Any good basketball coach will tell you that defense wins championships. After all, a team can't win if it can't score. Man-to-man defense is a fundamental formation in competitive basketball, from the youngest of players straight through to the professional ranks. Improving this basic strategy requires drills that demand a player be both physically fit and mentally sharp—the better to anticipate an opponent's intentions and hinder them effectively.
1-on-1 Drill
The oldest and most basic man-to-man drill is also one of the best because it allows both players to work on their individual games. The offensive player starts in possession of the ball at the top of the key and tries to score. The offensive player gets a point each time he makes a basket, gets an offensive rebound or is fouled. The defensive player gets a point each time he secures a defensive rebound after a missed shot. First player to accrue five points wins.
1-on-1 Drill With a Post
A twist on the original one-on-one drill, this drill adds a second offensive player—a post—who can do anything except shoot and rebound. This drill teaches a defender to guard against different offensive attacks, including the pick-and-roll and the give-and-go.
Trapping Drill
A trap occurs when two defenders converge on an offensive player in possession of the ball to harass her, limit her field of vision and attempt to force a turnover. A trapping drill is performed with 10 players. Four of the five defensive players spread out to each corner of the rectangular court, with the fifth in the middle of the floor. The offensive team attempts to advance the ball via dribbling and passing it forward. The middle defender and the closest corner defender converge on the player in possession of the ball to halt her progress. The trap is successful if the offense fails to cross mid-court within 10 seconds, if the defense records a steal, or if the ball is lost out of bounds by the offense.
5-on-5 Defensive Drill
This drill teaches footwork, anticipation and communication. Defensive players are not allowed to use their hands and arms for a majority of the drill. Using a 5-on-5 situation in a half-court setting, the offense must pass the ball a minimum of six times before attempting a shot. The defense can only use its feet to get into proper position to prevent easy shots or drives to the basket. Each defender must keep his hands behind his back. When an offensive player takes a shot, the defense can yell "shot," at which time all defensive players can use their hands and arms to box out and attempt to get the rebound.
Staying With Your Man
Many younger, more inexperienced players have a hard time not just chasing the ball. For this drill, play five on five and assign each player an opposing player of similar skill level. Proceed with a normal game, but players can play defense against only the player they were initially matched up against. If another player with the ball comes into their area, they cannot guard her. This teaches assignment defense.
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