Closeout Defense: extra player advantage scramble

This drill is played with 6 to 10 players. Set up four offensive players spaced outside the three-point line — one in each corner, one on a wing, and one at the top. Each of those players has a defender matched up. Add one extra offensive player (coach or player) on the opposite wing who is not being guarded. How It Works: The ball starts in one corner and is swung around the perimeter — corner to wing to top. As the ball is reversed, the extra offensive player on the opposite wing receives the pass and immediately drives to the basket. The defense must rotate and stop the ball, even though they are at a numbers disadvantage. The driver can attempt to score or kick out to an open teammate. From there, the possession becomes live scramble defense until a score or stop. If defenders overplay passing lanes on the perimeter swings, offensive players can backdoor cut to keep the defense honest. After the possession, rotate players as needed. Focus Points: This drill emphasizes closeout defense, rotations, and scramble situations when playing against an extra offensive player. Defenders must keep the ball in front, stunt and recover on swings, and communicate through rotations. Once the extra player drives, the defense must collapse, rotate out, and contest without losing shooters. Offensively, players work on quick ball movement, attacking advantages, and reading overplays.