Equipment Needed
- One basketball
- Half court
Build out your practice kit
Help-side defense just needs bodies and a ball, but a basic coaching-aid kit keeps the rest of practice moving.
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- Four offensive spots around the perimeter with a ball; four defenders matched up man-to-man.
- No live dribble drive yet — focus is entirely on off-ball defensive positioning.
Instructions
- Offense passes the ball around the perimeter; on-ball defender pressures the ball.
- The three off-ball defenders shift into the gap between their man and the ball, one pass away or help-side.
- Every time the ball moves, all four defenders adjust their position together.
- After 8–10 passes, allow the ball handler one live drive to test the help rotation.
Coaching Points
- "One pass away" defenders deny or stay in the passing lane; "two passes away" sag off into help.
- See your man AND the ball at all times — defenders who turn their back to the ball lose the whole concept.
- On a live drive, the nearest help defender steps in to stop the ball while others rotate behind.
- This only works with constant talk — call out "help" and "ball" on every possession.
Variation
Add a live drive-and-kick to test full rotation and closeout, or run it 4-on-4 continuously as a mini scrimmage once the shape is clean.