Share via
Basketball Coaching » Basketball Drills » Defensive Basketball Drills

Here’s a selection of my favorite defensive drills, including techniques for improving individual defense, team defense, and defensive communication. Give ’em a try – and make sure to leave a comment and let me know how they go!

1 v 1 Wing

1 v 1 Wing Drill helps defenders improve footwork, positioning, and shot-contesting skills.

Zig Zag

Improve defensive pressure and recovery skills with the Zig Zag Drill. This basketball drill teaches players to use the dog step to stay in front of ballhandlers, sharpening their footwork, agility, and defensive positioning in game-like situations

Defend the Dribble

Defend the Dribble drill, players work on improving their defensive skills by preventing offensive players from driving into the paint.

Kick the Can

Enhance your defensive skills with the “Kick the Can” drill, designed to improve a defender’s ability to stay in front of their matchup.

4v3 Continuous

4v3 Continuous, enhances communication, positioning, and quick decision-making, making it ideal for players of all ages and skill levels.

Deny Flash Drill

The Deny Flash Drill is designed to teach defenders how to effectively deny offensive players access to the middle of the paint

Wing Deny

Wing Deny drill, aimed at teaching players the correct method to deny a wing entry pass.

Step Off

Step Off drill, exercise focusing on misdirection and quick directional changes to outmaneuver opponents and create scoring opportunities.

Tight Shell

This exercise focuses on teaching players how to effectively navigate and defend against downscreens and backscreens.

Shell Backscreens

Shell Backscreens drill, focusing on essential skills like communication, footwork, and play reading for both young and seasoned players.

One of the great tragedies of basketball is that the most important jobs in the game often get the least credit. We’ve all heard that defense wins championships, but scoring sells shoes. And because of this, players who excel in certain areas – your great screeners, the dominant rebounders, and the lockdown defenders – rarely get their due in the media and with the fans.

That’s a mistake you can’t make as a coach.  A lot of the time you’ll hear sports commentators talk about how being good at defense is just about effort. And while that’s true to a certain extent, it’s not just about trying hard. And frankly, saying so is an insult to the great individual defenders who spend all that extra time perfecting their craft.

If you’re interested in some more advanced training, make sure you check out the Team Defense Drillbook and Individual Defense Drillbook as well.

More Defensive Basketball Drills

[ezcol_1half]

[/ezcol_1half] [ezcol_1half_end]

[/ezcol_1half_end]

Featured Product

teamdefensebasketballdrills250The Team Defense Drillbook is jam-packed with 26 fun and effective defensive basketball drills to help you lock down your opponents and win more games this season.

You'll learn the best way to teach basic team defense principles, competitive practice ideas to help your kids take pride in their "D" - and advanced in-game strategies to shut down your competition. All explained with simple, step by step instructions and diagrams that any coach can understand.

Best of all, it’s delivered in PDF format, so you can get instant digital access… right over your computer screen, smartphone, tablet, or eReader… from anywhere in the world with an Internet connection!

 

Share via