Closeout drill diagram
Closeout drill step by step
- 1
O1 is the coach under the basket. X2 starts in the lane, and O1 passes out to O2 on the wing while X2 sprints toward the catch.
- 2
About two thirds of the way out, X2 breaks down with short, choppy steps. The hand goes up high to take away the shot and the weight stays back.
- 3
O2 attacks the baseline off the dribble. X2 slides with the drive and cuts it off without reaching.
- 4
Play it out to a score or a stop. O2 goes to the back of the defensive line and X2 goes to the back of the offensive line.
How to set up the closeout drill
Put an offensive line on the wing and a defensive line out of bounds on the baseline. The coach stands under the basket with a ball. The first defender steps into the lane, about where they would be in help defense.
Run it from both wings and from the top so players practice closing out at different angles.
How to run the closeout drill
The coach passes to the offensive player on the wing. The defender sprints toward the catch. About two thirds of the way there, they shorten their steps and chop their feet, keep their weight back, and get a hand up high toward the shooter's shooting hand.
At first, the offensive player catches and holds the ball so the defender can focus on footwork. Then let the offense shoot, drive, or make one pass, and play it out live to a score or a stop. Rotate lines after each rep: offense to defense, defense to offense.
Closeout drill coaching points
Sprint, then chop
Cover most of the distance at full speed. Break down with short, quick steps for the last few feet so you arrive balanced.
High hand
Get a hand up toward the ball to bother the shot. Keep the other hand low and to the side to slow down a drive.
Weight back
Keep your hips down and your weight back as you arrive. Leaning forward makes it easy for the offense to drive past you.
Direct the drive
Close out with your feet angled to push the ball where your team wants it, usually baseline or toward help. Follow your team's rule.
Basketball closeout drill variations
No-dribble closeouts
The offensive player catches and holds. The defender closes out and holds a stance for two seconds. This is the best way to start.
Closeout with one dribble
The offense can shoot or take one dribble to either side. The defender has to stop the dribble with a slide.
2-on-2 closeouts
Two offensive players on the perimeter and two defenders in help. The coach passes to either one, and the defense closes out and helps.
Closeout and box out
After the offense shoots, the defender boxes out and rebounds. It connects the closeout to finishing the possession.
Common closeout drill mistakes
- Sprinting all the way to the shooter and flying past on a shot fake.
- Arriving with no hand up, which gives the shooter an open look.
- Leaning forward or reaching for the ball, which makes the drive easy.
- Closing out slowly the whole way and giving up an open shot.
- Closing out with no angle, which leaves the offense free to drive either way.
Practice it at home
A one-player drill for the same skill, with a video clip, steps and a rep count.
Closeout drill FAQ
What is a closeout in basketball?
A closeout is when a defender runs from help position to guard a player who just caught the ball. The goal is to take away the shot and still be able to stop the drive.
How do you close out on defense?
Sprint about two thirds of the way, then chop your feet with short steps. Get a hand up toward the ball, keep your weight back, and stay low so you can slide if the player drives.
Where should your hand be on a closeout?
Most coaches teach one hand up high toward the ball to bother the shot and the other hand lower and to the side to slow down a drive.