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.

Defense

Duration: 8 min
Intensity: Moderate
Ages: Ages 13–15, Ages 16+
Equipment: ball, partner, pad

Looking up through a worn chain net as a ball drops toward the rim

8
min

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.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Q1How do you run the Taking the Charge drill?

Q2What age group is the Taking the Charge drill for?

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.

Q3How long should the Taking the Charge run?

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.

Q4What equipment do I need for Taking the Charge?

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.

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Related defense drills

Defensive Stance & Slides

Lane slides in a low stance, chest up, no crossing feet. Emphasize the first-step push.

Closeout & Contain

Sprint-to-closeout with a chopped-step, then contain one direction. No fly-bys.

1-on-1 from the Wing

Live wing defense — force baseline, wall up, contest without fouling. Score by stops.