Take A Charge

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 the backboard with a ball. Position three offensive players around the perimeter. The defender is facing out toward the offense and doesn’t know where the ball is about to be passed [1].

HOW TO PLAY
Throw a pass to any of the offensive players. The defender reacts and steps in that direction [2]. The offensive player drives to the hoop as the defender shifts into position, stands still and takes the charge. The ball goes back to you under the basket, the defender resets and run through the same actions again [3].

TECHNIQUE
The more time the defender goes through this drill, the better he or she gets at moving into proper position at the correct time. Great defenders begin to read the eyes of the offensive players and react quicker to the pass.

If there are players waiting to take their defensive turn, have them be boisterous communicators and cheer for the defender.