If the popular sports cliche has it right, defense wins championships. Exceptional defense in basketball can be hard to learn, and takes years to master, and even many professional basketball players sometimes get criticized for poor defensive play. Defense can also be an area where a player without exceptional offensive skills can find value as a teammate and contribute in a game. But defense is harder to hone than offensive skills, because it takes an opponent to learn. There are several defensive drills you can use to enhance these skills.
One-on-One Drill
This simple drill is similar to playing one-on-one in your driveway, but some coaches put a time limit on the drill to pressure the offensive player. One offensive player starts at midcourt and attacks toward the basket, where a single defender tries to meet up with him at the 3-point line. The defender's goal is to disrupt the drive, keep the offensive player from penetrating close to the hoop, and force the player to the sideline, where he either puts up a difficult, low-percentage shot ,or turns the ball over to the defender. Some coaches may also prefer to let a successful player stay on the court for the next round, allowing other players the opportunity to defeat the champion from the previous round.
Fast-Break Defense
Fast breaks are common in basketball, and most coaches prefer to teach their players how to handle themselves when they find themselves on defense, and short-handed. A popular defensive drill is the 3-on-2 fast break, in which three offensive players take off down the court, and try to score against two defensive players. Because of the numbers advantage, the offensive team is favored to win this match-up, but the defensive team can force tough passes and shots with proper timing. The key to good defense in this drill is to remain between the offensive player holding the ball and the basket to prevent an easy layup. The defender should also wait until late in the player's drive to commit to stopping the player --- by backing up but remaining in the way, the defender can remain a threat to both the layup, and the easy pass to a teammate. The other defender should try to guard the passing lanes between the player with the ball and his teammates, making it hard to pass easily, and increasing the chances of a turnover. The drill ends when the offensive team scores, or the rebound is grabbed by a defender.
Baseline Stops
When a player begins to drive to the hoop, there is most often a defender between her and the hoop. The defender can pinch off the drive and force the player into a tough passing situation --- and possibly a turnover --- by staying close to the offensive player and preventing her from making any progress toward the hoop. The driving action will bring the player down to the baseline, where she will have a poor vantage point for a shot, and be forced to pass the ball. Players should practice sticking close to the offensive player and forcing her down to the sideline, and offensive players should continue driving to the baseline while trying to get around the player, rather than simply trying a different move. The point of the drill is to instill the reaction and procedure used to turn a player's attempted layup into an advantage for the defense.
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