Attack the close-out 1v1

Setup

1. Attackers in a line on the wing, behind a cone just outside shooting range.
2. Defenders in a line under the basket, the first one holding a ball.

How it runs

1. The defender passes to the attacker and sprints out to close out.
2. The attacker catches in triple threat and reads it: a short close-out means shoot; a flying close-out means shot fake and drive.
3. Live 1v1 with two dribbles max to score; the attacker joins the defender line and the defender joins the attacker line.

Coaching points

• Catch ready: knees bent, ball on the hip, eyes on the rim.
• Read the defender's feet and hands, not their face.
• Shot fake ball to the forehead, not above the head, then a long first step past the hip.
• Keep the pivot foot down until the ball leaves the hand on the drive.

Common mistakes

• Deciding before the catch and ignoring what the defender does.
• Dribbling sideways instead of going past the defender.
• Lifting the pivot foot before the first dribble (travel).