3-on-1 Closeouts (2-Dribble Limit) is a high-pressure defensive drill that sharpens long closeouts, discipline, and paint protection. Off-ball players must stay outside the arc, and the ball handler can only score on an immediate catch-and-shoot three or by getting two feet in the paint within a two-dribble limit. The defender stays in the drill until he records a stop—if the offense scores or the defender fouls, he remains in.

Setup & Organization

Use a half court. Three offensive players space on the perimeter (top and both wings) and must remain outside the three-point line when off the ball. One defender starts in the paint. A coach or passer at the top initiates each rep by passing to any perimeter player to trigger the closeout.

Step-by-Step Progression

On the catch, the offensive player is live with a two-dribble maximum. He may either shoot immediately on the catch (catch-and-shoot three) or drive straight-line to get two feet in the paint within his two-dribble limit. Mid-range pull-ups are not allowed.

If the ball handler picks up or passes, the next perimeter catch (still outside the arc) triggers a new mini-possession for the defender. The defender must arrive on the catch, take away the immediate shot, contain the drive without fouling, and finish the play.

If the offense scores or the defender commits a foul, whistle and immediately restart with the same defender against the perimeter trio (coach initiates the next pass). If the defender forces a stop—miss and secure, forced turnover, charge—he rotates out and a new defender steps in. Offensive players stay for a block of reps, then rotate.

Scoring

No points are tracked. The only outcome that frees the defender is a stop. If the offense scores or the defender fouls, he remains in until he earns a stop. (Optional: track consecutive stops or “time stuck” for competitive records.)

Coaching Points

Sprint then break down two-thirds of the way; high hands on catch-and-shoot contests; chest on hip to cut off straight-line drives; finish with rebound/secure. Offense: be decisive—shoot on the catch or drive to the paint in two; no wasted dribbles.

Variations

Limit drives to one dribble; require the defender to secure the rebound for the stop to count; add a 10–12 second shot clock; change the initial pass angle (corner or skip) to vary closeout distances.