Pressure Shooting (Beat the Closeout)

Setup

A shooter, a passer, and a defender who closes out from under the rim.

Steps

1. 1Passer hits the shooter; the defender closes out hard.
2. 2Shooter reads it: shoot, or drive one dribble to score.
3. 3Every make is a point; play to a target (e.g. 7).
4. 4Rotate shooter, passer and defender each round.

Coaching points

• Feet set and ready before the catch.
• Read the closeout, then decide.
• Balanced shot even with a hand in your face.

Why kids love it

Bridges practice shooting and game shooting — every rep has a live defender and a score.

Variations