Purpose: To improve defensive quickness and foot movement when playing on-the-ball defense by not allowing the defensive player to use his hands. Drill: 1 offensive player with a basketball and 1 defensive player with a towel begin at the baseline. The offensive player starts at the baseline facing the opposite basket. The defensive player gets in a defensive stance about 3-4 feet from the offensive player. The defender holds one end of the towel with the left hand and the other end with the … [Read more...]
10 Individual Defensive Rules
I came across an old handout with the following list of Individual Defensive Rules by the late UTEP coach, Don Haskins. I'm not old enough to recall the old Texas Western days (see the movie, Glory Road) ... but I do remember watching a lot of UTEP games in the '80's. Coach Haskins teams always played hard-nosed defense! The following are Coach Haskins 10 Individual Defensive Rules: Good defense begins with transition. We emphasize getting our defenders back to the baseline. Always stay in … [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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
Double-Down Defense Drill
Purpose: To teach the perimeter defender to collapse and double-team the offensive post player. Essential to work on if you choose to double an opposing team's post player. Drill: One offensive player starts with the basketball on the wing with a teammate posting up on the low block. Two defenders match up against them. O5 posts up while X5 plays a 3/4 low deny defense. On the pass from O1 to O5, X1 collapses and double-teams on the high side of O5. O5 can attempt to score or pass back out … [Read more...]