Help the Helper (X-Out)

Setup

Ball on the wing, a shooter in the corner and one on the weak side; matched defenders.

Steps

1. 1The ball-handler drives; the corner defender helps to stop the ball.
2. 2The ball is kicked to the corner they left.
3. 3The weak-side defender rotates to close out that corner.
4. 4The helper 'X-es out' to the weak-side player. Everyone re-matches.

Coaching points

• Rotate on the pass, not after the catch.
• Close out under control with a high hand.
• Talk the rotation: 'I've got ball, you take the corner!'

Why kids love it

Teaches the multi-player rotations that separate good team defences from ball-watchers.

Variations