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It's about achievement vs. activity. There are a million drills you can find online now, but having the right drills will make a difference for you and your team. Instead of finding things that give you activities in practice, find the ones that will help you achieve success on game day.

Here are four defensive drills from the top coaches in basketball you can add to your practice this season:

#1 One-on-One Sidelines

Putting players into one on one defense is a great way to work on technique, stance, and cutting off the offensive player without using hands. This drill can also work the offensive player and stress ball handling under pressure.

Link: 1 on 1 Sidelines

#2 Shell Defense 

This drill is a classic but it's a drill that is used by many coaches all over for a reason. Working on shell can drill angles when guarding all the different positions, footwork, and rotations in the defense. Shell can help defensive flow and working together, as well as learning the defensive jargon that is used. 

Link: Shell Defense

#3 Two Line Closeouts

Closeouts are a small but impactful part of defense. Without a good closeout, players can get blown by, or they can give an open shot. However, closeouts can vary depending on the defensive position on the court, as well as player personnel. Check out this two line closeout drill from UCONN coach, Coach Hurley. 

Link: Two Line Closeout

#4 Progressive Transition

Implementing a build-up drill in your practice plan is a great way to work on defensive rotations. Playing with one less defensive player can help communication and scrambling to get the ball guarded. Using this drill is a great way to work offense and defense as well. 

Link: Progressive Transition

Spending time improving defensive tendencies can pay off, so include these drills in your next practice to work on flow and effectiveness on defense. 

Always be Growing, 

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