Defensive Closing Out Drill

Originally Published in: Winning Basketball Fundamentals

Provided by: Human Kinetics

Procedure
Players begin on the half court. Split the team into two even groups. Begin with the understanding that the offensive player has the advantage because the defensive player is going to close out to the high side. Relative distance, speed, and size put the responsibility of getting to the offensive player in time to contest a shot squarely on the defender. Follow these steps:

1. 1. To start the drill, a coach can pass the ball to 0. Alternatively, X, starting under the net, can speed roll the ball to 0.
      
   2. X begins in an all-out sprint and then slows down for control, balance, and proper close-out angle.
      
   3. X should get to 0 in time to contest (not block) a jump shot, be down and under control to prevent a middle drive, and in proper position to force a baseline drive (figure 7.13). Xis not giving up the baseline but rather is driving 0 with pressure.

Players rotate offense to defense, defense to offense. The objective of the drill is to teach the defender how to get the correct angle and force a baseline drive. Coaches must constantly emphasize good footwork. As players learn to close out properly, adding a come-from-behind, shot-blocking feature enhances the drill.

Procedure
Players begin three-on-three. Follow these steps:

1. 1. A coach begins the drill by passing to 02. X2 yells loudly, "I've got ball!" while rotating to close out and force 02 baseline.
      
   2. X4, defending low on the weak side, must read, anticipate, and yell (so that all can hear), "I've got baseline!" X4 then sprints across the free-throw lane, clearing it, and establishes position with both feet on the opposite block. X4's call tells X2 that he has support. X4 looks to double-team the driver, block a shot attempt, or get the charge.
      
   3. X3, defending at the top of the key, sees the drive and then yells, "Basket!" while sinking and filling, telling everyone that the basket is protected (figure 7.14). If 02 shoots a quick baseline shot, X3 must zone up and go for the weak-side rebound.
      
   4. The drill continues until the offense scores, the defense steals the ball or captures the rebound, or the ball goes out of bounds. On defensive fouls, the offense retains the ball Figure 7.14 Close, contain, and contest. and repeats the drill. On offensive fouls, teams exchange positions.

Defenders rotate and play all three positions. After they've completed the cycle, another group of three steps in. The emphasis in this drill is on technique, spacing, communication, weak-side rotations, basket-protection responsibility, and weak-side rebounding.