The aim is to improve defensive position, movement, and dribbling. The court is divided down the middle length ways for this drill. Player 2 is the defender and takes up a defensive stance near 1 corner of the court, Player 1 is the dribbler and stands opposite, and facing player 2, close enough for player 2 to reach out and put his palm on player 1's chest.


Basketball Defense Drills

Player 1 must then dribble the ball the length of the court going from the sideline to the middle of the court, in a zigzag fashion.

Player 2 staying in the defensive position must slide alongside player 1 all the way to the other end of the court.

Reverse the roles, and repeat the drill.


  • Increase speed
  • Change the path
  • Player 2 can apply pressure and try to steal the ball, if they do, they become the dribbler.

Coaching Points:

  • In a strong defensive position a player would have a wide base and knees slightly bent with arms out in font and palms facing forward towards opposing player or the ball. Short quick steps are generally used, and feet should not be crossed.
  • When sliding keep palms up, around hip level.
  • Make sure the defensive player stays close to the dribbler at all times.
  • Defensive player should attempt to keep his body between the ball and the basket.
  • Defensive player can apply pressure to the ball and try and steal it.
  • When pressurizing the ball player 2 should use the hand nearest the direction player 1 is traveling. i.e. if player 1 is dribbling to the left then player 2 should be using their left hand to apply pressure

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