Help-and-recover is the most important team defense principle at this age. This drill forces defenders to make the right decision about when to help and when to recover.
Equipment needed: One basketball, one half court, 6 kids (3 offense, 3 defense).
Setup: Half court, three offensive players (wings and high post), three defenders. One offensive player is the primary scorer with the ball.
How to run it:
- Offensive player attacks their defender with the ball.
- If a second defender helps, that defender’s man (who is now open) must be recovered to before the pass is caught.
- If the defense is tight, no help is needed.
- Play for 25 minutes, rotating positions every 5 minutes.
What to look for: Help timing and recovery speed. Is the defense helping too early (opening driving lanes) or too late (allowing an easy pass)? Is the recovery defender in position or recovering to the wrong player?
Variation: For younger kids (13), give them the rule: “Help only if the ball is 10 feet from the basket.” For older kids (14), let them make the decision and debrief afterward about whether it was right.