1-on-1 Games Guaranteed to Make You a Better Player

When you play 1-on-1, are you actually getting better?

Stop wasting your time and discover how to intentionally improve your game. Join PGC Director Tyler Coston, as he walks through 6 effective 1-on-1 games that are guaranteed to make you a better player.

1-on-1 Games Guaranteed to Make You a Better Player

The secret to effective one-on-one games is to limit the dribbles, limit the time and limit the space to create a more game-like situation. You also want to play to less points to increase intensity and alternate possession to practice being a great defender.

1-on-1 From 18 feet

Rules: Two dribbles maximum, one shot maximum, five seconds

These guidelines force you to create space and separation off of your first dribble. You have to use straight lines, sharp angles and make quick decisions because your time and space is limited.

1-on-1 From Half In The Bubble

Rules: three dribbles max, one shot max, five seconds

In this game, you have to cover lots of ground, make a quick decision and one sharp direction change to finish powerfully to create separation between you and the defense.

1-on-1 Off The Catch

Rules: Two dribbles maximum, one shot maximum, five seconds. The defender starts in the paint, offense starts outside of the key. Off-the-catch, the defense cannot move until the offense moves.

By creating momentum off-the-catch, the offense can attack and move either direction and allows the defense to work on a closeout from either direction.

1-on-1 In The Paint

Rules: Zero dribbles, one shot, two seconds. Start off-the-catch within 10 feet of the rim.

The goal of this game is to get comfortable with contact, not shy away but to understand that you can draw fouls and finish through contact. As soon as the ball is given to you, the defense is live. You have to use a series of pivots, fakes and powerful moves to find a way to get a shot up in two seconds.

1-on-1 Finishing

Rules: Zero dribbles, one shot, two seconds.You will need is a cone or a chair on the free throw line.

The offense and defensive players start with a foot on the box. Both players will walk or dribble up and loop around the cone. The defense has the ball and gives it to offense as you loop around. As soon as the ball is tossed, the game is live. The offense will work on a finishing move and the defense has to get back to stop the offense.

1-on-1 Back to the Basket

Rules: Zero dribbles, one shot, five seconds.

You’ll start this one 14 to 16 feet from the basket. On the check you’re going to catch your check and turn to start your back to the basket. Develop your pivot jab game. Work on your crab dribbles, pivot jays and your step backs. You must be able to play against contact in limited space in order to score.

Join us at a PGC camp to discover how to become an unstoppable scorer from every position on the court.