Read the Closeout (1-on-1)

Skill drill

Make the right read against a closing-out defender: shoot, drive, or pass.

8 min groups of 3 Half court · dual
Ball-handlingTeamworkU12U14U16
Press play
OffenseDefenseBall / cone Move Pass
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Setup

A passer up top, a shooter on the wing, a defender who closes out.

Steps

  1. 1Catch on the wing as the defender closes out.
  2. 2If they close out short, shoot.
  3. 3If they fly at you, drive past their momentum.
  4. 4If help comes, pass to the open teammate.

Coaching points

  • Catch on balance, ready to shoot.
  • Read the closeout — don't decide before you catch.
  • Attack the high shoulder to drive by.

Why kids love it

Turns the catch into a decision — the skill that makes attackers hard to guard.

Variations

Harder

Add a help defender so the pass read becomes live.