5-Spot Close Out

Push your defenders by having them cheat, close, get in the gap and sprint to help at five positions on the court

WHY USE THIS BASKETBALL DEFENSE DRILL
Players need a better understanding of the proper way to close out on perimeter players while learning how to disrupt the offense after the initial defensive responsibility.

SET UP
Position five offensive players spread around the perimeter outside the 3-point line. You stand out of the way. One defender takes a low wide stance under the hoop.

HOW TO PLA Y
You start the drill by yelling “Cheat!” to indicate to the defender it’s time to inch closer to the corner player [1]. The next step is for the defender to close out hard on the corner player. After closing out, the defender moves to get in the gap between the corner and the wing [2]. Now the defender sprints to help to the opposite block. The drill continues with the defender closing out on the wing and proceeding through the same process as a new player comes onto the floor to run through the movements [3].

TECHNIQUE
When closing out, the defender places the inside foot ahead to have a slightly open stance toward the baseline. Players must hustle in this drill or risk being caught by the next defender in line