Free Basketball Tryout Plays

All basketball coaches are on the lookout for new basketball plays...after all, you can never have too many tricks up your sleeve when it comes to winning games. There are always new angles, new possibilities to explore. Different teams require different types of execution, and this is where having a diverse set of basketball plays really helps. One of the areas that coaches look for plays in is during basketball tryouts. We'll give you some free basketball tryout plays that you can run...

Basketball tryout plays are a bit different from regular plays because they have to simple enough for players to pick up right away, while at the same time testing the skills of each player and evaluating how well he/she follows directions. In fact, the main purpose of tryout plays should be to judge how sharp and responsive a player is. Remember, talented players look good on the court, but smart players help win games.

Its very important that the coach effectively communicates the tryout play or drill he wants to run. This is because new players who are not used to your style of coaching or communication need better explanation as to the objectives you are trying to reach. After the coach communicates the play, a player should be able to execute it without too many mistakes. Mistakes in this area show either an inattentive player or one who doesn't comprehend the game well.

After the tryout play is ran, the coach has the opportunity to evaluate the skills, strengths, and weaknesses of all players on the court. Some may demonstrate good energy, while others show good ball-handling. Overall, you want players who have energy, who hustle, and who understand. As far as skills and talents, you'll have plenty of opportunities to develop your players through practices.

An example of a good free basketball tryout play is the 2 on 2 pick-n-roll. Basically, this play requires two players on offense and two of defense. The ball-handler starts at the top of the key, with the other offensive player on the wing. Both defenders are holding each man, respectively...

The offensive player at the wing will come and set a pick for the ball-handler. The wing-man's defender should notify his team-mate that a pick is coming. The ball-handler will use the pick to try and free himself but the other defender should pick him up and call out "switch". The offensive man setting the pick will then roll to the basket, receive the pass, and score an easy layup. The defender should let him roll to the basket and score during this drill. 

This is a simple basketball tryout play but is shows the coach how well players set picks, how well they use picks, their foot quickness, their ability to pass, their ability to receive a pass, and scoring layups. From an offensive perspective, it sheds light on basic ball-handling, passing, and off-the-ball movement. From a defensive perspective, it shows how well players switch off picks and move their feet.

There are many more free basketball tryout plays that you can use. Check out these links:

Offense Basketball Plays

Defense Basketball Plays

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