Description
The main focus is on transition defense, which starts from offense. Key principles include:
- Shot selection – Good shot selection leads to better transition defense after a made or missed shot.
- Offensive rebounding – Sending 3-4 players to offensive rebound can help transition defense, as long rebounds lead to fast breaks.
- Sprinting back on defense – Players must sprint back on defense immediately after a shot, not resting after scoring.
- Communicating and covering the ball – Defenders must communicate who has the ball and cover the outlet pass to stop fast breaks.
- Keeping the ball on one side – Forcing the offense to one side of the court limits their passing options in transition.
The speaker demonstrated various drills to ingrain these principles, emphasizing the importance of correcting mistakes and building good habits, even for young players. He also discussed adapting to different player numbers and situations that can arise during practices.
Drills
- One-on-One Continuous Outlet & Sprint Back
- Two-on-Two Transition & Matchup Communication
- X-Drill (Closeout & Conditioning)
- 2-on-1 Plus 1 (Coach-Controlled Timing)
- 2-on-1 to 2-on-2 Communication & Rotation
- Sprint Back & Mismatch Awareness (1-on-1)
- 3-on-3 Full Court “Until You Score”
- 4-on-3 Plus 1 (Touch Coach and Join)
- Follow Above the Rim & Whistle-Triggered Transition
- Baseline Touch & Sprint Back Trigger
- 5-on-5: Two Passes, Shot, 3 Crash & 2 Sprint Back
- Three Possession Game (Set–Transition–Set)





