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4v4 Shell to Live: Defensive Rotations

Small-Sided 12 min 8+ players

4v4 starts in a controlled shell, then goes live to train clear communication and correct rotation habits on drives and passes.

Court diagram: 4v4 Shell to Live: Defensive Rotations basketball drill

Instructions

  1. Set 3 offensive players on perimeter and 3 defenders matched up.
  2. Run 10-15 seconds of shell: offense passes only, defense jumps to the correct positions.
  3. Coach calls "live": on-ball defender touches the three point line to create a disadvantage, offense can drive and score.
  4. Play live until a score or stop.
  5. Rotate new offense in; defense stays for 2-3 reps, then rotates out.

Coaching Points

  • Talk every pass: "ball," "deny," "help"
  • Help early on drives, then recover on the pass (x-out rotation)
  • Closeouts are under control with high hands

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