1-on-1

Scrimmage/finisher

Compete straight up — create a shot, or get a stop.

10 min pairs Half court
DefenseBall-handlingU10U12U14U16

Game guide

pairs · 1 ball, half court

Get everyone ready

Size up your defenderRead the defender's stance and pick a side to attack. 1X

● Player / attack■ DefenceGold: ball

Illustrated steps · 5 seconds per step at 1×

Set up

Offence at the top with the ball, defence guarding. Winner's choice of rules.

A coached example. In live play, players make their own decisions; the outcome can change.

Look for: Offence: attack, don't dribble aimlessly.

Playback options
Illustrated steps · 5 seconds per step at 1×
Coach’s notes & group organisation

Offence at the top with the ball, defence guarding. Winner's choice of rules.

  1. Offence attacks from the top of the key.
  2. Play live to a make or a defensive stop.
  3. Make-it-take-it, or rotate every possession.
  4. Keep games short — first to 2 or 3 baskets.

Suggested reset

Secure the ball after a make or stop. Use the chosen make-it-take-it or rotation rule consistently; check the ball before restarting. At the target score replace the pair or change opponents; waiting players stay outside the driving lane.

Coaching cues

  • Offence: attack, don't dribble aimlessly.
  • Defence: stay low, contain, contest the shot.
  • Compete hard, respect the calls.

Adapt the challenge

Easier: Two-dribble limit to encourage decisive moves.

Harder: Start the offence with their back to the basket at the elbow, three-second count on.

Closeout 1-on-1: Defender starts under the rim and must sprint out to close out before the attacker can shoot.

What this drill teaches

The unfiltered test: create a shot against a live defender, or get a stop against a live attacker. Nothing is scripted, so every possession forces a real read — and every weakness gets found and worked on honestly.

In games: Game-day scoring almost always starts with beating one defender, and game-day defence with holding one attacker — this is that exact moment, over and over.

What good looks like
  • Decisive attacks — a move and a go, not ten pounding dribbles
  • Defenders low, containing, and contesting without fouling
  • Calls respected and the next possession started fast

U10: a two-dribble limit stops endless pounding — expect scrappy possessions. U14–U16: expect real moves, real closeouts and honest self-officiating.

Equipment

1 ball, half court

Setup

Offence at the top with the ball, defence guarding. Winner's choice of rules.

Steps

  1. 1Offence attacks from the top of the key.
  2. 2Play live to a make or a defensive stop.
  3. 3Make-it-take-it, or rotate every possession.
  4. 4Keep games short — first to 2 or 3 baskets.

Coaching points

  • Offence: attack, don't dribble aimlessly.
  • Defence: stay low, contain, contest the shot.
  • Compete hard, respect the calls.

Why kids love it

Nothing sharpens a player like a true 1-on-1 — and kids love the personal battle.

Variations

Easier

Two-dribble limit to encourage decisive moves.

Harder

Start the offence with their back to the basket at the elbow, three-second count on.

Closeout 1-on-1

Defender starts under the rim and must sprint out to close out before the attacker can shoot.

Related drills

Coaching notes that use this drill