Objective:
- Improve defensive closeouts and guarding the ball handler.
- Teach offensive players to attack the basket or take a jump shot based on the defender’s position.
- Enhance communication and teamwork on both ends of the floor.
Equipment Needed:
Basketballs
Cones
full/half court
Setup:
- Two offensive players (one at the top of the key and one at the wing) and two defensive players (one guarding each offensive player).
- The drill starts with the ball in the hands of one offensive player (on the wing).
- The defensive players start in a low stance near their respective offensive player, facing away from the ball.
Instructions:
1: Start the Drill:
- The drill begins with the offensive player on the wing (Player 1) passing the ball to the offensive player at the top of the key (Player 2).
- As soon as Player 1 passes the ball, the defender guarding Player 1 (Defender 1) sprints toward the ball handler (Player 2) to perform a closeout.
2: Offensive Decision-Making:
- The ball handler (Player 2) has several options depending on the defender’s position:
- If the defender is too close: The ball handler should use a quick jab step or dribble move to create space for a shot.
- If the defender gives space: The ball handler should drive to the basket with a strong dribble or take the open jump shot.
- If the defender is playing good defense: The ball handler should look for a quick pass to the teammate (Player 1) for a better scoring opportunity.
3: Defensive Closeout:
- The defender (Defender 1) must sprint towards the ball handler and perform a proper closeout. A proper closeout involves:
- Sprinting hard to the ball handler while keeping good defensive positioning.
- Using short, choppy steps as they approach the ball handler to avoid overcommitting.
- Keeping hands high to contest a shot or force a drive.
- The defender should then stay in a defensive stance and be prepared to either contest the shot or slide to prevent a drive.
4: Defender Reaction to the Drive:
- If the ball handler drives, the defender (Defender 1) must use proper on-ball defense to cut off the driving lane, staying in front of the offensive player and forcing a tough shot or a pass.
- The second defender (Defender 2) should be ready to help in the paint or to rotate if the ball gets passed to their side.
5: Offensive Movement:
- The second offensive player (Player 1) should also be active, either moving to get open for a pass or cutting to the basket to support the play.
- After making a decision, whether shooting or passing, both offensive players should look to move to the next position (if the shot is missed, they should crash the boards).
6: Rebound and Reset:
- After the shot or pass, both teams should work on boxing out for the rebound.
- The drill resets with the ball being passed to the next set of offensive players, or the same players continue to rotate through different spots on the floor.
Coaching Tips:
- Defensive Footwork: Focus on teaching the defenders to use short, choppy steps when closing out, maintaining balance, and staying low to slide with the ball handler.
- Closeout Technique: Remind the defenders to stay under control while closing out — they should never lunge or dive at the shooter, as this could lead to a foul or an easy drive.
- Offensive Decision-Making: Emphasize that offensive players need to quickly read the defense and make decisions on the fly. If the defender is too close, attack; if there’s space, shoot.
- Communication: Stress the importance of talking on defense. Defenders should communicate who is guarding whom and make sure they are in position to help if necessary.
Variations:
- Add a Shot Clock: Implement a shot clock (e.g., 10-15 seconds) to force offensive players to make quicker decisions.
- Use a Bigger or Smaller Court: You can adjust the size of the court for different age groups or skill levels. A smaller court can make the closeouts more intense, while a larger court may require better spacing and decision-making.
- Add a Third Defender: After the first closeout, have the second defender (Defender 2) rotate over to help on the drive or contest a shot, creating a 2-on-1 or 3-on-2 scenario.
Key Takeaways:
This drill is effective for improving defensive closeouts and on-ball defense in a live, high-pressure environment.
Offensive players get the chance to practice decision-making in real-time situations: attacking, passing, or shooting depending on the defender’s positioning.
Emphasizes communication and teamwork, both defensively and offensively.
The 2-on-2 Closeout Drill is a great way to simulate game-like conditions and help players improve their transition from defense to offense. It works on key skills like defending the ball, making quick decisions, and executing plays under pressure.
