2 Minute Closeouts

Source: How To Run Championship Practices With Nate Steege

Two minute closeouts is a great daily drill to build good defensive habits. Players get multiple reps of closeouts, as well as jumping to the ball. It’s a good warmup drill to ingrain proper defensive techniques.

Diagrams

Diagram 1 - Setup

Diagram 2 - Setup

Diagram 3 - Instructions

Diagram 4 - Instructions

Diagram 5 - Instructions

Diagram 6 - Instructions

Diagram 7 - Instructions

Diagram 8 - Instructions

Diagram 9 - Coaching Tips

Setup

• Coach starts out with the ball at the top of the key
• 2 players (or other coaches) are on each wing
• A line of defensive players is under the rim. The first 2 players are on the midline

(Diagram 1)

(Diagram 2)

Instructions

• Coach passes to 1
• x1 closes out to 1
• 1 passes to 2
• x2 closes out to the ball
• x1 sprints middle
• x1 steps off

(Diagram 3)

(Diagram 4)

• x3 take’s x1 spot in the middle. X3 should run into the correct help position spot One progression of the drill is to make it 4v4. This allows you to include more players and guard different spots on the floor.
• Now the drill is 4 on 4
• Coach starts with the ball
• Players 1-4 are on offense
• Players x1-x4 are on defense
• Coach passes to 1
• x1 closes out on the ball

(Diagram 5)

(Diagram 6)

• x2 fills the gap
• x3 and x4 jump into the midline. They should communicate their positioning to the x1 & x2.
• 1 passes to 3
• x3 and x4 shift to the left side. The defender must move on the flight of the pass.

(Diagram 7)

(Diagram 8)

• x1 and x2 shift middle. x1 & x2 need to sprint to their help spots. If they slide, they will be too slow.
• x1 and x2 step off
• 5 and x5 step on
• The drill is continuous

Coaching Tips

• Place an emphasis on proper footwork and closing out hard. Individual coaches have varying preferences on technique. Whatever yours is, enforce it.
• The drill also works on defensive positioning one pass away from the ball. Player must jump to the ball on every pass.
• Onthe catch the offense should fake and/or jab at the defender. They should be inan athletic position. Offensive players shouldn’t go through the motions.
• Take away shot first with a high hand and then bring hands down to the side when taking away the drive
• When the ball is brought low by the offensive player, the defense needs to give a little space in case there is a drive

(Diagram 9)

• Depending on your numbers, use both ends of the court to get more reps

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