Purpose: To work on defending the ball handler in a full court, transition situation. There are 3 sections with this drill that can be practiced individually or fully integrated within a team practice setting. Though not a drill with an offensive emphasis, the dribbler will also get to work on ballhandling and scoring. Drill 1: Defensive Zig-Zag: 1 offensive player, 1 defensive player. Start on one end of the court and continue to opposite baseline, staying between the sideline and free … [Read more...]
Influence the Dribbler Drill
Purpose: Work on the ability to pick up the dribbler at halfcourt by giving pressure, not by backing up. This drill is perfect for when you desire to pressure the dribbler immediately upon reaching the frontcourt. Drill: 1 offensive player with a ball begins on the baseline. 1 defender at halfcourt. The defender will pick up the dribbler as he reaches the midcourt line. The idea is that you do not start retreating when the dribbler arrives; you want to slow up the dribbler or make him pick up … [Read more...]
3-on-2 to 2-on-1 Drill
Purpose: To work on the transition game where the offensive is at a man advantage. The emphasis of this drill is dependent upon your fast break strategies and whether you choose to focus on the offense or defense. Drill: Form three lines on the baseline as shown. Two players, X1 and X2 line up on either side of the halfcourt line. The first three players in line begin by tossing the ball off the backboard, making the outlet pass and breaking down the court. On the toss, the two defenders will … [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...]
2 Minute Game
Purpose: The '2 minute game' drill can do a number of things. The objective of the drill is to score as many baskets as possible in 2 minutes; and to score more in those 2 minutes than your opponent. You can use this drill to focus on either the defense or the offense. This is a very competitive and challenging drill for both sides. The offense is trying to score as many as possible, but it does need to make sure to score (going ultra-fast may get a bunch of shots, but it may not get good … [Read more...]
Fullcourt Weave to 2-on-1 Drill
This drill is a bit of variation on the normal 3-man weave to 2-on-1 drill. In the normal weave to 2-on-1, it is usually a 3-man weave up the court and a 2-on-1 coming back ... with the shooter sprinting back as the defender. This variation speeds things up a little bit more, making it more challenging for the defender to get in position and to defend the offense from scoring. Purpose: To work on transition defense from a disadvantage situation. Also helps develop offensive transition … [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...]
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...]
5 Individual Basketball Defense Drills
Included in this set of 5 individual defense drills are closeout drills, helpside drills, and a transition drills. Each drill incorporates a variety of skills so the basketball player will work on techniques such as closing out, blocking out, helping out, recovering, footwork, and more. Individual Defense Drills archive page photo credit: gus_estrella via photo pin cc … [Read more...]
Closeout Keepaway Drill
Purpose: To learn and develop how to properly closeout on a player ho has picked up the dribble. Drill: Divide players into groups of 3. Groups should find their own space on the court. Passer and receiver should stand approximately 10-15 apart. The drill starts with the basketball in O1's hands, O2 defending O1, and O3 ready to receive the pass. O1 passes to O3, follows the pass and closes out properly on him. O3, upon receiving the pass from O1, takes a couple of stationary … [Read more...]