Purpose: To improve defensive transition and the ability to match up quickly, stop the ball, and communicate effectively and efficiently. Drill will also work on offensive transition and improve conditioning. Drill: 5-on-5 on one end of the basketball court. The five offensive players are running the offense as normal while being defended by the five defenders. On coach's whistle or by calling 'change', the offensive player with the basketball will simply drop it or set it on the ground. The … [Read more...]
Defensive Cutthroat
Purpose: To teach players either 3-on-3 or 4-on-4 defensive skills in a gamelike situation. The focus is on halfcourt defense and, more specifically, the defensive philosophy you want your players to abide by. Drill: This drill can be performed either 3-on-3 or 4-on-4. This will depend on your preference and the number of players you have available on your team. 4 offensive players line up outside the three-point line. 4 defensive players line up along the baseline. The additional team … [Read more...]
Three Stops 4-on-4
Purpose: To work on overall team defense and develop the teamwork and communication skills necessary to play great team defense. The competitive situation also helps to develop defensive toughness. Drill: The Three Stops 4-on-4 Team Defense Drill is competitive in that requires the defense to have three consecutive successful stops. Divide your squad into teams of 4. Extra players can be placed on teams and they will simply need to rotate in and out. As shown in the diagram, Team 1 is on … [Read more...]
No Hands Hell Drill
Purpose: To improve team defense techniques, fundamentals, and movements. Also improves communication, concentration, and toughness. Drill: The No Hands Hell Drill is a 5-on-5 team defense drill. The defense begins in the quarter-court (top of key) and they must play with their hands behind their backs. After :30 seconds, the defense can use their hands and must not allow the offense to score for the full duration of the possession. The duration should usually be :45 to :60 seconds. If your … [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...]
Defensive Directional Drill
Purpose: To have the entire team work on defensive stance as well as defensive footwork including slide-steps, drop-steps, closeouts, jumps and defensive shuffling. Drill: The players will spread out on the court as shown, facing a coach or team leader. On 'Go', the players will get into a defensive stance and perform a 'quick feet' action (rapidly move the feet while staying in one spot). The coach will then point in the different directions while the players use quick and efficient … [Read more...]
4-on-4 Closeout Basketball Drill
Purpose: To practice closeouts on the ball and closing out defensively when off the ball. Drill: 4 offensive players start on the perimeter. 4 defensive players start on the baseline. A coach with a ball also stands on the baseline. To begin the drill, the coach will pass the basketball to any one of the 4 offensive players. As the ball is in the air, the 4 defenders close out as quickly as possible to their proper defensive position. 'Proper' meaning if they are guarding the … [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...]
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...]