Getting Open

Players work on getting open at the wing, catch cleanly, and make an immediate decision. The receiver reads the defender after the catch: shoot, attack, or pass back and get open again.

Instructions

1. Start with a passer at the top and a receiver on the wing
2. Add a defender on the receiver when using defense
3. The receiver pushes in, then pops out hard to create separation with a V-cut
4. The passer hits the receiver on the wing
5. The receiver catches in a game-ready stance and makes an immediate decision: shoot, attack, or pass back. 6. Shoot if the defender gives space, attack if the defender closes too tight or loses balance, pass back if the defender is square and there is no advantage

Coaching Points

• Change speed. Push in under control, then pop out fast
• Step between the defender’s feet with the inside foot, make legal contact, and pop out
• Catch with two hands and land in a game-ready stance, facing the basket
• Decide immediately. Shoot, attack, or pass back without holding the ball
• Pass back and move again when there is no advantage. Do not force a bad shot or drive

Variations

• Start without defense. The passer calls the receiver’s action after the catch: shoot, attack, or pass back
• Add a shadow defender who gives clear reads and helps the receiver recognize when to shoot, attack, or pass back
• Progress to live 1v1 after the catch. The receiver reads the defender and plays without a call
• Start from different spots outside the 3-point line

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