Basketball · Defending
Close-out and contain
A defender sprints to close out a shooter, then slides to keep them in front for three dribbles.
Start / 4
- Time
- 12 min
- Players
- 4–12
- Age
- U11+
- Area
- Half court
- Equipment
- 3 basketballs2 cones
Setup
- Defender under the basket, attacker on the wing with a ball; a coach calls the start.
How it runs
- Defender sprints out, chops the feet and shows a high hand.
- The attacker takes three dribbles either way; the defender slides to stay in front.
- Swap after each go; four goes each.
Coaching points
- Sprint the first two-thirds, chop the last third.
- High hand to take away the shot, low hand to the drive.
- Slide, don't cross the feet.
Common mistakes
- Running all the way and flying past.
- Standing upright on the slide.
Say it: “Sprint, chop, hand up.”
Make it harder
- Attacker can shoot or drive.
- Live 1v1 to a score.
Make it easier
- Attacker only drives one way, called beforehand.
- Walk the close-out.
Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.