Space Invaders Slides Space Invaders
Mastering Court Geometry
The Big Question
If we all stand next to each other holding hands on the court...
Is it easier or harder for the defense to guard us? Why?
The "Swarm Ball" Danger
Defense Loves Clumping!
When we are close together, one defender can guard two people at once!
No Room to Move
It's hard to dribble or pass when there is a traffic jam of bodies.
BEEHIVE MODE
The Geometry of Success
To "stretch" the defense, we fill 5 distinct spots on the perimeter:
Left Corner
Left Wing
The Top (Point)
Right Wing
Right Corner
LC
LW
T
RW
RC
Your Mission
Today on the court, whenever I yell "FREEZE!", everyone must stop exactly where they are.
If we are all in one spot, the defense wins. If we are spaced out, the offense wins!
Court Geography Worksheet Court Geography
Hoops Tactics // Lesson 1
Player:
Date:
1
Map the Spots
Label the 5 offensive spacing spots on the diagram below using the provided terms.
A
B
C
D
E
Word Bank
Right Wing • The Top • Left Corner • Right Corner • Left Wing
A:
B:
C:
D:
E:
2
Thinking Strategically
1. Why is it harder to pass the ball when your team is "clumped" together in one spot?
2. If you are standing in the corner and your teammate with the ball starts dribbling toward you, what should you do to keep the spacing correct?
"Spacing is the most important skill in basketball."
Target Objective
Spatial Awareness & Strategic Movement
Spacing Drill Guide Spacing Guide
Teacher Resource // Space Invaders
45-60 Minutes
Full Class
Core Objective
To transition students from "swarm ball" (reactive following of the ball) to a proactive spacing model where they maintain geometric balance on the court.
Key Terms
The Perimeter Clumping 5-Out Spacing Court Geography
Equipment
Basketballs (1 per 2)
Flat spot markers (Poly-spots)
Whistle
The "Freeze" Game Drill
Procedure
Place poly-spots at the 5 spacing locations (Corners, Wings, Top).
Begin a 3-on-3 or 4-on-4 scrimmage.
At random intervals, blow the whistle and yell "FREEZE!"
Players must stop immediately. Analyze the distribution.
Award "Spacing Points" for every player standing near a designated spot.
Guided Discussion Questions
Observation: "Is the ball surrounded by more than two defenders? Why did that happen?"
Strategy: "If your teammate has the ball, where is the farthest point away from them you can go while still being ready for a pass?"
Analysis: "Who is 'invisible' right now because they are hidden in a clump?"
Troubleshooting the "Swarm"
Common Issue
Players "Magnetizing" to the ball
Students feel they aren't 'playing' if they aren't near the ball.
Fix: Use the "Arm's Length" rule—stay at least two arm's lengths from your teammate.
Common Issue
Stagnant corners
Players stand in one spot and never move, even if the ball moves.
Fix: Implement the "Shifting" rule—if the ball moves, everyone adjusts to the nearest open spot.
The Big Cut Slides The Big Cut
Pass, Cut, Score
Reflex Check
What is the very first thing you should do after you pass the ball?
Hint: Standing still makes you "invisible" to your own team!
The V-Cut: Getting Open
1. Fake In
Run toward the hoop like you're going to score.
2. Pop Out
Plant your foot hard and sprint back to the wing.
Result: Your defender is stuck behind you!
The "V" Shape
The Give-and-Go
1
GIVE: Pass to a teammate on the wing.
2
GO: Sprint immediately to the hoop (Backdoor Cut!).
3
SCORE: Catch the return pass for a layup.
Speed + Timing
"Don't wait. GO!"
The 2-Second Rule
If you haven't moved in 2 SECONDS
You are Guarding Yourself!
Cutting Checklist Handout Cutting Checklist
Mastering the Pass-and-Move
Lesson 2 Skills
Athlete Name
Team Name
V
The V-Cut
Use this to get open when a defender is "playing tight" (standing close to you).
I walked my defender toward the basket first.
I planted my foot hard to change direction.
I exploded back to the perimeter at full speed.
I showed my hands to the passer (giving them a target).
G
The Give-and-Go
The fastest way to score. Use your pass as a distraction!
I passed to a teammate and moved immediately.
I cut behind my defender's back.
I sprinted directly to the "low block" near the hoop.
I kept my eyes on the ball while running.
Post-Game Reflection
Why is the "Backdoor Cut" so hard for a defender to stop?
Draw an arrow below showing the path of a V-Cut:
?
The Big Cut Drill Guide The Big Cut Circuit
Teacher Resource // Lesson 2
45 Minutes
Skill: Offensive Flow
Teacher Philosophy
"Basketball is a game of movement. The player with the ball is only 1/5th of the offense. This lesson teaches the other 4/5ths how to create scoring opportunities by moving with purpose."
Pass-and-Move Goal
Eliminate standing and watching.
Timing Focus
"Ball in air, feet in motion."
1
Drill: The V-Cut "Pop"
The Setup
Lines at the Top (Passers) and Wings (Cutters).
Place a cone at the "low block" (near the hoop).
Cutter must touch the cone with their hand before sprinting back to the wing for the catch.
Cues to yell: "Fake the defense!", "Explode to the wing!", "Hands up!"
Diagram: Top-to-Wing V-Cut
2
Drill: Rapid Give-and-Go
Execution Steps
Player A passes to Player B on the wing.
The "Go": Player A immediately sprints face-to-face with Player B then cuts to the hoop.Player B delivers a bounce pass or chest pass to Player A for a layup.
Switch lines.
Teacher Note
Watch for "Lag Time." Students often pass, wait a second, then run. Challenge them to run while the ball is still traveling to their teammate.
Tactical Scrimmage Twist
During today's 3-on-3 games, baskets are only worth 2 points. However, a successful give-and-go pass is worth 5 points, even if the shot is missed!
Focus on the Process
Reward Smart Movement
The Screen Scene Slides The Screen Scene
Setting Stationary Walls
Power Move
How can you use your body as a stationary wall to help your teammate get wide open?
"A screen is like a legal shortcut to the hoop!"
The Safety Shield
Be a Statue
Feet must be planted. No moving while setting the screen!
Arms In
Cross your arms over your chest. Keep elbows tucked.
Wide Base
Legs slightly wider than shoulders for balance.
Wall Mode: ON
"Brush Shoulders"
The Rule for the Ball Handler:
You must run so close to your teammate that your shoulder brushes their shoulder.
Why? If there's a gap, the defender will squeeze through it!
S
Screen & Roll?
After your teammate passes you, don't just stand there... Turn and Roll to the Hoop!
You are now the second scoring option!
Screen Scenarios Cards Screen Scenarios
2-on-2 Cooperation Cards
Scenario #1
The On-Ball Pick
Setup: Player A has the ball at the top. Player B is on the wing.
The Mission: Player B runs and sets a screen on Player A's defender. Player A dribbles shoulder-to-shoulder past Player B for a drive to the hoop.
Success: No Space Left Difficulty: ⭐⭐
Scenario #2
The Down-Screen
Setup: Player A has the ball. Player B is in the corner without the ball.
The Mission: Player A (with ball) stays still. Player B uses a screen from a third teammate to pop out from the corner to the wing for a catch and shot.
Success: Catch Ready Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐
Scenario #3
The Pick & Roll
Setup: Repeat Scenario #1.
The Mission: After Player A dribbles past, Player B (The Screener) pivot and sprint toward the hoop. Player A passes to Player B for the layup.
Success: The Second Option Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Team Debrief
Check for Safety:
Were our feet glued to the floor? Did we cross our arms like a shield?
Check for Spacing:
Did we brush shoulders, or was there enough room for a defender to get through?
Instructions: Work in teams of 3. Two offensive players, one defender. Rotate through each scenario 5 times.
Screen Safety Guide Setting the Wall
Teacher Resource // Lesson 3
Safety Priority: High
The Safety Contract
At the 5th-grade level, screens can lead to collisions if not taught with strict safety boundaries. Before touching a ball, emphasize these rules:
1. Static Only
The screener MUST be stationary for at least 1 second before contact. Moving screens are fouls and dangerous.
2. The Shield
Arms must be crossed over the chest. Hands should never be extended outward.
3. No "Lean"
Screeners stand vertical. Leaning into a defender causes injuries and offensive fouls.
Drill Progression: The Screen Machine
01
Shadow Screening (No Defense)
Players practice the "Shield" posture and the stationary stance in pairs. One player runs to a spot, sets the wall, and the other player "brushes shoulders" to pass them. Switch roles.
02
The Passive Defender
Add a third student as a "statue" defender. The screener must find the correct angle to screen the statue so their teammate can get a clear path to the hoop.
03
2-on-2 Live Practice
Offense tries to score using at least one screen. Defense plays active but focuses on "calling out" the screen (yelling "SCREEN LEFT!").
Common Misconceptions
"I have to hit them"
Students often think they need to initiate contact. Correction: You are just an obstacle. If the defender runs into you, they are effectively screened. You stay still.
"I'm guarding the ball"
The screener often gets confused and tries to grab the ball. Correction: Your job is to guard your teammate's path, not the ball.
Playbook Pros Slides Playbook Pros
From Players to Coaches
Your Clipboard
"You are the coach now. Draw up a play that guarantees your team gets a layup."
Thinking 2 steps ahead is how you win.
The Coach's Language
Solid Line
Player Movement (Cuts/Runs)
Dashed Line
The Pass (Ball Movement)
The "T"
Setting a Screen (The Wall)
3-on-3 Masterpiece
Your play must include:
At least one screen.
At least one purposeful cut.
Clear spacing (don't clump!).
Draft -> Test -> Refine
"Does everyone know where to go?"
Action Time!
You will have 10 minutes to design your play, then 5 minutes to practice it with your group.
Goal: Score a basket using your design!
Playbook Designer Worksheet Official Team Playbook
Creative Offensive Design
Coaching Staff
The Drawing Board (3-on-3 Play)
= Run/Cut
= The Pass
= The Screen
Coach's Play-by-Play
Step 1: The Initial Movement
Step 2: The Scoring Action (Screen or Cut?)
Strategy Checklist
Good Court Spacing?
Safe Screening?
Purposeful Cutting?
Clear for Teammates?
Strategic Planning Rubric Strategic Planning Rubric
Teacher Resource // Lesson 4
PBL Assessment
Use this rubric to evaluate student-designed plays and their subsequent demonstration on the court. Focus on the intention behind the movement rather than the outcome (scoring).
Category Rookie (1-2) Varsity (3) MVP (4-5) Diagramming Symbols are confusing or missing. Path of movement is unclear. Clear use of lines, dashes, and T-marks. Most teammates understand their roles. Professional-level diagram. Clear timing cues and multiple scoring options shown. Spacing Play causes players to clump together. Bottlenecks at the ball. Players occupy different court spots. Defense is stretched. Perfect geometric balance. Even with movement, no two players are "holding hands." Coordination Screen or cut is poorly timed. No "brushing shoulders." Screens are stationary and safe. Cuts are purposeful toward the hoop. Seamless integration of screens and cuts. Timing allows for high-percentage shots. Execution Group struggles to perform the play. Constant "resetting." Play is run effectively at least once. Communication is evident. Group executes the play with speed. Teammates talk through adjustments.
Coaching Notes & Observation
Strengths
Growth Areas
Total Strategic Score:
Championship Strategy Slides Championship Strategy
The Game with a Twist
Today's Mission
"A perfect pass-and-cut is worth more points than a lucky shot."
We are playing for the Brain Power trophy today.
The Strategic Scoreboard
Normal Basket 2 PTS
Perfect Spacing +5 PTS
Clean Screen +10 PTS
Give-and-Go +10 PTS
Points stack!
Screen (10) + Give & Go (10) + Basket (2) =
Freeze & Analyze
I will freeze the game at random moments to award "Spacing Bonuses."
Coach's Look:
Are you in one of the 5 spots? Are your eyes on the ball? Are you moving with purpose?
The Winner Is...
The team that executes the most strategy.
Talking
Call out screens!
Timing
Cut at the right moment!
Trust
Trust your teammate's design!
Strategy Scorecard Handout Strategic Scorecard
Personal Performance Tracker
Athlete Name
Team Affiliation
In-Game Action Tally
5
Correct Spacing
Staying in a "Spot" during a Freeze
10
The "Give & Go"
Pass and immediate backdoor cut
10
Stationary Screen
Setting a safe wall for a teammate
Post-Game Report
What was the most successful strategy your team used today?
If you could coach the next game, what is one "spacing" tip you would give your players?
Total Team Points:
Strategic Scrimmage Guide Strategic Scrimmage Guide
Teacher Resource // Lesson 5
The Final Synthesis
The "Pausing Coach" Philosophy
"Your role today is not a referee, but a strategic observer. Use the whistle to freeze play when you see perfect spacing or a missed opportunity for a cut. Don't just watch the ball—watch the corners."
Point Tracker
Normal Basket: 2 pts
Correct Spacing: 5 pts
Give-and-Go: 10 pts
Legal Screen: 10 pts
Scrimmage Progression
Round 1: 3-on-3 Half Court
Focus on the "5-out" spots. Reward teams that successfully run the play they designed in Lesson 4.
Constraint:
No fast breaks. Teams must set up in their offensive spots before attacking.
Round 2: 5-on-5 Full Court
Transition to full court. The "Freeze" mechanic is critical here to prevent the "Swarm."
Focus:
Transition spacing. When the ball crosses half-court, can the players find their corners immediately?
Master Scoring Log
Team Name Baskets (2) Spacing (5) Strategy (10) TOTAL
Post-Game Debrief Questions
1
"Which was harder today: shooting the ball or finding an open spot without the ball?"
2
"When a teammate set a screen for you, did you feel like you had more or less time to make a decision?"
3
"How does our 'Hoops Tactics' strategy change the way a defense has to play against us?"
