with Kelvin Sampson,
University of Houston Head Coach;
2x American Athletic Conference champions ('19, '20);
2x AAC Coach of the Year ('18, '19);
1995 AP Coach of the Year; 2002 NABC Coach of the Year;
former Oklahoma, Indiana and Washington State head coach;
former assistant coach with the Houston Rockets and Milwaukee Bucks
One of the rising programs in college basketball is the University of Houston, led by head coach Kelvin Sampson. Coach Sampson has a wealth of knowledge brought by years of experience at all levels of basketball, including coaching stints in the NBA. With this video, you will get an opportunity to watch as Sampson prepares his team for an upcoming game. Watch as they treat practice like a game day while reviewing their key concepts and offensive and defensive principles.
Warm-Up and Transition Drills
Practice begins with tried-and-true stationary ball handling drills that will help players develop hand-eye coordination and get their hands and feet ready for practice. Following ball handling, the Cougars move to full-court layups and fast break jump shots. Being able to move quickly and smoothly from one drill to the next keeps intensity and energy high during practice.
An emphasis on transition defense is made early on in this practice. A three-man weave drill that transitions into a 2-on-1 with a trailer works on communication and getting back to good defensive position. Keeping a focus on transition defense, the Cougars work through a 5-on-5 drill. To start every trip, Sampson has them run through an offensive set against half-court defense. Make or miss, the defense converts to offense and they are off to the races. Coach Sampson takes time to give valuable instruction to his players on transition defense principles, which is also worthwhile to hear for coaches.
The players are then put through a drill called Game Shots. Wing players and front court players split the court working on threes and post moves.
Halftime
Coach Sampson divides this practice into two halves, emphasizing the importance of coming out with intensity, energy, and focus right out of halftime. Players and coaches go into the locker room to simulate the real halftime and give teaching points and some expectations for re-entering practice.
Second Half of Practice
Players re-enter the court with a three-man weave drill with a set number of makes in one minute to show the kind of intensity that is needed to start a second half.
Next, Sampson puts his team through a 5-on-5 opponent prep where they discuss how they want to guard certain things and establish defensive match-ups for their upcoming game. A large portion of time is spent running through different offensive sets and transitioning to defense or guarding different sets and transitioning into offense.
This is a great opportunity to see how a Division I team preps during the week of a game. Coach Sampson does a great job emphasizing important aspects of the game as well as their team principles. You'll pick up valuable coaching nuggets and ideas for preparing for your next big opponent!
105 minutes. 2021.