Oct 25 2008
Defensive Basketball Drills

We know these aren’t all the defensive drills in a basketball game and many coaches have their own little tricks to deny the other team when it comes down to crunch time, but we are certain these four steps can be of use to any serious team.

1) Sliding
Begin in a defensive position with your head up. As the coach points left or right, slide in that direction. Stay low, don't cross your legs as you slide and keep your feet at least as far apart as your shoulders. Don't slide with your feet flat and don't let your heels touch the floor. This is hard work but builds up your stamina.

2) Sliding #2 (drop-step)
Start at the top of the free throw circle with your back to the basket and standing in a good defensive position. Slide to the left corner, spin on your left foot and slide across to the opposite corner. Then spin on your right foot and slide back up to the top of the key. This defensive basketball drill will help you with your conditioning, also.

3) Roller slides
Get into groups of 4 or 5 players and give each player a basketball. The players start at one side of the lane and slide to the next side as they tap the basketball from one hand to the other. Roll the ball from hand to hand so the basketball never hits the floor. Be sure the players bend at the knees and not at the waist so so they stay down. Do this for about 1 minute then switch groups. Do it 3 times through. This defensive basketball drill works on staying down and sliding.

4) Deny the Ball
Have a coach or player stand at the top of the foul line as a passer. Position one defensive player and one offensive player on either side of the basket. The offensive player will try to break free for the pass as the defender tries to keep the pass from being successful. Once the offensive player receives the pass, the defender gets into position and tries to stop the score.