Purpose: To help teach the off-ball defender the responsibilities when applying pressure defense. Drill: A coach or manager or another player will start at the top with a basketball. The offensive player and his defender are on the wing as shown. Because the focus is on applying pressure defense, the defender should denying the pass. When the player with the ball signals, O1 will cut backdoor and through the lane. X1, again overplaying the pass, will pivot through the lane to deny the … [Read more...]
Sprint-Slide 1-on-1 Drill
Purpose: To work on defensive footwork, closing out, and defending the ball in a one-on-one situation. The offensive player also gets work in trying to score against a single defender. Drill: Offensive players starts on one low block, defensive player starts on the opposite low block. Coach, manager, or third player stands at baseline with the basketball. The drill begins with the coach or passer rolling or tossing the basketball to the top of the key. As soon as the ball is rolled, O1 … [Read more...]
Helpside Deny Flash or Stop Dribble-Drive Drill
Purpose: To work on off-the-ball defensive techniques, specifically in denying the post flash and stopping the dribble-drive. Drill: 4 offensive players and 1 defender are needed for this drill. 2 offensive players are at the top, each with a basketball. The other 2 offensive players are at the corner/wing area without a basketball. The defender stands in the middle of the lane. A coach stands on the baseline out of the vision of the defender. The drill begins when the coach points to … [Read more...]
Closeout and Cut Off Drill
Purpose: To work on closing out effectively while still being able to cut off dribble penetration. Drill: One defensive player, one offensive player, and one passer needed for this drill. The passer stands at the top of the key with a basketball. The defender starts on the low block (X1) and the offensive player starts on the wing (O1). 'C' passes the basketball to O1 on the wing. X1 closes out on O1 from his position on the low block. O1 attempts to drive against X1 and can go … [Read more...]
Defend Both Low Posts Drill
Purpose: To work on defending the low post on the high or ball side. Develops ability to deny pass into the post as well as defending the low post player from scoring once he does receive the basketball. Also allows offensive players to work on posting up and scoring from the low post. Drill: One defender and two offensive players needed for this drill. Also need 2-3 coaches/manages/passers. Player x5 must defend both low post players in this drill (though not at the same time, of … [Read more...]
1-on-1 Fullcourt Zigzag with Closeout Drill
Purpose: To work on individual transition defense and closing out on the shooter from a transition situation. Drill: Use 2 lines as shown. O1 and O2 both have a basketball and are being defended by X1 and X2. X1 and X2 defend the zig-zag dribble downcourt. The offense isn't really "trying" to beat the defender but if the defender is playing too lazy, go right ahead. Defensively, just remember to stay low in a solid stance and change direction quickly. As the offensive player nears the … [Read more...]
Iba Cowboy Drill
I came across this drill in a stack of some old handouts. This drill is named after legendary Oklahoma State University Coach Hank Iba. This is a fantastic drill -- not only for the skills it develops, but also that it greatly builds toughness! Purpose: To teach players the skills of help defense and taking a charge, getting on the floor for a loose ball, and to score in the lane against defensive contact. Drill: Three players are needed along with a coach at the top. If you have them, … [Read more...]
2-on-1 Wing Shot and Defend Drill
Purpose: This combination drill works on a variety of basketball skills and fundamentals. The offensive players work on dribbling, passing, jump stops, and layups or jump shots. The defender works on stopping the dribbler and then recovering to help defend the wing shot or drive. Drill: Two offensive players near midcourt, one in the middle with basketball and one near the sideline. One defender begins at the free throw line. O1 begins by dribbling toward the lane, forcing X1 to defend … [Read more...]
Deny the Inbounds Toughness Drill
Purpose: To work on the ability to fully deny an inbounds pass. The main purpose with this drill, however, is as a toughness drill. Drill: The players set up as shown, with an inbounds passer, a offensive player, and a defender. The defender, X2, faces O2 and attempts to deny the pass attempt being made by O1. If O2 receives the pass, he will then try to score the basketball. X2 will attempt to stop him from scoring. Normal inbounding rules apply -- O1 only has 5 seconds to pass … [Read more...]
Deny the Wing Drill
Purpose: To improve 1-on-1 off-the-ball defense and to learn to deny the wing entry pass. When adding the 1-on-1 scoring option, both the defensive and offensive player will work on scoring or stopping the score in the 1-on-1 situation. Drill: Have the players line up at the top of the key; the first player in line has the basketball. An offensive player starts on the wing (O2) and a defensive player is guarding him (x2). The drill starts with O2 executing a v-cut to get open. X2 … [Read more...]