Beating the player to a spot
This is a great coach speak line that never really gets explained well enough to the kids trying to learn the game. When a coach says beat a player to the spot he means that you have to get to the spot on the court where you believe the offense is heading before he gets there. It is one thing to say and another thing to actually do.
A drill that you can use to help in this area is one that is called ‘Race to Defend’ or simply “Win the Spot” and here is how it works.
Simply take two cones and place them near on opposite sides of the court the exact same distance from the basket. I would suggest being around 35 feet away from the hoop on both sides. Two lines of players line up under the hoop with one being the defense and the other being the offense. The object is for the offensive player to get a layup before the defense can get there and stop him or slow him down. When the coach yells go both players must go around the cone before heading to the basket. Since the offense is dribbling I say to give them a 2 count head start before letting the defense run to the cone. If you find the defense is catching up to easily then simply adjust that time.
The defense should be able to get there in plenty of time to be able to contest the layup or draw a charge. The offense must go in for a layup and nothing else. They must go in and not veer away or anything.
On offense, teach the player with the ball to go in the straightest line possible so as not to take a slower path to the basket. This drill does involve contact but it will get everyone hustling and is a real team builder.
