Basketball drills
Basketball defending drills
9 free Basketball drills for defending, each with the setup, how it runs, what to coach, and how to make it harder or easier.
9 drills
Zone offence & defenceDefending2-3 zone defenceFive defenders learn the 2-3 zone shifts as the ball moves from the top to the wing, the corner and back.15 min · 10–12 players · U13+
DefendingScreens & pick-and-rollBall-screen coveragesDefending the ball screen 3v3: drop, hedge, switch and ice, with the weak-side tag and the X-out when the ball is skipped.18 min · 6–12 players · U16+
DefendingClose-out and containA defender sprints to close out a shooter, then slides to keep them in front for three dribbles.12 min · 4–12 players · U11+
DefendingFootwork & pivotsDefensive slide mirrorIn pairs between two cones, a leader shuffles side to side and the defender mirrors them in a low stance without crossing their feet.8 min · 2–20 players · U7+
Press & press breakDefendingFull-court man-to-man pressA 4v4 full-court press that denies the inbound, turns the ball to the sideline, traps before halfway and rotates to steal the next pass.18 min · 8–12 players · U16+
DefendingHelp and recoverThe help defender stops the drive, then recovers to their own player with a controlled close-out on the kick-out.12 min · 4–12 players · U12+
DefendingShell defence 4v4Four defenders move on each pass, one on the ball, the rest in help positions.15 min · 8–10 players · U12+
DefendingFast breakSprint back in transition defenceAfter a shot, three defenders sprint back past the ball, protect the rim, stop the ball and match up.12 min · 7–13 players · U12+
DefendingFootwork & pivotsZig-zag defenceDefenders slide, drop-step and turn a dribbler in a zig-zag up the court, staying in front with their chest on the ball.10 min · 2–12 players · U10+