DHO Reject Team Shooting Drill: Improve Reactions, Reads & Rhythm Shooting

Setup:

• Organize 3 players per group: the ball handler, the DHO screener, and a shooter/rebounder.

• Use one side of the court with a cone or marker at the wing to simulate the DHO initiation zone.

• Position a coach or passive defender to help signal read-based cues (optional).

Drill Execution:

Phase 1: Entry Pass and Setup

1. Player 1 (ball handler) starts near the top of the key.

2. Player 2 (the DHO screener) starts on the wing, slightly inside the 3-point line.

3. Player 1 passes to Player 2 and cuts immediately to receive the dribble handoff.

Phase 2: DHO Action and Read

1. As Player 1 approaches the handoff, they read the defender:

   • If the defender jumps to deny the DHO → reject the handoff and attack downhill using the screen as a fake.

   • If no defender is present or it’s a coach cue → proceed with DHO and score.

Phase 3: Scoring

1. On a reject read, Player 1 uses a hard plant and jab away from the screener before exploding into a one-dribble shot, floater, or drive.

2. Player 2 resets to rebound and rotate while Player 3 rotates in as the next shooter or screener.

Coaching Emphasis:

• Footwork & Timing: Emphasize sharp plant steps to sell the fake. No drifting or rounding the cut.

• Eyes Up: Players must read the defender before committing to the handoff or reject.

• Explosive First Step: The reject is only effective with immediate speed and direction.

• Live Reps with Variation: Add a coach giving verbal cues or a defender to help simulate decision-making under pressure.

• Shot Selection: Practice three outcomes off the reject:

  1. Pull-up jumper

  2. Attack to the rim

  3. Kick-out if second defender rotates

Rotations:

• After each rep, the shooter retrieves their rebound.

• Players rotate: shooter → screener → ball handler.

• Each player should execute multiple reps from both wings.

Drill Variations:

• Add a Live Defender: Let defenders trail or switch to increase realism.

• Counter-Move Work: If the reject is cut off, teach the counter-spin or hesitation dribble.

• Two-Pass Option: Add a trailing shooter to work on secondary kick-out reads.

Developmental Benefits:

1. Decision-Making Under Pressure: Develops the ability to make real-time reads in motion.

2. Game-Like Reps: Players practice skills in a dynamic environment similar to what they’ll face in games.

3. Improved Spacing Understanding: Reinforces timing and angles in DHO spacing.

4. Confident Shooting: Players learn to pull up immediately off one or two dribbles.

Why This Drill Works:

The DHO Reject is increasingly common at all levels of basketball, from youth through pros. Teams use it to counter aggressive defenders who anticipate handoffs. This drill teaches your players how to punish that pressure with explosive reads.

By emphasizing reactions instead of repetition alone, you’re creating offensive players who understand the "why" behind the action — not just the action itself.

Drill Tips for Coaches:

• Start slow and cue the read yourself before allowing players to make their own decisions.

• Film reps and break down how well players sell the handoff before the reject.

• Pair this drill with basic DHO Shooting or DHO + Roll drills to create a progression model in practice.

Final Takeaways:

The DHO Reject Team Shooting Drill trains more than just a move — it develops instinct. With regular use, your players will:

• Improve shot timing

• Execute better fakes

• Attack downhill with purpose

• Make smarter reads off pressure defense