Closeouts

It's no secret that the offense has the advantage when a defender is closing out. Even the slowest players can get by the defender if he/she does not close out properly. Every coach has different philosophies on how their players should closeout. Some like for players to closeout with two hands high, while others require only one hand. Still others would say that they don't care how it gets done, but that the player find a way. I would not argue that one way is better than the other so long as the skill is drilled with regularity.

With that said, I want to run through several keys to becoming a good closeout defender and containing the offensive player.

1. Anticipation is vital. Defender must anticipate the pick up, move on airtime and arrive on the catch
2. Be in a stance. If the defender is standing upright at any point they have no chance
3. Be in good defensive positioning according to the coaches philosophy.
4. Footwork. Every good closeout defender has the ability to fight for their feet
5. Balance. If the defenders weight is forward they are beat
6. Breakdown into short sprint to recover. There will be times when the defender has to stop sliding and sprint to a spot.
7. Know who you are guarding. A three point shooter or a driver? Closeout short on a slasher and long on a three point shooter
8. Have some pride!

Closeouts are very important. Keeping the ball in front and containing the straight line drives will limit the number of defensive rotations your team will have to defend.