M2 Squared West African Zoom Coaches Clinic
11-May-2025

Meeting Summary for M2: West African Coaching Clinic #4

May 11, 2025

Quick recap

Coach Marvin Menzies discussed various drills for basketball practice, including a 1-on-1 body-to-body drill, a finishing drill, and a defensive transition drill called the Circle Drill. Additionally, they discussed fundraising strategies for the M2 Squared Academy, the importance of teaching basketball skills, and the formation of coaching organizations for each country.

Next steps

• Coaches should upgrade their Zoom app/client to the latest version before meetings.
• Coaches are to direct message Gary on WhatsApp with their academy name, age groups, and country for website compilation.
• Gary to continue developing websites for coaching organizations in Nigeria, Senegal, and the Ivory Coast.
• Marvin and Gary are to seek sponsorship for the coaching organization’s websites.
• Coaches to consider adding an academic component (e.g., tutoring, STEM education, financial literacy) to their academies for better fundraising opportunities.
• Coaches to explore local business sponsorships, crowdfunding campaigns, and community events for fundraising.
• Coaches are to study and implement the offensive and defensive drills presented by Coach Menzies. 
• Coaches must review and implement the defensive and rebounding drills shared during the meeting.
• Coaches are to utilize https://coachesinsider.com/ to access additional drills and coaching resources.

Summary

Drills for Offense and Defense

In the meeting, Marvin discussed various drills for offense and defense, including a one-on-one body-to-body drill by Dusty May, a one-on-one drill by Grant Mccasklin, an elbow throw drill by Andrew Sikor, a set by Kevin Willard, a finishing drill by Wes Miller, a transition defensive drill by Greg Mcdermott, a switching on dribble handoffs drill, and a rebounding drill by Bobby Knight. Marvin also emphasized the importance of staying between the ball handler and the basket, defending with the chest, and creating contact to train the angles for going to the basket.

Basketball Drills and Defensive Strategies

Marvin discussed various drills for basketball practice, including a 1-on-1 body-to-body drill and a finishing drill. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a low head position and being close enough to touch the opponent. Marvin also highlighted the difference between pack line defense and his preferred approach, which involves taking away direct passes. He encouraged the team to adapt their defense based on their team’s strengths and weaknesses. Marvin also mentioned that he would post these drills on the M. Squared website for further reference.

Defensive Drill for Game-Like Situations

Marvin discussed a defensive drill involving three offensive players and a defender. The drill aims to simulate game-like situations, with the defender staying down and only contesting the shot when it’s going into the basket. The focus is on defensive positioning, not rushing to block shots, and then boxing out and pursuing the ball. Marvin emphasized the importance of this drill in developing defensive skills and preventing foul trouble. He also mentioned a similar drill used by Bob Mckillop at Davidson College, which was effective in preventing scoring at the basket.

Defensive Transition Drill: Communication and IQ

Marvin led a defensive transition drill called the Circle Drill, emphasizing the importance of communication, ball control, and positioning. The drill involved players forming a circle, with every other player representing the opposing team. Marvin highlighted the need to load to the ball, keep it off the baseline, and maintain weak-side positioning. He also introduced the change drill, where the ball is placed down and the defender picks it up, forcing the team to transition and communicate effectively. Marvin encouraged the coaches to adapt the drill to their team’s needs and emphasized the importance of IQ in identifying who to pick up on offense or defense.

New Drill Combines Circle and Change

Marvin discussed a new drill that combines the circle drill with the change drill. The drill involves a player guarding another while the whistle is blown, prompting the guard to sprint back and become the safety. The rotations begin when the guard cannot guard the player he was previously guarding. Marvin also explained the elbow throws drill, which involves players throwing the ball from the top and shooting it after it bounces once. Yannique suggested breaking down the drill into smaller parts to help players understand the proper footwork and closing-out techniques. Marvin also emphasized the importance of gap positioning and making the ball handler uncomfortable during the drill.

Defensive Strategy and Switching Techniques

Marvin discussed a defensive strategy involving dribble handoffs and switches. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a high hand when switching, ensuring the defense stays in front of the ball, and avoiding “wheels” where the offense could easily drive to the basket. Marvin also highlighted the need for active defense when off the ball and the importance of understanding and executing sets effectively.

Marvin’s Basketball Offense Demonstration

In the meeting, Marvin demonstrated a basketball offense called “Quick” to the team. He explained that the offense involves all five players touching the ball, with the first four minutes of the game being run by the five best players. Marvin also introduced a wrinkle to the offense, where the team can screen down or go over the top, depending on the defense’s actions. He emphasized the importance of all players touching the ball and the need for quick decision-making. Marvin also discussed the possibility of posting a player up and the use of a “rocket action” in certain situations. The team was encouraged to practice the offense at full speed.

Visual Demonstrations in Basketball Coaching

Marvin emphasized the importance of visual demonstrations and hands-on experience in teaching basketball plays and drills. He shared a 2-on-1 rebounding drill, which he believes is crucial for physical development and understanding of the game. Marvin also stressed the need for coaches to be skilled and in shape to effectively demonstrate plays. He encouraged the use of videos and visual aids to help players understand and execute the plays.

Basketball Skills and Rebounding Techniques

Marvin discussed the importance of teaching basketball skills, emphasizing the need for physicality without recklessness, especially on concrete surfaces. He also highlighted the significance of controlling the ball and maintaining balance. Yakuza added that the last drill would be particularly useful for bigs, emphasizing the importance of not putting the ball on the floor and keeping the hips, elbows, and chin in the basketball. Marvin then demonstrated a rebounding drill, explaining the concept of offensive and defensive rebounding and the importance of efficiency in offense. He also stressed the need to teach the concept of never running to a defender’s back when attempting an offensive rebound.

Fundraising Strategies and Academy Development

Marvin discussed fundraising strategies for the M2 Squared Academy, including local business sponsorships, crowdfunding campaigns, community events, and equipment donations. He emphasized the importance of adding an academic component to the academy to attract more support. Marvin also shared a document with tips on fundraising and encouraged the team to start thinking about adding an educational piece to their academy. Gary said that creating a Zoom account would allow team members to access more features and avoid disruptions during meetings. He also demonstrated how to use the chat and reaction features during meetings. Marvin then shared a website, coachesinsider.com, where team members can access drills and videos for their respective sports. He also discussed the formation of coaching organizations for each country and asked team members to direct message Gary with the name of their academy, the age group, and the person’s name. Marvin also mentioned the possibility of getting sponsorship for the website and dividing the funds equally among the participating academies.