Basketball drills for technique defense

2 baskets, spread out:

- left-hand lay-up

- Shooting from 5 positions (1x1, loser press-ups).

- Free running (head of the bucket ball, 2x2 free running to score, emphasis on defense)

- Reaction game (1 defender in the middle, 3 players with ball around the bucket, call out number)

5 lines on the back line, trainer has the ball.

- 2 rows are defenders, rest is attack

- Everyone has to touch the middle line and then attack or defend

- Trainer throws ball in the field or in the circle

• The players all stand back to back on the center line. 
• On the sideline there are 4 different colored cones. 
• The players have to do triple trades on the center line and step sliders to the height of the color that the coach mentioned. 
• And then back again.

This exercise is intended to teach the basics of HELP defense

Explanation

• Explain weak side/strong side.
• Explain 3 positions: man with ball, strong side, weak side.
• Make pairs: 1 attacker, 1 defender.
• Stand in attack.
• Put defenders down.

Practicing

• Practice dry passing only static.
• Send to the baseline!
• Swap out the help: 
  • By calling

• Everyone takes a position on the field!
• You are going to focus on:
  • Defending between the man and the basket.
  • Free running. ( in-out)
  • Always pass.

• 2 pairs (defender/attacker).
• 1 player at head of bucket with ball.
• Pass and set up screen on player without ball.
• Player cuts above.
• Player also rolls off.

• Create square, 3 against 2.
• Team of 3 must pass X times without dribbling.
• Points of attention:
  • Pivot well, protect the ball, pass well, stay calm.
  • If someone gives bad pass (arc pass) then whole team push up.

• Start at the centre line with 3 x 2.
• Attackers may only pass and lay-up from a pass.
• Variations:
  • Bounce pass only.
• If attackers don't score, or pass poorly --> push up.
• Let defenders stand a few times, work together.

• Divide players into groups of 5.
• Normally we have 2 or 3 baskets available.
• For example, every 7 minutes turn over, first center explanation. (most guidance on the dribbling skills needed)
• Station 1. (Basket 1)
  • 3x2 play from the center line without dribbling (only passing, free running, pivoting)
• Station 2. (basket 2)
  • 1x1 play (substitution, attacker becomes defender, occasionally change the order to get different match-ups, 1-shot attempt or under time pressure to keep up the momentum)
• Station 3. (Basket 3 - if available)
  • Shooting exercise: 5 positions on edge of bucket (low, elbow, free throw line, elbow low).
  • 1 player shoots, others catch and pass the ball (1 shot per position, highest score of the group)
• Station 4 dribbling skills. (1-2 pawns)
  • Over the pylon (do not take it with you, keep control, from left to right, 1 hand behind your back)
  • Lift the pylon with the left, dribble with the right (throw the pylon, catch it with the other hand)
  • Left/right and touch pylon (timer, counting) - hand that releases the ball must touch pylon (low position, defend the ball)
  • 2 pawns, dribble left, touch right
  • 2 cones (8 dribble with 1 hand)
• Station 5 dribbling skills. (row of pawns)
  • Slalom around the pawns, low dribble, back and forth (tempo)
  • Variant: low dribble, feet on both sides of the pawns, cross after every pylon.
  • Low dribble, always touching the according pawns.
  • Stay in control, stay on the same side. (dribble left, touch pylon with right)

• 5 against 5 half field. (Depending on turnout, at 20 and 3 baskets possibly)
• Especially explanation to U12-2.
• Sometimes stop, whistle, explain:
  • Run.
  • Second dribble.
  • Free running.
  • Playing together.
  • Pivoting.
• Defending (own man, not running to the ball, running back, taking the ball after scoring).

• Dry practise
  • All players on the baseline.
  • First player starts in the corner, makes slides.
  • Slanting towards line of basket. (Put a pawn down!)
  • From there, sprint to the side of the center line.
  • Then slides to line of basket.
  • Then from there sprint again.
• Practise with attacker - without 1v1
  • Pairs with 1 ball.
  • Start on the baseline, in the corner.
  • 1 attacker, 1 defender.
  • Explain position:
    • Sit deep.
    • Hand in knee.
    • Other hand prevents pass.
  • Slides to the other side.
  • Second round same as above, but from the middle line 1-on-1.