Setup and Organization

This multi-layered one-on-one defensive drill progresses through several scripted technique segments before finishing with a live 1-on-1. It teaches every major component of individual defense — closeouts, jumping to help, jamming cutters, post defense, low-man rotations, and finally ball containment. An offensive player starts at the top of the key without a ball, the defensive player begins under the rim with a ball, and a coach is positioned on the wing with a ball. The drill can be run on one or both sides of the floor.

Step-by-Step Progression

The drill begins with the defender throwing a bounce pass to the offensive player at the top of the key, then sprinting into a live, on-airtime closeout. The offense immediately passes to the coach on the wing, triggering the defender to jump to correct gap help at the elbow. From there, the offensive player attempts a hard face cut, and the defender must jam the cut physically while maintaining vision on the ball. If the jam is successful, the offensive player attempts a strong-side post-up; the defender responds with top-shoulder three-quarter denial.

The offensive player then empties to the opposite wing, forcing the defender to sink into low-man positioning in the paint. The coach throws a skip pass to the opposite wing, requiring the defender to close out from low man on airtime to arrive on the catch. Only at this point does the drill become live: the offensive player attacks with a two-dribble limit, and the defender must contain without allowing a paint touch. This final segment teaches finishing discipline for the defender under pressure.

Scoring

The defensive player must execute all scripted segments cleanly to earn the right to play the live 1-on-1. In the live segment, a stop is worth one point; a stop without allowing a paint touch is worth two. A foul or score yields zero. A defensive stop also allows the defender to stay on defense for the next rep.

Coaching Points

Emphasize closing out under control, jumping to the ball, strong and legal contact on jams, disciplined post denial, and fast low-man reactions. Teach players to anticipate rather than react. Reinforce communication throughout the drill and ensure that the transition into the live segment maintains defensive stance integrity. Match players cross-position to teach real versatility.

Variations

You can move the coach to different spots to change closeout angles, shift the post-up location, or require the defender to show different help techniques before the live segment. You can also increase the dribble limit or change the constraints on the offense depending on your teaching priorities.