Wall Defense Warmup

Half-court defensive positioning drill. The defender closes the attacker's advance, forces a change of direction, and builds comfort with contact, both without the ball and against the ball-handler.

Instructions

1. Start with one attacker and one defender on the half court.
2. Without the ball, the attacker tries to go right or left.
3. The defender takes position quickly to stop the advance and close the penetration line.
4. With the ball, begin statically. The attacker moves the ball to four positions: high, low, right, and left.
5. Once the defender reaches a correct position in front of the ball, the attacker moves the ball again.
6. Then work the same defensive positioning as the no-ball version, now against the ball-handler, with dribbling.

Coaching Points

• Keep the center of gravity low.
• Absorb contact without losing balance.
• Keep the feet parallel to the baseline ("wall")
• If beaten, quick defensive slide and then feet parallel to the baseline again

Variations

• Vary speed throughout (walking, jogging)

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