Shell defense teaches the core of team defense: on-ball pressure, help-and-recovery, and switching. This drill is game-paced but no score.
Equipment needed: One basketball, one half court, 8 kids (4 offense, 4 defense).
Setup: Set up a half-court. Four offensive players in a box formation (high posts and low posts). Four defenders match up.
How to run it:
- Offense passes around the perimeter and tries to get a good inside pass.
- Defenders play straight man-to-man, but can slide over to help on penetration.
- If a defender helps, the help defender’s man becomes open and must recover.
- Run for 5 minutes, then rotate.
- Do 25 minutes total so all kids play both sides.
What to look for: Help timing and recovery speed. Do defenders recover to their original player or chase the ball? Good team defense moves together on every pass.
If they’re struggling: Drop to three on three. Walk through the rotations first with no score, just shape.
If they’ve got it: Add a 14-second shot clock. Pressure forces the offense to attack and tests whether the defenders can hold their rotations.