On-Ball Containment Drill
Defender stays in front of a live ball-handler working a live 1-on-1 in a marked lane, scoring points only for keeping the dribbler in front without fouling or reaching. Isolates pure containment technique apart from help or rotations.
Coaching focus: Individual Defense
Individual defense is built on stance, footwork, and effort before scheme. Drill the fundamentals — stance, slides, closeouts — until they hold up at full speed and under fatigue.
Frequently asked questions
Defender stays in front of a live ball-handler working a live 1-on-1 in a marked lane, scoring points only for keeping the dribbler in front without fouling or reaching. Isolates pure containment technique apart from help or rotations. Run it for about 10 minutes with ball and partner and cone.
On-Ball Containment Drill works well for players in Ages 10–12, Ages 13–15, Ages 16+, and can be scaled up or down in speed and complexity for other age groups.
Run On-Ball Containment Drill for about 10 minutes as part of a broader practice or individual workout — enough reps to build the habit without losing quality.
You'll need: ball, partner, cone.
Coaching On-Ball Containment Drill?
Swap notes with coaches running this drill in the free community, or build On-Ball Containment Drill into a timed practice plan, assign it to your roster, and track who's completed it in the app.
The community is free and always will be. No card needed for either.