How to Train Help Defenders to Win 2-on-1 Situations

Every coach dreads giving up 2-on-1s in transition, but they happen. What separates great defensive teams from average ones is whether they can survive those moments.

That’s where the “Bear Defense” drill comes in.

This simple but powerful drill teaches your players how to protect the paint and turn bad situations into manageable ones. We call it Bear Defense because the help defender has one job: protect the den.

And before we dive into what it is and what it looks like, here are a few more tools you may want to check out after we share the Bear Defense:

1. How to Teach On-Ball Defense That Actually Works in Games
2. Jump. Mud. Bubble. The 3 Habits Your Defense Is Missing
3. Smarter Closeouts: How to Defend Shooters, Drivers, and Complete Players

Alright, now let’s break 2-on-1 defense down.

What is Bear Defense?

In this drill, two offensive players attack one help defender. It might come from the baseline, wing, top, or as part of a transition scenario. You can set up the spacing however you want—the principle stays the same.

The defender is the “bear.” Their job is to:

• Stall the ball long enough for help to arrive
• Discourage easy finishes at the rim
• Force tough shots, extra passes, or mid-range pull-ups

Essentially making it difficult for the offense to break through… It’s all about training players to remain calm.

Great help defenders don’t panic. They problem-solve.

Teaching the Bear Mentality

In this drill, you’ll want to emphasize…

• Forcing an extra pass. The more passes they make, the better your help defense can rotate.
• Forcing the off-hand. Show them how to angle their body to force weak-hand finishes.
• Making them settle. If you can get a pull-up jumper instead of a layup, you’ve won the possession.

When your team knows what success looks like in a 2-on-1, they stop over-helping and start defending with a plan.

And that’s the key.

Bad defensive teams react… Great defensive teams anticipate and rotate.

Teaching Bear Defense gives your players a framework to respond under pressure—and earns them more minutes in the process.

As a coach, you need players who can solve problems on the court. Train them to be the “bear”—someone who can protect the den, hold down the paint, and turn what looks like a sure bucket into a chance for your team to get the ball back.

Watch the 2-on-1 Defense Basketball Drill Video to learn how to train help defenders

FAQ: Bear Defense – Train Help Defenders to Win 2-on-1 Scenarios with Confidence and Composure

These FAQs equip coaches to build resilient help-side defenders who can disrupt scoring chances—even when outnumbered.

Q: What is the Bear Defense drill?
A: The Bear Defense drill simulates a 2-on-1 situation where a single help defender faces two offensive players. The defender’s goal is to:

• Delay the attack
• Force tough finishes
• Stall long enough for recovery help

It’s about problem-solving under pressure, not just reacting.

Use this drill to help players develop poise and presence as help defenders.

Q: Why is it called Bear Defense?
A: The term “Bear” symbolizes a defender protecting the den—the paint. The help defender’s role is to:

• Stay big and active
• Disrupt passing lanes
• Protect the rim and stall the ball

It teaches players to take ownership of the lane—even when outnumbered.

Reinforce the mindset: “You are the bear. Protect the den.”

Q: What are the key teaching points of the Bear Defense drill?
A: Emphasize:

• Force an extra pass: Delay the finish and create time for help
• Force to the off-hand: Angle the attacker into a tougher finish
• Discourage easy layups: Make them settle for floaters or pull-ups

Success = disrupting rhythm and surviving the mismatch.

Turn breakdowns into teaching moments by defining clear defensive wins.

Q: How does this drill improve transition and help defense?
A: It builds:

• Composure under pressure
• Angle awareness
• Defensive IQ to solve mismatches

It shifts your team’s mentality from panic to problem-solving when outnumbered.

Use Bear Defense to teach poise, rotation timing, and rim protection in transition.

Q: How should I set up this 2-on-1 basketball drill?
A: Use any of these setups:

• Wing entry (off a drive or skip pass)
• Baseline penetration
• Top-down 2-on-1 in transition

Add variability by adjusting spacing, entry angle, or help arrival timing.

Change the angle and timing to build adaptability in your help defenders.

Q: What defines success for the help defender in this drill?
A: Success = forcing the offense out of rhythm, such as:

• A missed layup
• A pull-up jumper under pressure
• An awkward extra pass that slows down the attack

If the help defender stalls for just 2–3 seconds, help rotation can arrive.

Set expectations: the goal isn’t to block every shot—it’s to buy time and disrupt.

Q: How does this drill develop player confidence?
A: It teaches defenders they can:

• Win possessions without gambling
• Influence outcomes through positioning
• Stay calm and focused in chaotic moments

With reps, players learn to own the paint, not just survive it.

Empower your defenders by showing them how to win outnumbered situations.

Q: Can this drill be used with youth or high school teams?
A: Yes—it’s extremely scalable. For younger players:

• Shorten the distance between attackers
• Focus on angling and footwork
• Celebrate “small wins” like deflections or delays

It teaches early recognition and defensive patience at all levels.

Adjust spacing and expectations to make this drill developmentally appropriate.

Q: Where can I find more defensive breakdowns like this?
A: Inside the PGC Coaching Community, you’ll find:

• Breakdown drills for help-side rotation
• Game-tested teaching cues for defense
• Live and film-based learning tools

Get started with a free 7-day trial and level up your defensive toolbox.

Join the PGC Coaching Community and start training defenders who can anticipate, rotate, and protect the paint.

Train Defenders to Protect the Den

The Bear Defense drill prepares players to turn defensive breakdowns into wins. With the right cues and consistent reps, your team will develop the toughness, timing, and confidence needed to shut down 2-on-1s—and change the course of games.

Want more drills and tips just like these? Get FREE instant access to every defensive drill, tactic, and strategy we’ve ever created for

– TJ

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About the Author

TJ Rosene

Coach TJ Rosene, head coach of the Emmanuel University men’s basketball team and Director of Coach Development for PGC Coaching, has spent his career shaping young athletes both on and off the court. With over 400 career wins and 12 seasons of 20+ wins, Rosene’s coaching experience is extensive and impressive. His teams have competed in six national championship games, winning three NCCAA National Championships. Under his leadership, the Lions made their NCAA Division II debut in 2018-19 and quickly captured two season titles and one tournament title, along with an appearance in the NCAA Division II Sweet 16 in 2021.

Rosene’s success expands far beyond the scoreboard. He’s been named National Coach of the Year three times and Conference Carolinas Coach of the Year twice. But for Coach Rosene, the most meaningful part of his work is the lasting impact he has on his players’ lives. As he puts it, “Coaching is a rare opportunity to shape and mold the lives of young people. It’s a privilege that I never take for granted.”