This is one of our simple [tag]basketball defensive drills[/tag] that was started as a defensive drill because we didn’t close out on the shooter very well. It as since evolved into a combo defense offense drill. Very simple and even more effective.
You have one player at the top of the key or on the wing or in the corner, wherever you want to put him. Then you have a line under the basket, the first player rolls the ball out to the offensive player. The defender (the player who rolled the ball) must follow the [tag]basketball[/tag] and break down or as we call it “shimmy” up to the shooter under control. Thus simulating the close out.
We first had the offensive player just shoot the ball, now we give him one dribble. This creates a more game-like experience. This has been a great and very simple drill for us.
Want some more defensive ideas to use in practice? Then go read this new article I just posted: Drills For Basketball Defense