Elevate Your Game with the Ultimate Closeout Drill

It’s never good when a defender loses control during a close out and fouls the shooter. This is why it’s so important for basketball players to know how to effectively closeout on a shooter during a game.

A closeout drill is an essential component of basketball training that focuses on a defensive player’s ability to quickly and effectively approach an offensive player with the ball. The goal is to close the distance between the defender and the offensive player to contest shots while maintaining proper defensive positioning. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to conduct a closeout drill:

Closeout Drill:

Setup-

1. Players:
   • Divide players into pairs. One player will be the defender, and the other will be the offensive player with a basketball.
   • If you have multiple pairs, set up multiple stations to keep the drill dynamic.
2. Space:
   • Use a half-court or a designated area on the court for the drill. Ensure there is enough space for defensive movements.
3. Cones or Markers:
   • Optionally, place cones or markers to create a starting point for the defender and simulate the offensive player’s shooting position.

Drill Execution-

1. Defensive Stance:
   • Instruct the defender to start in a proper defensive stance, emphasizing a low stance with knees bent, hands up, and feet shoulder-width apart.
2. Starting Position:
   • The defender begins at a designated point (marked by a cone or marker), a few feet away from the offensive player.
3. Coach’s Signal:
   • On your signal or whistle, the offensive player starts dribbling or moves to simulate an offensive threat.
4. Closeout Technique:
   • The defender must sprint towards the offensive player while maintaining a low stance and staying under control.
   • Emphasize using choppy steps to control the approach speed and be ready to react to the offensive player’s movements.
5. Hand Position:
   • As the defender gets closer to the offensive player, instruct them to raise their hands to contest the shot without fouling. The hands should be up and active, not swiping at the ball.
6. Contest and Recover:
   • The goal is to contest the shot without allowing an easy scoring opportunity. After the closeout, the defender should quickly recover to the defensive stance.
7. Switch Roles:
   • After a set number of repetitions or a specified time, switch roles. The offensive player becomes the defender, and vice versa.
8. Feedback and Coaching:
   • Provide feedback on the defender’s technique, emphasizing the importance of a quick and controlled closeout, proper hand positioning, and a rapid recovery.

Coaching Points-

1. Speed and Control:
   • Emphasize the balance between speed and control during the closeout. Players should be quick to approach the offensive player but under control to react to movements.
2. Active Hands:
   • Stress the importance of active hands. Defenders should contest the shot without fouling and make it challenging for the offensive player to score.
3. Proper Footwork:
   • Teach players to use choppy steps or quick shuffle steps during the closeout, maintaining proper defensive footwork.
4. Communication:
   • Encourage communication between players. Defenders should call out the offensive player’s name and signal their presence.
5. Recovery:
   • Highlight the need for a rapid recovery after the closeout, ensuring the defender gets back to the defensive stance promptly.
6. Variations:
   • Introduce variations by having the offensive player use different offensive moves, such as shot fakes or drives, to challenge the defender’s reactions.

Variations-

1. Live Closeout Drill:
   • Turn the drill into a live one-on-one situation where the offensive player attempts to score after the closeout.
2. Multiple Offensive Players:
   • Include multiple offensive players, requiring the defender to choose the appropriate closeout based on the offensive threat.
3. Spot-Up Shooting:
   • Instead of the offensive player dribbling, have them start in a shooting position, simulating a spot-up shooter that the defender needs to close out on.

Conclusion:

The closeout drill is crucial for developing a defender’s ability to respond quickly to offensive players and contest shots effectively. Regular practice of this drill will contribute to improved defensive skills during actual gameplay.