What’s up Nation!

Most young defenders don’t get beat because they don’t care.

They get beat because they don’t know how to arrive.

There’s a difference.

A lot of players hear “close out” and think it means sprint as fast as possible at the shooter. So they run out, jump at the ball, fly by, and give the offense an even better opportunity than the first shot.

Now the shooter has a rhythm shot fake.

Or a straight-line drive.

Or a clean kick-out to the next open player.

That’s why closeouts have to be taught with detail.

The goal is not to block every shot.

The goal is to contest the shot, take away comfort, and still be balanced enough to guard the next move.

That’s where the Corner Closeout Drill comes in.