One of the biggest challenges in basketball is teaching players to focus on the actions that lead to scoring, rather than just the act of scoring itself. That’s why I love Paint Touch 5-on-5, a drill that rewards players for putting pressure on the rim and creating high-quality opportunities.
Here’s how it works:
Scoring Rules
1. Points Work as Usual:
• Made 2’s = 2 points
• Made 3’s = 3 points
2. Paint Touch Bonus Points:
• Every time a player gets a foot inside the paint, the team earns 1 point.
• Example: If you get 3 paint touches and hit a 3, that possession is worth 6 points (3 for the basket + 3 for the paint touches).
3. Points Without Scoring:
• Even if your team doesn’t score, you still earn 1 point for every paint touch.
4. Offensive Rebounds:
• Each offensive rebound earns the team 1 additional point.
We usually play to 30 points, with both teams battling to rack up paint touches, make shots, and dominate the glass.
Why Paint Touches Matter
The purpose of this drill is to emphasize the importance of putting pressure on the rim. The more your team attacks the paint:
• The better your chances of getting open looks and high-quality shots.
• The more you collapse the defense, creating opportunities for kick-outs and offensive rebounds.
• The more consistently you generate the types of plays that win games.
By rewarding paint touches and offensive rebounds, this drill reinforces behaviors that lead to scoring, rather than simply rewarding the act of scoring itself.
The Takeaway
If you want your team to improve their decision-making, create more scoring opportunities, and develop a relentless mindset on offense, give Paint Touch 5-on-5 a try. It’s about more than putting the ball in the basket—it’s about putting pressure on the rim and doing the things that lead to success.
— Reid Ouse