Close Out Shooting Drill

Purpose

Players work on shooting while under defensive pressure.

Drill Setup

• Split your team into groups of four.
• One shooter stands at the free throw line.
• Three defenders stand under the basket.
• The first defender has the ball

How it Works

1. First defender passes to the shooter, then runs out to the free throw line to close out
2. The shooter catches and shoots under pressure
3. The defender gets the rebound and goes to the back of the defender line
4. The second defender passes to the shooter and closes out
5. Repeat, with the same player shooting, for 60 seconds. Then rotate one of the defenders to the shooter spot

Coaching Tips

• The close out should be fast, but under control and balanced, chopping the feet as you approach the shooter
• The defender should get his hands up to bother the shot but avoid jumping or lunging
• Players should be throwing “bullet passes” not “rainbow passes.