Purdue Full-Court Drill brings transitions to a boil From Kristy Curry, head women's coach, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas

Here is a competitive team drill that our players ask to run on almost a daily basis. Run at full speed in game-like conditions, this drill emphasizes passing, catching, communication and finishing layups. It can also serve as an excellent warmup drill.

Start by positioning players on the floor as shown in the diagram.

DIAGRAM: On the coach’s signal, O1 begins the drill by passing to X1. O1 runs hard downcourt, receives a pass back from X1, passes ahead to X2 without dribbling, and continues to sprint downcourt receiving the pass back from X2 after O1 cross the half-court line. O1 then passes ahead to X3, who returns the pass back to O1 in full stride at about the mid-post of the lane line for a layup.

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Simultaneously, on the opposite side of the floor, O2 passes to X4. X4 throws a return pass to O2, who throws ahead to X5 at half court. X5 makes a return pass to O2, who passes ahead to X6. X6 returns the pass, hitting O2 in stride for a layup.

Each player grabs the ball as it comes through the net and throws it to the next player waiting in line (X7 and X8 respectively). Once each player in line has made a layup, they rotate down a spot and keep the drill moving. When O1 has made layups from both sides, for example, he or she would replace X1, X1 would move down to X2’s spot, etc.

The drill continues for a predetermined amount of time. Set goals for this drill (such as a certain number of made layups within a set time limit). If the goals aren’t met, the players must do push-ups. Also, build in certain penalties for the number of missed layups, turnovers, etc.