Deny the Pass Drills

By: Ryan Goodson

Originally Published in: Basketball Essentials

Provided by: Human Kinetics

DENY THE PASS ON THE PERIMETER DRILL
Refinement

Setup

• Use two players and one basketball.
• Player 1 is on offense on the low block; player 2 is on defense and is positioned between player 1 and the coach. The coach is at the top of the key outside the three-point arc with the basketball.

Execution

1. Player 1 attempts to get open on the wing but must remain on the same side of the court and not cross the middle of the rim.
2. Player 2 attempts to defend player 1 by denying the pass (see figure 7.12).
3. Each possession is 30 seconds and the player attempts to accumulate points.
4. After 30 seconds, the players switch positions.
5. The drill continues until one player scores 20 points.

Defensive Scoring

Deflections: One point is awarded each time a defender creates a deflection. When a deflection is made, the basketball is quickly returned to the coach and the drill continues.

Steal: Two points are awarded each time the defensive player intercepts a pass. When the defender intercepts a pass, the basketball is quickly returned to the coach and the drill continues.

Offensive Scoring

Completed pass: One point is awarded to the offensive player for each successfully completed pass from the coach. On completion of a pass, the player quickly returns the ball to the coach and the drill continues.

Coaching Point

The defensive player should attempt to split the offensive player's feet with their stance so as to remain between the opponent and the basket. Failure to maintain this inside position can lead to a basket cut and easy scoring opportunity.

DENY THE PASS IN THE POST DRILL
Refinement

Setup

• Use four players and one basketball.
• Players 2 and 3 are passers (one on each wing outside the three-point arc); player 1 is on offense and player 4 is on defense (both are on the low block).

Execution

1. Player 1 works to get open on the low block while the defender attempts to deny the pass.
2. If player 1 is not open on that side, the passer swings it to the opposite wing.
3. Player 1 then follows the basketball from one block to the other (figure 7.13).
4. After 30 seconds, player 1 switches to defense and player 4 switches to offense.
5. Players continue the drill until one player has scored 20 points.

Defensive Scoring

Deflections: One point is awarded each time a defender creates a deflection. When a deflection is made, the basketball is quickly returned to the wing and the drill continues.

Steal: Two points are awarded each time the defensive player intercepts a pass. When the defender intercepts a pass, the basketball is quickly returned to the wing and the drill continues.

Offensive Scoring

Completed pass: One point is awarded to the offensive player for each successfully completed pass from the wing. On completion of a pass, the player quickly returns the ball to the wing and the drill continues.

Coaching Point

Effort and conditioning are crucial in this drill, just as they are crucial to being a good defender. The player that wants it more and is in better shape usually comes out on top. As you coach technique, remember to always emphasize effort as well.