Setup and Organization

The drill uses four dummy offensive players positioned in a four-out alignment, with two in the slots and two on the deep wings. They are allowed to pass, pass fake, and shoot only when open. Three live defenders start in the paint. One offensive player begins with the ball and initiates the drill by passing to any perimeter teammate. The defense must close out to the ball and adjust into proper help and gap positioning.

Step-by-Step Progression

The offense is limited to three passes around the perimeter. A shot may be taken earlier if a player is completely open, but by the third pass a shot must go up. Defenders must scramble to contest each catch, close out with DOC mechanics, and maintain gap help one or two passes away. When the shot is taken, the shooter stays back while the other three offensive players crash the boards. The defenders must establish physical box-out positioning, secure the rebound, and finish the possession. After each shot, the next rep begins with the offense resetting at the perimeter.

Coaching Points

Stress active communication on every pass and closeout. Defenders must sprint to contest without overcommitting and maintain proper positioning to help one pass or two passes away. On the shot, defenders must turn, locate, and box out aggressively, emphasizing hit-and-go technique. Rebounding effort and physicality are non-negotiable.

Variations

Progress the drill by allowing one-dribble penetration before the shot, forcing defenders to recover to both dribble drives and perimeter passing. You can also extend the passing count to four or more before a mandatory shot to increase the defensive challenge.