Defensive Shell: Learning how to play help-side man-to-man defense in phases
**This is the most important drill you will do. You may only do the first couple of phases at the beginning of your season and gradually add more. You can even work on rebounding and transition out of this drill depending on what you want to focus on. This allows you to work on many partsof man-to-man defense**
Four players in box – 2 at wings and 2 on baseline with defense.
Phase 1: Defense lets all passes through.
Rule 1: Between player and basket at all times with back to basket
Rule 2: Always see the ball AND your player
Rule 3: Communicate with teammates
1 pass away – in the passing lane one big hop toward ball, deny the ball with closest hand
2 passes away – should have 2 feet in the lane with clear view of ball AND your player, ready to help if teammate gets beat
3 passes away – should be in the midline with a clear view of the ball AND your player, ready to help if teammate gets beat
Who’s fault is it if the other team scores? Everyone’s fault! We are playing team defense!
Both teams should take turns playing defense and learning positioning.
Phase 2: Add Communication and this should be loud
Call the ball! If you are guarding the ball, declare it…”I got ball”.
1 pass away “Deny, deny, deny”
2 passes away “I got help”
3 passes away “Midline”
Phase 3: Offense can try to score, but needs to stay in general area. Defense can steal. If defense steals they get to be on offense, make it and take it.
Phase 4: “Always go Baseline” Players on the baseline should try to drive to the hoop, so midline has to help. Switch players around and offense to defense so that players see each position on defense.
Phase 5: “Always drive Wing” Players on wing should try to drive to the hoop, so baseline has to help. Switch players around.
Phase 6: Add coach or player at top of key. Always screen down when ball goes to the top of the key. Teach your defense to step away and let your defense go through. No switching on screens, get through! Switch. Could also teach hedging in this drill if players are a little older and can shoot outside shots.
Phase 7: “Pass and cut through” Every time you pass the ball, cut to the basket hard looking for the ball. Players should rotate around to fill your spot.