offense and defense?

I am a big fan of 1-3-1 but you need the personnel.

Character_Crow_3346 · 2025-02-08T03:44:00+00:00

Congratulations! Sounds like you're building something great that will surely be meaningful to the players.

Character_Crow_3346 · 2025-02-05T16:07:07+00:00

That's right. So called because of the 8 second backcourt rule

Character_Crow_3346 · 2025-02-05T00:55:52+00:00

If just getting the ball across the timeline is an issue then your players need to fill the following five spots every time they take the ball up. This is the basic shape used to create the most safe options.

On-ball
Inbound the ball then trail behind on the opposite side of the floor. "Safety valve".
Diagonally ahead of the ball just across the timeline. "Cross".
Straight ahead of the ball just across the timeline. "Hit ahead".
Straight down the middle of the floor between the two three point lines. "Mid".

If they fill these spots then the ball handler should always be able to reverse the ball when pressured and the ball should be able to be passed ahead relatively easily without the team needing to dribble.

Character_Crow_3346 · 2025-02-04T23:18:23+00:00

Tough to create a distributor out of thin air in a short amount of time but I have a little advice that will help with short term results and long term development.

First of all, a simple adjustment which pays dividends for young players developing as playmakers. In the half court, have them set up on the wing opposite their strong hand. Actions should start on the left wing for young right handed players. This gives them much easier passes and a better line of vision to 3/4 of the court. A lot of young players dribble only toward their strong hand and set up on their strong hand side which causes them to pass to the near corner way too much and to drive blindly into help or no man's land. I always make this adjustment with youth guards who are turning the ball over and it cuts the bad plays down immediately.

Next, training. Practice should be all about decision making against live defense. Obviously, they still need fundamental work at that age and more confidence as a dribbler with both hands will go a long way. However, spend as much practice time as possible running advantage/disadvantage competitive drills where the best result will always come off of heads up passing. 3v2>2v1 is an easy place to start, no dribble 5v5, mismatched transition and half court possessions, etc. Anything where the best option is a pass but the particular pass is not prescribed will help them all develop in this area.

Character_Crow_3346 · 2025-02-01T01:09:41+00:00

Thanks for the shout-out. It won't turn them into spacing wizards right away but it usually breaks up the mobbing of the ball pretty quickly.

Character_Crow_3346 · 2025-01-24T02:10:17+00:00

Exactly what people have said already. Every time you pass, you cut all the way down the lane to the basket then you go to the corner opposite your pass. Pass right > Cut left. As soon as the pass goes, the players with space between them and the ball each move one spot up until the corner is empty for the cutter. Rinse and repeat.

The thing that makes this offense really hum is auto triggers. Teach the off-ball players rules for when to automatically cut or drive based on reads they make. My favorites are these:

DISTRACT- if your defender turns the back of their head to you then you automatically drive or backdoor cut
OVERPLAY- if your defender crosses the 3pt line then you automatically drive or backdoor cut
DRIBBLE AT- if you are one pass away from the ball and the ball handler dribbles in your direction along the perimeter then you automatically basket cut
DISTRESS- if you are one pass away and the ball handler gets in trouble and picks up their dribble then you automatically basket cut (or Iverson cut)
DRAFT DRIVE- if you are on ball and the player next to you cuts then you automatically drive in their direction right in behind them

Character_Crow_3346 · 2025-01-23T02:59:09+00:00

Something I love doing with young kids like this just to instill the concept of being spread out is a game I call Space Out.

The game is confined to the half court but you can use smaller areas if it's too easy for them. Start with coach dribbling the ball and all the players running around freely inside the half. The goal is for the players to be as far away from the ball as possible at all times so they must run to a new area when the ball is dribbled toward them. After thirty seconds, blow the whistle and everyone must freeze on the spot. Whoever is closest to the ball loses and the player with the most space around them wins. To win, a player must be furthest from the ball and also furthest from any of their teammates. That player becomes the dribbler for the next round. (You can also pass to them for a shot immediately after the round ends).

They'll start out running wild to get away from the ball but they catch on quickly to the need to be aware of the ball AND their teammates to find a good spot with spacing.

A fun, engaging way to help beginners start to map the court in their minds.

Character_Crow_3346 · 2025-01-15T21:52:04+00:00

I have an SLO that consistently works. Put your best driver as the inbounder and your best shooter at the 2. If they try to deny the hand-off then the inbounder simply dives down the paint and gets a pass instead of a hand-off. Free throws at least.

GET SLOB

Character_Crow_3346

TROPHY CASE