Scrimmage - Spurs 4 on 4 on 4

Gregg Popovich

3 teams of 4 players each. Only the defence scores, they get 1 point for a stop and lose 1 point if they give up an offensive rebound. It's a push - no points - if they give up an offensive rebound then make a stop. First team to 7 points wins.

Team O attacks team X, team X stays on defence with a stop and passes to coach on the sideline, who passes to team 3 coming in on attack from halfcourt. Team O leaves to the sidelines then halfcourt.

Team O switches to defence with a score, team X goes off, team 3 attacks. A coach under the basket gets the ball on a score and passes to the sideline coach, who passes to team 3.

If team X fouls, team O keeps possession on a non-shooting foul, shoots two free throws if fouled on a shot, goes on defence if both are made, and team X gets a stop on a defensive rebound.

To begin with, don't allow ballscreens or post-ups, then start with a ballscreen, screen away from the ball, etc.

Bruce Weber cut-throat defence - 3 teams, win only on defence, defence must get 3 stops in a row, lose the possession if they foul (are out). Offence goes to defence on a score, defence out, third team in on offence. Ball always comes back to coach, who can give it to the offence at any time, attackers should be moving when coach has the ball. Coach can specify a defensive play that must be done to get a stop (e.g., jump to the ball).

Tony Barone - only the defence scores, if coach doesn't like the defence, blow the whistle and get them off. Give the defence 1 point for 3 deflections on a play. Play 4 on 4, 5 on 4 (attacker at the high post, use a manager), and 6 on 4 (attackers in the corners). The third team is on the baseline, on "change" the ballhandler drops the ball and can't guard it, the defence attacks the other basket, then walk back.

a) 4 on 4 halfcourt stops - when the defence gets a stop they get a point, outlet to coach on the sideline, sprint toward halfcourt, and remain on defence against four new attackers, who get a pass from coach. If the defence gives up an offensive rebound before making a stop, they stay on defence but get no point. Offence switches to defence if they score (but earns no point), otherwise goes to the end of the offensive line. Play until one team has 7 stops.

b) 4 on 4 halfcourt shell - 3 teams, a team can score only by getting defensive stops, you can also have them stay on defence as long they get stops, or make them get two or three stops in a row. They lose a stop if they give up an offensive rebound, even if they don't give up a basket on the possession. You can script offensive sequences and how to defend them.