Guard Play Workout

The workout below is known as the Pitino Drill be some people. I just call it Guard Play. It works on attacking the basket, individual ball moves, shooting and conditioning. It should be part of your regular workout - whether you are a guard or a post player - as it is basic basketball at its best.

Instructions:

1. Start at a wing and drive toward the basket.
2. When you reach the cone, make the first move and go to the basket and shoot a lay-up.
3. Rebound the basketball and make the same move out to the cone at the top of the key.
4. Repeat the step and move on to the next cone.
5. When you have made the move at all three cones start again with the next move.
6. After you use all moves at all 3 cones, repeat the drill using power lay-ups off of two feet and jump shots.

Notes:

1. When using the jump shots, make one or two dribbles by the cones before shooting.
2. Be aggressive and make the moves with game intensity.
3. Use your right hand when making your move at the right cone and your left hand at the left cone.
4. As you become more skilled, begin to combine the moves to get buy the defender.

Inside Out

When dribbling with the right hand, fake to left with left foot and fake the dribble to the left, then explode to the basket. Ball doesn’t leave the hand.

Hesitation

The move is made about 3’ away from the defender. Dribble up, stop, but keep the dribble alive. Your weight is on the left foot, rock back to the right foot and blow by the defender. Vice versa when using left hand.

Crossover

Dribble up to defender, when you are about 3’ away, crossover dribble low to the other hand, pulling the ball backwards. When crossing over your left foot should drop while your right foot goes with the ball across your body. By this time, you should be by the defender. Opposite with the left hand.

Turn Around

When making this move with the right hand, your left foot should be straight in front of the defender’s right foot. Pivot on your left foot and rub against the defender’s right shoulder and drive to the basket. Opposite with the left hand.

Behind-the-Back

When you begin to dribble behind the back you should be stepping with your left foot around the defender. Pull the ball behind you “bounce-passing” it to your left hand. Your arm should slap the top of your butt. Opposite with left hand.

Between-the-Legs

When you start your dribble between the legs, the left foot should be in front. After the ball goes through the legs, the right foot drives by or around the defender.