DefenseConditioning

Full-Court Man Defense Drill

Live full-court, man-to-man ball pressure that teaches defenders to make the offense work for every inch instead of conceding an easy advance.

Age RangeAges 11+
Duration10-12 minutes
Group SizeFull team
SportBasketball

Equipment Needed

  • One basketball
  • Full court

Build out your practice kit

This full-team press drill just needs a ball and the full court, but a basic coaching-aid kit keeps practice moving.

Shop Basketball Coaching Gear on Amazon As an Amazon Associate, FreeCoachingDrills.com earns from qualifying purchases.

Setup

  • Split into two even teams at one end of the full court.
  • Each defender matches up with an offensive player; one offensive player starts with the ball.
Full-Court Man Defense DrillOXOXOXFull-court man pressure the entire length of the floorContain the ball; deny off-ball the whole way

Instructions

  1. On the coach's whistle, the offense tries to advance the ball to the far basket against full man pressure the entire length of the court.
  2. Defenders stay attached to their matchup, contesting every pass and dribble without fouling.
  3. Play out the possession to a shot attempt, then switch groups.
  4. Rotate offense and defense every 2-3 possessions.
Coaching Points
  • Pressure the ball without gambling for steals - contain first.
  • Off-ball defenders stay in a passing lane rather than watching the ball handler.
  • Communicate on screens and switches the entire length of the floor.

Variation

Add a time limit (like 8 seconds to cross half court) so defenders learn to force tempo, not just contain.