Mountain Hoops

Team session:
Duration:

Warm up:

Lesson

50 min

(5 min)

Players start on the baseline and walk down the court lifting legs
high with a bent knee so they can clap under leg. On coachs
command they can change from clapping under leg to clapping over
leg or lightly slap the top of knees as they lift their legs.

Ball Handling:

Control Dribble (5 min)

Have players spread out with a ball between two. Get them to dribble
the ball with their strong hand at knee height. The dribbling action is
more of a pushing action than a patting action. After 25 sec they give
the ball to their partner to repeat the activity. Have them repeat twice
more with their strong hand and twice with their weaker hand. They
can count the number of dribbles they complete as a team.

Ball Handling:

Cones (7 min)

Players split into two teams, each player with a ball. On whistle one
team dribbles around knocking cones over, while the other team
dribbles around standing the cones up. After 90 seconds stop the game
and count the number of cones standing. Re-stand cones change roles
and start game again. Player must dribble the whole time, they can't
stop dribbling to knock a cone over then restart dribbling again..

Passing:

Chest (5 min)
Get players in pairs or groups of three with one ball. They should be
standing an equal distance apart. Have players perform a chest pass to
one another. Have players hold the ball in two hands with the finger
pads contacting the ball, thumbs pointing at one another. Players step
forward and extended arms forcing wrist and fingers through the ball as
they pass the ball to their partner. Fingers should be pointing at target
as ball is released. Partners should present a target with both hands
extended forward, fingers high. As the pass comes receivers should
absorb pass by bending arms at the elbows. Have players perform a
variety of stationary passes working on technique.

#1

Mountain Hoops
Team session:
Passing:

Lesson

Activity (7 min)

Players split into two even numbered teams with one ball per
team. In their team they stand in two lines facing one another,
staggered. After making a pass to the person opposite them they
run behind their line rejoining at the end waiting to receive a
pass. Activity starts off slow so as the players get a chance to feel
comfortable about passing then moving to the next position. As
they get more comfortable the teams could race one another
across the width of the court.

Shooting:

Lay ups (5 min)

Have players form a line on the right side of the basket about 2 metres from
the basket on a 45 degree angle. The first three players in line have a ball.
Player starts with feet together in a balanced stance. They then step forward
onto their left foot jumping up towards the basket. As they jump they bring
their right knee up high, extending their shooting arm. Elbow should get
above eye level as they release the ball and follow through. Players should be
aiming just inside small target square as they shoot the ball up and in off the
backboard. Have players get their own rebound as they pass the ball back to
the first person without a ball before moving to the back of the line. Repeat
on the opposite side with the opposite foot work. ( Step on to right foot, bring
left knee high).

Shooting:

Activity (7 min)
In teams of 4 with two ball and a hoop we have a shooter, rebounder and
two receivers. Shooter picks up ball facing the hoop on balance as they
step forward and shoot a lay up. Once they take their shot they move
across the key to get the ball from the opposite receiver. After each shot
the rebounder gets the ball and passes to the receiver from where the shot
was taken. The receiver then places the ball on the ground for the next
shot. Rotate clockwise after 1 minute.

Warm Down:

(5 min)

Have players perform a light warm down by getting them to slowly jog
four lengths of the basketball court. Then they can walk two more lengths
before finishing off with walking one length backwards. As the players
are finishing off their warm down you could get them to answer questions
regarding some of the key teaching points from that days practice. E.g.
What leg do you jump off for a lay up when on the right side of the court?

#1

Mountain Hoops
Team session:
Duration:

Warm up:

Lesson

#2

50 min

(5 min)

Coach has 3 instructions that they may used for the players to follow in
a defined area. Here - players line up in front of the coach. There
- coach points in a direction and players start jogging in that direction.
Where - Players jog or bounce lightly on the spot.

Ball Handling:

Speed Dribble (5 min)

Have players split into groups of three with 1 ball per group. In their groups of
three have the players form two lines across court facing one another with the
ball in the line of 2. On your command get them to dribble the ball across the
court before making a jump stop and hand the ball off to their team mate to
repeat the activity. Players should be using finger pad control, pushing the ball
out in front of them and then running onto it. Have them perform right hand, left
hand and a combination of right and left hand.

Ball Handling:

Rob the Nest (10 min)

Have players split into 3 teams with one ball per team. On the whistle the first
person in each team speed dribbles to the jump circle to collect object. Players
must remain in control of their dribble by changing from a speed dribble to a
control dribble. Once they have collected an object they return to their team and
place it in their collection hoop. Then pass the ball to the next member in line for
them to repeat the activity. Once all objects have gone from the jump circle teams
then look to collect objects from the other teams. Play for an allotted period of
time. You can add stipulations such as dribble in with right, out with left etc.

Passing:

Chest (5 min)
Get players in pairs or groups of three with one ball. They should be
standing an equal distance apart. Have players perform a chest pass to
one another. Have players hold the ball in two hands with the finger
pads contacting the ball, thumbs pointing at one another. Players step
forward and extended arms forcing wrist and fingers through the ball as
they pass the ball to their partner. Fingers should be pointing at target
as ball is released. Partners should present a target with both hands
extended forward, fingers high. As the pass comes receivers should
absorb pass by bending arms at the elbows. Have players perform a
variety of stationary passes working on technique.

Mountain Hoops
Team session:

Passing:

Lesson

Activity (7 min)

Put an uneven number of players in a circle, in this case 9. Give

players 1 and 9 a ball and have them perform a chest pass to their
right, missing one player. The sequence would be 1-3-5-7-9-2-4-6-81 etc or 9-2-4-6-8-1-3-5-7-9 etc depending on your starting point. As
the players get more confident you can add in more balls and keep
trying to build up. If the players communicate with each other you
will find the drill will work better and they will be able to add balls
quite quickly.

Footwork:

Quick feet (5 min)

Each player is positioned with both feet on one side of a line on court.
The players jumps rapidly and continuously from one side of the line to
the other.
variation:
Square Jumps : with feet together, the players jump in a square patternforwards, sideways, backwards and sideways.

Footwork:

Pivoting (5 min)
Pivoting needs to be taught and reviewed regularly. Have players form
lines on the base line. Players run at various speeds and make jump
stops at the free throw line, centre and end lines. At each line players
are to land low, balanced and in stance.
The coach determines which pivot the players will use. The pivots to
practice are forward pivots on either foot as well as reverse pivots off
either foot. You can progress the drill by adding in dribbling up the
court into a jump stop.

Warm Down:

(5 min)

Have players perform a light warm down by getting them to slowly jog
four lengths of the basketball court. Then they can walk two more
lengths before finishing off with walking one length backwards. As the
players are finishing off their warm down you could get them to
answer questions regarding some of the key teaching points from that
days practice.

#2

Mountain Hoops
Team session:
Duration:

Warm up:

Lesson
50 min

(5 min)

Players move around a defined area freely without touching other

players. On coachs command players follow instruction given
(bounce on spot, hop 5 times on left foot, skip for 20 sec etc).

Ball Handling:

Control Dribble (5 min)

Have players spread out with a ball between two. Get them to dribble the
ball with their strong hand at knee height. The dribbling action is more of a
pushing action than a patting action. After 25 sec they give the ball to their
partner to repeat the activity. Have them repeat twice more with their
strong hand and twice with their weaker hand. They can count the number
of dribbles they complete as a team.

Ball Handling:

Protection Dribble (7 min)

Have players dribble the ball around in a restricted area (3 point line)
trying to deflect other peoples basketballs whilst protecting their own
dribble. Have the players count how many deflections they get. Play for 2
minshighest number of deflections wins. Repeat for 3 games. It is
important that once ball has been deflected players quickly re-gather the
ball and rejoin. Excluding players from the game limits their time for
improvement.

Shooting:

Lay ups (5 min)

Have players form a line on the right side of the basket about 2 metres from
the basket on a 45 degree angle. The first three players in line have a ball.
Player starts with feet together in a balanced stance. They then step
forward onto their left foot jumping up towards the basket. As they jump
they bring their right knee up high, extending their shooting arm. Elbow
should get above eye level as they release the ball and follow through.
Players should be aiming just inside small target square as they shoot the
ball up and in off the backboard. Have players get their own rebound as
they pass the ball back to the first person without a ball before moving to
the back of the line. Repeat on the opposite side with the opposite foot work.
( Step on to right foot, bring left knee high).

#3

Mountain Hoops
Team session:

Shooting:

Lesson

Star Drill (10 min)

The ball starts on the baseline. The pass is made by the baseline
player as they pass to the wing and follow their pass. We run this
drill in a star pattern with the last line dribbling in to make a lay-up.
5 passes to 3 who passes to 2 who passes to 1 who passes to 4. 4
dribbles in and makes a lay up. The next player in line rebounds the
ball and continues the sequence.
After players have been through a couple of times the drill can be
run in the opposite direction.

Rebounding:

Box Out (5 min)

Have players get into pairs with one player on defence and one player on
offence. The coach will stand in the key and yell out Shot Defensive
players will look to reverse pivot so their backs get to the offensive
players chest as quick as possible. Defence should have a wide strong
base and make contact with the offensive players. Hands should be high
and wide. Repeat a couple of times before changing. Be aware that
contact is made without pushing and eyes are on the rim.

Rebounding:

Keep outside the circle (3 min)

After a signal from the coach the defenders try to hold the offence out of
the circle for 5 seconds.
Next the coach places the ball into the center of the circle.
All players try to get hold of the ball, after a signal from the coach.

Warm Down:

(5 min)

Have players perform a light warm down by getting them to slowly jog
four lengths of the basketball court. Then they can walk two more
lengths before finishing off with walking one length backwards. As the
players are finishing off their warm down you could get them to
answer questions regarding some of the key teaching points from that
days practice.

#3

Mountain Hoops
Team session:
Duration:

Warm up:

Lesson

#4

50 min

(5 min)

Players walk freely around marked area. Coach calls out a number
and an activity (4s hopping on one leg, 3s jumping jacks) Players
quickly get into groups of the number mentioned and perform that
activity for 20 sec before they start free walking again and wait for
next instruction.

Passing:

Bounce pass (5 min)

Get players in pairs or groups of three with one ball. They should be
standing an equal distance apart. Have players perform a bounce pass to
one another. Have players hold the ball in two hands with the finger pads
contacting the ball, thumbs pointing at one another. Players step forward
and extend arms forcing wrist and fingers through the ball as they pass the
ball to the ground. Players should aim about 2/3 of the way across to their
partner. Receivers should have target hands around waist height.

Passing:

Activity (7 min)
Drill requires teams of 5 or 6 with one ball. The ball starts on the outside, in this
case 5 passes to 6, and follows his pass. 6 bounce passes to 1 and replaces 5. 1
now bounce passes to 5 who is in the centre. 1 will follow his pass as 5 bounce
passes to 2 before replacing 1 on the outside. As they get comfortable you can get
them to vary the pass. Bounce pass out of the centre, chest pass to the centre etc.

Shooting:

Skills (5 min)

Have players get into pairs with one ball per pair. Players will line up facing
their partner about 2-3 metres apart. They will be working on technique for
outside shooting. Teach the B-E-E-F method
BalancePlayers get in a comfortable stance with feet about shoulder width
apart and pointing at the target. Shooting foot is slightly forward.
EyesPlayers need to practice shooting at a target and concentrating on it.
Have players focus on where they are shooting the ball.
ElbowShould be under the ball giving the shot height and power. Try and get
the elbow high and inline with the target.
Follow throughPlayers should snap their wrist as they release the shot.
This will put backspin on the ball. Arm and hand should look like goose neck
when the ball is released. Have players shoot the ball back and forth in their
pairs as they work on their form.

Mountain Hoops
Team session:

Shooting:

Lesson

#4

Form shooting (7 min)

Have players spread out around the hoops. With a ball each or 1
between two have players work on shooting technique close to the
basket. Make sure they work on the B-E-E-F principles as they shoot
the ball high. Have them try and make 5 shots without the ball hitting
the rim. This will encourage the players shooting the ball in to the
rim and not at the rim. Have players bend legs and then push up
onto their toes to generate more power if required.

Defence:

Skills (5 min)
Have players form two or three lines in the half court with plenty of space
around them. Players get into stance with a solid base and bent knees with a
straight back with hands at shoulder height. The coach points in a direction
and the players make two movements in that direction. Players start in a wide
base and go from wide to wider. Lead foot should move first. Weight should
be on the balls of their feet. After they have taken two movements coach will
point in a different direction and players will make two movements to the new
direction.

Defence:

Mirror Drill (7 min)

In groups of two, players decide who will be the lead (offence) and who will
be the mirror (defence). Offence takes three slides across the court and then
slides back one or two slides, then another three slides across before making
one or two slides back. They keep going until they reach the other side of the
court. Players change roles before heading back across the court again. Have
the drill start in a controlled pace, before moving to game pace over and
back. Then take away the set number of slides and have athletes mirror the
offence.

Warm Down:

(5 min)

Have players perform a light warm down by getting them to slowly jog four
lengths of the basketball court. Then they can walk two more lengths before
finishing off with walking one length backwards. As the players are
finishing off their warm down you could get them to answer questions
regarding some of the key teaching points from that days practice.

Mountain Hoops
Team session:
Duration:

Warm up:

Lesson

#5

50 min

(5 min)

Each player starts in an easily identifiable spot (cone, lines etc)

called home. Coach nominates an activity (marching, walking,
jogging, hopping, skipping etc) and players move around the area in
that manner without touching anyone. On the whistle players quickly
head back to their home. Repeat using a different activity.

Passing:

Chest pass (5 min)

Get players in pairs or groups of three with one ball. They should be standing
an equal distance apart. Have players perform a chest pass to one another.
Have players hold the ball in two hands with the finger pads contacting the
ball, thumbs pointing at one another. Players step forward and extended arms
forcing wrist and fingers through the ball as they pass the ball to their partner.
Fingers should be pointing at target as ball is released.

Passing:

Machine Gun (7 min)

This drill incorporates good hand eye coordination, quickness, passing
fundamentals, and the defensive slide.
Players line up at shoulder width along the baseline. The first person
sets up approx. 2m opposite the line.
The first player, (No. 8 in drawing), chest passes to 9. 9 passes to 6,
while 7 is passing to 9. 9 passes to 5, while 6 passes to 9, etc.

Footwork:

Pivoting (5 min)
Player 1 starts off sliding up the lane facing the sideline. When
he gets to the foul line player 1 pivots so as the can see the coach
on the baseline. He receives the ball from the coach and goes in
to make the lay up. After making the shot they rebound the ball
and pass it back to the coach. Then the first player in the
opposite line repeats the performance. Once making the shot
players change lines.

Mountain Hoops
Team session:

Footwork:

Lesson

Pivoting (7 min)

Pivoting needs to be taught and reviewed regularly. Have players form

lines on the base line. Players run at various speeds and make jump
stops at the free throw line, centre and end lines. At each line players
are to land low, balanced and in stance.
The coach determines which pivot the players will use. The pivots to
practice are forward pivots on either foot as well as reverse pivots off
either foot. You can progress the drill by adding in dribbling up the
court into a jump stop.

Shooting:

Form shooting (5 min)

Have players spread out around the hoops. With a ball each or 1 between
two have players work on shooting technique close to the basket. Make
sure they work on the B-E-E-F principles as they shoot the ball high. Have
them try and make 5 shots without the ball hitting the rim. This will
encourage the players shooting the ball in to the rim and not at the
rim. Have players bend legs and then push up onto their toes to generate
more power if required.

Shooting:

Titan Shooting (7 min)

Have players form three lines just below the free throw line, with 1 ball per
line. Players shoot the ball and then get their own rebound. They then pass
the ball back to the line they shot the ball from before moving to the back of
the same line. Once 1 team has made a set number of shots (eg 5,10) have
them move to their left and repeat. Work on players receiving the ball in a
position to score, knees bent, bottom down so they can catch the ball and go
straight up with the shot. You dont want them catching it then loading up.

Warm Down:

(5 min)

Have players perform a light warm down by getting them to slowly jog
four lengths of the basketball court. Then they can walk two more
lengths before finishing off with walking one length backwards. As the
players are finishing off their warm down you could get them to
answer questions regarding some of the key teaching points from that
days practice.

#5

Mountain Hoops
Team session:
Duration:

Warm up:

Lesson

#6

50 min

(5 min)

Two teams are paired up in a defined area. One of taggers and one of
dodgers. Taggers are spread out around the defined area with
dodgers on one side. On the command dodgers look to get across the
area without being tagged by their partner. Dodgers can only be
tagged by their partners. See who can make the most crosses in a
period of time. Change roles and repeat.

Ball Handling:

Control Dribble (5 min)

Have players spread out with a ball between two. Get them to dribble the
ball with their strong hand at knee height. The dribbling action is more of a
pushing action than a patting action. After 25 sec they give the ball to their
partner to repeat the activity. Have them repeat twice more with their
strong hand and twice with their weaker hand. They can count the number
of dribbles they complete as a team.

Ball Handling:

Cones (7 min)

Players split into two teams, each player with a ball. On whistle one team
dribbles around knocking cones over, while the other team dribbles
around standing the cones up. After 90 seconds stop the game and count
the number of cones standing. Re-stand cones change roles and start
game again. Player must dribble the whole time, they can't stop dribbling
to knock a cone over then restart dribbling again..

Shooting:

Lay ups (5 min)

Have players form a line on the right side of the basket about 2 metres from
the basket on a 45 degree angle. The first three players in line have a ball.
Player starts with feet together in a balanced stance. They then step forward
onto their left foot jumping up towards the basket. As they jump they bring
their right knee up high, extending their shooting arm. Elbow should get above
eye level as they release the ball and follow through. Players should be aiming
just inside small target square as they shoot the ball up and in off the
backboard. Have players get their own rebound as they pass the ball back to
the first person without a ball before moving to the back of the line. Repeat on
the opposite side with the opposite foot work. ( Step on to right foot, bring left
knee high).

Mountain Hoops
Team session:

Shooting:

Lesson

Star drill (7 min)

The ball starts on the baseline. The pass is made by the baseline player as they
pass to the wing and follow their pass. We run this drill in a star pattern with the
last line dribbling in to make a lay-up. 5 passes to 3 who passes to 2 who passes
to 1 who passes to 4. 4 dribbles in and makes a lay up. The next player in line
rebounds the ball and continues the sequence.
After players have been through a couple of times the drill can be run in the
opposite direction.

Defence:

Skills (5 min)

Have players form two or three lines in the half court with plenty of space
around them. Players get into stance with a solid base and bent knees with a
straight back hands at shoulder height. The coach points in a direction and the
players make two movements in that direction. Players start in a wide base
and go from wide to wider. Lead foot should move first. Weight should be on
the balls of their feet. After they have taken two movements coach will point in
a different direction and players will make two movements to the new
direction.

Defence:

Defend the cone (7 min)

Place a cone on each wing, line players up at halfway with one team on
offence and one team on defence. Defence looks to stop offence from touching
the cone. Defence must try and stay between the ball and the target (cone).
Once the offence touches the first hat, they try and dribble as quickly as
possible across to touch the second cone. After touching the second cone they
then attack the basket looking to score. Defence is looking to stay between the
ball and the target and keep the offence away from the target.

Warm Down:

(5 min)

Have players perform a light warm down by getting them to slowly jog
four lengths of the basketball court. Then they can walk two more
lengths before finishing off with walking one length backwards. As the
players are finishing off their warm down you could get them to
answer questions regarding some of the key teaching points from that
days practice.

#6

Mountain Hoops
Team session:
Duration:

Warm up:

Lesson

#7

50 min

(5 min)

Using court markings find a suitable square marked out that the team
can space themselves evenly about. Opposite sides are numbered 1
and 2. As the coach yells out a number, those players jump across to
the opposite side without touching anyone. If the coach yells 3 all
4 sides jump to the opposite side.

Shooting:

Form Shooting (5 min)

Have players get into pairs with one ball per pair. Players will line up facing
their partner about 2-3 meters apart. They will be working on technique for
outside shooting. Teach the B-E-E-F method.
BalanceEyesElbowFollow through
(See lesson plan #4 for more information )

Shooting:

Screen and cut (7 min)

Player 1 makes a basket cut before coming off the screen set by player 2.
Player 1 comes off the screen (shoulder to shoulder) to receive the pass
from player 4.
The screener (player 2) now opens up to the basket and receives a pass
from player 3. Repeat the drill with the next players. Make sure the
players rotate through both lines.

Passing:

Bounce Pass (5 min)

Get players in pairs or groups of three with one ball. They should
be standing an equal distance apart. Have players perform a
bounce pass to one another. Have players hold the ball in two
hands with the finger pads contacting the ball, thumbs pointing at
one another. Players step forward and extended arms forcing wrist
and fingers through the ball as they pass the ball to their ground.
Players should aim about 2/3 of the way across to their partner.
Receivers should have target hands around waist height.

Mountain Hoops
Team session:

Passing:

Lesson

50 Passes (7 min)

This is a simple passing drill where the two teams compete to be the first
to 50 passes. Players are not allowed to dribble the basketball. A
dribble, travel, turnover, or ball touching the floor (no bounce passes)
changes possession but scores remain and is continued with next
possession until a team reaches 50 passes. Players are encouraged to set
defenders up and lead hard, use backdoor cuts, pass hard, quick and
protect the ball from pressure.
Diagram A - Shows two full teams playing 50 passes using the whole
half of the court.
Diagram B - Shows a smaller group playing 50 passes contained with in
the 3 point line.

Rebounding:

Box Out (5 min)

Have players get into pairs with one player on defence and one player
on offence. The coach will stand in the key and yell out Shot
Defensive players will look to reverse pivot so their backs get to the
offensive players chest as quick as possible. Defence should have a
wide strong base and make contact with the offensive players. Hands
should be high and wide. Repeat a couple of times before changing. Be
aware that contact is made without pushing and eyes are on the rim.

Rebounding:

Triangle box out (7 min)

Offence rotates around the key in one direction. Defence is in stance and
slides around the key in the opposite direction.
Coach is on the wing with the ball, when coach is happy with sliding technique they will throw the ball off the backboard. Defence scrambles to box
out the offence.
If offence get the rebound they play to score. Once defence secure the ball,
off either a rebound or in-bounding after a made basket, they play to half
way being aware of good spacing.

Warm Down:

(5 min)

Have players perform a light warm down by getting them to slowly jog
four lengths of the basketball court. Then they can walk two more
lengths before finishing off with walking one length backwards. As the
players are finishing off their warm down you could get them to
answer questions regarding some of the key teaching points from that
days practice.

#7

Mountain Hoops
Team session:
Duration:

Warm up:

Lesson

#8

50 min

(5 min)

In groups of 4 or 5 have all but one of the players form a line

holding the person in front of you with both hands on the hips. The
individual player looks to tag the last player in line. The line has to
try and protect the last person in line. Once the tag is made they
join the back of the line and the leader of the line becomes the
tagger.

Ball Handling:

Skills (5 min)

Player dribbles towards the cone and touches it with their non dribbling
hand. They then use a change of direction dribble (Cross over, spin, between
the legs, behind the back) and get to the hoop for a shot.
Players should start by dribbling with the hand furthest from the basket. Be
sure to start from both sides of the court so as they can practice going either
way.

Ball Handling:

Cones (7 min)

Players split into two teams, each player with a ball. On whistle one
team dribbles around knocking cones over, while the other team
dribbles around standing the cones up. After 90 seconds stop the game
and count the number of cones standing. Re-stand cones, change roles
and start game again. Player must dribble the whole time, they can't
stop dribbling to knock a cone over then restart dribbling again..

Defence:

Skills (5 min)
Have players form two or three lines in the half court with plenty of
space around them. Players get into stance with a solid base and bent
knees with a straight back, with hands at shoulder height. The coach
points in a direction and the players make two movements in that
direction. Players start in a wide base and go from wide to wider.
Lead foot should move first. Weight should be on the balls of their
feet. After they have taken two movements coach will point in a
different direction and players will make two movements to the new
direction.

Mountain Hoops
Team session:

Defence:

Lesson

Defend the cone (7 min)

This is a great drill for developing defence. Place a cone on each wing,
line players up at halfway with one team on offence and one team on
defence.
Defence looks to stop offence from touching the cone. Defence must try
and stay between the ball and the target (cone). Once the offence
touches the first cone, they try and dribble as quickly as possible across
to touch the second cone. After touching the second cone they then
attack the basket looking to score. Defence is looking to stay between
the ball and the target and keep the offence away from the target.

Shooting:

Form shooting (5 min)

Have players spread out around the hoops. With a ball each or 1
between two have players work on shooting technique close to the
basket. Make sure they work on the B-E-E-F principles as they shoot the
ball high. Have them try and make 5 shots without the ball hitting the
rim. This will encourage the players shooting the ball in to the rim
and not at the rim. Have players bend legs and then push up onto their
toes to generate more power if required.

Shooting:

Titan Shooting (7 min)

Have players form three lines just below the free throw line, with 1 ball
per line. Players shoot the ball and then get their own rebound. They then
pass the ball back to the line they shot the ball from before moving to the
back of the same line. Once 1 team has made a set number of shots (eg
5,10) have them move to their left and repeat. Work on players receiving
the ball in a position to score, knees bent, bottom down so they can catch
the ball and go straight up with the shot. You dont want them catching it
then loading up.

Warm Down:

(5 min)

Have players perform a light warm down by getting them to slowly jog
four lengths of the basketball court. Then they can walk two more
lengths before finishing off with walking one length backwards. As the
players are finishing off their warm down you could get them to
answer questions regarding some of the key teaching points from that
days practice.

#8

Mountain Hoops
Team session:
Duration:

Warm up:

Lesson

#9

50 min

(5 min)

Two teams of 5-6 players each. One team of runners and one team of
taggers who begin at opposite ends of the area. Coach uses large
hoola hoops and spreads them out around the playing surface.
Runners look to get across the playing surface without being tagged.
They can use the hoops as safe areas as taggers cant tag people in
the hoops. Runners have 1 minute to cross the playing area.

Footwork:

Quick feet (5 min)

Each player is positioned with both feet on one side of a line on court.
The players jumps rapidly and continuously from one side of the line
to the other.
Variation:
Square Jumps : with feet together, the players jump in a square
pattern-forwards, sideways, backwards and sideways.

Footwork:

Pivoting (7 min)
Pivoting needs to be taught and reviewed regularly. Have players form
lines on the base line. Players run at various speeds and make jump
stops at the free throw line, centre and end lines. At each line players
are to land low, balanced and in stance.
The coach determines which pivot the players will use. The pivots to
practice are forward pivots on either foot as well as reverse pivots off
either foot. You can progress the drill by adding in dribbling up the
court into a jump stop.

Rebounding:

Box out (5 min)

Have players get into pairs with one player on defence and one
player on offence. The coach will stand in the key and yell out
Shot Defensive players will look to reverse pivot so their backs
get to the offensive players chest as quick as possible. Defence
should have a wide strong base and make contact with the offensive
players. Hands should be high and wide. Repeat a couple of times
before changing. Be aware that contact is made without pushing
and eyes are on the rim.

Mountain Hoops
Team session:

Lesson

#9

Boxing Out: Dribble, Pass, Box out (7 min)

Defence starts with the ball and takes a dribble before passing to one
with the outside hand. 1 skips the ball onto 2 who is looking to catch and
shoot. As soon as the defender has made the pass they quickly swing
around so as they are marking 1 and when the shot goes up they must
box out. They play until defence secures the ball.

Shooting:

Titan Shooting (5 min)

Have players form three lines just below the free throw line, with 1 ball per
line. Players shoot the ball and then get their own rebound. They then pass
the ball back to the line they shot the ball from before moving to the back of
the same line. Once 1 team has made a set number of shots (eg 5,10) have
them move to their left and repeat. Work on players receiving the ball in a
position to score, knees bent, bottom down so they can catch the ball and go
straight up with the shot. You dont want them catching it then loading up.

Shooting:

Screen & Cut (7 min)

Player 1 makes a basket cut before coming off the screen set by player 2.
Player 1 comes off the screen (shoulder to shoulder) to receive the pass
from player 4.
The screener (player 2) now opens up to the basket and receives a pass
from player 3.
Repeat the drill with the next players. Make sure the players rotate through
both lines.

Warm Down:

(5 min)

Have players perform a light warm down by getting them to slowly jog
four lengths of the basketball court. Then they can walk two more
lengths before finishing off with walking one length backwards. As the
players are finishing off their warm down you could get them to
answer questions regarding some of the key teaching points from that
days practice.

Mountain Hoops
Team session:
Duration:

Warm up:

Lesson

# 10

50 min

(5 min)

In groups of 5 or 6 a dodger stands in the centre of a marked circle

with the remaining players standing around the circle with up to two
balls. The players look to hit the dodger with a ball below the knees.
They can pass the ball around the circle trying to catch the dodger off
guard. Rotate after a period of time.

Ball Handling:

Skills (5 min)

Have players spread out with a ball between two. Get them to dribble the
ball with their strong hand at knee height. The dribbling action is more of a
pushing action than a patting action. After 25 sec they give the ball to
their partner to repeat the activity. Have them repeat twice more with their
strong hand and twice with their weaker hand. They can count the number
of dribbles they complete as a team.

Ball Handling:

Protection Dribble (7 min)

Have players dribble the ball around in a restricted area (3 point line)
trying to deflect other peoples basketballs whilst protecting their own
dribble. Have the players count how many deflections they get. Play for 2
mins and the highest number of deflections wins. Repeat for 3 games. It is
important that once the ball has been deflected players quickly re-gather
the ball and rejoin. Excluding players from the game limits their time for
improvement.

Offence:

Screen & Cut (5 min)

Player 1 makes a basket cut before coming off the screen set
by player 2.
Player 1 comes off the screen (shoulder to shoulder) to receive
the pass from player 4.
The screener (player 2) now opens up to the basket and
receives a pass from player 3.
Repeat the drill with the next players. Make sure the players
rotate through both lines.

Mountain Hoops
Team session:

Passing:

Lesson

# 10

Activity (7 min)

Put an uneven number of players in a circle, in this case 9. Give

players 1 and 9 a ball and have them perform a chest pass to their
right, missing one player. The sequence would be 1-3-5-7-9-2-4-6-8-1
etc or 9-2-4-6-8-1-3-5-7-9 etc depending on your starting point. As
the players get more confident you can add in more balls and keep
trying to build up. If the players communicate with each other you will
find the drill will work better and they will be able to add balls quite
quickly.

Defence:

Skills (5 min)
Have players form two or three lines in the half court with plenty of space
around them. Players get into stance with a solid base and bent knees with
a straight back, with hands at shoulder height. The coach points in a
direction and the players make two movements in that direction. Players
start in a wide base and go from wide to wider. Lead foot should move first.
Weight should be on the balls of their feet. After they have taken two
movements coach will point in a different direction and players will make
two movements to the new direction.

Defence:

Defend the cone (7 min)

Defence looks to stop offence from touching the cone. Defence must try
and stay between the ball and the target (cone) Once the offence touches
the first hat, they try and dribble as quickly as possible across to touch
the second cone. After touching the second cone they then attack the
basket looking to score. Defence is looking to stay between the ball and
the target and keep the offence away from the target.

Warm Down:

(5 min)

Have players perform a light warm down by getting them to slowly jog
four lengths of the basketball court. Then they can walk two more
lengths before finishing off with walking one length backwards. As the
players are finishing off their warm down you could get them to
answer questions regarding some of the key teaching points from that
days practice.

Mountain Hoops
Team session:
Duration:

Warm up:

Lesson

# 11

50 min

(5 min)

In teams of 5-6 the players form a circle with one ball. The player
with the ball passes to another player who is not beside them. As they
make the pass the run around the outside of the circle as the catcher
throws and runs.

Ball Handling:

Speed dribble (5 min)

Have players split into groups of three with 1 ball per group. In their groups
of three have the players form two lines across court facing one another with
the ball in the line of 2. On your command get them to dribble the ball across
the court before making a jump stop and hand the ball off to their team mate
to repeat the activity. Players should be using finger pad control, pushing the
ball out in front of them and then running onto it. Have them perform right
hand, left hand and a combination of right and left hand.

Ball Handling:

Rob the Nest (7 min)

Have players split into 3 teams with one ball per team. On the whistle the
first person in each team speed dribbles to the jump circle to collect an
object. Players must remain in control of their dribble by changing from a
speed dribble to a control dribble. Once they have collected an object they
return to their team and place it in their collection hoop. Then pass the ball
to the next member in line for them to repeat the activity. Once all objects
have gone from the jump circle teams then look to collect objects from the
other teams. Play for an allotted period of time. You can add stipulations
such as dribble in with right, out with left etc.

Rebounding:

Box Out (5 min)

Have players get into pairs with one player on defence and one
player on offence. The coach will stand in the key and yell out
Shot Defensive players will look to reverse pivot so their backs
get to the offensive players chest as quick as possible. Defence
should have a wide strong base and make contact with the offensive
players. Hands should be high and wide. Repeat a couple of times
before changing. Be aware that contact is made without pushing
and eyes are on the rim.

Mountain Hoops
Team session:

Rebounding:

Lesson

Rotation Rebounding (7 min)

Have team split into teams. Coach has the ball outside the key. Have
players form a circle around the jump circle. Offence on the outside,
defence on the inside. On coaches command offence walks in one
direction with defence going in the other direction. The coach shoots
the ball off the backboard and defence looks to box the offence out
before rebounding the ball. If offence secures the ball they look to try
and score. If defence gets the rebound they give it to the coach. Drill
can be changed so that if defence secures the ball they can try and
score (fast break) at the other end.

Offensive Stance: 4 on 4 (5 min)

Players must catch the ball in offensive stance, ball in triple threat
position facing the rim. Offence must make five passes before they are
allowed to score. If ball is put above their head that is a turn over
and change of possession. If offensive player doesn't look at hoop
whilst in possession that is a turn over and change of possession. Can
change to not allowed to dribble the ball so players must score in
lane off a pass and cut.

Game Situation:

2 on 1 into 2 on 2 (7 min)

Have three lines on the baseline and a fourth line at half way. The
two outside lines are offence and the middle line and half way line
are defence. The ball starts on the outside line on the baseline and
the first players in each line run up court passing the ball. Once the
coach gets the ball he will pass it back to one of the offensive
players, who will then turn and play 2 on 1. Once the coach makes
his pass the first player in the halfway line can join in the game and
sprints to get back on defence to help out his team mate and try and
turn the 2 on 1 to a 2 on 2.

Warm Down:

(5 min)

Have players perform a light warm down by getting them to slowly jog
four lengths of the basketball court. Then they can walk two more
lengths before finishing off with walking one length backwards. As the
players are finishing off their warm down you could get them to
answer questions regarding some of the key teaching points from that
days practice.

# 11

Mountain Hoops
Team session:
Duration:

Warm up:

Lesson
50 min

(5 min)

In groups of 3 with 1 ball players line up facing one another with

the ball in the line that has 2 people in it. Players pass the ball then
follow their pass to join the line they passed to. Coach can
determine what passes are performed or give instruction as to how
many different passes can be used e.g. Overhead, bounce, chest etc.

Passing:

50 Passes (8 min)

This is a simple passing drill where the two teams compete to be the first
to 50 passes. Players are not allowed to dribble the basketball. A dribble,
travel, turnover, or ball touching the floor (no bounce passes) changes
possession but scores remain and is continued with next possession until
a team reaches 50 passes. Players are encouraged to set defenders up
and lead hard, use backdoor cuts, pass hard, quick and protect the ball
from pressure.
Diagram A - Shows two full teams playing 50 passes using the whole
half of the court.
Diagram B - Shows a smaller group playing 50 passes contained with in
the 3 point line.

Offence:

Screen & Cut (8 min)

Player 1 makes a basket cut before coming off the screen set by player 2.
Player 1 comes off the screen (shoulder to shoulder) to receive the pass
from player 4.
The screener (player 2) now opens up to the basket and receives a pass
from player 3.
Repeat the drill with the next players. Make sure the players rotate
through both lines.

# 12

Mountain Hoops
Team session:

Lesson

Offensive Stance: 4 on 4 (10 min)

Players must catch the ball in offensive stance, ball in triple threat
position facing the rim. Offence must make five passes before they
are allowed to score. If ball is put above their head that is a turn
over and change of possession. If offensive player doesn't look at
hoop whilst in possession that is a turn over and change of possession. Can change to not allowed to dribble the ball so players must
score in lane of a pass and cut.

Game Situations: 2 on 1 to 2 on 2 (10 min)

Have three lines on the baseline and a fourth line at half way. The
two outside lines are offence and the middle line and half way line
are defence. The ball starts on the outside line on the baseline and
the first players in each line run up court passing the ball. Once
the coach gets the ball he will pass it back to one of the offensive
players, who will then turn and play 2 on 1. Once the coach
makes his pass the first player in the halfway line can join in the
game and sprints to get back on defence to help out his team mate
and try and turn the 2 on 1 to a 2 on 2.

Warm Down:

(5 min)

Have players perform a light warm down by getting them to slowly jog
four lengths of the basketball court. Then they can walk two more
lengths before finishing off with walking one length backwards. As the
players are finishing off their warm down you could get them to
answer questions regarding some of the key teaching points from that
days practice.

# 12