Two-meter
drill for beating the double team
by Mike Schofield, US Naval Acedemy
The Two-Meter Drill
A lot of coaches have been busy this fall trying to figure out the best way to
take advantage of the new two-point rule. One aspect of the game that I see
changing is the way defenses are trying to stop a dominating two-meter player.
Teams are reluctant to run a full drop or zone defense because of the
two-pointer. We are relying more on a
"crash-type" of double team where the nearest perimeter defender will
double team two-meters when the ball is passed in. Sometimes we will designate
one outstanding shooter that we don't leave under any circumstances. Simply put,
we want to pressure all of the ouside shooters until the ball goes to set, then
crash. One drill we are using more than ever is a five-man
drill that I borrowed from Pete Cutino and Steve Heaston. Steve utilized this
drill quite a bit this summer with the World University Games Team. Here is how
it works:
- Outside shooter sets up around
seven to eight meters. Pass under pressure to set, follow the crash and look
for shot.
- Perimeter defender plays
shooter one-on-one and pressures passer then crashes two-meter and recovers
out to shooter.
- Two-meter defender fouls
two-meter player when ball comes to set, then shot blocks.
- Two-meter player absorbs foul
and releases quickly to shooter.
- Goalie - Block ball.
Coaching
the Drill
- Make the drill as realistic as
possible. If the ouside shooter is left open, he/she should try to score
rather than force a pass to set. Be sure to follow the crasher in for a
better shot.
- Emphasize to the perimeter
defender the importance of pressuring the pass, helping at set, and
recovering to attack the shooter. Stress the ability to cover space quickly.
- Insist that your two-meter
players absorb the foul without losing the ball or his position, and that he
release the ball to the shooter accurately and quickly. Fundamentals are
key!
- Have the two-meter defender
play sound defense and make the two-meter player work. Stress communication
with teammates and shot blocking.
- The goalie must direct his
defenders and help them with positioning.
You can rotate the players in
the drill every four or five shots. If your team is big and space is limited,
you can put two groups of four at each goal and alternate. Just have a two-meter
man on each goal post. If you can whistle two-meter fouls, that is good, but you
can run the drill without it. After 15-20 minutes, moving
to a 6-on-6 or some type of game situation wil help solidify the concepts used
during the drill.
VOLVER
