‘Close & Board’ Creates Competition

A big part of rebounding comes on perimeter shots when defenders first need to close out on a shooter, then box out that responsibility to get in perfect position to secure the ball.

WHY USE IT

This is a drill for all players but especially important for guards who primarily are closing out on shooters and need to be in the proper box-out position to keep people off the boards. There also is a competitive element to the drill as players are attempting to reach a certain point total and the loser completes a punishment.

SET UP

Place a coach on the baseline with a ball. There is another coach at the top of the key. Two defensive rebounders start on the baseline while two offensive players are positioned at opposite elbows.

HOW TO PLAY

The coach with the ball passes to the coach at the top of the key. On the pass, the two defensive players close out on the offensive player in front of them. On the catch, the coach takes a shot (intended to miss) from the top [A]. All four players now battle for the rebound and once someone secures the ball, the drill turns into a 2-on-2 battle [B]. Either team can score and you are staying at the same end of the court regardless of which team grabs the initial rebound. Score a bucket, get a point and the ball goes back to the baseline coach [C].

A

B

C

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TECHNIQUE

Set a number of points as the goal. Many teams play to 5 while others may go to 7 or 9 depending on how many baskets are available, how much rebounding work players need and how much time you have available for that particular practice. There is no out of bounds and only call egregious fouls.