How to Set Up the Close-Out Cutters Drill

Close-Out Cutters Drill is a basketball drill that is designed to help kids improve their ability to close out on an opponent and deny the opposing team easy scoring opportunities. This drill is particularly useful for teaching players to defend against cutters, who are offensive players moving without the ball.

To set up the Close-Out Cutters Drill, cones are placed on the court to create a path for the offensive player (the cutter) to move across. The defensive player starts in a designated area, while the cutter starts on the opposite side of the court. A coach or a designated player will pass the ball to the cutter, and the defensive player will then close out on the cutter and challenge their shot.

The defensive player should focus on proper technique such as keeping their feet shoulder-width apart, using their body to shield the cutter, and keeping their hands up to contest the shot. The cutter should focus on making quick and efficient movements, such as fakes, changes of direction, and accelerating to the basket.

As the players progress, the coach can increase the difficulty of the drill by adding more cutters, having them move at different speeds or in different directions, or adding a defender who will try to stop the cutter before they reach the scoring area.

This drill is an effective way to help kids improve their defensive skills, particularly in understanding how to defend against cutters. It allows players to practice closing out on an opponent, challenging shots, and denying the opposing team easy scoring opportunities in a controlled environment, which will help them become better defenders and overall better basketball players.