Step 1/4Two defenders come to trap
Orange = offense · blue = defense · solid line = cut · dashed = pass · zig-zag = dribble · T = screen · dotted arc = shot
Ball Handling drill
1v2 Beat the Trap
One ball handler has to get up the floor against two defenders trying to trap — handling pressure and escaping double teams.
- Time
- 8 min
- Players
- 3+
- Ages
- 11+
- Level
- Intermediate
Equipment: 1 ball per group
How to run the drill
- 1The ball handler starts on the baseline. Two defenders try to trap or stop the ball.
- 2The dribbler tries to beat both and score at the far basket.
- 3Rotate every go: dribbler becomes a defender.
- 4Easier: start at half court. Harder: only use half the width of the court.
Coaching points
- Stay away from the sidelines and corners
- Back up (retreat dribble) to make space, then attack the gap
- Split the trap low and fast
More ball handling drills
Ball Handling · Intermediate
1-on-1 Zig-Zag
Ball handler zig-zags the length of the floor against a defender who shuffles and turns them.
8 min2+ playersAges 9+
Animated
Ball Handling · Beginner
1v1 Rooted Defender
A defender can retreat from the three-point line but cannot step above it. The attacker reads the gap and chooses a shot or drive.
7 min2+ playersAges 8+
Animated
Ball Handling · All levels
1v1 Speed Dribble Race
The dribbler starts a few steps ahead and races the length of the court for a layup while the defender sprints to cut them off.
8 min2+ playersAges 9+
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