Read-and-React Drill - Defense Positioning

Instructions

1. 1Defense must recognize offensive intention immediately
2. 2Read attacker body position and movement direction
3. 3Shift positioning faster than offense can exploit
4. 4Communicate shifts verbally with defensive partner
5. 5Wing adjusts decision based on defensive reaction speed

Coaching Points

• Call out the attacker's movement direction the instant you recognize it — verbal communication halves the partner's reaction time
• Shift your weight in the direction of the threat before committing your feet — a premature step gets exploited
• Defense-wing player keeps eyes split between attacker and the pivot simultaneously
• After each defensive shift, verbally confirm the new coverage assignment with your partner
• Wing attacker: if the defense shifts slowly, attack the vacated space immediately without waiting