24 and 2 Drill: The Ultimate Passing and Finishing Drill for Practice
Goal:
The 24 and 2 Drill is designed to work on passing accuracy and finishing at the rim under pressure. This drill challenges players to make quick decisions and execute perfectly, as they aim to complete 24 layups in 2 minutes. It improves both offensive passing and finishing skills in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
Setup:
Players: 3 lines—one at the top of the key (middle), one on the left wing, and one on the right wing.
Equipment: A basketball, a stopwatch (or clock), and a hoop.
Spacing: The top line is where the passes originate, and the other two lines (wings) will be for the layups and outlet passes.
Step-by-Step Execution:
Starting the Drill:
Begin with three lines: one at the top (with the ball), one at the left wing, and one at the right wing.
The middle line (top) will be the passer, the left wing is for outlet passes, and the right wing is where players will cut for layups.
Passing and Layup Execution:
The passer at the top will throw a bounce pass to the player on the right wing.
The player receiving the pass will immediately cut to the basket for a layup.
Once they complete the layup, they will sprint to the outlet spot (at the top of the key) while the next player in line prepares to take a shot.
The passer becomes the rebounder and will get ready for the next pass.
The Countdown:
The drill lasts for 2 minutes. The goal is to complete 24 layups within this time frame.
Every player must complete a layup and make their pass correctly to ensure the team reaches their goal.
Drill Variation:
After the first round of bounce passes, the players will switch to using chest passes while shooting left-handed layups.
A second 2-minute round will focus on left-handed layups and chest passes, adding variation to the drill and promoting versatility.
The same concept applies—if a player misses a layup, they need to work harder to catch up to reach the 24-layup goal in the remaining time.
Coaching Tips:
Accuracy and Speed: Make sure the passes are accurate and fast. The point of this drill is to work on making quick decisions while executing passes and finishing strong at the rim.
Pressure Handling: Players need to handle pressure because the clock is ticking. If a layup is missed, they need to quickly regain their composure and keep pushing for the goal.
Footwork and Layup Technique: Encourage players to use proper footwork, especially when cutting for layups. Make sure they keep their balance and control as they approach the basket.
Tracking Missed Layups: A missed layup means the team has to work harder to reach 24 in 2 minutes. This teaches players resilience and how to stay focused after making mistakes.
Progression: As players get better, gradually increase the number of layups required (e.g., 26 or 28). For younger or less experienced teams, start with 20 or 22 layups to ease them into the drill.
Full Breakdown:
The 24 and 2 Drill is a high-intensity, pressure-driven passing and finishing drill. This drill is designed to teach players how to work under the clock while refining their passing technique and layup execution. It helps players get used to performing under pressure, a crucial skill for real-game situations.
Why Use This Drill?:
Realistic Game Speed: The drill forces players to make accurate, quick passes while also demanding they finish quickly at the rim. The clock ticking down adds a layer of urgency similar to real-game scenarios where players need to finish in fast breaks or close-quarter situations.
Improves Focus: As players face the challenge of making 24 layups in 2 minutes, they are forced to maintain focus. Missing a layup doesn’t just waste time, it puts their goal in jeopardy. This kind of pressure helps players build mental toughness.
Building Layup Skills:
Layups are a crucial part of basketball, and in this drill, players have to practice both right-handed and left-handed finishes. The ability to perform layups under pressure, using both hands, is an essential skill for any player, especially guards and wings in transition.
Passing under Pressure:
While the drill focuses on finishing, players are also required to pass accurately under time pressure. The drill emphasizes the importance of making quick, smart decisions when passing in a game, especially when rushing to make a fast break.
Variation and Progressions:
This drill can be adjusted to suit the skill level of your players. For younger or less experienced players, you can start with fewer layups (20-22). Once your team is comfortable, increase the number of layups to push them further.
Another variation is to change the type of pass used during the drill. Start with bounce passes and later add chest passes, forcing players to adapt to different situations.
Common Errors and Fixes
| Error | Description | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Slow Passing | Players take too long to make their pass, slowing down the drill. | Focus on quick, sharp passes. Encourage players to throw quick bounce passes to set up faster layups. |
| Missed Layups | A missed layup means the team might miss their goal. | Encourage players to focus on proper footwork and layup technique to minimize errors. |
| Not Cutting Fast Enough | Players take too long to make their move after receiving the ball. | Ensure players are cutting with purpose, attacking the basket with speed. |
| Bad Timing | Not executing the move with good timing, making it hard to finish the layup. | Emphasize the importance of quick, explosive movements and timing each pass and cut. |
Conclusion:
The 24 and 2 Drill is a great way to start practice with a high-paced, competitive, and skills-focused activity. It helps players develop their passing, finishing, and overall game speed in a pressure situation. Coaches can modify this drill based on the team's needs, progressively increasing the difficulty level to keep players challenged and engaged. With regular practice, players will see improvements in their ability to perform under pressure while also refining their offensive skills.
