Half-Court Defense Wins

Half-court 4v4 or 5v5 live play with 2, 3, or 4 teams. Teams score only by getting defensive stops, creating a defense-first competitive format.

Instructions

1. Play 4v4 or 5v5 in the half court.
2. Use 2, 3, or 4 teams.
3. Award 1 point only when the defensive team gets a stop.
4. If the offense scores, that team becomes the new defense.
5. If the defense gets a stop, the offensive team leaves the court.
6. A new team enters on offense.

Coaching Points

• Use every possession to reinforce your defensive system: positioning, help rules, rotations, closeouts, rebounding, and communication.

Variations

• Award 2 points for back-to-back defensive stops
• Require the defense to execute a specific coverage
• Start each possession from a different action, such as a closeout, ball screen, or drive-and-kick
• Add a shot clock to increase urgency and late-clock defensive discipline
• If the offense gets an offensive rebound, the defense is out.
• If the offense creates a layup, or another shot type the coach wants to eliminate, the defense is out even if the shot is missed.

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