I’ve gotten a whole bunch of requests for [tag]basketball tricks[/tag] over the past few days. Here’s an idea that MIke sent in for a [tag]box out drill[/tag]. 
GETTING PLAYERS TO BOX OUT (and not look up and “bird watch”)
Every time I watch film on high school teams, colleges, and even pro [tag]basketball[/tag] games, I see a large majority of players looking up at the ball when a shot is made.
After many, many frustrating attempts to stop this…I’ve created“ something that helps.
BIRD WATCHING DRILL
A REAL NICE BOX OUT DRILL
Divide all players into teams of 3 on 3 (or 4 on 4…but I like 3 on 3 better)
[tag]Coach[/tag] stands under basket (important!)
One team is OFFENSE
The other team DEFENSE
They play a normal 3 on 3
When the shot goes up, each defensive player finds the closest player to him/her….
…WITHOUT EVER LOOKING IN THE DIRECTION OF THE COACH
As they step in from of him/her, they must LOOK DOWN AT THE FLOOR and KEEP EYES ON THE FLOOR while continuing to box offense out until the ball bounces 1-2 times. (coach’s preference)
The Offense continues to try to get the ball while defense MUST KEEP EYES ON THE FLOOR while still boxing.
Only after the bounce(s) can the defense look up and grab the ball.
If Offense gets the ball, they get 2 points.
If Defense gets the ball, 1 point.
If Offense scores they get 1 point.
6 points Win – Losers run 3 laps within 45 seconds or run a 4th.
Defense sits. Offense becomes Defense. New team enters the [tag]drill[/tag].
Note: Keeping their heads down for such a ‘ridiculous’ amount of time is the only thing that trains them NOT to look up in a game.
This drill is designed for the Defense to lose…but if they start winning, you know your team is starting to do the right thing.