Shell Drill
The foundational 4-on-4 team defense drill teaching help-side position, rotations and communication.
Video: 1 Minute Basketball Drills: Shell Drill — embedded from its creator. If it doesn't play here, open it on YouTube.
Setup
Four offensive players on the perimeter (two wings, two guards), four defenders guarding them.
How it works
- 1Offense passes the ball around the perimeter — no dribbling at first.
- 2Defenders jump to the ball on every pass: on-ball pressure, deny one pass away, help two passes away.
- 3Add dribble penetration so the defense must help and recover.
- 4Go live after several rotations; rotate groups.
Coaching points
- ✔Move while the ball is in the air.
- ✔Talk: 'ball', 'deny', 'help'.
- ✔See both the ball and your player.
Variations
- Add a post player for 5-on-5 shell.
- Use 3-on-3 shell with younger teams.
