Purpose: This drill is specifically designed to work on defending the high pick or back screen. 'Defending the Give & Go with a High Pick' has several variations. It can be run from the wing, the baseline, or the top; as shown. By moving the drill to different areas the players will realize that the principles learned apply regardless of where they are on the floor. Drill: Place 6 players at a basket (or create lines if needed) The drill begins with O1 passing to O2, who … [Read more...]
3-on-4 Halfcourt Defense Drill
Purpose: To work on and improve defensive stance, lateral movement, closeout technique and defensive communication. Drill: The drill begins, as shown in above diagram -- 4 offensive players line up around the three-point line, 3 defenders begin in the lane area, and the coach has the basketball up top. The coach can pass to any of the four offensive players along the three-point line. The defensive players have to move on the pass (closeout, deny position, weakside position) and communicate … [Read more...]
3-on-3 with Open Post Drill
Purpose: This drill is mainly used to focus on the defensive side, but is also good for working on offensive movement. It helps to teach closing the gap defensively and reacting to post passes. It also places added pressure on the defense because of the extra offensive player. Drill: 3 offensive players start around the perimeter and the 4th starts on the low block. 3 defensive players start along the baseline as shown. The drill begins with X1 passing out to O1. X1, X2, and X3 sprint and … [Read more...]
60 Second 1-on-2 Ball Control Drill
Purpose: To work on controlling the basketball via dribble, pass, and getting open against 2 defenders. Also builds focus, conditioning and develops offensive and defensive skills. Drill: 1 offensive player and 2 defenders. Coach or manager is also involved and on the court. Drill only takes place in the halfcourt. The coach or manager starts with the basketball anywhere in the half court. The offensive player, being guarded by 2 defenders, attempts to get open to receive the pass. Once he … [Read more...]
Weak Side Forward Drill
Purpose: To emphasize defensive help-and-recover technique. The weakside forward steps in to stop penetration of the offensive player to the basket and then recovering to guard own player. The defensive guard practices dropping down to ball line to give help in the opposite low post. Drill: Player 1 drives the baseline so that X2 must give help to teammate. The defensive guard on top (X3) drops as far as the ball goes in order to help out. X1 must stay with own player who has driven … [Read more...]
3 on 3 Competitive Defense Drill
Purpose: This drill will work both offensive and defensive skills, however, the emphasis here is defense. The players are rewarded if they prevent the opposing team from scoring. Drill: Divide the team into groups of three. (If needed, you can also go 4 on 4 or 5 on 5). The objective is to play sound defense to prevent the offensive team from scoring. If the defensive team steals the ball, forces a turnover, or gets a rebound, they will stay on defense and a new offensive team will come onto … [Read more...]
2 on 2 Vision Drill
Purpose: To develop good individual defensive techniques and fundamentals. Drill: 2 offensive players and 2 defensive players. The basketball is at the top with coach. The offensive players move and cut without setting screens, while the defenders work at keeping vision of both his man and the basketball. Work at staying 'up the line' on defense. The coach can pass when he/she sees fit to do so. In this drill, there is no need to attempt to score, but it can be added later on if … [Read more...]