2-on-1 Half Court Attack
A fast paced decision making drill that teaches players how to attack space, read a single defender, and finish confidently in 2 on 1 situations.
A simple decision-making drill that teaches players to slow down, read a shifting defender, and choose the right finish at the rim.
Set two cones 8ā10 feet apart to create a narrow ālane entry.ā Offense starts at the top with the ball while the defender begins behind or slightly offset. On your signal, both players sprint. The ball handler attacks through the cones toward the basket while the defender chases or shades from behind. Offense must stay tight, read the defenderās angle, and finish with control.
Change the defenderās starting position to create different readsādirect chase, hip pressure, or inside cut-off. These downhill decisions mirror the simple advantage situations inĀ 2-on-1 Half Court Attack. Once players get comfortable attacking from the top, shift the start point to the wing or corner to mimic the angles found in small-sided games likeĀ 3-on-3 Cutthroat.
Keep reps fast. After each finish, players rotate quickly and repeat. This pressure-plus-speed environment prepares players for help-and-recover moments similar to the chase angles inĀ 3-on-2 Drive & Dead, building confident finishing habits.
ā¢ Start defender closer for tighter pressure
ā¢ Require a weak-hand finish
ā¢ Add a bump pad for controlled contact
ā¢ Change start angles to practice different approaches
ā¢ Explode on the first step
ā¢ Protect the ball with your body
ā¢ Finish high off the glass
ā¢ Read the defender before you commit to the finish
Matador Layups blends speed, pressure, and real finishing angles to help players build confidence attacking the rim. Because the defenderās angle changes every rep, players learn to adjust quickly and finish strong. The Matador Layups drill is a reliable way to build downhill finishing at any youth level.
