Basic Attacking Skills

In this post, we will focus on 3 basic attacking skills: straight lead, change of direction, and a feint dodge.

Firstly, with a straight lead players should aim to drive with purpose onto the ball - either straight forward or at a 45º angle. Timing and communication are key! Players must be able to read cues from the ball carrier and identify the available space. 

For a straight lead it is important to highlight:

• Strong first 3 steps 
• Shoulders and hips facing in the direction of the lead
• Maintain speed onto the ball

When we shift our focus to a change of direction, it can be helpful to think of this as two straight leads combined. Players should make a straight lead to one side, however will then plant their outside foot and push off it strongly, turning both their hips and shoulders in the direction of travel. Players then use their inside foot as the take-off foot to move into the new space.

Finally, if a player has a strong defender directly infront of them, using a feint dodge can be a helpful way to trick the defender and get free. With a feint dodge players should:

• Have their body upright and feet shoulder width apart
• Move one step from where they want to receive the ball
• Drop their shoulder slightly, tricking their defender 

After the defender has transferred their body weight, players must then push strongly off their outside foot and drive in the opposite direction, quickly turning their hips to face the direction of travel.

A way I like to practice this is to split players into groups of 3, with one feeder, one attacker, and one defender. The attacker has the choice whether to make a straight lead or a change of direction, to receive a pass from the feeder. The attacker aims to make a clear change of direction, ensuring they practice on both sides.

When progressing this drill, add in a passive defender as well as the option to add in a feint dodge. Then repeat again with 100% defence, with the attacking player aiming to lose the defender and receive the pass.

This drill is simple but effective - a great way to cement your players skills!

For more advanced players, use conditioned games to develop basic attacking skills. Split your players into teams of 4, setting up a square on the court for them to work in. 

Staying in the square, the team in possession of the ball have to make 10 successful passes between them, however can only receive the ball if they do a clear change of direction, straight lead, or feint dodge. Emphasise the strong first 3 steps in this drill - ensuring players drive with purpose - as well as the importance of providing options for teammates!

What fun ways do you develop your players' basic attacking skills? Comment below!