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The 13-2 Ohio’s basketball team is built on defense – and it starts every single day in practice. 

Coach Jeff Boals’ is a firm believer in defensive build-up drills. 

Here are 4 build up drills starting from 1 on 1 to 4 on 4: 

#1 - 1 vs 1 - Zig Zag Full Court into Post Defense

1 vs 1 build drills help build the guard your yard mindset. 

This drill works on 1 vs 1 - up into the guard brings it up and then passes it into the post.

The post players then go 1 vs 1. 

This drill is designed to get players to buy into stopping the player they are guarding.

Link - 1 vs.1 - Zig Zag Full Court Press into Post Defense Drill

#2 - 2 vs 2 Wing/Corner

Coach Boals’ defense is built on not wanting straight-line drives.

The 2 vs 2 Wing/Corner Drill is built to work on being in the gap and being able to take away the straight-line drive on the pass and closeout.

This drill is all about getting repetitive reps.

Link - 2 vs 2 Wing/Corner

#3 - 3 vs 3 - Baseline Closeouts

Guarding closeouts is such a key part of a defense because it puts the defense in rotations.

Therefore, you are preparing to resolve chaos. 

The 3 vs 3 baseline closeouts drill helps work on proper closeouts with high hands and active feet. 

As the drill becomes live, the defenders have to switch to playing in the gaps and helpside. 

Link - 3 vs 3 - Baseline Closeouts

#4 - 4 vs 4 - Call Name

The 4 vs 4 Call Name drill is a team defensive drill that puts the defense in a scramble until the 4th defender can get back in the play.

The drill starts with 4 vs 4 until the coach calls a name - and then that player has to run to half court and back to get back in the play.

The defense has to figure it out until the numbers are equal again.

Link - 4 vs 4 - Call Name

Coach Boals’ clinic on defense will give a practice layout on how to build up a defense into 5 on 5 principles, filled with 11 defensive practice drills that can help your team.

Never get out-coached,

– The Coaches Clinic Community of Coaches Helping Coaches