Purpose: To work on the transition from offense to defense and defense to offense. The offensive players work on getting back quickly to stop or slow down the offense. The defensive work on the transition to offense by pushing the ball and attacking the defense. This drill requires players to hustle and anticipate. Drill: 3 players on offense and 3 players on defense. Additional players are in the 'outlet' position out of bounds. An offensive player begins the drill by shooting the … [Read more...]
Diagonal Downscreen Drill
Purpose: To teach proper offensive downscreen techniques. Can also be drilled for defensive teaching purposes as it is useful in helping your players learn to defend and fight through the downscreen. Drill: Two offensive players, two defensive players, and one coach or passer needed for this drill. O1 starts near the top of the key with a basketball while the O2 starts on the opposite low block. A defender guards each offensive player. The coach is on the wing. Offensive Concepts: O1 … [Read more...]
3-on-2 with Trailer Drill
Purpose: To prepare the defenders when transitioning back on defense in a disadvantage situation. The emphasis of this drill is for defense, but offensive players will get to work on the transition offense part of the game as well. Drill: Six players are needed for this drill, along with a coach or manager at the baseline. 3 defensive players are positioned along the free throw line extended with their backs to the coach at the baseline. 3 offensive players are positioned in front of the … [Read more...]
Weakside Help and Recover Drill
Purpose: To stop ball penetration by teaching defenders to become proficient at helping and recovering. Drill: This drill has four offensive players and two defenders. The initial alignment is shown here in diagram 1. A coach has the basketball on the wing, three offensive players are on the perimeter, and the fourth offensive player (O3) is standing out of bounds. The defenders, X1 and X2, are in help position and see both their offensive player and the ball. The drill begins with O2 … [Read more...]
Defending the Dribbler with Momentum
Purpose: To work on defending the dribbler who has already begun dribbling upcourt, much like in a pressing defense situation. Drill: X1 begins with the basketball at the free throw line extended. O1 begins on the baseline. The drill starts with X1 rolling the ball to O1 and then sprinting and touching the halfcourt line with a hand. X1 then comes back in a defensive position and attempts to stop O1 from advancing the ball up the floor via the dribble. O1 will begin dribbling once he receives … [Read more...]
Defensive Knock-Away Drill
Purpose: To develop anticipation and quick hands and feet in the defensive player. Drill: The offensive players will drive in for a layup attempt. You can have players at several baskets if available, or have lines on both sides as shown in the diagram and take turns with each line. The defensive player will step-slide to cut off the baseline drive. The defender will use his inside hand to knock the basketball away. Here, footwork is important to get to the spot. The offensive player … [Read more...]
Overplay Drill
Purpose: Learn to force opponents away from normal offensive starting positions and to keep them from receiving the basketball. Drill: Place 2-3 groups of two on the court as shown. The offensive players should be in 'normal' offensive positions so that the defenders can see if they are forcing them away from the basket. The offensive twosomes attempt to pass the ball while the defender, using good footwork and balance, attempt to stop the completion of the pass. The receiver should attempt … [Read more...]
Defensive Slide and Change-of-Direction Drill
Purpose: To teach defensive footwork (defensive slides, pivoting, and change-of-direction) in a fullcourt, game-like setting. Also a good drill to build pressure defense and overall conditioning. Drill: Place 7 cones on the court as shown. Players begin at a corner of the baseline facing the near basket and guarding an imaginary offensive player. Each defender slides with bent knees, staying low, and moving laterally until reaching the cone. Once at the cone, he pivots (reverse pivot) and … [Read more...]
How to Defend the Flex Cut
Many offenses, even if they do not specifically run the Flex offense, they will often utilize the baseline flex cut. This article will help you learn how to defend the flex cut. When defending the baseline flex cut, it is preferrable to body up and force the cutter low and possibly out of bounds to take him out of the play. By forcing the cutter low, the player defending the screener can also stay close so he cannot step back into the lane and get a pass after screening. The main objective is … [Read more...]
5-on-5 Catch Up
Purpose: To work on transition defense by getting back quickly, stopping the basketball, and communicating effectively in a disadvantage situation. Drill: Five offensive players line up on the baseline. Five defensive players line along the free throw line extended across from the offensive players. A coach starts behind the defenders with a basketball. The drill starts with the coach passing to any one of the five offensive players. Once the offense receives the ball, they will transition … [Read more...]