Coaches Insider

Head on a Swivel Defensive Drill with Kim Barnes Arico – Univ. of Michigan

Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 07:03:21 +0000

Watch as Coach Kim Barnes Arico explains, and players demonstrate this "head on a swivel" defensive drill. The defender must be able to see both the ball and the player they are guarding at the same time. When a player is in a help position, their ball-side foot should be up and not flat, to prevent being screened. The focus is on getting up the line in proper position, jumping to the ball on a pass, being physical, and staying on the inside.

Circle-Up Scramble Drill with Bryan Smothers – Wayne State Univ.

Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan — Mon, 18 May 2026 12:50:45 +0000

Watch as Coach Bryan Smothers explains, and players demonstrate this timed circle-up scramble drill. The drill involves 3 defenders positioned under the basket with 4 offensive players on the perimeter. The defenders will move in a circle so that they can't pre-determine their responsibilities. A coach will throw a ball to a perimeter player, and the defenders will respond to closeout. As the ball moves around the perimeter, the defenders will scramble to closeout, focusing on communication and closeout technique.

Two-Ball Finishing Drill with Saddi Washington – Michigan State Univ.

Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan — Sat, 09 May 2026 16:27:01 +0000

Watch as Coach explains, and the Bigs demonstrate this two-ball finishing drill. The goal is to get 20 makes in 20 seconds. Although this drill involves the Bigs, it can be used for the entire team. The players must keep their eyes on the rim and catch the ball above their shoulders. Teammates should count out the makes and make the drill competitive by keeping score.

Saddi Washington was previously at Univ. of Michigan.

Around the Horn Passing with Mark Montgomery – Univ. of Detroit Mercy

Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:14:40 +0000

Watch as Coach Mark Montgomery explains, and players demonstrate this "Around the Horn" passing drill. The drill has four players lined up around the perimeter. Every player will make an L or V cut to receive a pass then rip through and pass to a teammate who repeats the process. The fourth player receives a pass and will make an L or V cut to receive a pass then rip through and attack the baseline before passing the player in the corner.

Cone Touch 1-on-1 Drill with Dusty May – Univ. of Michigan

Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:12:25 +0000

Watch as Coach Dusty May explains, and players demonstrate the Cone Touch 1-on-1 Drill. The offensive player is watching the defender while dribbling. When the defender moves laterally to touch a cone, the offensive player attacks in the opposite direction, driving to the basket and initiating contact. This is a good drill for both offensive and defensive players.

Finishing Drills with Zak Boisvert – St. Louis Univ.

Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 14:21:31 +0000

Watch as Coach Zak Boisvert explains, and players demonstrate these five finishing drills. Coach believes in placing his players in situations where they have an advantage and seeing if they can keep the advantage to score. The players will work out finishing solutions that work for them.

*Note: In the clip, Coach mentioned that there are 6 drills but there are only 5.

Pivot Passing Drill with Greg Gard – Univ. of Wisconsin

Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 14:16:41 +0000

Watch as Coach Greg Gard explains, and players demonstrate the Pivot Passing Drill. Players align in a circle. While focusing on spacing, players practice dribbling, jump stops, reverse pivots, and chest passing. In the drill, communication is emphasized for a teamwork setting. Completing this drill will improve player accuracy and coordination.

Bear 1-on-1 Defensive Drill with Dusty May – Univ. of Michigan

Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:21:15 +0000

Watch as Coach Dusty May explains, and players demonstrate the Bear 1-on-1 Defensive Drill. The drill focuses on a defender’s gap positioning and responsibilities. When the offensive player catches the pass, the defender will swipe down with the inside hand then pop back placing their hand behind their back. The offensive player will try to get a layup, and the defender must move trying to keep their chest between the offensive player and the basket.

Bear 1-on-1 Defensive Drill with Dusty May – Univ. of Michigan

Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 11:22:21 +0000

Watch as Coach Dusty May explains, and players demonstrate the Bear 1-on-1 defensive drill. The drill focuses on a defender's gap positioning and responsibilities. When the offensive player catches the pass, the defender will swipe down with the inside hand then pop back placing their hand behind their back. The offensive player will try to get a layup, and the defender must move trying to keep their chest between the offensive player and the basket.

Head on a Swivel Defensive Drill with Kim Barnes Arico – Univ. of Michigan

Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 20:24:05 +0000