This is a drill to teach ballhandlers how to read and capitalize on the defensive reaction to a drive.
A ballhandler is guarded by an on-ball defender. Our 5 is on the ballside block, guarded by another 5. Our wing is guarded by an off-ball defender. The ballhandler drives against their defender, and we begin our Circle Motion. One or both defenders will help on the drive and try to dig the ball out. This is the version where only the wing crashes. The ballhandler identifies the extra defender and passes the ball to his teammate where that help defender came from so their teammate can score a basket. The 5s switch places after every rep, the ballhandler then becomes the new on-ball defender, the on-ball defender becomes the new wing defender, the wing defender becomes the new offensive wing, and the wing passes the ball to the next person in line. This drill can be practiced initially where one defender is designated while the entire time goes through the drill, then the other defender is designated the next time through. Multiple sequences of these drills can occur at once (preferably two or three). After 5 minutes in this circuit, all groups should switch directions. After both single-action sequences, the drill can become a free-for-all where the defense communicates who goes or they both fire out at once to make it more challenging.
This practice has no coaching points
This practice has no progressions
Rule enforcement is tightening on flops and charge-drawing. The coaches who develop real attacking skills will thrive - here's how.
Why every session should start close to the basket. Form shooting builds the muscle memory that makes all other shooting possible.
From World Cup qualifiers to rule changes and global development initiatives, basketball continues to grow worldwide. Here's what 2026 has in store.
Register for FREE and get coaching tips, top drills, session and more every week!
