The 1-on-1 – Double or Nothing Drill is a high-intensity competitive game where players face off in isolation with added stakes: the winner can “double” their points by challenging again, or risk losing it all. This format encourages aggressive scoring, defensive intensity, and mental toughness under pressure. Perfect for ending practice on a competitive note or motivating players through playful rivalry.
Objectives
- Habituate to appreciate the defensive effort.
- To improve the chain of efforts.
- To promote the Defense of the Player With the Ball.
- To motivate the change of chip from defense to attack.
Recommended age
- From 10 years onwards (Minibasket: category alevín).
Number of players
- From 4 players forward.
- More attractive competing teams and rounds.
Recommended time
- Total duration of the exercise: 7-8 min.
- Short shifts of 10-15 seconds.
- It is recommended to compete in two rounds of 10-12 shifts (depending on the number of players).
Equipment and facilities
- 2-3 balls in total.
- A pitch whole of Basketball.
- Playable in average pitch, being able to put as a requirement to leave the triple to symbolize the change of pitch, or stepping on the line of half court.
Initial layout and description
Form two rows, each one is placed in 45 degrees, keeping symmetry. In a row will be the group of players (or the computer) attacker and the other row of the group or the team that will have the role of defense. All the defenders begin your turn with the ball. The coach is placed in line in the background, just below the basket.
The first player from the row of defenders passing the ball back to the Coach (C), and it is going to defend the first player from the row of attackers. The Coach passes the ball to the attacker. From there it plays a 1×1.
If the attacker brand basket, ended the turn.
If the defender repels the attack and takes control of the ball (regardless of whether before, during or after the attacker launch to the basket), then you have the opportunity to score. If you get to attack the other basket and score, then the team that defended in the first place score.
At the end of the turn, is updated scoring naming the score of the defending team (example, ‘3 of 7’, having scored in 3 of the 7 rounds played). When you have finished playing the last turn of the round, the teams switch roles and play another round. The team with the most points at the end of the second round.
In case of a tie after playing two rounds, each team chooses a ‘champion’ to play one last turn extra (or you can put another task that includes competition inter-group -between computers-).
Variants
- The attackers must play a 1×1 with a certain number of boats (maximum of 3 pots).
- The attackers should end up throwing from a certain area (within the area; outside of the area; from the triple).
- If the defenders recover the ball and then not encestan, add up to a point. If after recovering the ball in addition encestan, will have an extra point if the basket is 2 points or 2 extra points if you make a triple).
Cedric Arregui Guivarch
National Coach of Basketball (CES 2014)
