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James Chang
Published 02 April 2026

4v4 Shell Drill

Defense
This is a 4v4 defensive drill to teach players where to stand in gap defense and help defense. It’s best to use early in practice, because it warms players up and requires a lot of effort.
1 count defender (defender who's 1 pass away) is always in the gap, while 2~3 count defender (defender who's 2~3 passes away) is helping the helper.
(Note: Although the overall structure of a shell drill is always similar, the key details depend on each coach’s defensive philosophy. This version is based on our team’s defensive tactics.)
Phase 1
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The ball starts in the corner.
3 drives toward the middle. X1 shows deep help, but doesn’t fully commit. X1 only helps long enough for X3 to recover.
X2 shifts toward 1 and help X1 if the pass is made.
X4 rotates under the basket to protect the rim against the drive.
Phase 2
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3 passes out to 1 and recovers back to the corner.
X1 hard closes to 1.
X2 contests until X1 fully recovers, then returns to gap defense.
X4 recovers back to the block.
Phase 3
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X2 contests until X1 recovers.
As the drive happens, X4 shifts up to contest 2 and becomes the second helper (help the helper).
Phase 4
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1 passes to 2 and recovers back.
X2 hard closes to 2.
X1 and X4 are both in gap positions.
X3 is at the low block, helping the helper.
Phase 5
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2 drives middle.
X4 contests until X2 recovers.
X1 is sinks down and sits at the nail.
Phase 6
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2 passes to 4 and recovers back.
X4 hard closes to 4.
X2 is in gap defense.
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