Defense Drill: 1 2 3 Progression

I have a rotation drill I created in mid 80’s when I was coaching in the PSAL and CHSAA NYC. It incorporates 5 players and every facet of the game. I had middle school players, playing man if first pass goes to wing. Zone if they throw to post, which we don’t allow but it happens. I matchup man1-2-2, 2-3, 3-2, 2-1-2
Whatever because the know how to rotate in the full and half court

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I use this drill for around 5-10 minutes every practice. Yes, it does not happen very often in a game, but I 100% agree that it improves overall athleticism and condition. I have a few guards that I match up intentionally in order for them to push themselves to the limit, and when it comes to game time, I have the 2 best defensive guards in our area. They can pressure the ball up the court all game and still not be tired, and it usually results in a minimum of 5 turnovers and 10 quick transition points just because the basic pressure is there and the opposing guards get flustered. Great drill!

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Ernie -

When guarding one pass away, you just follow stand man to man defense principles....
- see man and ball
- be in a position to stop the ball and recover to your man
- be in an athletic stance ready to move

For more info on defensive principles and rotations, see this page:
https://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/defense/man.html

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Walter - On the progression #1, you just have a defender and ballhandler zig zagging up the court.

On progression #2, you add an offense player on the wing and a defensive player guarding him/her. Those two players are set up on the other end of the court and have to wait for the ball to come to them.

On progression #3, you add another offense player on the wing and a defensive player guarding him/her.

So yes, it's always two players (offense and defense) coming down the court, and some other players waiting for them.

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What are the defenseive rotations

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When you progress to two on two or three on three, what are the rules for the offensive wings?

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I don't get how the 123 progression is run. Are only two players coming down court?

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Coach Tristan,

I agree with your statement about full court 1on1 drills. The situation doesn't happen very often during games.

However, I am a huge fan of them for these reasons:

1. Improves athleticism.
2. Conditions players.
3. Overloads the defense, so half court defense feels easy.
4. Improves team defense.
5. Gets the competitive juices flowing.

You can read more detail on each of these reasons in this article: http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/drills/1on1-defense.html

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I've never been a fan of the zigzag drills. First of all, most players don't like them because they are exhausting. But off course that is not the reason why I don't like them... I don't like them because it rarely happens in a game. For example, in our full court defense we try to send the offensive player to the side. If I want to work on defense and slides, I prefer a mass-drill or a 1 on 1 halfcourt drill.

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thanks for this drills .... we need more for the movement of the defense players inside there zone ... thanks again

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You should add some structure to the offenseive section encouraging players to set on ball AS WELL as off-ball screens and to emphasize the importance of crashing the board when a shot goes up

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To me, the transition game, next to defense is the most important part of the game and warrants the second most time in practice.

I start this drill with a rebound and outlet pass.

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when doing this drill should the player stand in a full defensive stance or slight to the side and gliding while offense move

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Very affected drill

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yeah

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great stuff keep up the good work

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THAT'S A REALLY GOOD WAY TO MIX IT UP.

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The scrimage is really effective once follwed the right way and any team that can beat that play is very defensive.

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just great stuff!!!

so simple and funny!
you can train some extra things to...
like pick and roll play (2-2) or back door...
just put some offense drills inside and mix it up...

great!!!

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