(Rental)-Half Court Offensive Principles & Actions

Half Court Offense Drills - Principles and Actions

In today’s game of basketball, there is an emphasis on the up-tempo style of play. As opponents work to slow you down, teams must be able to win in the half-court offense. Bryan Petersen, head coach at Kirkwood Community College breaks down the finer points of his offense, which has been influenced by Creighton head coach Greg McDermott and Nebraska’s Fred Hoiberg.

Petersen won the 2016 and 2019 NJCAA DII national championships using an offense that incorporates spacing, ball movement, screening, timing, and shot selection into its half-court offense. In this half court offense drills video, Coach Petersen shows you how he does it.

Basic Motion Offense

Coach Petersen talks about proper spacing and describes that as at least 15 feet from your nearest teammate. To maintain maximum spacing, players have to learn how to respond to penetration. You will see players walk through dribble penetration movements while others react accordingly.

Spacing Drill

Spacing is important to any type of offense, but what makes Petersen’s offense different is the level of communication. Great teams communicate and Coach Petersen stresses it here making sure that his players talk while on offense.

Wing Continuity Ball Screen Offense

Cutting and filling open areas is important and Petersen builds off of these concepts incorporating ball screens from the wings. You will see Coach Petersen’s “20” wing ball screen continuity offense. The offense uses a 3-out 2-in set looking to create hard closeouts and produce middle penetration at the rim.

Coach Petersen shows you multiple options based on defensive adjustments. The offense is great for back-to-the-basket post players and there are options for the pick and pop post players. Petersen also throws in a couple of counters as defenses will eventually pick up on the offense’s pattern.

Half Court Offense Drills Breakdown

A variety of 3-on-0 drills are used to help promote strong continuity for the ball screen motion offense. Players run through various situations and adjustments. Coach Petersen incorporates more post touches and reactions in this series. Players work the 3-on-0 drills from different spots on the floor and also work on getting open when under pressure.

Set Plays

Coach Petersen also provides five set plays that are adjustments to what defenses try and do to the “20” offense.

• 1: Gets your shooter an open shot
• 25: Used against teams that hard hedge, this uses a back screen for your best finisher
• Thumbs Up: Used against teams that switch ball screens, this can get a hot shooter an open look
• Thumbs Down: Used to get a post touch
• Cyclone and Cyclone Slip: A late-game, full-court set used to get a 3-point shot

If you are looking for more ways to break down opposing defenses, Coach Petersen’s video is for you! Rent this Half Court Offense Drills DVD today.