Closeout Technique and Development

Master the art of Defensive Closeouts with multiple techniques, insights and drills from the leader in Defensive Development.

• Learn the techniques and mechanics to effectively close down space and arrive on the catch.
• Learn the little known concepts and cues to have greater impact on shots: challenging at the point of release, distance of impact and more.
• Learn the drills and progressions to improve closeouts and take away shots and drives!

Closeouts have become one of the most important aspects of successful half court defense. With the emphasis now on spacing and 3pt shooting, the ability to go from off-ball to on-ball is a skill executed more than any other on the defensive end. The effectiveness of this skill will determine the shooting percentage of your opponent, the dribble penetration/blow bys on closeouts and the scrabble situations your team finds itself in. The better your closeout defense is, the better your team defense will become!

In this 37 minute clinic, Coach Mike Jagacki covers in extreme detail the techniques of great closeouts and the drills and teaching cues to instill these techniques into our players. The clinic is set up into 3 parts: lower body technique, upper body technique and drills & concepts for elite closeouts. 

After over a decade of studying defensive technique, training athletes at every level and coaching teams, Coach Mike shares the insights he's learn to create effective closeouts. Watch the same drills, progressions and teaching points Coach Mike uses with athletes and teams of all levels.

At Hofstra University he helped the women's program lead the conference in Defensive Efficiency and Steals per game, in back-to-back years. Producing 2 All-Defense team selections in that time.

At Combine Academy Coach Jagacki had the chance to train and develop 4 D1 prospects. Now at the Division 1 level, three of those players rank in the top percentiles in Synergy's Closeout Category. Rudy Fitzbiggons ranks in top 85% in Closeout Effectiveness, Rodney Carson ranks in the top 83%, and Sean East II ranks in the top 66%.

If you are looking to transform your team's defense and develop lockdown defenders, start by improving the one skill that occurs the most on defense: closeouts. Impact more shots, put an end to scramble situations and limit dribble penetration. This clinic provides you with a must-have coaching reference that will immediately improve your team. 

37 minutes.