Equipment Needed
- Sticks
- Balls
- Pinnies
Make the sets easy to read
A set of pinnies makes extra-man sets easy to read and coach from the sideline.
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- Six offensive players set up in a designated extra-man alignment against five defenders in their man-down shape.
- Run a specific, practiced set play from this alignment.
Instructions
- The offense moves the ball with a purpose, following the practiced pattern of passes designed to create an opening.
- Look for the defense's slide to create a clean passing lane to the open man.
- Finish with a shot the instant the advantage is created — hesitation lets the defense recover.
- Reset and run the set again, or switch to a different practiced extra-man set.
Coaching Points
- Ball movement, not individual dodging, is usually what creates the best look on an extra-man opportunity — emphasize quick, purposeful passing.
- Practice multiple extra-man sets so the team has answers if a defense scouts and takes away the first option.
- Recognize when the shot is actually there versus forcing a look into good defense — patience within the set still matters.
- This is a situational, high-value drill that deserves regular, dedicated repetition given how often it comes up in real games.
Variation
Practice against a defense specifically drilled to take away the team's primary option, or add a shot-clock simulation for realistic possession pressure.