Basketball Defending

Transition Defence — Sprint Back

Teams practise getting back in transition to prevent easy fast break baskets.

20 minDuration
10 playersGroup size
IntermediateDifficulty
Full courtSpace needed
Basketballs, bibsEquipment

Setup

5v5. When possession changes, defence must sprint back. Attackers push immediately.

Instructions

  1. On turnover or make, ball is live immediately.
  2. Defence must identify the nearest player to stop first.
  3. Two quickest defenders sprint to the paint; others recover to positions.
  4. Offense scores a point for finishing within 4 seconds.

Coaching Points

✓ First priority: stop the ball.
✓ Don't recover to your player — recover to a position.
✓ Communicate: I've got ball, I'm back.

Progressions

→ Limit attackers — must attempt shot within 5 sec.
→ Designate one player who must always sprint to rim.
→ Half-court finish only counts if scored vs recovering defence.

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