4 Corners Passing Drill: Build Passing Accuracy, Communication & Game Speed Rhythm
Goal:
The 4 Corners Passing Drill is designed to work on both offensive and defensive pressure, specifically focusing on trapping and passing out of traps. This drill teaches offensive players how to handle traps without panicking and how to pass effectively under pressure. On the defensive side, it develops the ability to close out on the ball and execute traps while maintaining proper defensive positioning.
Setup:
Offensive Team:
Position 4 offensive players in a square shape, with each player positioned at one corner of the square.
Defensive Team:
4 defenders line up in between the offensive players, initially covering the passing lanes.
The Ball:
The drill starts with a pass to any of the 4 offensive players.
Step-by-Step Execution:
1. Initial Pass and Trap Setup
The offensive player who receives the first pass must hold the ball as 2 defenders trap them. This is where the offensive player must learn to hold the ball and not panic under pressure.
The 2 defenders closest to the offensive player should lock or overlap their feet to avoid being split, ensuring that the trap is effective.
2. Maintaining Defensive Pressure
Defenders should avoid jumping unless the offensive player jumps first. The goal is to stay grounded and maintain control over the trap. The defensive players should focus on keeping their hands active to block vision and force the offensive player into difficult decisions.
The other 2 defenders (x3 and x4) should space themselves between the remaining offensive players, anticipating potential passes and positioning themselves to intercept or disrupt the ball movement.
3. Ball Movement and Defensive Shifts
The offensive player with the ball should pass to a teammate (e.g., from 1 to 2). As soon as the ball is passed, the two defenders who are trapping should follow the ball and execute a trap on the new player (in this case, x2 and x4).
x1 and x3, the two remaining defenders, slide into the middle of the square to anticipate any passes. Their positioning helps close down the offensive players and forces them into tight spaces.
4. Progression and Repetition
Continue the drill for 30 seconds, tracking how many successful deflections or steals the defense gets. The drill should be fast-paced to simulate real-game pressure.
After the 30-second mark, switch roles and repeat the process, with the offensive players now working on staying calm and making effective passes under pressure.
Coaching Tips:
Increase Defensive Difficulty:
To make the drill harder for the defense, do not require the offensive players to wait to be trapped. The defense must move quickly on the pass to set up the trap, which forces defenders to communicate and react faster.
Adjust the Square Size:
To increase or decrease the difficulty, you can make the square larger or smaller. A larger square gives more space for the offense to operate, while a smaller square forces the defense to work harder and makes it harder for the offense to pass out of the trap.
Defensive Positioning:
Encourage defenders to get body-to-body with the offensive player. Defenders should mirror the ball with their hands instead of reaching in, which often leads to fouls.
The two interceptors (x1 and x3) should read the shoulders of the passer and cheat towards the direction they anticipate the ball being passed.
Use Fakes and Pivoting:
Offensive players should use pass fakes and pivot into the defense to create space and find a passing window. This will help them stay composed under pressure and make better decisions.
Full Breakdown:
The 4 Corners Passing Drill is an essential drill for teams focusing on improving their transition offense and ball handling under pressure. For the offensive team, the drill helps them practice pass fakes, pivoting, and making quick decisions while under duress. This is particularly important for handling high-pressure situations, like being trapped during a full-court press or when facing aggressive defenders.
From the defensive perspective, the drill is excellent for practicing trapping and rotating as a unit. It builds the ability to cover multiple passing lanes and forces the offense into uncomfortable positions. By learning how to close out on the ball and maintain pressure, defenders will be able to make it harder for offensive players to make clean passes or create scoring opportunities.
This drill also emphasizes the importance of team defense, particularly the need for constant communication and anticipation. The defenders have to work together to set traps, rotate quickly, and close out on the ball. The offensive players, on the other hand, must stay composed, use fundamental moves like pass fakes and pivoting, and make smart passes under pressure.
As the drill progresses, players will be able to better handle the pressure in real games, reducing turnovers and improving their overall decision-making in transition.
