Contents > 2. Defense > 2.1. Player-to-Player, 1/4 Court Defense > 2.1.3. Help Defense >
2.1.3.5. On the Shot: Help Defense Box Out
(1) Q: What do we do in help defense when the ball is shot?
A: When in help defense, it is more difficult to box out your assigned player since they are much farther away. Once the ball is shot, it is best to check what your assigned player is doing: either going for the rebound or not.
(2) Q: What should I do if my assigned player is not going for the rebound?
A: If your assigned player is not going for the rebound, you may either get into a good rebounding position based on the ball trajectory, or find another player to box out.
(3) Q: What should I do if my assigned player is going for the rebound?
A: If your assigned player is going for the rebound, it’s best to run towards them and box out, not allowing them to get closer to the hoop. This may seem counterintuitive, since you are running away from the basket to box out, but it will be most effective most of the time.
SKILLS DRILLS
Skills Drill #1: Help Defense Box Out
Coach (C) or another player will have the ball at the top of the key.
O1 will be in the corner. X3 will be in help defense position.
C will shoot the ball, O1 will either stay or go for the rebound. X1 must decide to either box out O1, or go for the rebound immediately.
Skills Drill #2: Help & Recover Box Out (Live)
O1 will start with the ball just below the three-point line at the top of the key. X1 will start slightly behind them, above the three-point line at the top of the key.
O2 will be on the wing and cannot move. X2 will start in deny defense.
O3 will be in the corner and cannot move. X3 will start in help defense.
O1 has the ball and is allowed to shoot, dribble, and pass. Defense will have to play proper switch/help & recover defense. If O2 and O3 get passed the ball they will need to shoot.
Defense must properly box out all players on the shot.
After several times, now O2 and O3 can either shoot or dribble drive (3 dribbles max) and shoot.
