A closeout is a sprint to a shooter followed by a controlled stance to contest without fouling. This drill teaches the sprint and the transition into defensive stance.
Equipment needed: One basketball, cones to mark three-point spots, 6 kids (3 shooters in rotation, 3 defenders in rotation).
Setup: Mark three three-point spots on the court (left wing, right wing, top). Shooters stand at these spots with the ball. Defenders start in the paint, 30 feet away.
How to run it:
- Coach points to a shooter. Defender sprints toward them.
- Defender must sprint hard, then plant and transition into defensive stance within 2-3 feet of the shooter (no fouling).
- Shooter passes back to coach or makes a shot attempt (defender contests but doesn’t block).
- Defender resets and goes to the next spot as directed.
- Do 15 closeouts per defender.
What to look for: Sprint effort and stance transition. The sprint should be hard, then a controlled plant to avoid fouling. Hands up at the end, not reaching in.
If they’re struggling: Cut the sprint distance in half. Walk the last two steps so they feel the plant before adding speed.
If they’ve got it: Shooter can shoot or drive past. Defender has to read the choice and either contest or slide back.
Gear for this drill (affiliate)
Youth rubber basketball → — durable rubber ball for outdoor and gym use.
Agility cones → — for lane markers, footwork guides, and drills.
Full basketball gear guide → — all picks by age, sport, and level.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.