Basketball · Defending

Shell defence 4v4

Four defenders move on each pass, one on the ball, the rest in help positions.

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Start / 4
Time
15 min
Players
8–10
Age
U12+
Area
Half court
Equipment
1 basketballs4 bibs

Setup

  1. Four attackers around the three-point line, four defenders matched up.

How it runs

  1. Attackers pass around the perimeter; no dribbling at first.
  2. On each pass, the on-ball defender pressures, the others drop to help lines.
  3. After a minute, allow drives; help and recover.

Coaching points

  • See the ball and your player: point at both.
  • One pass away: deny; two away: in the gap.
  • Talk on every pass: 'ball', 'help', 'deny'.

Common mistakes

  • Defenders ball-watching and losing their player.
  • Help defenders standing upright and late.

Say it: “Ball, help, deny.”

Make it harder

  • Add a post player inside.
  • Live play to a stop.

Make it easier

  • Coach calls each move.
  • Walk through for the first minute.

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.