At the high school, college, or professional levels, having different types of close outs for different types of players can make your defense better. That’s because most players have strengths and weaknesses when it comes to shooting, shooting off the dribble, and attacking the basket. And you want to dictate those players away from their strengths and into their weaknesses.

Here are three basic types of close outs that you should employ.

1 - Guard the Drive

This is for the type of player that is much more effective at driving into the lane than shooting off the catch.

You might think of a Rajon Rondo or Ben Simmons type of player.

You still close out hard and short with your hands up, but you stop about five to seven feet before you reach the offensive player.

2 - Guard the Shot

This is for the type of player that will kill you with an uncontested jump shot. You do everything you can to eliminate the shot off the catch.

In today’s game, this is a Kyle Korver, Doug McDermott, and to a lesser extent, a JJ Redick and Klay Thompson.

You close out hard with hands high. Your number one goal is to force them to drive or pass. You are practically under the offensive player’s chin.

3 - Pick Your Poison

If a player can beat you shooting or driving the ball, let’s face it, you’re not going to stop them. You just have to make it as difficult as possible.

This is your Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and James Harden type of player.

You want to contest the shot and be balanced to defend the drive. You are about an arm’s length away.

Forcing to One Side

Another tactic you might employ is forcing a player to the left or right. If you can gather enough information, you might notice certain players aren’t nearly as effective driving to the left or right.

Some coaches also like to force to the middle or the baseline.

So you might combine this with any of the three options above.

You guard the shot and force them to the left. You guard the drive and force them to the baseline. You pick your poison and force them to the left.

At the high school level, since players aren’t typically as skilled, some coaches also believe in forcing players to drive to the weak hand.

Youth Coaches!

If you’re a youth coach, I wouldn’t be overly concerned with these tactics. I would just focus on a balanced close out. You close out to about an arm’s length away. You contest the shot and try to eliminate dribble drives.

Let Us Know Your Thoughts!

Let us know what you think about the different types of close outs. Do you agree or disagree? Do you have another way to teach close outs that is effective?

Related Defense Resources:

Man to Man Defense with Jim Huber - The Ultimate Resource for Man to Man Defense

Match Up Zone Defense with Don Kelbick

The 31 Defense With Will Rey - The Disruptive 1-3-1 Zone Defense

The Aggressive 2-3 Zone Defense with Al Marshall - The Defense Your Opponents Will Hate!

Uptempo Basketball System with Keith Haske - Pressure Defense, Pressure Offense

Dictate Your Basketball Defense - 5 Advantages of Force Left Defense

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