If you pay attention during basketball timeouts you’ll often see the coaches drawing up plays on a clipboard. Done right, this is the easiest way to communicate the next play to your players, and make sure that everyone knows exactly what to do. Done wrong, you’ll have a bunch of confused players that are not on the same page, often leading to broken plays.
To avoid misunderstandings on the court it is important that coaches know how to draw basketball plays, and equally important, players must also be able to read the play. This article will explain in detail everything you need to know about how to diagram basketball plays.
Drawing Basketball Plays
Step 1: Draw The Players
Players are drawn as numbers 1 to 5 according to their position.
1 = Point Guard
2 = Shooting Guard
3 = Small Forward
4 = Power Forward
5 = Center
Player with ball: Highlighted by a circle around the number of the player
Offensive Player without ball: Shown as a simple number
Defensive Player: Defensive Players are marked using a large X
Step 2: Draw Actions
Screen: A screen is drawn as a solid line with a T-shaped end in the direction of the screen.
Cut / Player Movement: A cut is drawn as a solid line with an arrow pointing into the direction of the player movement.
Pass: A pass is drawn as a dashed line pointing from the player with the ball towards the receiver of the pass.
Dribble: A dribble is drawn as a wavy line originating from the player with the ball and ending at the end of the dribble.
Handoff: A handoff is drawn as a a line crossed by two other lines at the position where the handoff is to occur.
Apps to Draw Basketball Plays
The easiest way to draw up basketball plays (other than using a clipboard) is using a play creator app.
The most popular and widely used app is Fast Draw. However, this app has been around since the early 2000’s and it’s clearly showing its age. It can’t be used on the web, instead you are forced to download a pretty clunky desktop app (or an iPad version that hasn’t been updated since 2016!).
Alternative to Fast Draw
On thehoopsgeek.com, we have created an easy web app that allows you to create plays using an intuitive drag & drop interface. You can also print your plays and share them with players and coaches using shareable links.
Watch this video on YouTube
The diagram app is free to use and doesn’t require a sign up, you can literally start creating your plays within seconds!
Any questions?
If you have any questions about how to draw up basketball plays in general or about how to use the Play Creator app feel free to ask in the comments!
Basketball Play Designer on the App Store
Description
Play Designer Basketball is the easiest way to draw, share and show live motion basketball plays. Play Designer Basketball helps coach your players, create plays on the fly and manage your playbook. It's super easy to use and you will find your players learning curve and retention increase as they watch your tactics and strategy unfold in live motion.
On the bench: Show your players what you want them to do. Create strategies and tactics as the game evolves. Become a true basketball play maker!
At practice: During a practice, a coach can organize drills and quickly show players what is coming next.
At home: Create your own animated playbook and download and view plays from other coaches and players. PlayDesigner Basketball is a tool for the creative coach to explore new concepts, to analyze competing teams and to teach players in a new and innovative way.
The perfect companion for creative coaches from high school to college basketball that want to develop and win as a team. PlayDesigner Basketball will help you become a play maker for your team.
And Please let us know if you find a bug or have a suggestion. All the best.
Version 5
This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.
updated player motion
Ratings and Reviews
283 Ratings
Good visualization
I have been using this app to prepare for the upcoming basketball season. It’s great to show players a play in motion before actually stepping out on the court. The players seem to grasp the concept of the play from the overview look, especially the incoming players to the team. One request I have is if there was a way to sort the plays. In our system we have options off each play. It takes a minute to find a certain option off of a play set when they are not in order. Unless I am missing something in the app, please look into adding that to a future update. That is the only thing holding it back from receiving 5 stars.
Multiple concurrent motions FTW
Once I figured out I could go back and add concurrent movement to other players this is a very useful tool. I do also feel that I should be able to share plays with my team without them having to also pay for the premium app.
Share Plays Is Not What You Think!!
I like the app. I wish you could have more than one motion going on at the same time. THE PROBLEM IS THE SHARE FEATURE IS EXTREMELY POORLY ADVERTISED. Do not pay the $4.99 if you want to share your plays with your team. I would like my money that I paid credited back. The only option is to have each of your players pay the $5 and then they can access the plays. This is not explained.
The developer, greg brady, has not provided details about its privacy practices and handling of data to Apple. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy.
No Details Provided
The developer will be required to provide privacy details when they submit their next app update.
Divide into two teams, each in its own half of the court with two balls. On a signal, the players throw the balls to the opponent's half. A team scores a point if all balls end up in the opponent's half. We play up to 10 points.
DETAILS : Do not enter the opponent's half. Starting position: all players are on the foul line, and only after the signal can they run in their own half of the court. The teacher fixes the victory with a whistle. You can not hit the ball with your foot and fist.
CHIPS : Can be played with different balls: rubber, volleyball or basketball. You can increase the number of balls. You can divide the site with a net or benches.
Improving basketball skills
Two teams send their captains to the opposite end line or three-second zone. The goal of the players is to pass the ball to the captain using basketball game techniques. Having caught the ball, the captain gets the right to throw. After the throw, a new captain is appointed. Up to 7 goals scored.
DETAILS : - You can play 2v2, 3v3, 4v4, 5v5 - The captain can take the throw in different ways (from the spot from under the ring, on the move, left hand, free kick, etc. ) - The teacher makes adjustments to the conditions. For example, we play without a dribble, complete a certain number of passes, pass to the captain from a certain area, only from the floor, etc.
Learning to dribble without visual control
Players with the ball move around the court with a dribble. You can give a special task: leading only with the left or only with the right hand. Several players with the ball try to bewitch (bewitch) everyone else. If the player is taunted, then he gets up, takes the ball in his hands and lifts it up. They can help him out: a) Exchange balls with him; b) Crawl between his legs. Until everyone is pissed off.
DETAILS : - No "running" or "double dribble" - No running out of bounds - No batting if your ball has rolled
Improving Basketball Skills
3x3 game for one hoop according to streetball rules. Up to 7 goals scored.
DETAILS : – Start of play by “check” – After picking up the ball, the opposing team must take the ball over the three-point line and only then attack – Outs, fouls and other violations are judged by the players themselves.
CHIPS : Recently, this game has become a separate sport, and its popularity is growing every day. In 2014 Moscow hosted the 3x3 Basketball World Championship.
Learning deceitful movements, developing speed of reaction
Two posts are placed at the intersection of the front and three-point lines, in the middle (under the basket) stands the goalkeeper. The rest of the players at the center line in turn try to touch (touch) any post before they are touched by the goalkeeper (the goalkeeper can touch the player as soon as he starts moving from the center line). If the player managed to knock down the stance and dodge the goalkeeper, then he becomes the new goalkeeper.
DETAILS : - You cannot start moving towards the goalposts unless the goalkeeper is in his original position under the ring
CHIPS : This game can be played not only in the gym.
Improving basketball skills
5x5 game for two rings without dribbling. 15 minutes.
Learning deceitful movements, developing speed of reaction
Two posts are placed at the intersection of the front and three-point lines, in the middle (under the basket) stands the goalkeeper. The rest of the players at the center line in turn try to touch (touch) any post before they are touched by the goalkeeper (the goalkeeper can touch the player as soon as he starts moving from the center line). If the player managed to knock down the stance and dodge the goalkeeper, then he becomes the new goalkeeper.
DETAILS : - You cannot start moving towards the goalposts unless the goalkeeper is in his original position under the ring
CHIPS : This game can be played not only in the gym.
Improving the skills of catching and passing the ball
Two drivers, passing the ball, try to get closer to the player and salt him by touching the ball, without releasing the ball from his hands and without violating the rules of basketball. Greasy player: 1. Joins the drivers and the three of them continue to stain the rest. 2. Changes one of the drivers. 3. Two pairs are driven, competing to see who can spot the most. Until everyone is pissed off.
DETAILS : - You must not break the "run" rule - You must not throw the ball at a player, you need to pass the ball in your hands - you must not run out of the court
CHIPS : The stronger and more accurate your passes, the more difficult it is for the evaders.
Developing speed of reaction, improving basketball skills
Players are divided into two equal teams, receive serial numbers and stand on the sideline in a line on opposite sides of the center line, on which the teacher stands with the ball. The teacher sends the ball to the court in any way and calls the number. The players whose number was called run out onto the court, try to take possession of the ball and score it into the ring. Play continues until either the ball is pocketed or a rule is broken. Then the players return the ball to the teacher and take their places along the sideline. 1. Can be played on one ring 2. You can call several numbers at once 3. You can give the task just to master the ball and give an accurate pass to the teacher. Up to 7 goals scored or 10 points scored (for a special task).
DETAILS : - No "jogging", "double dribble", fouls or out-of-bounds allowed. – You can’t enter the court if your number was not called – It is very important to master the ball by taking it in two hands
CHIPS : If you call not just numbers, but examples for subtraction or division, you can at the same time improve mathematics.
Learning tricks with dribbling
Two posts are placed at the intersection of the front and three-point lines, the goalkeeper stands in the middle (under the hoop). The rest of the players at the center line, they take turns trying to touch (touch) any rack before the goalkeeper touches them (the goalkeeper can touch the player as soon as he starts moving from the center line). If the player managed to knock down the stance and dodge the goalkeeper, then he becomes the new goalkeeper. All players (including the goalkeeper) with balls and move around the court with a dribble.
DETAILS : – No starting to move towards the goalposts unless the goalkeeper is in starting position under the hoop – No “running” or “double dribble” allowed
Improving the skills of catching and passing the ball
In a chaotic manner, stands are placed on the court, each of them has a player. One ball for all players. One driver is selected ("dog"), who should try to intercept / take away the ball. Players pass the ball between themselves and cannot move away from the post. If the dog managed to take possession of the ball, then it changes places with the player who made the loss. At the whistle, each player must change the rack, run to any other, including the dog can take the rack, then the player who did not have enough rack becomes the new dog. You can increase the number of balls and dogs.
DETAILS : – You can’t break the “running” rule – If the whistle blows while you have the ball, then you need to run to another post with the dribbling – If the player with the ball did not have enough of the post, he still becomes a dog – The ball can be intercepted both in the air and pulled out of the hands
Improving the throw from different positions
All players stand in a column on the penalty line, the first two have balls. Players take turns throwing the ball into the ring until they score (the first throw is always a free throw, the rest of the throws can be any). A player is out of the game if the player behind him scored before him. You can also play starting with a three-point shot. Until one player remains.
DETAILS : - You can not hit another ball, knock it out of the basket
CHIPS : To win this game, not only the accuracy of the throws is important, but also the ability to quickly pick up your ball.
We develop game thinking, speed, coordination.
Two equal teams stand freely on different halves of the court, and the captains stand behind the end lines next to the opponents. Players throw the ball at opponents, trying to knock them out, others, in turn, dodge. If a player is knocked out, he goes to his captain behind the end line. You can play two balls at once. Until one of the teams has not a single player left in the court.
DETAILS : - Do not enter opponent's territory - Knocking out from the floor and from the wall does not count
Improving the skills of catching and passing the ball
Students are divided into two equal teams. One team owns the ball, the players pass to each other, following the rules of basketball. The goal of the game is to complete 10 passes in a row without making a mistake. The other team defends, interferes with passing the ball: the players try to intercept the ball or force the opponent to make a mistake. If the defenders managed to get hold of the ball, then they become attackers and try to make 10 passes in a row. Until the team gets 10 assists in a row.
DETAILS : - Cannot break the rules of running, out, foul - You can change the conditions of the game, for example: on the floor of the court, without dribbling, all passes from the floor, etc.
Developing speed and agility, improving ball dribbling
Two (three, four) equal teams stand in columns, the first player has the ball. On a signal, the player passes the ball back to the second (in various ways: over the head / between the legs / roll on the floor between the legs / from the side / with alternating top and bottom), then the second player passes the ball to the third, and so the ball reaches the last one, who with dribbling (or just with the ball in his hands) runs around the post, returns to his team and becomes the first to pass the ball back again, etc. Everyone must return to their seats.
DETAILS : – Start of the relay strictly on signal - Each player must pass the ball, players must not be allowed to pass – Teams must be in a certain zone, cannot move forward and reduce the distance to the post
Improving all basketball skills
Game 5x5 for two rings according to all the rules of basketball.
Basketball games of our childhood
We remember what we played when there weren't enough people or there was simply no desire to run.
We remember what we played when there weren't enough people or just didn't feel like running.
ALTERNATIVE ACTIVITIES WITH A BALL AND A BASKETBALL Hoop
The names of games and the rules of games in our childhood may have varied, but most likely their essence was similar to those that we list below:
The names of games and the rules of games in our childhood may have been different, but most likely their essence was similar to those that we list below:
Game "33"
We start from the foul line, throw to the first miss. After a miss, the next participant picks up the ball and throws from the point where he caught the ball with both hands. In the event of a hit, the player continues to shoot from the foul line. Each roll up to 30 is worth 3 points. And after the participant scored 30, each hit is worth 1 point.
General goal: score 33 points, to win, after reaching 30 points, you need to score three times due to a three-pointer. If the ball after a miss rebounds over the plane of the backboard / over the end line, the next player has the right to step out of bounds and shoot.
Game "15"
Start from the foul line, shoot to the first miss. After a miss, the next player waits for the ball to hit the court once, picks it up and shoots. It is allowed after the bounce to catch the ball in a jump and land with the ball outside the three-second zone. In case the ball bounces into the three-second zone (if after the bounce the player will inevitably have to shoot from the three-second zone), the rebounder must shoot immediately, without bouncing off the surface. The game goes to 15 points, each hit is worth 1 point. After a successful rebound and hit, the participant stands on the penalty line and continues to throw until a miss.
Game "Janitor"
This game uses markings more actively. We start the game from the mark closest to the ring on the "mustache" / border of the three-second line. After each hit, we move one mark further from the ring. If you hit and should move up, but the next position is already taken, you swap places with that player. Six, janitor, postman, driver, secretary, adviser, boss. If the thrower in front of you misses and you rebound, then you can switch places with him. The winner is the one who first gets to the position of the Boss and scores.
American game
This game requires 2 balls. A point is selected and the participants line up. The first player shoots and, in case of a miss, must have time to rebound and put the ball into the ring before the next player does. The second participant has the right to throw immediately after the ball of the first one touches the bow of the ring. The last player remaining in the game wins.
Goat Game / H.O.R.S.E
The first participant announces which throw and from what distance he should make. If the throw is successful, the next player must repeat it completely. In case of a miss, the player is penalized with a "letter". If the second player manages to repeat the throw exactly, then the second round is announced and the penalty will be 2 "letters". Players have the right to choose a new throw at the end of each successful circle, in case all participants agree. The game goes on until all participants except one have 5 cherished letters.
Passport Game
The object of the game is to score 21 points. First you need to "open your passport" by scoring from the free throw line. Throws are made in turn. Then the player who opened the passport is given three throws per attempt - the first at the cost of three points (performed from the free throw line), the second at the cost of two points (after the first throw, the ball must hit the ground and be caught, only under this condition can one make second throw) and the third - at the cost of one point (provided that the second throw was made, after the second throw the ball must be caught immediately WITHOUT hitting the ground).
I do also feel that I should be able to share plays with my team without them having to also pay for the premium app.
On a signal, the players throw the balls to the opponent's half. A team scores a point if all balls end up in the opponent's half. We play up to 10 points. 
) - The teacher makes adjustments to the conditions. For example, we play without a dribble, complete a certain number of passes, pass to the captain from a certain area, only from the floor, etc. 
15 minutes. 
Greasy player: 1. Joins the drivers and the three of them continue to stain the rest. 2. Changes one of the drivers. 3. Two pairs are driven, competing to see who can spot the most. Until everyone is pissed off. 
Play continues until either the ball is pocketed or a rule is broken. Then the players return the ball to the teacher and take their places along the sideline. 1. Can be played on one ring 2. You can call several numbers at once 3. You can give the task just to master the ball and give an accurate pass to the teacher. Up to 7 goals scored or 10 points scored (for a special task). 
If the player managed to knock down the stance and dodge the goalkeeper, then he becomes the new goalkeeper. All players (including the goalkeeper) with balls and move around the court with a dribble. 
You can increase the number of balls and dogs. 
If the defenders managed to get hold of the ball, then they become attackers and try to make 10 passes in a row. Until the team gets 10 assists in a row. 
After a miss, the next participant picks up the ball and throws from the point where he caught the ball with both hands. In the event of a hit, the player continues to shoot from the foul line. Each roll up to 30 is worth 3 points. And after the participant scored 30, each hit is worth 1 point. 
The game goes to 15 points, each hit is worth 1 point. After a successful rebound and hit, the participant stands on the penalty line and continues to throw until a miss. 
The last player remaining in the game wins. 
