Verbal Positioning Drill

Instructions

1. 1P2 widens to the upper right while P4 drops toward the lower center
2. 2P1 passes to P4 in the adjusted lower position as P3 and P5 begin their runs
3. 3P3 drives forward on the lower side while P5 pushes higher to the right
4. 4P4 delivers the ball ahead to P5 arriving at the upper-right wing
5. 5P5 advances along the right side and sends a return pass back to P2
6. 6P2 fires a jump shot on goal from the upper-right position

Coaching Points

• Speak before you move — communication precedes action
• Maintain wide spacing so your calls create genuine options
• If two players call simultaneously, the one closest to goal has priority
• Keep your head up to see teammates while holding the ball
• Pass to the angle that gives your teammate the best shooting position

Common Mistakes

• Two players call simultaneously without a priority system, causing confusion
• Players drift too close together, making communication redundant
• Calls come too late — after the pass is already in the air
• Players communicate well in the drill but go silent when pressure increases
• Receivers call for the ball while standing still instead of moving into space