When you have to chase after a loose ball or compete for a rebound, it takes more than just skill to come out on top. You have to hustle. Learning hustle may be difficult if you're not a naturally competitive or aggressive player, but you can enhance your hustle by participating in appropriate drills.
Loose Ball
Set up four cones in a square formation with roughly 20 feet between each cone. Half of the players stand within the square without balls. The remaining players stand outside the square. When the drill starts, the players outside the square roll loose balls into the square. Roll two or three fewer balls into the square as there are players so that they have to compete to come up with a ball. The players who come up with a ball earn a point. Repeat the ball roll into the square 10 more times before switching groups. The top two point-earners from each group participate in one final round to determine an outright hustle winner.
Rebound Competition
Set up three players on offense and three players on defense. Offensive players start outside the key, and the defensive players defend them closely. As coach, stand outside the three-point line with a couple of basketballs. Throw up a shot toward the backboard, without intending to make the basket. When the shot goes up, the players fight for position to rebound the ball. Because the defensive players start with better position, if a defensive player rebounds the ball, his team receives a point. If the offensive team rebounds the ball, it receives two points. After five shots, the teams switch position and compete for five more shots. The team with the most points at the end of the two cycles wins.
Catch Up
Split the group into two teams. Line up one team in a single-file line on the right side of center court. Each player should have a basketball. Line up the other team in a single-file line on the left side of the court at the top of the 3-point line. Both groups should face the same basket, the one farthest from the group at the 3-point line. When you say, "Go!" the players at the front of each line start sprinting toward the basket. The player at half-court dribbles her ball toward the basket. The player at the three-point line has to sprint to try to catch up with the other player and defend the player from getting a shot off. Continue the drill, rotating through the line.
Member Comments