This high-intensity basketball drill pushes players hard while constantly cycling them into action so everyone gets a turn to attempt to stop the opposition
WHY USE THIS DEFENSIVE BASKETBALL DRILL
Expect players to give it their all on defense – this is not a time to rest. This drill focuses on closing out hard on perimeter players while keeping an eye on backdoor cuts to the hoop.
SET UP
The offense is playing with a 4-on-3 advantage. A coach is positioned on the wing with a ball and is not guarded.
HOW TO PLA Y
The coach has the option to pass or penetrate to start the action. In this instance, the coach passes to the top. On the pass, the defenders close out on their assignments. The ball continues to be passed around the perimeter with skip passes allowed [1]. After several rotations, the offensive player at the top of the set tries to dive to the rim. If open, the coach throws this player a pass for a potential layup opportunity [2]. Once the ball is shot, rotate in new players with the shooter and defender coming off the court, the wing moving to the top, the corner to the wing and a new offensive and defensive player entering the action [3].
TECHNIQUE
This is a high-octane drill, which is why you constantly are cycling in new players. There is no downtime while the ball is in motion.