How the Drill Works:
In this continuous drill, players will make a long pass down the floor and then sprint down the court and receive a pass from another line for a layup.
Purpose:
A great conditioning drill that works on long passing and finishing layups at full speed.
Setup:
3 basketballs. 2 basketballs in the corner the first player will start from, and 1 with the player in the opposite corner.
A minimum of 5 players are needed for this drill to work. Preferably more as it involves a lot of sprinting.
Instructions:
Russian Layups
(3) starts the drill by dribbling until within passing distance of (5) and then makes the long pass.
(3) continues sprinting and receives the basketball from (1) for the layup.
(1) immediately sprints up the court after passing and receives the pass from (5) at full sprint and passes to (2) on the opposite high post.
After the first layup, without rebounding their own shot (3) quickly curls around and replaces (5) on the high post.
After making the pass to the player sprinting up the court, (5) rebounds the layup from (3) and passes it to the next person in line in the corner.
This same process continues at both ends of the court for 3 - 5 minutes.
Scoring System:
Set a target amount of makes for the drill. This will push the players to work as hard as possible to beat it as a team.
Variations:
Coach on the High Post - This drill can get very confusing if you have a young team. An easy way to make this drill simpler is to put a coach or parent on each high post. Then players just rebound their own shot and rotate through the one group at each end of the floor.
Ball Can’t Touch the Floor - For older players who can pass the full length of the court challenge them to not take a dribble before passing. The only time the ball should hit the floor is after the layup. Every time the basketball hits the floor the team loses one point.
Coaching Points:
As this is a drill that players can get confused in, it’s very important that all players are communicating and calling for the basketball.
Players must SPRINT up and down the floor.
Passes should be hard and flat. If the player has to lob the pass too much, tell them to take and a few extra dribbles.
Players should be taking long steps on their layups.
Create a resolution to develop your coaching confidence by seizing the opportunity to discover new drills, turn ideas into action and seek advice from the coaching community.
World Rugby has reportedly conceded Aaron Smith's disallowed try in the World Cup final should have stood.
"It is not only useful for staff who are experienced but a valuable tool for those subject staff who have to take teams."
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