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Basketball is often likened to a game of chess, with each move by one player countered by another. Developing a go-to move and its counter is an essential part of a player and team's success on the offensive end. The Attack and Counter System, designed by NBA player development coach Don Kelbick, is a unique skill development program that simplifies the game for players at all levels and all positions. The system is based on an attack and then counter philosophy, which improves shooting, ball handling, footwork, perimeter moves, post moves, finishing, aggressiveness, quickness, confidence, mentality, and overall gameplay. The footwork, mentality, and skill work are the same regardless of the position, allowing players to quickly adapt to new positions. The system can be practiced alone, with a similar-ability partner, or with a friend who does not play basketball. It is designed for players from youth to college and the pros. For youth players, the basic aspects of footwork and ball handling are emphasized, while advanced players incorporate more challenging footwork and ball handling. The counter moves in the system take advantage of the defense's positioning to create better scoring opportunities. For example, when a defender is able to stop an offensive player's ability to continue in their scoring opportunity, a counter move can be employed to increase the probability of a scoring play.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To improve shooting percentages, offensive efficiency, and overall performance |
| Approach | Simplify the game and focus on mastering fundamental skills and techniques |
| Philosophy | Based on an "attack" and "counter" strategy, taking advantage of the defense's positioning |
| Techniques | Footwork, ball handling, perimeter moves, post moves, finishing, aggressiveness, quickness, confidence |
| Applicability | Suitable for players at all levels and positions, from youth to professional |
| Benefits | Improved shooting, ball handling, footwork, aggressiveness, confidence, adaptability to different positions |
| Results | Increased scoring opportunities, better decision-making, improved performance against defensive schemes |
| Practice | Can be practiced individually or with partners, requiring only a ball, a flat surface, and a hoop |
| Examples | Jordan's hard jab, crossover dribble; Faking dribble handoffs; Double cross, cross into a step-back |
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What You'll Learn
- The Attack and Counter System: A skill development program designed by Don Kelbick to improve shooting, footwork, and ball handling
- Counter moves: Take advantage of the defender's positioning to create better scoring opportunities
- Go-to moves: Simple and quick moves that put pressure on opposing defenses
- Creating multiple counters: Having a variety of counters for one setup move can keep defenders guessing
- Using dribble handoffs: A tactic where shooters catch and shoot on the move, collapsing a defense and creating scoring opportunities
The Attack and Counter System: A skill development program designed by Don Kelbick to improve shooting, footwork, and ball handling
The Attack and Counter System is a skill development program designed by NBA skills coach Don Kelbick to improve shooting, footwork, ball handling, and overall player confidence. The system is based on a simple yet powerful philosophy: "attack" and then "counter". This means that players learn to make aggressive offensive moves and quickly adjust their strategy based on the defence's reaction.
The program includes over 50 skill-building drills with numerous variations, encompassing various aspects of the game such as ballhandling, finishing, shooting, post moves, footwork, perimeter moves, getting open, screening, offense, and conditioning. The drills are versatile and can be adapted to different skill levels, positions, and player numbers, making them suitable for individual or team practices.
One of the key focuses of the Attack and Counter System is footwork. Kelbick teaches players to use footwork to create separation from defenders, set up scoring opportunities, and maximize the effectiveness of screens. Understanding the fundamentals and proper execution of various screens, such as ball screens, down screens, flare screens, and zipper screens, is also covered in the program.
Additionally, Kelbick emphasizes the importance of mentality and confidence in shooting. He provides a unique and straightforward approach to help players improve their confidence and mentality when it comes to shooting. This includes a series of shooting drills and covers the key aspects of becoming a great shooter.
The Attack and Counter System also teaches players to utilize counter moves to create better scoring opportunities. By taking advantage of the defence's positioning, players can consistently beat the on-ball defence, attack the vulnerable spots, and create high-percentage scoring chances. This approach can lead to more fouls on the opposition, which analytics have shown results in more wins.
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Counter moves: Take advantage of the defender's positioning to create better scoring opportunities
To create better scoring opportunities in basketball, it is essential to develop counter moves that take advantage of the defender's positioning. Here are some strategies and techniques to achieve this:
Firstly, understand the importance of timing and positioning. Getting by defenders requires not only a set of skills but also the knowledge of when and how to use them effectively. By combining hesitation with explosive speed, players can utilize angles to their advantage and create opportunities to score.
One technique to achieve this is the 'stop-and-go' dribble. This involves varying the speed of the dribble to keep the defender off-balance. Start with a slow, steady rhythm, then suddenly explode into a quick move before slowing down again. This technique is similar to a boxer varying the speed of punches to keep their opponent off-balance. By mixing up the rhythm, players can create opportunities to blow by defenders.
Another strategy is to use a quick crossover or between-the-legs dribble to manipulate the defender's positioning. By getting the defender to lean one way, players can quickly change direction and attack at a more advantageous angle. The key is to execute this move at the right time and place, catching the defender off-balance or out of position, and immediately attacking the space they've conceded.
Additionally, players can utilize the front foot stop to abruptly change direction and create separation from the defender. By shifting weight and momentum quickly, players can change directions or get up a quick shot before the defender can anticipate the next move. This technique allows for better manipulation of the defender's movements and the creation of more scoring opportunities.
Furthermore, developing a go-to move and a corresponding counter move is essential for a player's success. While a go-to move is typically simple and quick, a counter move is a quick decision that increases the probability of a scoring play when the defender stops the initial scoring opportunity. For example, Michael Jordan's go-to move was a hard jab into a crossover dribble, and his counter move was a hard spin changing directions into a scoop layup.
By implementing these strategies and techniques, players can improve their counter moves and take advantage of the defender's positioning to create better scoring opportunities in basketball.
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Go-to moves: Simple and quick moves that put pressure on opposing defenses
While complex basketball moves are great, it's important to remember that mastering the fundamentals is key. Here are some simple and quick go-to moves that will put pressure on opposing defenses:
The Crossover: This is the easiest basketball move to perform and is often the first move players learn when they start dribbling. It involves bouncing the basketball in front of you from one hand to the other. It is usually done when a player wants to change directions and they are not being tightly guarded by a defender.
The In-and-Out Dribble: This move is designed to trick the defender into thinking you are about to perform a regular crossover. Keeping the basketball in one hand, the offensive player uses a head and shoulders fake while moving the ball inside and then back out by switching the position of their hand on the ball. This move is great for getting the defender to shift their weight, opening up a driving lane to attack.
Through the Legs: This move allows players to pass the ball between their legs, protecting the ball from the defender and putting it further away from them. It requires good timing and coordination, but when mastered, it can be used to stay low and explode out of a defensive situation.
Behind the Back Dribble: Similar to the through-the-legs move, this allows players to switch the ball from one hand to the other while protecting it. The entire body is used to protect the ball as it is wrapped behind the player. This move is beneficial as it allows an offensive player to quickly attack by passing the ball out in front of their opposite hand.
The Pick and Roll: This is a popular move often used in 2-on-2 scenarios. The attacker without the ball blocks the path of the defender covering the leader, creating space for the dribbler.
Body Fakes and Misdirections: Using your body to fake one way and then quickly exploding in the other direction can create the space needed to get by the defender. It is important to make these fakes believable by committing to the fake direction before changing course.
Tight Angles: Driving at a tight angle directly at or just past the defender's outside foot forces them to open up their hips and concede a direct line to the basket. This is especially useful against bigger, slower defenders as it neutralizes their advantage.
Remember, it's not just about having a variety of moves, but also knowing when and how to use them effectively. Combining these simple moves with good timing, speed variation, and strength can help put pressure on opposing defenses and create high-percentage scoring opportunities.
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Creating multiple counters: Having a variety of counters for one setup move can keep defenders guessing
Having multiple counter moves in your arsenal is essential to keeping defenders guessing and creating high-percentage scoring opportunities. Here are some ways to create multiple counters for a single setup move:
Vary Your Timing
Timing is critical in basketball. You can throw off your defender's expectations by introducing unpredictable timing into your dribble moves. For example, instead of immediately driving or crossing over when you catch the ball, hesitate and take a beat. This allows your defender to think they have you figured out, and then you can hit them with a delayed move. A well-timed hesitation dribble can be extremely effective in creating space and catching your defender off-guard.
Mix and Match Elements
Combine different elements such as dribble moves, physical misdirection, and changes in speed to keep defenders off-balance. For instance, you can use a jab step or shoulder fake in one direction, followed by a quick crossover in the opposite direction. This combination can be challenging for defenders to anticipate and defend against. Additionally, changing speeds suddenly can also leave your defender behind, as they may struggle to match your pace.
Change Your Starting Stance
Many players fall into the trap of always starting their attacks from the same spots on the floor. By changing your starting stance, you can keep defenders on their toes. Instead of always being in a crouched, triple-threat position, try starting your drive from a more upright, relaxed stance. This can be unexpected and create opportunities for explosive moves that catch the defender by surprise. Alternatively, you can start your drive with your back to the basket, as defenders are typically used to guarding players facing up.
Practice Different Finish Options
Having multiple ways to finish a setup move can make it harder for defenders to predict your next move. For example, if you usually do a simple crossover into a pull-up shot, you can mix it up by faking the shot and doing a hesi into a blow by. By adding counters such as a shot fake, a hard crossover, or a step-back, you can create one setup with multiple finishes, making it more challenging for defenders to block your moves.
Use Decoys and Feints
You can also use tactics like decoys and feints to create multiple counters and confuse defenders. For instance, using a fake handoff can keep defenders guessing about who has the ball. Additionally, you can use a shooter as a decoy to pull multiple defenders away, creating space for your teammates to exploit.
In summary, by varying your timing, mixing and matching elements, changing your starting stance, practicing different finishes, and using decoys, you can create multiple counters for a single setup move. This unpredictability will keep defenders guessing, leading to more successful scoring opportunities for your team.
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Using dribble handoffs: A tactic where shooters catch and shoot on the move, collapsing a defense and creating scoring opportunities
The dribble handoff, or DHO, is a dynamic basketball move that can be used to create scoring opportunities, break down a defense, or exploit a player's strengths. It involves a player dribbling towards a teammate and passing them the ball while still in motion. This differs from a traditional handoff, where the ball is stationary. The DHO is a versatile play that can be used in various ways, such as creating space for a shooter or taking advantage of a player's speed or long-range shooting ability.
To master the DHO, players need to focus on timing, communication, and footwork. It is crucial that the passer waits for their teammate to be in the right spot to receive the pass and that they communicate effectively. The receiving player should position themselves close to the passer, making it challenging for the defender to intercept the ball. Reading the court is also essential. The receiving player must decide whether to drive, shoot, or make another play.
The DHO is particularly effective when a team's offense is stagnant and they need to create some momentum. It can be used to attack downhill, similar to a pick-and-roll, and can provide an escape route for a star player guarded by a tough defender. The DHO can give them more space to shoot or drive to the basket.
Additionally, the DHO can be combined with a ball screen, creating even more opportunities for the offense. This combination is challenging to defend and can lead to open shots for off-ball players along the perimeter. It also results in numerous post touches for the rolling or popping player.
To improve their DHO skills, players should practice in different scenarios, such as in transition or against a zone defense. They can also set up drills with cones to work on their timing and execution. By incorporating the DHO into their arsenal, players can add a valuable weapon to their offensive repertoire and keep defenses guessing.
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Frequently asked questions
The Attack & Counter System is a great way to practice counter moves. It is a skill development program that simplifies the game for players at all levels and all positions. It improves shooting, ball handling, footwork, perimeter moves, post moves, finishing, aggressiveness, quickness, confidence, mentality, and your all-around game.
It's important to keep your go-to move simple and quick, as this will help you master it and feel comfortable. A counter move is a quick decision that increases the probability of a scoring play. You can practice the same setup with different finishes, so that you can keep the defender guessing.
Counter moves take advantage of the defender's positioning and momentum, allowing you to use them against them. This will help you beat the on-ball defense and create more high-percentage scoring opportunities. It will also lead to more fouls on the opposition, increasing your chances of winning.
A counter move is used when a defender stops an offensive player's ability to continue their scoring opportunity. You can make a move and see how the defense reacts. Once you have an advantage, you finish. A good defender will make it difficult, so you need to recognise when you have even a small edge to make a play.
