Closeouts have become one of the most important aspects of a successful half-court defense.

With the emphasis now on spacing and 3pt shooting, the ability to go from off-ball to on-ball is a skill executed countless times during a game.

The effectiveness of your team's ability to do so will determine the shooting percentage of your opponent, the dribble penetration/blowbys on closeouts and the scramble situations your team finds itself in.

Coach Mike Jagacki covers the drills, concepts and techniques to effectively closeout the ball and develop great defenders.

Here are 3 Tips on being an effective closeout defensive team:

#1 - Breakdown of Technique

Closeouts are a key ingredient to a successful defense.

The offensive game has transitioned over the years to be able to make a defense scramble.

As a result, that means there are constantly closeouts.

Therefore, a team needs to understand the importance to closing out.

Link: Breakdown of Technique

#2 - Chop or Not?

Coach Jagacki does a great job of going over the study of whether to chop or not on the closeout.

The thing about chopping on the closeout is it takes time - whereas, the offensive player can go right away. 

Link: Chop or Not?

#3 - Upper Body Impact

Upper body impact is very important in a closeout so it discourages a shot.

On a closeout, the window for a shot will usually be there.

However, the correct technique can result in a non-attempt. 

Link: Upper Body Impact

Coach Jagacki’s clinic breaks down how to fundamentally perform a perfect closeout.

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