2v1 Shooting Drill: Master Decision-Making Under Pressure
Setup
Two offensive players start one pass apart, position them anywhere on the court.
One defensive player (1) begins near the basket.
Coach holds a ball.
Execution
Coach initiates the drill by passing to one of the offensive players (1 or 2).
(1) closes out to the ball.
The offensive player who receives the pass can:
Shoot immediately, or
Make one pass to their partner.
The second offensive player must shoot if they receive the pass.
(1) contests the shot, no dribbling or movement is allowed by the offense.
Full Breakdown for Coaches
Purpose of the Drill
The 2v1 Shooting Drill is excellent for training offensive players to make quick, game-like decisions. It also builds defensive instincts by placing a single defender in a challenging scenario, forcing them to read cues and scramble effectively.
This drill mimics situations where a team is in transition defense or late in the shot clock with poor matchup coverage. It’s ideal for working on:
Pass/shot decision-making
Defensive closeouts
Quick offensive reads without a dribble
Variations and Progressions
Progression 1: Allow the offensive player to take one side-dribble (e.g., side-step 3) before shooting.
Progression 2: Allow the initial offensive player to drive if the pass from the coach is clean.
Progression 3: Place players in different spots, wings, corners, or top of the key.
Progression 4: Have the defender start with the ball and pass to begin the drill.
Competitive Twist
Make the drill competitive:
If the defense forces a miss or deflection, they swap in and the offensive shooter becomes the new defender.
If the offense scores, the defender stays.
Coaching Points
Passes must be on time and on target, simulate real-game speed.
Encourage offensive players to look at the rim before passing. The mindset should be “think shot first.”
Teach players to read space, if the defender is more than an arm’s length away, shoot; if closer, pass.
Emphasize active contests from the defender.
Train players to develop court awareness and anticipation, especially under short time and space constraints.
Final Takeaways
The 2v1 Shooting Drill is a fantastic addition to any practice session. It sharpens high-pressure decision-making, reinforces shooting readiness, and builds scramble defensive instincts. Use it regularly as a high-energy drill that both players and coaches will find valuable.
Adapt it. Compete with it. Elevate your practice with it.
