Taking the Charge
Defender slides to beat a driving attacker to a spot, plants both feet, and takes contact with proper form before the offensive player reaches the rim. Practiced at low speed first to build the correct feet-set mechanics safely.
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 slides to beat a driving attacker to a spot, plants both feet, and takes contact with proper form before the offensive player reaches the rim. Practiced at low speed first to build the correct feet-set mechanics safely. Run it for about 8 minutes with ball and partner and pad.
Taking the Charge works well for players in Ages 13–15, Ages 16+, and can be scaled up or down in speed and complexity for other age groups.
Run Taking the Charge for about 8 minutes as part of a broader practice or individual workout — enough reps to build the habit without losing quality.
You'll need: ball, partner, pad.
Coaching Taking the Charge?
Swap notes with coaches running this drill in the free community, or build Taking the Charge 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.