Helena Frye
Closing out in basketball is a defensive tactic used to swiftly close the space between a defender and an offensive player with the ball. It is a vital part of basketball defense, as it helps prevent uncontested jump shots or dribble penetration. There are several techniques to execute a closeout effectively, including adopting a good defensive stance, sprinting towards the offensive player, using choppy steps to slow down, and getting at least one hand up to apply pressure. The sprint stop closeout is a commonly used variation where the defender sprints and then suddenly stops with a high hand within arm's reach of the ball. Coaches and players can also practice closeouts through various drills and exercises to improve their defensive skills.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of activity | Defensive |
| Objective | To swiftly close the open space on the court between a defensive player and an adjacent offensive player with the ball |
| Techniques | 1. Have a good defensive stance with feet about shoulder-width apart, weight on the balls of the feet, knees bent, hips low, back straight, chest up, and eyes looking forward. 2. Sprint towards the offensive player with long steps. 3. Use short choppy steps to slow down and prevent unnecessary contact. 4. Get at least one hand up to limit or prevent an uncontested jump shot. 5. Avoid fouling the offensive player by not jumping into their path during a jump shot attempt. |
| Drills | 1 on 1 drills where the defender starts from a help position and is forced to close out on the pass. For example, playing 1 on 1 from a single-side tag situation where the defender must tag a rolling big (coach) before closing out to the shaking player lifting from the corner. |
| Tips | 1. Close out quickly and stay down to take up the shooter's space while also being able to deflect a direct drive angle. 2. Use a slightly angled attack to limit the player's options and force them towards help. 3. Avoid jumping on shot fakes to prevent easy drives and fouling jump shooters. 4. Ensure speed and agility are coupled with effective and efficient body control to maximize speed and quickness. |
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Sprint stop closeouts
To practice sprint stop closeouts, it is recommended to use 1-on-1 drills, where the defender starts from a help position and is forced to close out on the pass. This is more effective than 1-on-air drills, which do not translate as well to game situations.
When performing a sprint stop closeout, it is important to have good positioning off the ball, take a good angle, and use a lot of energy. This skill requires practice to develop reaction time and defensive instincts. It is also important to avoid chopping your feet, as this can make you off-balance and unable to change direction quickly.
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Defensive stance
A good defensive stance is fundamental to playing good defense in basketball. It is the first line of defense and can set the tone for physical and mental resilience. A good stance allows players to move quickly and effectively in response to an offensive player's actions. It also influences their ability to stay in front of the ball and guide their opponent's choices on the court.
To get into a good defensive stance, players should start with their feet. Their feet should be placed shoulder-width apart, with a slight bend in the knees, and a little more than half of their weight distributed towards the balls of their feet. Their heels should still be in contact with the ground, and their feet should be pointing straight ahead.
Players should then bend their waist slightly forward and keep their core engaged. Their arms should be extended to the side, slightly bent, with palms facing the offensive player. Their hands should be somewhere around shoulder height, and their eyes should be focused on the offensive player's chest or waist, or as some sources suggest, keeping their head on the ball.
Once players have mastered the individual components of the defensive stance, they can work on moving within that stance. This can be done through various drills, such as defensive slides or zig-zag drills, which help players improve their lateral movement and ability to recover and sprint.
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Choppy steps
In basketball, stutter steps are used by offensive players to confuse defenders and change their foot speed to a slower pace. This is done by dribbling the basketball and executing rapid steps in a continuous manner. As a result, the defender becomes unable to anticipate the offensive player's next move, allowing them to attack the basket or take a jump shot.
Stutter steps are particularly effective when approaching a defender. By using choppy steps, the player can slow down, assess the defensive situation, and then choose their next move. This technique is essential in closeout situations, where the defender wants to avoid making unnecessary contact with the offensive player, which could result in a foul.
When closing out, the defender should sprint towards the offensive player and then use choppy steps to slow down and prevent unnecessary contact. This allows the defender to properly read and react to the offensive player's actions, such as a jump shot, dribble penetration, or pass.
While some coaches prefer the sprint stop closeout method, where the defender sprints and then does a one-two stop, the traditional method of teaching closeouts involves using choppy feet and high hands. Choppy steps are an essential technique for defenders to master, allowing them to control their speed and positioning while also reading and reacting to the offensive player's moves.
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Angled attack
The angled attack is just one component of a successful closeout. Coaches and players must also consider the positioning of their hands. The traditional approach, known as "high hands," involves raising both hands in the air when closing out on a shooter. However, this approach has been criticised for slowing down the defender and causing them to be out of position. Instead, some coaches advocate for the sprint stop closeout method, where the defender sprints towards the opponent and then performs a one-two stop, keeping one hand high and the other low. This allows for greater balance and movement, enabling the defender to quickly adjust their position based on the opponent's actions.
The "sticking the shooter's face" technique is another innovative approach to hand positioning during closeouts. This involves using the inside hand to stick out towards the offensive player's face, maintaining the optimal closeout distance (arm's length) and effectively blocking their shot. This technique is particularly useful in pack line defence systems, where the goal is to take away the shot and baseline drive.
Additionally, the concept of "angling" is not just limited to individual defenders but can also be applied to offensive team strategies. The "Angle" alignment, used by some teams, involves specific player spacing that stretches the defence and forces them to make difficult decisions. This strategy pushes shooters to the deep corners, creating opportunities for open three-point shots if the defence makes even a small mistake. The Angle alignment also includes techniques like the Angle ball-screen, which can throw off the defence and create scoring chances.
In conclusion, the angled attack is a fundamental aspect of basketball closeouts, allowing defenders to control the opponent's movements and force them towards help. However, a successful closeout also depends on factors such as hand positioning and team strategies like the Angle alignment, demonstrating the complexity and nuance involved in effective defensive play in basketball.
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Prevent fouls
Closing out in basketball is vital to your defense. If you're constantly getting beaten by the offense due to poor closeouts, your team defense instantly becomes worse. Here are some tips to help you improve your closeouts and prevent fouls:
Sprint to the Shooter
Get to the shooter as quickly as possible. This will lower their shooting percentage as they will have to take a contested shot. This is a critical part of the "sprint stop closeout" method, which is commonly used by defenders to defend the three-point line.
Maintain an Athletic Stance
Adopt a defensive stance with your hips back and knees bent. This saves time as you are already in a position to sprint to the shooter.
Eliminate Air Space
Sprint to eliminate the offensive player's air space before coming to a one-two stop. This will help you take away their highest-value shot, the catch & shoot three.
Maintain a Safe Distance
Stay close enough to tag the offensive player without over-closing (arm's length away). This will help you stick the shooter's face with your inside hand, which is a crucial defensive move.
Avoid Excessive Contact
While some contact is allowed, excessive or unjustified contact will be penalized more severely and may result in a flagrant foul. Flagrant fouls are often called on contact likely to cause injuries, such as swinging an elbow at an opponent's face.
Follow the Rules
Be mindful of the specific rules regarding fouls. For example, in the NBA, a defensive player must not stand in the key for more than three seconds without actively guarding an opponent. Also, remember that any player who deliberately hangs on the basket ring, net, or backboard will be assessed a technical foul, unless it is to prevent an injury.
By following these tips, you can improve your closeouts and reduce the number of fouls called against you.
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Frequently asked questions
A closeout is a defensive tactic in basketball where a defender swiftly closes the gap between themselves and an offensive player with the ball to prevent an uncontested jump shot or dribble.
The traditional way of teaching closeouts involves using the terms “high hands” and “choppy feet." This means that as the defender closes the gap, they raise both hands above their head and use short, choppy steps to maintain control.
The sprint stop closeout is a more modern approach where the defender sprints towards the offensive player to eliminate airspace and then performs a one-two stop, staying within arm's length to limit the shooter's options.
It's important to start with a good defensive stance: feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, hips low, back straight, chest up, and eyes forward. Use long strides to close the gap quickly, and then use choppy steps to slow down and avoid unnecessary contact.
A common mistake is jumping into the path of the offensive player during their shot, which can lead to fouls. Another mistake is reaching too aggressively to steal the ball, known as a "reach-in foul." Focus on maintaining your balance and reacting to the offensive player's actions.
