Coach ,

As we are starting our seasons, we will need to adjust our practice based on the game plan. If we want to refocus our defense and start pressing more, we also need to make sure we do the right drills and promote good habits that help players be consistent with our press defense. 

Let’s take a look at a few very simple drills that should be included in every practice whenever you are trying to improve your press defense.

#1) Zig Zag Drill

The success is in the basics. Simple 1 on 1 zig zag drill helps to improve players to work on their on ball defense and defensive stamina. As old school as this drill might look, it is a staple of almost every high level coach. 

Not only it builds up proper footwork for on ball defense and builds stamina, it also helps players work on their ball-handling and protecting the ball. It can simply be used after warm-up/stretching. (Click on Image to Play Video)

#2) Three on Three

Now let’s take a look at how Coach Mike Balado looks to build great habits. He uses 1 on 1, 2 on 2, 3 on 3 to build great defensive habits, for example where to force the ball to be caught after out of bounds pass, or where to pressure the ball, all while keeping in mind the rotation on switches. 

The 3 on 3 drill helps to build better habits thanks to the space it creates for guards to be more engaged in the game. Guards have less room for error and need to communicate more, predict the next pass and generally just have a better vision of what is going on on the court. (Click on Image to Play Video)

#3) 1 On 1 Wing Denial

UTEP Head Coach Joe Golding and current Abilene Christian Head Coach Brette Tanner show us a drill that works on denying the ball to the wing. It will help with off-ball defense and teaches players how to have the proper vision focusing on the ball and on their player at the same time, while also being able to anticipate the pass. (Click on Image to Play Video)

In-season development is maximized by finding drills that focus on the critical keys to success. Keep looking for ways to keep it fresh yet challenging for your players.

Never get out-coached,

-- The Coaches Clinic Community of Helping Coaches