This is a topic that comes up quite a bit from coaches and parents, but I’m going to specifically address playing aggressive with the ball.
The first skill you need to master is the ability to handle the ball. Without a doubt, as a guard, there is virtually no way possible to be aggressive, take contact and finish if you can’t handle the ball.
After players have the ability to really handle the ball we will add pressure into our stationary drills. A couple ways we do this is have players partner or have a coach use boxing gloves to put pressure on the ball handler. Players partnering up will push on their shoulders or hit the arm that is making the dribble move while the ball handler tries to stay square and on balance during the drill. We’ll take the players through our 2 dribble series using this variation.
Another drill we will do is a partner pressure drill where we put both players side by side (shoulder to shoulder). The player on the right has the ball and is on offense, while the defense player is on his left. The offense players goal is to stay in a straight line from sideline to sideline, while the defender is trying to push him off the line by leaning on him or “riding him out”. You can also use a coach a defender in this drill.
One concept we keep in mind throughout skill development drills is that the “player that hits first wins”. Initiate contact with the shot blocker on the weak side with your inside shoulder. When attacking off the dribble drive your shoulder through the defender’s hip. We want to hit first and be the aggressor.
Create an environment of aggressiveness by manufacturing drills. If you are the coach running the practice or workouts your players will only do what you demand of them. Your players will develop a tougher mindset when you add football pads or boxing gloves to your drills. If you can drive past a defender hitting you with boxing gloves there shouldn’t be any kind of contact in a game you will shy away from. Have you ever met “soft” boxer?