what is your thoughts on the attack and counter system vs. Jermey Linn shooting coach that teaches 2 foot stop and the split step

I assume you're referring to the "1-2 step" footwork used to shoot the ball taught in the Attack & Counter system? Because that's just a small piece... the Attack and Counter system has a lot of different aspects to it.

Regarding the 1-2 step compared to the hop when shooting the ball... I teach both to my players and then let them choose what is most comfortable. Once they figure out what they prefer... we practice both but spend more time practicing the footwork they are comfortable with. Rhythm is so important when it comes to shooting. And I have found it's much easier to find what is natural for a player versus force feeding them one method.

The bottom line is both methods work. I have tried them both extensively over the years. I have tried to force feed the hop only and tried to force feed the 1-2 only. Now I teach both and then individualize how we teach it for each player.

Regarding triple threat moves off the catch... split step, step through, sweep, and so on... they all work too. Again I have tried them all. The all have their pros and cons. And I go with what comes natural for players. Some of the universal concepts.... regardless of the method... include getting low, ripping the ball, positive shin angle, and driving in straight lines.

Some coaches only teach the rip / sweep and pair that with fake rip. Jay Wright has a lot of luck with that and my own kids prefer those moves and they work well for them.

With all that said, I really do like the Attack & Counter system. I have found that is the most effective, I use more of those tactics than from any other and if I could only pick one that's what I'd use. But I believe I'm a better coach by using more than one method and using other methods to compliment the Attack & Counter system.

Hopefully that makes sense.

one thingt that is different on the split step on a reverse pivot you use the fartherest foot from the defense as a pivot foot. on the attack n counter you use the closer foot, which if you teach both it could be confusing for the player. for example: a bottom foot reverse pivot from the right side of the lane the left foot is the pivot foot. With the split step the right foot is the pivot foot. I have found that the split step method is much easier to go past their man. but I really like the attack n counter overall. Teaching both and reinforcing during the season is too time consuming an not practical on a junior high level in my opinion. It appears that there is no easy answer when it comes to team reinforcement drills during the season. there are pluses for both.

On a high school level I do think both can be taught . If you have apractice organzational tip to teeach both I would like to hear it. I do not have as many practices with junior high than I did when I was coaching high school. I know that your never too old to learn. Thanks.

I think it's awesome that you're teaching these kids fundamentals. I can't tell you how many middle school practices I see where the coaches spent zero to 10 minutes on fundamentals!! I literally see practices where every day they condition (sprint without a ball) and then run through plays. That's it. There is virtually zero player development. Sad.

So I give you props for what you are doing and putting in the effort to develop these kids!

First, I might not totally understand the split step. I didn't really think it was a pivot... but maybe it is and I might not have seen that same thing as you.

Next, this is just my opinion. There are a lot of ways to do this. But here's what I would do in your situation with limited practice time and short season:

I would practice the following every day (takes about 12-20 minutes):
- form Shooting close to basket
- 1-2 step shooting, maybe 6-10 shots per cone: https://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/drills/555-shooting.html
- hop shooting for a few minutes. Can use the same drill, spin outs, or there are lots of ways to practice the hop... you can hop on 1 foot and then land on 2 when you catch, etc.
- high rep shooting drill where they can use the footwork most comfortable to them: https://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/play.asp?id=8032

For triple threat moves I would practice the rip and fake rip every day:
https://youtu.be/szOBT0zUIMg

I like the rip (aka: sweep, swing ball through) because it's a move away from the pass (where your best scoring opportunities usually come from). We teach to go right away... it could turn into a split step for some of the advanced players. I mostly want them swinging the ball through and exploding right away.

Then we counter that with a fake rip.

You can practice all this in a short amount of time and players pick it up quickly. Something that could help during the season. It also introduces them to all the important footwork: 1-2 step / front pivot, hop, sweep, and step through.

As I read this I might work on some reverse pivots for fundamentals. You can do that in a jump stop drill or post moves drill.

thank you that was helpful. I have another question regarding the attack n counter. If the defense is overplaying you in the post on baseline side and your go to move is a front pivot to the baseline, and the defense is so far over that you cannot even pivot that direction you are forced to apply another move. That goes against what Don was emphasizing that you do not read the defense. What are your thoughts?

If the player recognizes the situation and immediately drop steps away from the defense, there is nothing wrong with that. You teach players skills and concepts. Then put them in competitive situations and they figure out how to score. Most will naturally figure out what works for them and just adapt.

Or if the player does a 1/4 pivot into the defense, they can counter with a step through or improvise with a drop step. I try not to get too technical or get kids thinking too much. If they ask or the repeatedly struggle over and over, I'll give them direction / suggestions. Otherwise I just let players figure things out on their own.

Hope this helps.

That is what I was thinking, thankyou for reaffirming it. I like what you are doing with your web site. This is all practical info. There is a lot of info on the internet that is not that good. Keep up the good work.