Basketball · Defending · Footwork & pivots
Defensive slide mirror
In pairs between two cones, a leader shuffles side to side and the defender mirrors them in a low stance without crossing their feet.
Start / 4
- Time
- 8 min
- Players
- 2–20
- Age
- U7+
- Area
- Half court
- Equipment
- 20 cones, two per pair
Setup
- Pairs face each other between two cones about 4 m apart.
- One is the leader; the defender stands an arm's length away, between the leader and the basket.
How it runs
- The leader shuffles from cone to cone, changing direction whenever they like.
- The defender slides to stay nose to nose with the leader.
- Work for 20 seconds, rest for 20, then swap roles. Do three rounds each.
Coaching points
- Stance: feet wider than shoulders, knees bent, back straight, hands out.
- Push off the trailing foot and step with the lead foot; feet never cross or click together.
- Stay low the whole time; head stays at the same height.
- Watch the leader's hips, not their head or hands.
Common mistakes
- Crossing the feet or hopping, which leaves the defender off balance.
- Standing up tall when changing direction.
- Reaching with the hands instead of moving the feet.
Say it: “Low, wide, push and step, never cross.”
Make it harder
- The leader dribbles a ball and the defender stays in front.
- Move the cones 6 m apart.
Make it easier
- Walk the slides slowly to learn the footwork.
- Coach points left or right so both players move together.
Pairs well with
Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.