Coaches Corner: 1 on 1 Player Development Drills

Known as one of the nations top individual skill developer, Kevin Eastman is the director of player development for the NBA's Boston Celtic's and was chosen to be the skills director of Nike's first skills academy offered to the nations most elite players. Below are a few drills demonstrated at a few Nike coaching clinics he has spoken at. All 3 drills focus on attacking the basket, 1 on 1 against a defender. These drills work on ballhandling, shooting and one on one offensive moves. The drills also help to work on the defensive side too, focusing on stop the dribble penetration before the offensive player gets to the paint area.

These drills are for guard workouts, but post players would also benefit from these drills since its always good to have them work on the same skills.


1 on 1 Attack Drill:

-Offensive player starts with the ball by speed dribbling from the baseline around the cone or chair.
-The defender sprints around the second cone or chair.
-The offensive player then looks to attack the basket against the defender 1 on 1.
-The defender attempts to stop the ballhandler before they get into the paint area.

2 on 1 Attack Drill:

-Same action as the 1 on 1 attack drill, with the addition of a second offensive player on the opposite wing.
-Offensive player will attack the defender and must choose to either attack the basket and shoot or pass off to the wing player.

Baseline Touch 1 on 1 Drill:

-Both players simultaneously sprint from the foul line to touch the baseline.
-The offensive player must work to get open to recevie pass from the coach or passer.
-Once the offensie player receives the pass, they look to go 1 on 1 against the defender.