Transition defense is not just getting back quickly on defense. These drills are geared to teaching transition defense as well as helping players learn to get back on defense properly.
Purpose: To work on getting back on defense and recovering quickly to defend an offensive player. Also helps develop communication skills and conditioning. The offensive players get work on scoring in a fast break situation. Drill: The offensive players O1, O2, and O3 start along the baseline in position to run a 3-lane break. X1,...
Purpose: To teach defenders to get back quickly on defense and to help teammates who are slow in recovering. Offensively, players will work on their transition and fast break offense. Drill: This drill begins in a 4-on-4 halfcourt setup. The players play 4-on-4 until either a shot is made or the defense secures the rebound...
Purpose: For the offensive players to work on 3-on-2 fast break skills as well as 3-on-3 principles. For defensive players to work on playing solid defense and preventing the quick basket. Drill: The drill starts as shown in the diagram with three members of team 1 in a 3-on-2 situation against two defenders from team...
Purpose: To develop fast break skills by having the offensive players work on scoring in transition from an advantage situation and to teach defensive players to hustle back on defense to stop the fast break. Drill: 5 players will line up across the baseline, as shown. A coach is in the painted area with the...
Purpose: To work on individual transition defense and closing out on the shooter from a transition situation. Drill: Use 2 lines as shown. O1 and O2 both have a basketball and are being defended by X1 and X2. X1 and X2 defend the zig-zag dribble downcourt. The offense isnt really trying to beat the defender...
Purpose: To practice and develop decision-making abilities. To practice finishing in a fast break or transition situation. The focus is normally on offense with this drill, but it also helps defenders learn to work from a numerical disadvantage. Drill 1: 3-on-2 Drill: 2 defenders start in the lane as shown. 3 offensive players start at...
Purpose: This combination drill works on a variety of basketball skills and fundamentals. The offensive players work on dribbling, passing, jump stops, and layups or jump shots. The defender works on stopping the dribbler and then recovering to help defend the wing shot or drive. Drill: Two offensive players near midcourt, one in the middle...
Purpose: To improve defensive transition and the ability to match up quickly, stop the ball, and communicate effectively and efficiently. Drill will also work on offensive transition and improve conditioning. Drill: 5-on-5 on one end of the basketball court. The five offensive players are running the offense as normal while being defended by the five...
Purpose: To practice and develop decision-making abilities in a full speed game situation. Offensive players will also work on scoring when a basket is needed. Defensive players will work on stopping the offense from scoring when that is needed. Also a great drill to improve conditioning. Drill: Divide your squad into 2 teams, with 5...
Purpose: To help players understand the importance of never playing defense from behind the ball, especially when in a full court pressure situation. Players must work at not only stopping the dribble but staying with their assignment the entire play. Drill: Two players start in the corner; O1 has a basketball, X1 is on defense....