Setup and Organization

This live one-on-one drill emphasizes help-side defense and rotation timing. Set up cones along the left lane line to restrict the driving lane and one cone in the right short corner (inside the three-point line). The offensive player starts in the left slot, with a cone positioned on the split line between the three-point line and jump circle. The defensive player begins under the rim in the charge circle. On the coach’s signal, both players move simultaneously — the offensive player sprints around the middle cone with a speed dribble to attack the paint, while the defensive player sprints around the short-corner cone to rotate across as the help-side defender. The goal for the defense is to cut off the drive without fouling, simulating a live help rotation. If the defender successfully stops the drive, it transitions into a one-on-one live possession with a two-dribble limit.

Step-by-Step Progression

1. Cones are set: three along the left lane line, one on the split line, one in the right short corner.
2. The offensive player starts in the left slot and the defender begins in front of the basket.
3. On the coach’s signal, the offensive player attacks with a speed dribble around the middle cone toward the paint.
4. The defender sprints around the short-corner cone, rotating from the weak side to cut off the drive.
5. If the defense arrives in time, the drill becomes a live one-on-one with a two-dribble limit.
6. Alternate roles or continue competitively with the defender staying on after stops.

Scoring

Each defensive stop = 1 point; a charge drawn = 2 points. Only defensive players can score. If the offensive player scores, he earns the next defensive turn. You can run this individually (players rotate offense/defense after each rep) or as a competitive team format, rewarding defenders who stay on after stops. Run for 3–5 minutes and track the player or team with the most points.

Coaching Points

Emphasize sprint-to-closeout technique, low stance, and high hands. The defender must rotate early, stay square, and cut off the drive with body control. Stress the importance of protecting the rim without fouling and securing defensive position. Offensively, attack straight lines, read the rotation, and finish under control. This drill teaches timing, anticipation, and physicality in help defense scenarios.

Variations

Run the drill from both sides of the floor to train help rotations from either direction. You can also extend to a two-on-two version by adding a corner shooter and a recovery rotation. To increase pace, run continuous reps for 90 seconds before switching offense and defense. Adding a “no-dribble” finish variation can emphasize early help and verticality at the rim.