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As summer approaches, coaches nationwide seek ways to build up read-and-react situations. 

There is no better tactic to build up habits and standards than small-sided games. 

Here are 4 drills within small-sided games to mix things up:

#1 - Tony Miller - Cone Handoff

The cone handoff drill is a change of direction drill that works on multiple actions.

The best part about this drill is it puts the defense in a disadvantage. Therefore, players have to hustle to cut off the basketball to get into a defensive position. 

This is a fantastic drill for the offense to work on finishing. 

Link: Cone Handoff Drill

#2 - Mike De Kraker - Battleship - Small-Sided Games

Battleship are multiple small-sided games that work on different actions within your offense.

A coach can call out the action for each small-sided game. 

For example, in one segment of the drill you can have your team only work on flipping a screen.

Link: Battleship

#3 - Coach Z - 2 vs 2 Games - Small Sided Games

The 2 vs 2 games drills purpose is to strengthen the advantage. 

A coach can set up rules about the number of dribbles or a shot clock if needed.

The design of initiation for the drill is to move to different areas of your offense.

A coach can start the defense wherever they choose - to have them behind the ball to create an advantage or the opposite. 

Link: 2 vs 2 Games

#4 - Aaron Fernandez - Ultimate 1 vs 1 - Small Sided Games

Ultimate 1 vs 1 is a designed drill to work at different areas of the court. 

The goal of the drill is to hit each area - then the games are finished with free-throws. 

This drill will be super competitive as the game goes on - the winner of the most areas of the court is the King of the Court. 

This drill is great for spring workouts or individual workouts.

Link: Ultimate 1 vs 1

There is not a better time of the year to focus on small-sided games.

Never get out-coached,

– The Coaches Clinic Community of Coaches Helping Coaches

P.S. Here are some of our favorite Resources and Clinics from amazing coaches on SSG’s if you’d like to study up!

Small-Sided Games Approach by Coach Kirby Schepp

Small-Sided games to teach elite offensive decision making PLUS more drills to teach `Position Pressure` individual defence by Coach Liam Flynn

Teaching with Small-Sided Games (SSGs) by Tony Miller

Developing SSG for Youth Development by Mike De Kraker

SSGs for Player Development and Team Defense by Tony Miller

SSGs for Ball Screen Offense by Tony Miller

Teaching (shot-drive-pass) decision making: a progression of SSGs by Michael Zeillmann

Small-Sided Games for Player Development by Aaron Fernandez

79 Basketball Drills and Small Sided Games by Mason Waters