EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE
Improve your side when they are on the retreat with this section of defensive basketball drills.
in Basketball drills and skills, Defense drills
A skill to work on every day in practice, the defensive slide isn’t as easy as it looks, especially when facing a gifted ball handler WHY USE IT The defensive slide is a critical skill to contain dribble penetration. It requires excellent footwork and coordination, so needs to be drilled daily. SET UP A ball handler and defender are positioned in each... MORE
in Basketball drills and skills, Defense drills
Keep the rebounder in the dark about where the ball is going to work on game-like situations, then move into outlet passing and defending the pull-up jumper WHY USE IT Rebounders have their back to the ball on a shot in a game, so simulate the same scenario in practice. SET UP A rebounder is facing the hoop under the... MORE
in Basketball drills and skills, Defense drills
The initial ball handler on the right wing ends up on the opposite side then in position for a perfectly placed backdoor lob WHY USE IT Defenses typically don’t expect the initial ball handler, who relocates to the weak side, to be the player who eventually ends up with the scoring opportunity. Use this play to distract the defines as you set up... MORE
in Basketball drills and skills, Defense drills
This secondary break play positions two players along the strong-side lane line with the trailer cutting through the lane and scoring on the backside WHY USE IT The secondary break is perfect to attack a retreating defense. SET UP The point guard (1) dribbles into the front court on the right side with the center (2) trailing. Position a player close to... MORE
in Basketball drills and skills, Defense drills, Dribbling drills
Push players using a 1-on-1, full-court setting and give the defense the advantage by trimming the boundaries to the free-throw-lane width WHY USE IT Defenders need to learn the best methods to guard a ball handler in a potential lengthof- the-court situation. Ball handlers never have the entire court at their disposal, so show defenders they have an advantage by squeezing the boundaries. SET... MORE
in Basketball drills and skills, Defense drills
Defense is the goal but communication is a huge part of the focus in the Cut Throat Drill – when it’s time to rotate, players must hustle or face being a step behind WHY USE IT This portion of the drill stresses communication and allows for players to work on transitioning in a half-court setting. SET UP Continuing from the... MORE
in Basketball drills and skills, Defense drills
Defenders work on closing out, cutting down passing angles, staying low and stopping dribble penetration during the early stages of the drill WHY USE IT Every team runs some version of the normal defensive shell drill. Place a unique spin on yours but upping the intensity and forcing players to rely upon each other rather than looking to you for guidance. SET... MORE
in Basketball drills and skills, Defense drills
On one side create confusion, induce panic and force a turnover while the other side attempts to remain calm, build confidence and pass out of an aggressive trap WHY USE IT Trapping and double-teams are part of most coaches’ defensive philosophies these days. As players execute these actions more often, they can become lax in forming the trap. This drill forces them... MORE
in Basketball drills and skills, Defense drills
Taking an offensive foul typically shifts momentum as defenders love rallying around the knocked-down player – instill this tough defensive mentality in your practices WHY USE IT It takes practice to stand in front of an oncoming offensive player and not move. The first few times, defenders generally shift backward or take a half-step out of the way. SET UP Stand under... MORE
The intentional-foul rule has changed with referees keeping a closer eye on how defensive players close out and controlling swinging elbows when securing possession WHY USE IT Once again, physical play has pushed it way into basketball much more during recent years. High school players now must provide a jump shooter space to land when in the act of shooting. Plus, the swinging... MORE
