Purpose: To work on team and individual defensive skills in a competitive 3-on-3 setting. By nature of the drill, players are encouraged to work hard and competitively. Players will also learn to work together offensively and further develop their individual skills within the team concept. Drill: This is a half-court drill with 3 offensive players vs. 3 defensive players. The offense attempts to score in any way possible. The defense attempts to stop the offense from scoring and gain … [Read more...]
2-on-2 Competitive Give-and-Go Drill
Purpose: To practice the give-and-go in a competitive 2-on-2 situation. The offensive players will work on running an effective give-and-go and the defensive players work on properly defending the give-and-go. Drill: The team is split into two teams, O and X, with the lines starting approximately between the three-point line and midcourt. The drill begins with O1 dribbling to an area near the free throw line extended. O2 fakes backdoor and then receives a pass on the other side of the lane. … [Read more...]
Double-Team and Steal the Pass Drill
Purpose: To work on defensive double team pressure and the anticipation of a pass with the intent to steal. The focus is on defense but it will also benefit offensive players as they will be working on passing under pressure. Drill: This drill uses 3 offensive players and 3 defensive players. O1 dribbles the ball across halfcourt while two defenders (X1 and X2) attack O1 to double team. O1 will then try to pass to O2 or O3. X1 and X2 should be working on proper double team technique -- … [Read more...]
2-on-2 Practicing the Slide-Through Drill
Purpose: Some teams will only switch on defense. Some will only slide through screens. Some will teach both options. Possibly, the best defensive teams can do both if they communicate well. The purpose of this drill is to teach players how to cooperate while sliding through the screen to keep good defensive position. Drill: 2 offensive players and 2 defensive players at a basket. The 2 offensive players are basically working the pick and roll, but they may also work a handoff or any crossing … [Read more...]
2-on-2 Practicing the Switch Drill
Purpose: Some teams will only switch on defense. Some will only slide through screens. Some will teach both options. Possibly, the best defensive teams can do both if they communicate well. The purpose of this drill is to practice the switch. Drill: 2 offensive players and 2 defensive players at a basket. The 2 offensive players are basically working the pick and roll, but they may also work a handoff or any crossing action. On the screen, the defensive players should both communicate by … [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...]
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...]
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...]
Defending the Pick & Roll
Purpose: To teach the defenders how to fight through and help on a pick and roll. It also gives the offensive players opportunity to work on setting the pick and roll. Drill: This drill has 3 offensive players and 3 defensive players set up as shown. O1 starts with the ball at the top. O2 begins the drill by setting a screen for O1. O1 attempts to run X1 into the screen. X2 must step up and 'show himself' to O1. This will force O1 to dribble wider, thereby creating a lane for X1 to step … [Read more...]