Basketball · Defending

Help and recover

The help defender stops the drive, then recovers to their own player with a controlled close-out on the kick-out.

O1X1O2X2
Start / 5
Time
12 min
Players
4–12
Age
U12+
Area
Half court
Equipment
2 basketballs6 bibs

Setup

  1. 2v2 with an attacker on each wing.
  2. The defender away from the ball starts in the gap, in help position near the key.

How it runs

  1. The ball handler drives; the help defender steps across to stop the ball.
  2. The driver kicks out to the open wing and the helper recovers with a close-out.
  3. Play live to a score or a stop; the defence must win three stops to swap.

Coaching points

  • Help early: get there with feet set, outside the restricted area.
  • Stop the ball first, then sprint back to your own player.
  • Close out with short, choppy steps and a high hand.
  • Talk: 'help!' when you go, 'I've got ball!' when you arrive.

Common mistakes

  • Helping too late and fouling, or arriving off balance.
  • Flying past on the close-out and giving up an easy drive.

Say it: “Stop the ball, then get back.”

Make it harder

  • 3v3 so help and rotation come from two players.
  • Attackers may shot fake on the catch.

Make it easier

  • Driver must pass after the help arrives.
  • Help defender starts closer to the ball.

Pairs well with

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.