4 Defensive Team Games for Improved Competitiveness
Small-Sided Games and 5v5 Games
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Too often, basketball practices focus on offense, while defense is an afterthought. Great team defense doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built through habits, communication, and competition. If you want to win close games and build a tough-minded team, you have to create a culture where stops matter. This week, four high-energy games designed to prioritize defense, build competitiveness and cohesion, and improve skills.
1v1 Continuous Closeout
Objective: Improve closeouts, on-ball containment, and defensive recovery.
Setup:
2 lines of players at each wing.
1 coach or player at the top with the ball
Rules:
Coach passes to one wing; that player is on offense.
Opposite line sends a defender sprinting to close out.
Play 1v1 live for one shot.
Offense goes to defense; defense to end of opposite line.
Coaching Points:
Reinforce closeout technique and high hands.
Use guided reps first (force weak hand), then go live.
Compete by tracking stops or makes over time.
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3-Stop Challenge
Objective: Build team defensive pride by stringing together consecutive stops.