The drill focuses on closeout technique for players in a 2-on-2 situation.
U10–U18+ · Level 1–3 · 4+ players · Length: standard · Video 1:16 min
Goal
The drill focuses on closeout technique for players in a 2-on-2 situation.
Setup
Two offensive players stand at cones at the elbows right and left. Two defensive players stand at a cone under the basket.
Execution
The two offensive players pass the ball back and forth and wait for the coach's signal. Meanwhile, the two defenders move quickly in place. Once the coach gives the signal, the top defender runs a close-out to the offensive player with the ball. The second defender decides: stay in zone or go out to the opponent. The offensive player is allowed to cut to the basket. Objective: score.
Feedback
What to look for
Good read on that closeout.
Good offensive player movement
Good defensive team play
Common mistakes
The closeout was not read correctly.
Defender communication was off.
Variations
2vs2 Closeout to the Middle
The two offensive players pass the ball back and forth and wait for the coach's signal. Meanwhile, the two defenders move quickly in place. Once the coach gives the signal, the top defender runs a Close-out to the offensive player with the ball – the Close-out must be run toward the middle so the ball handler cannot attack middle. The second defender decides: hold the zone or run out to the opponent. The offensive player is allowed to cut to the basket. Objective: score.
2vs2 Closeout to Strong Hand
The two offensive players pass the ball back and forth and wait for the coach's signal. Meanwhile, the two defenders move quickly in place. Once the coach gives the signal, the top defender runs a close-out to the offensive player with the ball. The close-out must always be run to the offensive player's strong hand. The second defender decides: stay in zone or go out to the opponent. The offensive player is allowed to cut to the basket. Objective: score.
Development goals
On-Ball Defense (main goal) · Finishing at the Rim · Close and Mid-Range Shooting · Passing and Teamwork · Movement and Spacing · Off-Ball Defense · Game Situations and Decision-Making
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