The Defensive Challenge

Drill Purpose:

This drill is great because it provides a positive, fun twist to scrimmaging that encourages and rewards defense. It also gets your players in the mentality of, "I want to play defense."

Instructions

Perform this drill with 3-on-3, 4-on-4, or 5-on-5 in the half-court or full court. Split your players into two teams. Only the defense can score points, either by forcing a turnover or securing a rebound. If the defense gets a defensive stop, the team stays on defense. If the offense gets a basket or the defense fouls a shooter, the offense and defense switch. Play to 5 points or whatever you deem necessary.

• If the defense fouls two or three times in a row, the offense and defense switch.
• Play without any boundary lines. This gives the offense more freedom and makes the defense work harder.
• Force the defense to get 2 or 3 stops in a row before a point is awarded.
• If you have too many players, divide the group into 3 or 4 teams. If the defense does NOT get a stop, they rotate out. The offense rotates to defense and a new team comes in on offense.