The closeout is when you run to contest a shooter who just caught the ball. This drill teaches the final steps and hand positioning to contest without fouling.
What you need: Basketball. Two kids per pair (defender and shooter). Half-court.
Setup: Shooter stands on the wing 15 feet from the basket. Defender starts at the baseline 15 feet away.
How to run it:
- Cue: Stance, Slide, Mirror, Hands.
- Passer passes to the shooter. Defender immediately sprints to the shooter.
- As the defender gets close (last 2 steps), they plant feet and get in stance.
- Hands go up but don’t reach. Contest the shot, don’t foul.
- Shooter takes the shot. Defender retreats.
- Do 5 closeouts per defender. Rest. Rotate.
What to watch: Do they get into stance before the shot or are they still moving forward? The last 2 steps are the plant and stance. If they’re still moving, they’ll foul.
If they’re struggling: Start the defender closer (5 feet away). Slow the pace. Just focus on the final stance without the sprint.
If they’ve got it: Shooter can shoot or pass out. Defender must adjust to either.