This [tag]basketball training[/tag] drill evolved over time and focuses on proper technique throughout the [tag]drill[/tag]. It helps to have an assistant coach placed at the opposite baseline to insure the players finish strong.
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Set up:
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Two lines at the baseline facing the elbow. Place a coach at each elbow with a basketball.
On the head coach’s whistle the players will close out to the elbow (I encourage the players to make a lot of noise closing out, one hand up, one hand back) once the defender has properly closed out they do three strong slides towards the extended free throw line then sprint recover down court. I have the coaches watching to make sure the players are looking back for the ball during their recovery. Once the players finish, they do five push ups and five set ups to keep them occupied while the rest of the players finish the drill.
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I do this [tag]basketball[/tag] drill in every practice along with a box close out drill. The drill last from 5 minutes to 10 minutes depending on if the players are closing out, sliding and recovering properly and in game speed mode.