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Finish Thru Contact Drills
My 8th grade boys team is having trouble staying balanced and finishing strong thru the lane when experiencing contact. They become off balance and throw up awkward shots. Does anyone have a few drills to simulate contact when finishing? I thought there used to be a video on here last year but can’t find it anymore.
Thanks
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3 Replies
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Rob,
The drill is called Battlefield. Starting on the perimeter, defense is on the SIDE of the offense giving pressure with an armbar. Offense leans into the defense and they drive to the goal together. Defense is training the offense, so give only enough pressure that the offense can handle. Offense should stick the landing in the lane on two feet and then shoot. Pressure can slowly be increased as the offensive player gets used to the pressure. -
Gauntlet Drill: line up four-to-six players in two lines, tight shoulder-to-shoulder facing each other, starting from a spot between the low block and the mid-post and extending along the 45 toward the wing. The two lines should be close enough so that the players can extend their arms from the elbow and touch fingers, 3-4’or so. Have them do this. This is “The Gauntlet.” <P> Then line up your other players at the high wing with balls. Coach at the point. <p> players with ball pass to coach and cut to basket, toward gauntlet. Coach immediately passes back in such a way as they receive it with the opportunity to take one hard, two-hand dribble for balance and then crash through the gauntlet of extended arms, and finish with a lay-up. Run the group, then switch. <p> There are three stages of “toughness” to this progressive drill: 1) Limp Spaghetti-gauntlet players keep their arm very loose and relaxed, so players can easily fly through them; 2) Willow Branch–Arms are a bit stronger, but still pliable; and 3) Tree Limb–arms are fairly stiff. Stress to gauntlet players that they are working as a team to train offense; no one should get hurt or try to “stop” someone. they are there to provide resistance only. Don’t stress if players travel before they finish–the goal is to reduce their fear of contact and improve their finishing balance, and they will certainly take additional steps to learn this. MS players LOVE this drill, lots of fun and laughter. they also get tough.
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Hey, just realized I picked up Gauntlet from Rick. Should be in the Player Development section somewhere.
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