Run the Gauntlet

Notice: This article was written by Steve Jordan, Coach's Notebook. Email the author at sjordan@alaskalife.net.

Setup: Full court, with the floor divided into four zones. Don't write the zone numbers on the floor because you'll upset the janitor. I put them in the diagram for illustrative purposes. There are two defenders in each zone. The offense (in yellow) forms a pair of lines at the baseline, but only two offensive players can go at once.

Introduction: The objective is to challenge two offensive players to advance the ball from one baseline to the other. In their way are four pairs of defenders. The defender pairs must stay in their zone. They can match up or double team the ballhandler. They can intercept any passes they can reach. About the only limitation is that they cannot get too physical. We are not trying to teach them to foul out, but to harass the offense into committing a turnover. 

If the offense succeeds in reaching the other baseline, all the defenders do pushups. If the offense turns the ball over, they do pushups and take their turn in zone 4. All defender pairs then move up a zone. Zone one defenders join the offensive lines.

Benefits: The drill is intended to improve player concentration and poise under pressure. The players should be allowed to use creativity, especially on offense. The defensive success will depend on their ability to anticipate the offensive actions.

Pitfalls: This drill is pretty intense and sometimes the kids get too carried away. If it gets too rough, somebody might get hurt, so be careful. Make sure the offense uses acceptable basketball techniques, like screens, to get open.

 

Diagram #1:

  1. Offense in bounds the ball with a quick cut by Y2. They can inbound the ball any way they want, but this is one way to do it.
  2. Y1 passes to Y2
  3. Y1 sprints onto the court looking for the ball back.

Diagram #2:

  1. Y2 returns the ball to Y1
  2. Notice that B3 and B4 are reacting to the action
  3. Y2 might think about cutting up court to the left. However, a long pass into Zone 3 is eligible for interception by B5 and B6.
  4. B4 should try to herd Y1 into the side line and stop the dribble.
  5. B2 and B3 should look for any passes they can catch within their respective zones.
  6. The offense is not limited by zones, but once they cross half court, the normal over and back rule applies.

Diagram #3

The offense has successfully cleared Zone 1. They can return to Zone 1, but if they do, they are again in jeopardy from B1 and B2.

  1. In this example, Y2 sets a screen to help Y1 drive left and shake B4.
  2. Y1 drives left.
  3. B3 must try and stop the dribble.
  4. B5 is waiting for the ball handler
  5. B6 is trying to anticipate what Y2 might do.
  6. B7 and B8 are encouraged to verbally help any way they can.
  7. Y1 and Y2 continue to advance the ball as long as they can or until they cross the baseline at the other end of the court. It isn't necessary to shoot or score, although you may add that as an added difficulty.

The drill is intended to improve player concentration and poise under pressure. The players should be allowed to use creativity, especially on offense. The defensive success will depend on their ability to anticipate the offensive actions.

If your players can learn to manage this degree of defensive pressure, then they should have an easier time with a five on five full court press.