Equipment Needed
- One basketball
- Half court
Build out your practice kit
This off-ball drill just needs three players and a ball, but a basic coaching-aid kit keeps the rest of practice moving.
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- Three players: a passer, a target the defender is guarding, and the defender.
- The passer stands about 15 feet from the target; the defender sets up between them.
Instructions
- The passer looks to throw to the target; the defender works to deny that passing lane with an active stick (one hand in the lane).
- The target moves along the three-point line to try to get open; the defender mirrors the movement while staying in the lane.
- If the pass gets through, play a live 1-on-1 to the basket.
- Rotate positions every few minutes so everyone plays passer, target, and defender.
Coaching Points
- See both the ball and the matchup at the same time - never fully turn your back on either.
- One hand in the passing lane, feet ready to move on the pass.
- Deny hard when the ball is one pass away; sag off when it's further away.
Variation
Add a second defender and target to simulate a fuller off-ball shell look.