Most of the time when I see kids play 1 on 1 this is how it goes…
Check the ball up at the top of the key, make a double between the legs, behind the back, double cross, repeat all that and then back your defender down into the paint, etc, etc…THAT IS NOT REALISTIC
1 on 1 is can be one of the most beneficial uses of time if played the correct way – THE CORRECT WAY.
Here is why…
1. Repetitions – both offensively and defensively. During typical 5 on 5 scrimmage each individual player hardly touches the ball relative to the amount of time he or she is on the court. With 1 on 1 the repetitions increase by 500%. Yes teams need to be able to play together and it is important to spend time going 5 on 5, but if you are looking for players to improve their individual skills one of the best thing they can do is play 1 on 1.
2. Accountability – Defensively you are accountable for yourself. There is no helpside defense — no shot blocker to rotate to cover you if you get beat. It's on you. Developing this mindset alone will make you a better on ball defender.
3. Teaching Yourself – The more repetitions the better chance the kids will have to "figure it out on their own". It might seem like a waste of time to have your kids play 1 on 1, but over the course of a season I know you will start to see results. It also gives them freedom to make mistakes and learn from them. Let this be the teacher instead of trying to coach every single play. Pete Newell said, "basketball is the most over coached and under taught sport in America". This is one way that you can let your kids teach themselves how to play.
4. Individual Attention – Now I'm not suggesting your just roll the ball out and let the kids play. This also gives you a chance to individually address each player in specific situations. Don't try to coach every situation, but be short and specific with your teaching – "hey Billy, you're going to wide. Lean in and put your shoulder on him"
When you play the correct way players are put in specific situations where they need to make decisions quickly. This also keeps the drill moving so kids are not standing in line.
The drills in this miSkillz Membership video were picked up from the Houston Rockets, Nike Skills Academies and Forrest Larson.
If you are interested in purchasing the entire DVD you can do so here. I've been told by some coaches it's the best DVD we have!
Here is a preview of the Breakdown DVD (40 minutes) and miSkillz membership video (15 minutes). Sign up for the miSkillz membership to view the video immediately, have access to over 2 hours of skill development videos, printable workouts and also receive the DVD, 25 Killer Scoring Moves, absolutely FREE. Sign up here.