Build fundamental skills (dribbling, passing, shooting, defense)
• Teach teamwork and court awareness
• Make it fun to encourage consistent effort
Start installing simple structured plays:
• Pick-and-roll basics
• Off-ball screens and flare cuts
• Backdoor cuts vs overplays
• Motion offenses like 5-out or 4-out 1-in with rules:
• Pass and cut
• Replace the cutter
• Drive and kick
• Fill the corners
Dribble Under Pressure: 1-on-1 full court, defender works on cutting off angles
• Passing on the Move: Full-court passing drills with layups
• Catch & Shoot + Closeout: Shoot while being lightly contested
• Dribbling with both hands (strong and weak)
• Proper shooting form
• Accurate passing under light pressure
• Basic defensive stance and movement
Focus: Elite control under pressure, escape dribbles
Goals: Develop ambidexterity, handle traps, and change pace/speed
Drills:
• 2-ball dribbling (stationary + moving)
• Full-court cone zig-zag under pressure
• Trap & escape drill (double team simulation)
• Hesitation, in-and-out, and misdirection series
Key Teaching Points:
• Keep eyes up, low stance, protect with off-hand
• Create space with hips and footwork, not just the dribble
Focus: Chemistry, accountability, and unity
Goals: Build a mentally tough, connected team
Drills:
• “Trust the Pass” full-court flow drill
• Defensive shell with live communication grading
• Team huddles (self-led before drills)
• 5-on-5 where captains coach teammates
Key Teaching Points:
• Culture is built daily, not just in games
• Compete without ego—serve the team
Focus: Reading defenses, timing, spacing
Goals: Improve decision-making and connection in P&R
Drills:
• Snake dribble vs. drop coverage
• Pocket pass & lob timing with live defense
• 2-on-2 P&R with coach changing coverage calls
• Film breakdown: real P&R reads (e.g. CP3, Jokic)
Key Teaching Points:
• Read the big, not the on-ball defender
• Use hesitation to manipulate defenses
Focus: Finishing through contact, footwork around the rim
Goals: Expand finishing package at all angles
Drills:
• Mikan Variations (inside-hand, reverse, euro-mikan)
• Chair finishing (floaters, euro step, pro-hop)
• Contact pad layups
• One-step gathers from different angles
Key Teaching Points:
• Read shot blockers early
• Master slow finishes, not just explosive ones