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Basketball: defending to make offensive player shoot outside key.

Great tool for bringing focus to practices. Began using it last year...

Eric, Coach

DESCRIPTION

To simulate a breakdown in play pretend an opponent man is on the baseline about 2 meters away from the key opposite the ball handler.

The objective is to make the offensive player to take a shot outside of the key.

Chairs or bins can be placed on the wings to open up peripheral vision.

Turning to run, not glide into the help position.

Try to simulate picking up the ball handler before he enters the lane.

Defend the ball handler who is moving forward at speed.

Give ground by initially going backwards.

Block the shot and block out the rebound.

Do this drill 6 times on each side of the key.

COACHING POINTS

The tendency when players go to help is to put both hands fully extended above their head, stand straight up, feet together and hope that the offensive player will run into them.

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OFTEN USED WITH...

defending glide against dribble:

You never want to lunge at the ball when shadowing a dribbling ball carrier.

Keep one foot on the floor at all times and keep your balance. So if your man catches the ball you can immediately to an on the ball defensive position.

Glide out to the side line and back to the block.

Do this three times, rest and repeat. Do another three then repeat on the other side.

This can de done in pairs or individually as a simulation drill.

Defense

Defensive Conditioning - Jump, touch, turn and sprint:

Players stand on each side of the hoop.

On the coach's whistle they will jump and touch the backboard 5 times, before then turning and sprint back on defence.

Footwork and Movement

Defensive Close Out:

Players will run 10-15 feet before they chop their feet in a defensive position which is known as a close-out.

Defense

Defending dribble position:

When the player brings the ball down from above his head he is going to go into the dribble.

Place feet wide apart so the player cannot go past you.

Go two steps back to create a gap and go into a dribble defense mode.

Knees bent, back bent, feet wide and hands down and outwards.

Look wide and intimidating.

Alternate which foot is dropped first.

Do this drill ten times.

Defense

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