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...]
Contain Drive and Jump to the Ball Drill
Purpose: To work on containing a dribbler and then reacting to the pass by jumping to the ball and denying the return pass on a cut to the basket. Drill: Two players needed for this drill; O1 is on offense with the basketball and X1 is on defense. Two coaches, managers, or additional players are needed with one on each wing ('C' in the diagram). O1 will start with the basketball near the midcourt line. X1 will start just below the free throw line. O1 will start dribbling and advancing with … [Read more...]
1 on 4 Shell Drill
Purpose: To learn all aspects of defensive positioning in a simple, breakdown shell drill situation. The defender will develop on-ball defense, off-ball defense, and help defense. Drill: 4 offensive players in a shell around the perimeter. A corner player begins with the basketball. 1 defensive player guarding the player with the basketball. Player 1 begins with the basketball and can attempt to drive baseline one time. X1 must stop the drive. O1 will then pass to O2 on the wing. O1 must stay … [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...]
Jump to the Ball Drill
Purpose: To practice the conversion from on-the-ball to off-the-ball defense. Many players think that their defensive responsibility ends when the player they are guarding passes the basketball. Good defenders will react, anticipate, and play good defense rather than be lazy. Drill: 2 offensive players and 1 defender guarding the player with the ball. O1 makes the pass to O2 on the wing. X1 'jumps to the ball' as the pass is made; staying in a low denial stance to prevent the give-and-go … [Read more...]
4-Man Help and Recover Drill
Purpose: To teach the defender to closeout, defend on-ball, jump to the ball in denial position, recover to defend the shot and blockout. This drill also stresses quick and efficient defensive footwork. Drill: Three offensive men start as shown in the diagram. The defensive man starts about midway between the baseline and free throw line with a basketball. To start the drill, the defender passes the ball to the offensive point man. The point catches the ball in triple threat position as the … [Read more...]
1-on-1 Defend Away from the Ball Drill
Purpose: To teach the importance of defending your opponent when he does not have the basketball. Some players defend the ball very well but relax when their opponent does not have the ball. This drill helps work on defending all the time. Drill: 2 lines. One in the corner as defensive players and one on the wing as offensive players. First player in each line steps out to compete. A coach stands on the opposite wing with a basketball. O1 and X1 step out to perform the drill. The objective … [Read more...]