This defensive drill is focused on teaching the concepts of help defense. Teach players to at all times to see the ball, the basket, and the player they are guarding.
Preparation
-“ Players 1-4 stand around the perimeter of the 3-point line on offense
-“ Players 5-8 stand inside the perimeter of the 3-point in, each guarding an offensive player
Execution
-“ Players 1-4 swing the ball around the perimeter, allowing Players 5-8 to rotate defensively
-“ The defensive rotations are as follows:
o“ Guarding the ball: Hands up, close pressure on the defender
o“ One pass away: Deny position, preventing your player from catching a pass
o“ Two passes away: Help position, up in the passing lane 1/3 of the distance toward the player with the ball
o“ Three passes away: Help position, up in the passing lane “½“ of the distance toward the player with the ball
-“ Offense rotates to defense after the time allotted
Points of Emphasis
-“ Sag back far enough toward the basket so that you can see the ball and your man without turning your head.
-“ Use your peripheral vision to see the court. Avoid swinging your head back and forth.
-“ Always point to the ball and your man
-“ Yell out to your teammates to let them know what defensive rotation you are in (i.e. “Deny!” or “Help”)