Teaches defensive shape and rotations. Four offensive players spread around the perimeter, four defenders take their stances. Coach calls or passes the ball; defenders adjust position based on whether the ball is one pass away or two.
The foundation of every team defence.
• On-ball: pressure with active hands, no easy pass
• One pass away: deny stance, hand in passing lane
• Two passes away: help position, see ball and man
• Talk: 'ball, ball, ball' — 'help, help' — 'denied'
• Close out short and choppy, hand high
Build up: dummy offence first (no scoring), then 4v4 live for 1 stop, then 4v4 to a score. Add a screen for help-defence reads. Progress to 5v5 with a post player.