The Gauntlet Defensive Drill

Purpose:

To teach proper defensive position and technique. Also, this helps players work on the ball control drills. Finally, with dribblers running the length of the court and defenders constantly moving, this is a great conditioning drill as well.

How it Works:

Three players set-up on the opposite foul line. One player is in the middle of the foul line the other two players are on either side on the foul line extended. Three more players set-up on the half court line spaced the same way. Depending on the number of players on the team, one to three players set-up on the nearest foul line.

Three more players are under the basket with basketballs.

When the coach blows the whistle the first player begins dribbling through the defenders. Once the first dribbler gets past the first line of defenders, the coach blows the whistle and then the second player goes. When the second player gets past the first set of defenders the coach blows the whistle and the last dribbler begins.

The dribbler tries to make it all the way to the other end without picking up his dribble or losing the ball. The defenders try to stop the dribbler and/or steal the ball without fouling.

Coaching Points:

The defense needs to try to funnel the dribbler to the sideline where an effective trap can be applied. The defense needs to move their feet and work together to try to trap and/or steal the ball. The dribbler needs to keep his eyes up and use the crossover dribble to stay out of the trap.

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