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...]
1 on 1 Gladiator Drill
Purpose: In a transition setting, little elements are overlooked within the big picture. For example, when players go 1 on 1 full court, the focus tends to be on sprinting down the court. As a result, players forget to block out prior to transitioning down the court. This drill stresses all areas of 1 on 1 defense and offense. Players are required to do the little things or they will be penalized accordingly. The elements used in this workout will numerous and can translate into better defensive … [Read more...]
5 on 5 Random Movement
Purpose: To teach transition basketball while in a half court situation. Both the defense and offense need to react quickly to a change of possession. Drill: 5 players on offense, 5 players on defense. Coach or manager at top with the basketball. The offense will run any offense without the ball while the coach can: 1-shoot to test rebounding 2-give to offense and let them run with ball 3-throw it out for a loose ball 4-hit a player in the back if they aren't looking = turnover 5-Run … [Read more...]
3 on 3 Full Court Drill
Purpose: To develop transition defense skills in a 3 on 3 situation. This drill also allows the offensive players to work on offensive transition. Drill 1: 3 on 3 Full Court Drill starts with the offense taking the ball out of bounds. The defense will pick up full court and pressure the entire time. The defense must be controlled and try to stop the score. When there is a score, rebound, or turnover, the drill is done and a new group will come onto the court. Drill 2: 3 on 3 Full Court Up … [Read more...]
Shell Situations Drill
Purpose: To work on various situations that occur in a basketball game and how to properly defend them. To improve and develop communication skills. Also works on offensive movements and fundamentals that will improve team play. Drill: The 'Shell Situations Drill' is a more advanced version of the basic shell drill; this drill is intended to help defend against all the various offensive movements. If numbers allow, divide into three groups of four players. Two of the teams set up 4 vs. 4 … [Read more...]
Tag Cutter to Closeout Drill
Purpose: To help the defensive player learn how to fight through a downscreen. Drill: Player 1 starts the drill by setting a downscreen on the low block for player 2. O2 will cut around the screen to the elbow. The defender should 'tag' the cutter and go around the screen with him. Once past the screen, take the inside route to closeout. Many coaches, in this instance, will teach X2 to go over the screen (between the screen and his teammate, X1 -- X1 is not shown but he would be guarding … [Read more...]
4-on-4 Closeout & Rebounding Drill
Purpose: To teach team closeouts and rebounding. A good closeout is the key to blocking out any offensive player. Drill: 4 offensive players line up outside the 3-point line and face the basket. They should be at least five feet apart and line up from one side of the line to the other, as shown. The coach with a basketball begins under the basket and will pass the ball to one of the 4 offensive players. The defense will react by sprinting out to the offensive player they are guarding. The … [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...]
Zigzag Defense Series
Purpose: To improve defensive footwork and foot speed. Players learn to stay low and to play defense against a player with the basketball. They will learn the method in turning an offensive player and how to open up in order to continue to defend aggressively. This is also an excellent conditioning drill for the players. Drill: Defensive Movement Series: The player start in a defensive stance, without a basketball, at the corner of the baseline and will shuffle toward the elbow. When they … [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...]