TEACHING IN THE GRID PT 2

I love to run modified games with our teams.  Modified games offer players a discovery based learning opportunity that mimics real competition.  Games modified correctly give players the opportunity to work at game speed, in shared space, making decisions that consider space, defense, teammates, time, score, rules or any other variable the coach would like to use as point of emphasis or development.  Below are some modified games to play in "The Grid".   Modified games The grid allows you to play small-sided games in various areas of the court. In bottom half of the court in diagram 4; the players are playing 1 on 1 in the middle two rectangles of the grid. The ball is inbounded from the sideline by red#1.   In the top of the diagram the players are playing 3 on 3. They can only use the part of the grid shaded yellow.   You as the coach can decide the restriction you place on the players: No dribbles ( encourages passing and cutting to get open) Must pass shoot or dribble within one second of receiving the ball ( encourages penetration and anticipation) No scoring in the key ( work on shooting outside shots)

Using a games approach Allow the players to play the game. The rules are modified to teach various concepts. For example; it is a violation if two players are in the same rectangle of the grid when your team has the ball. The exception is when you get an offensive or defensive rebound. This forces the player to be aware of the positioning of their teammates. It is using whole-part-whole teaching. The next step is to break down the areas where the players are having problems. It is recommended in the Fundamental stage and the start of the Learn to Train stage that the players play 3 on 3 or 4 on 4. This gives them more touches on the ball and more room to execute their skills.

Drills courtesy of Mike Mackay, Canada Basketball, Manager of Coach Education