Closeout Defense: level of the ball

This is a 6-player drill with 3 players on offense and 3 players on defense. Each offensive player is guarded man-to-man by a defender. Position one offensive player on each wing and one under the basket. How it works: The offensive player under the basket starts the drill by throwing the ball off the backboard, rebounding it, and turning to face the opposite direction. He makes an outlet pass to one of the wing players. As soon as the pass is made, all defensive players must adjust to the level of the ball — meaning every defender must be at least even with or above the ball’s level to stay in help position and protect driving lanes. The offensive player on the wing takes one or two dribbles, then passes back to the middle. The defense shifts accordingly, maintaining the level of the ball and positioning in the gaps. The ball is then swung to the opposite wing, and the same rotation happens. Focus points: Maintaining defensive positioning at the level of the ball Quick defensive shifts on every pass or dribble Staying in help position while keeping vision on the ball and your man On-ball defensive pressure and team spacing