On-Ball Defense: Funnel to the Sideline and Baseline

1-on-1 duels in lanes where the on-ball defender learns to take away the middle of the court and steer the attacker toward the sideline and baseline, where they have fewer options. Students work on stance, distance and sliding without crossing their feet.

How to play

1. Explain the stance: feet wider than shoulders, inside foot forward to point the attacker toward the sideline, one hand on the ball and the other in the passing lane, an arm's length away (3 min).
2. In pairs in 4-meter-wide (13 ft) lanes marked with cones down the court, the attacker zigzag-dribbles at half speed and the defender stays with them without reaching (5 min).
3. The attacker tries to cross a center line drawn in the lane toward the middle side; the defender gets a point every time they force the attacker to keep going on the sideline side (6 min).
4. 1-on-1 on the wing at each basket: the defender funnels to the baseline, and a basket scored through the middle counts double for the attacker; four duels per pair, then switch (6 min).

Rules

• The defender slides sideways without crossing their feet.
• No grabbing or forearm pushing: defend with your feet.
• Defenders call their own fouls; three fouls in one duel give the win to the attacker.
• Lanes are at least 1 m (3 ft) apart.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair user: the lane is widened and the defender in a chair funnels using chair position.
• Knee or ankle injury: serves as the lane referee, keeping count of funnel points.
• Mild visual impairment: the attacker wears a high-visibility pinnie and dribbles a ball with a bell.

Learning goals

• Use a stable and effective basic defensive stance.
• Steer the attacker toward the sideline and baseline.
• Defend without fouling by moving the feet.

Equipment for a class of 25

• basketballs: 14
• cones: 20

Teacher tip

This is very demanding on the legs: keep each rep to 20-30 seconds. Having the attacker cooperate at first is key for the defender to learn the technique.

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