Purpose: To teach the importance of defending your opponent when he does not have the basketball. Some players defend the ball very well but relax when their opponent does not have the ball. This drill helps work on defending all the time. Drill: 2 lines. One in the corner as defensive players and one on the wing as offensive players. First player in each line steps out to compete. A coach stands on the opposite wing with a basketball. O1 and X1 step out to perform the drill. The objective … [Read more...]
Deny the Post Flash Drill
Purpose: To emphasize defending the post pass when the post player flashes across the lane to the low block. Drill: Set up as shown in the diagram with one offensive player starting in the lane and a defender guarding him. Two wing passers, each with a basketball. Remaining players form 2 lines on the baseline. The post player flashes to the low block as the defender attempts to deny the pass. After the pass, the offensive player cuts to the other side and the defender tries to deflect … [Read more...]
Double-Down Defense Drill
Purpose: To teach the perimeter defender to collapse and double-team the offensive post player. Essential to work on if you choose to double an opposing team's post player. Drill: One offensive player starts with the basketball on the wing with a teammate posting up on the low block. Two defenders match up against them. O5 posts up while X5 plays a 3/4 low deny defense. On the pass from O1 to O5, X1 collapses and double-teams on the high side of O5. O5 can attempt to score or pass back out … [Read more...]
How To Defend the On-Ball 1-on-1 Situation
Possibly the toughest position to be in defensively is having to defend the ball in a 1-on-1 situation. More and more teams are using the dribble to create offense. You do need to have good helpside defense but the best initial line of defense for this is to develop a solid foundation of individual defensive fundamentals. 1-on-1 defense should be a part of every practice and the following must be stressed as part of the defensive stance: The defensive stance should be a comfortable stance that … [Read more...]
Dribble Pick-Up Drill
Purpose: To work hard and aggressively defend the offensive player when he picks up his dribble. Also helps develop hand and arm reaction to close off passing lanes. Drill: The offensive player dribbles toward the coach. The coach will yell 'pick it up' after the offensive player has taken several dribbles. The defender tightly guards the offensive player to prevent a pass to the coach. Continue for desired timeframe. Players can work in pairs. After the first two go, the next two jump right … [Read more...]
3-on-3 Ultimate Defensive Drill
Purpose: This full court defensive drill has players play both ends of the floor and transition from offense to defense and vice-versa. This is an ultimate test of defense. Drill: It's a 3-on-3 situation but the players should follow your defensive concepts and requirements. Offensive players begin by inbounding the ball and advancing it up the court. Defensive players attempt to stop the ball and prevent an easy pass or shot. The drill ends with either a made basket or a turnover. After … [Read more...]
Full Court Defensive Sliding Drill Series
Purpose: To teach proper sliding techniques and correct sliding angles that are required in a full court defensive system. Also good at teaching basic defensive footwork and works well as a conditioning drill. Full Court Sliding Drill Purpose: To teach proper sliding techniques and correct sliding angles that are required in a full court defensive system. Also a good conditioning drill. Drill: One line of players start at a corner of the court (you could also use two lines of players - one … [Read more...]
Ballside to Helpside Defense Drill
Purpose: To teach proper conversion from ballside defense to helpside defense and vice-versa. This drill also helps to develop consistent effort, not being lazy, determination and proper footwork. Drill: X1 (ballside defender) takes on the line/up the line defensive stance. X2 (helpside defender) takes a flat triangle stance with shoulders parallel to the line between ball and man. The defenders must remain in a good defensive stance and be light on their feet anticipating movement. The … [Read more...]
Defending Point Guard Penetration
Purpose: A point guard that has the ability to penetrate from the top can be a nightmare to defend. This drill will help teach how to stop and help penetration once the on-ball defender is beaten off the dribble. The help, rotation, and total team defense must be stressed. Drill: O1 starts out beyond the top of the key and uses dribble penetration to get into the lane. X2 steps up into the lane to a) stop the dribble, b) deflect a pass, or c) take a charge. X3 fills in behind and helps in … [Read more...]
Closeout and Jump to the Ball Drill
Purpose: To improve closing-out skills and 'jumping to the ball' when a pass is made. Drill: The players form 3 lines as shown. Coach is at the top of the key and a manager or player is on each wing. The coach will slap the ball to start and each player will run hard toward the coach in a closeout position at the free throw line. When the coach throw the pass to a manager, each player must jump to the ball so they are in a position to deny the ball back to their imaginary offensive player. … [Read more...]