The Lakers: Commit to the basketball

A post during the Lakers-Celtics NBA Finals addressed the number of uncontested shots the Celtics were getting (scroll down to see some photos). It seems that Los Angeles has a renewed commitment to the basketball and is making a concerted effort to get to shooters.




















Contrast that with this open jumper from last years finals.Contrast that with this open jumper from last years finals.










































or this back-breaking breakaway that all but sealed the championship for the Celtics

High Post Triangle

When running the 2-Guard continuity diagrammed below, there are a variety of looks, options, and specials that can be run during the continuity, Here is something to look at that is a great shot opportunity for the player at the low block (in this case 2) and also gives the screener a chance to post up if the matchup dictates.



When the ball is at the wing, a pass to the high post sets up a downscreen by 3. While the screen is approaching 2 should step in to set up the defender prior to using the screen by 3. On the catch 2 should be shot-ready or look to 3 in the post.

The Factory

While stations CAN be really good, I think some kids have a bad view of "stations" from some poor camp experiences. They might get the image of mindless, repetitive drills with little or no supervision.

It's a little thing but we have always had a section of practice that we called "The Factory".

An "assembly line" of driils that help us "build" our game.

Most of the drills were rapid fire, high intensity, competitive situations. Maybe a pick and roll, post D, help side, getting through screens, etc and almost always with an offense and a defense. This would put players in a short-sided and semi-live situation with a number of repititions to help them work out game situations.

The other thing I might suggest is rather than doing something different at every basket, We took to doing the same thing at all baskets - then switching drills/games/activities every 3-5 minutes. this way I was watching the same thing at each basket, and if I made a verbal correction - I could do it loud enough that it might be an effective teachable moment at every basket.

Plus it was much easier for me to really focus on what I was teaching, instead of switching from skill to skill and basket to basket.