Starting a training session with stationary handles, form shooting, and a linear progression may be a time-tested method, but it’s not the only way a coach can think about building key traits of a player’s game. Players can often replicate these drills on their own, so why not maximize the value of your time together with drills that offer a bit more game-like movement and feel? In our latest “Modern Game Truths” series with the Pro Lane, we highlight an alternative warm up structure through a “Reactive Pickup Series.” With Reactive Pickups the focus is on giving players what they can’t get alone: dynamic, context-rich drills that simulate game situations. This approach ensures every minute is packed with intention, engagement, and opportunities for growth.
Modern Game Truths Series – About the Project
A quick recap, in our collaborative “Modern Game Truths” {🔒} series with Drew Dunlop and Jake Grossman of The Pro Lane, the objective is to stimulate thought and foster ideas on practical training methods that bridge the gap between the controlled training environment and the dynamic game environment, highlighting the skills, movements, and decisions that occur most frequently in a game and help stitch skills and systems together.
This series explores ways to prepare athletes for the unpredictable and chaotic nature of basketball, creating environments that reflect the challenges presented in the game itself.
What is a Reactive Pickup?
The idea was born out of a challenge to find a way to combine handles, form shooting, playing against pressure, agility, and perception into the start of a session. This is a simple 1v1 setup that can be used from any distance or location on the court. Depending on the focus, the offensive player either begins with the ball (triple threat or live dribble) or receives a pass to play on the catch.
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Zooming In: In our “1v1 Reactive Pickups – Change of Pace Trigger” drill, the offensive player begins with controlled tempo dribbles before executing a quick, one-dribble change of pace pickup to trigger a defensive closeout.
The defensive player can begin from behind, at the side, or in front of the offensive player.
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From there, a coach can shape the setup in a variety of ways to emphasize different aspects (shot profile, scoring areas, etc).
A Framework with Infinite Possibilities
The strength of Reactive Pickups is its ability to adapt to any coaching philosophy, principles of play, or skill priorities. Here are some key variables to consider:
- Offensive or Defensive Focus: Decide whether the drill begins with an offensive action (e.g., attacking off the catch) or a defensive trigger (e.g., closing out or contesting a shot).
- Action Context: Work off a live dribble, the catch, or a designated movement pattern.
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Zooming In: In our “1v1 Reactive Pickups – Dribble Release Trigger” drill, the offensive player begins with a live dribble while the defender is positioned at their side. The drill becomes live when the offensive player throws the ball out laterally and transitions into a Dribble Release (Action Trigger), with their hand coming off the ball.
- Shot Selection: Target specific areas—at the rim, mid-range, or beyond the arc.
This framework acts as a blank canvas, guiding your players’ attention and intentions toward your “Principles of Play.”
Reinforce Your Principles of Play
Think of “Principles of Play” as the global characteristics that define how you want your team to play. They serve as the guardrails that orient each player’s intentions and attention within the game. Consider the following:
- Pace: Are you an uptempo team or focused on half-court sets?
- Spacing Template: How do you structure the floor for optimal spacing?
- Shot Priorities: Which shots are high-value, and which are low-priority?
- Drive Relocation Principles: How do you balance the floor when driving?
- Defensive Emphasis: What does your defensive system prioritize?
- Closeouts: How should players closeout?
Whatever your answers to these questions, you can use them to shape the drill and reinforce these principles to your players. At the same time, allow autonomy so players can explore, develop solutions and become better decision-makers within your framework.
Count the Decisions
Reactive Pickups inherently maximize decision-making opportunities. Each repetition forces players to pickup information from an unscripted defender and make choices:
- Should I shoot, drive, or pass?
- When is the right time to cut or counter?
- Where is the open space, and how can I exploit it?
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Zooming In: In our “1v1 Reactive Pickups – Acceleration Trigger” drill, the offensive player initiates live action with a change-of-pace acceleration dribble along the 3-point line. While the offense is initially constrained to take a 3-point shot, the option to pass is included to discourage forced, low-percentage attempts and promote reading the defender and seeking open space. This passing option unlocks the paint, enabling the offensive player to rim cut for a finish.
Encouraging decision-making creates players who can adapt to any game scenarios. To compound these benefits, try dividing players into three-person groups:
- Offense: Focus on attacking and decision-making.
- Defense: Emphasize contesting and recovery.
- Pass Option: Facilitate ball movement and spacing.
Position multiple groups at each hoop to constrain space, increasing the complexity and realism of the drill. Rotating groups after each repetition ensures all players experience different roles and perspectives. Over time, this approach builds players who are adaptable, intuitive, and confident.
Adding Pressure and Accountability
To elevate the competitive stakes, implement validation tasks to finalize a win:
- Free-Throw Validation: Players must hit a free throw to seal their points.
- Multiple Makes: Require consecutive successful attempts, e.g., two or three in a row.
- Precision Shooting: Add a requirement for swishes or specific shot types.
Failure to complete the validation task nullifies the win, keeping the game going and increasing focus under pressure. This added layer sharpens mental resilience, accountability, and attention to detail.
Reactive pickups transform the way you can open training sessions. By prioritizing engagement, decision-making, and competitive intensity, you create an environment where players grow both individually and collectively. Whether your focus is offense, defense, or overall team development, this adaptable framework allows you to align training with your principles of play, start differently and let your players take ownership of their growth from the very first rep.
In today’s newest series you’ll see a variety of ways these concepts are used in live training sessions, along with a voiceover guide of what is being done in each drill. SG+ Members can now view the entirety of our “Modern Game Truths” series on SGTV…
