This drill focuses on the basic concepts of “on-ball”, “deny”, and “help-side” defense.

Use a half court setup with 4-on-4. Four offensive players are positioned around the three point arc. Start with two wings and two players in the corners. Match-up four defensive players with each of the offensive players. You could also use five on each team with a point guard, two wings and two corners. Additional players can sub in and out at your discretion.

The offensive players are initially stationary, with no cuts or dribbling. This is a defensive drill and the offensive players just pass the ball around the arc. Make sure they make good passes (use this as a passing drill also), Make sure they receive the ball in “triple threat” position, and also have them make skip passes.

The defensive players do not steal or intercept the ball, since this drill is designed to emphasize proper positioning on the floor. The defensive players work on correct positioning between the ball and the offensive player they are guarding. After drilling the basics, you can go to the “live shell” drill, or the “4-on-4-on-4 three stops drill” (below), and make it competitive.

If the defender’s man has the ball, he/she should be applying “on-ball” pressure, and force the offensive player toward the sideline or baseline.

If your man is one pass away, you should be in “deny”, but not a complete dead-ball denial as seen at the bottom of this page. You should be a little up the line and a step or two toward the ball (X2 in diagram A and X1 in diagram B). This way, you are in position to steal the pass, and yet still be able to give help if the ball-handler tries to dribble-penetrate.

If your man is two passes away, you should be in “help-side”. If the ball is above the free-throw line (Diagram A), the help-side defender should have one foot in the lane. If the ball is below the free throw line (Diagram B), the help-side defenders should be straddling the “help-side line”.

Importantly, players must quickly rotate and sprint in and out of helpside. Sometimes players get lazy in their rotations. You must impress upon them the importance of rotating quickly.

Once you feel your team has an understanding of these basic relationships, and all players have been on offense and defense, you can let them play half court live with cutting, screens, shooting, etc. Watch the defenders carefully for correct defensive positioning. Blow your whistle when you need to make points with the players.

More info on Basketball Drills - Defense Shell Drills, Half-Court Drills

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