Purpose: The defensive players must work hard to keep the offensive players from getting to the basketball. Drill: A basketball is placed on the floor under the basket. Five offensive players line up around the perimeter at about the 3-point line. Five defenders stand between the offensive players and the basketball. On the word 'Go', the defenders make contact and block out the offensive players. The goal is to keep them away from the ball for 3 to 5 seconds. Coaching Points: Generally … [Read more...]
2 and 3 Player Shell Blockout Drills
Purpose: These two simple rebounding drills break down the skill of defensive rebounding. The defenders must work on the ballside blockout and the helpside blockout, depending upon their position to the shooter. Drill: 2 offensive players and 2 defensive players, as shown. Also, have a manager or coach as the shooter. I generally don't like to use other players in rebounding drills because the attempt is to miss the shot -- I don't want players practicing to miss! The shooter will shoot from … [Read more...]
Block Out Pivot Drill
Purpose: To develop the technique of blocking out and preventing the offense from attaining a rebound. Players will learn 4 types of block outs and the footwork involved in order to keep the offensive player away from the rebound. Drill: 5 offensive players will spread out around the three-point arc with 5 corresponding defenders. When first learning this drill, there will be no shooting. This is a technique drill. Shooting can be added later (see below). On the command of "shot", all … [Read more...]
Circle Block Out Drill
Purpose: To develop team and individual rebounding and blocking out skills. Drill: Divide into 5 offense and 5 defense and position them around any circle on the floor (could also go with groups of 3 or 4, if necessary). Place a basketball in the middle of the circle. On the whistle or word 'shot', the defenders will attempt to stop the offensive players from getting to the ball for 3 seconds. Options: Spread players back about 5 feet to make the circle bigger Defenders must hold offensive … [Read more...]
Cone Dodge Rebounding Drill
Purpose: To develop body control and footwork when rebounding the basketball. Drill: Place cones on the floor in the lane area as shown. Players will line up around the three-point circle, each will be given a number. One player will be the 'shooter'; they can take turns as the shooter. The coach will yell out a number and that player will immediately go after the rebound by weaving through the cones. The ball should not hit the floor and the player should not touch any of the cones. Once the … [Read more...]
Two Line Tips Drill
Purpose: To develop ball control and rebounding skills, as well as work on conditioning. Drill: Place 2 cones at the midcourt area as shown. Players will form 2 lines with the first player in each line holding a basketball. Two line tips is a continuous drill that begins with O1 and O2 simultaneously tossing their basketballs against the backboard, then sprinting around their corresponding cones to the opposite line. O3 and O4 will then jump up, grab the ball, come down with it, jump back … [Read more...]
1-on-1 Box Out Drill
Purpose: Work on rebounding -- both offensive and defensive -- in a competitive situation. Drill: Divide into groups of three -- a shooter, offensive player and defensive player. If you have the space, you can have 3 players at each basket; otherwise you can place more than one threesome at a basket. The shooter will take shots from various spots on the court. The offensive rebounder should always begin about 10-15 feet away from the basket and the defensive player will start in defensive … [Read more...]
Reaction Rebounding Drill
Purpose: Teach players to react quickly when a shot is taken and to compete for the rebound. Drill: The coach stands on the free throw line with a basketball; 2 lines of players behind. The first 2 players stand next to each other in front of the coach, facing the basket. On the shot, both players must react and attack the basketball -- only one can get the rebound! Once rebounded, next 2 players step up. For a variation, you can play so the 'winner' stays. Coaching Points: Go up tall, come … [Read more...]