Basketball Defensive Drills for Kids

Defense wins championships: we have heard the adage many times. The best time to teach these fundamentals to players is when they are young. Use some quick drills to implement in your next practice.

  1. Defensive stance drill

    • Wall sits provide an excellent starting drill to build strength, endurance and emphasize the correct defensive posture. Take position against a wall as if sitting in a chair, legs and thighs parallel to the ground. Lean head and back flat against the wall and hold position for 15 seconds to start. Gradually increase the length of time as your team builds stamina.

    Defensive reaction drill

    • Line up players on baseline in three separate lines. On the first whistle, players sprint until next whistle, at which time they begin to stutter step. The coach next points in one direction and players defensively slide backwards in that same direction (alternate directions as needed). On the next whistle, players sprint forward again. When the whistle is blown again, players stutter step and once again the coach will point in a direction to have players defensively slide backwards. Repeat this process as needed for the length of the full basketball court. Repeat with new group of players on baseline.

    Boxing out drill

    • Divide players into two teams of three kids each: one team on defense and one on offense. Place defensive team inside the key, with offensive players trying to get post position. Shoot the ball and make sure to have each defender box out the opposing player. If the defensive team gains the rebound, it gets one point. If the offensive team gets the rebound, subtract one point from the defensive team. Once the defensive team reaches three points, have the teams reverse roles.