Basketball Charging Foul Drill #2
In the first part of this 2 part series, we discussed a drill that teaches players the proper technique for taking charges.
Technique is important. Without it, you won't get the call.
However, it's more than technique. As we know, there seem to be some players who are willing to take charges and others who aren't.
Some of that is attributable to toughness. But, contrary to what some coaches think, that toughness can be taught.
A major obstacle to players taking charges is the fear of getting hurt. Use the "Triangle" charge drill to overcome that fear.
Drill Purpose (All Ages)
This is a great drill that will teach your kids how to take multiple charges under a game-like situation.
By doing so at half speed, players learn how to apply the technique in a controlled setting.
As importantly, they learn that taking a charge will not result in injury.
Once they overcome this mental hurdle, they will be much more willing to take charges in games!
Triangle Charge Drill
Setup
- Break players up into groups of 4
- 3 offensive players start 1-2 steps outside the paint with a ball. The defensive player starts under the basket.
Instructions
- Player 1 takes 1 dribble as player 4 slides over into charge position.
- The defensive player should slide to stop the ball. They need to be in good defensive position, so they can take the charge.
- The offensive player bumps into the defensive player at half speed. The defensive player should let out a yell "Uh!!!" and fall under control backwards onto his/her butt. The offensive player helps the defender up.
- The defender pops back up and hustles back to their starting position. 2 now charges into x4.
- The defender pops back up and hustles back to their starting position. 3 now charges into x4.



After taking 3 charges, players rotate and a new player rotates in on defense.
Motivation / Teaching Tips
Tip #1 - If a player does not do this right, make them do it until they do. If they do not do it right, make sure to instruct them how to do it correctly. If the player does it again, but you do not tell them what he is doing wrong, they'll continually do it wrong and get discouraged.
Also, don't just call them out on toughness when they make a mistake. Shaming a player is unlikely to help them. You are much better off coaching them up and supporting them.
Tip #2 - If a player does this drill correctly, you should make sure to applaud him/her. If a player takes a charge on his/her own during a scrimmage, stop the scrimmage and congratulate them. Other players will see this and want to do the same. If they take a charge during a game, make a point to mention it during the next practice. This will get your players in the right mindset.
To build on this, you might consider giving a prize to players who take a charge during a game or practice. It could be something as simple as a Gatorade. Just the act of recognizing those who take a charge is a great way to reinforce the desired behavior!
Build An Elite Defense
Tough teams take charges. But it goes beyond that. Tough teams compete defensively every possession.
To build a team like that takes a combination of physical skill and mental discipline and toughness.
If you want to build a team like that, consider Man To Man Defense With Coach Jim Huber.
He takes you through an A-Z system for building an impregnable defense. From individual defense to team concepts, your team will become a lockdown unit that makes life miserable for your opponents!
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