Equipment Needed
- One basketball
- Crash pad or soft mat (optional)
Make the landing safer
A soft landing or crash mat behind the defender takes real risk out of teaching this technique to younger players.
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- Pair up players; one drives from the free-throw line, the other starts in help position under the basket.
- If available, place a crash pad or soft mat behind the defender for safety.
Instructions
- The offensive player drives toward the basket at a controlled, half-speed pace.
- The defender establishes a legal guarding position - feet set, hands up, chest facing the driver - before contact.
- On contact, the defender falls straight back (not backward onto the head) and stays down until the whistle.
- Switch roles after each rep so every player practices both sides.
Coaching Points
- Feet must be set before the offensive player leaves their feet - beat them to the spot.
- Hands up and still, never reaching out to push - the contact should come to you.
- Fall backward safely, landing on the seat, not the elbows or head.
Variation
Once the technique is safe and consistent, add a live 3-on-2 shell where one defender's job is specifically to step in and take the charge.