Drills play
Drill: Hustle Loose Ball
- Court
- Half court
- Length
- 5 steps
About this play
Loose balls are extra possessions and a toughness identity, which is why I run this one with the score kept and the losers running. Setup: two teams of five along opposite sidelines at half court, numbered so posts match posts and guards match guards, one ball. Everyone kneels on all fours facing away from the floor and the coach places the ball at the top of the key, equidistant from both lines. The coach calls a number, both players sprint and dive, and the first to possess it is on offense; he attacks 1v1 and the loser defends until a score or a stop. Dive flat and slide, two hands on the ball, chin up; never fall on the knees. One point for winning the ball and one for a score, play to ten; peeking is a point to the other team. Common mistakes: standing up to reach for it, two players from the same team calling it, half-speed dives. Progressions: the coach rolls the ball instead of placing it, calls two numbers for a 2v2 scramble, or adds an outlet and a layup after the recovery. Every level. I got it from Coach's Clipboard's hustle drills page and Shaka Smart's hustle drill on the Coaching Toolbox; give them a look for the charge-and-dive version.
