Basketball Drill - Take The Charge Defensive Drill

From the Coach’s Clipboard Basketball Playbook, @ http://www.coachesclipboard.net

This is a defensive drill that teaches players how to take the charge under the basket.

Setup:

(blue = offense, red = defense, yellow = coach or manager).

Defensive player under the basket in helpside against the yellow coach. Blue line is offense. Place a floor mat under the basket to cushion the fall for the defender.

The Drill:

First player in the blue line dribbles to the hoop for the lay-up. Stress that the offensive player must take it all the way to the hoop and make contact with the defender. The defender steps into the offensive player's lane, plants his/her feet with a wide stance and braces for the contact. Teach the defender that when the contact occurs, avoid injury by just "sitting down" on the mat, with the butt making initial contact with the floor, not the back or shoulders. Immediately after the contact, the defensive player pops back up quickly, the offensive player moves to back of the line, and the next blue player drives for the next contact. Have each player, defend 5 or 6 in a row.

 Take the charge drill

Pointers:

1. Make sure the defensive player gets into correct position before the offensive player arrives.

2. Make sure the feet are planted, and that the defender does not move, turn the hips or shoulders, etc. The only movement should be the backward fall when contact is made. Any other movement may result in a blocking foul instead of a charge.

3. The defender should be vocal and yell when the contact occurs ("OH!!!")... and make an academy award "flop" back onto the mat! You've got to sometimes sell it to the ref.

4. Use an extra manager or assistant under the basket to help catch the offensive player after contact is made, to avoid injury.

5. Advise your players that since the officials do not always call the charging foul, it is best not to take the charge if you are in foul-trouble. It's a judgement call and you are at the mercy of the officials.

Also see "Charge/Loose-ball Drill"