Staying Competitive – How to Win with Lesser Talent

By Shane Dreiling
Director, TeamArete

1. Fundamentals
1. You cannot afford to be out – fundamentaled!
2. Stress fundamentals…sell this to your players and feeder program
3. Skills to work on…

                                                               i.      Pass – Catch – Dribble

                                                             ii.      Footwork

                                                            iii.      Proper shooting techniques – Free Throws

                                                            iv.      Good shot recognition

                                                              v.      Defensive stance – Contesting shots – Rebounding

                                                            vi.      Handling ball pressure

2. Program Commandments
1. What does your program stress?

                                                               i.      Ball pressure – Transition – Good Shot

3. Press Offense
1. Full court :  2-2-1, 2-2-1
2. Half court:  1-2-2, 1-3-1

4. Must Win Battles
1. Turnovers
2. Defensive boards…no offensive rebounds!
3. Free Throw Attempts
4. Hustle Chart – do you keep one?
5. Defensive & Offensive Goals
6. Transition – you can afford to give up easy baskets.

5. Zone Defenses
1. 1-1-3 Match-Up
2. 1-2-2 and 1-3-1 Half Court Traps
3. What are you willing to give up?

6. Changing Up the Defense
1. Man-to-Man to Zone and Zone to Man-to-Man
2. Full court and half court presses
3. Pick up points

7. Offensive Sets
1. Swing and Hi-Lo

                                                               i.      Open midrange shots when lacking shooters and low post game.

2. Good percentage shots
3. Team offensive involvement
4. Good second shot opportunities
5. Floor balance
6. Pressure release play

8. Transition
1. Pressure or trap the rebounder
2. Send 2 or more back.