1v1 Containment Drill

Instructions

1. 1A1 drives straight toward goal from the center; D1 closes the gap.
2. 2D1 stays goal-side in a low stance, mirroring A1's hips.
3. 3A1 cuts at an angle to test D1's lateral movement.
4. 4D1 slides to maintain position without reaching or lunging.
5. 5A1 steps back and takes a standing shot; D1 jumps straight up to contest.

Coaching Points

• Contain first — your job is to slow them down, not make the steal
• Use a low, wide defensive stance: feet wider than shoulders, knees bent
• Keep your weight on the balls of your feet so you can react in any direction
• Mirror the attacker's hips not their ball hand — the hand is used to fake
• When the shot goes up, jump straight up with both arms high rather than reaching sideways

Common Mistakes

• Trying to steal the ball instead of containing the attacker and slowing the play
• Standing upright with narrow feet, making it impossible to react quickly
• Watching the ball hand and biting on fakes instead of reading the attacker's hips
• Jumping forward or sideways on the block attempt and committing a foul
• Backing up too quickly and giving the attacker a free path to goal