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Basketball how to guard a quicker player
7 Tips For Stopping An Elite Guard
- By Joe Haefner
Home > Coaching > Basketball Defensive Strategy > 7 Tips For Stopping An Elite Guard
Swish! Another jump shot hits nothing but net. A couple of plays later the same player drives the ball down the lane at will and nails a tough shot in the lane.
A couple of plays later, the same thing happens except the same player now throws the perfect pass at the perfect time to a wide open player underneath the
basket for a dunk. And each and every time this happens, it seems like a dagger is being driven into your team's heart. We've all probably played against this
type of guard throughout our career at least once.
Well, I know it drives me crazy when it seems like if all I could do is contain this elite player, it would give me a chance to win.
Because of this, I've given you seven tips that have helped me in the past.![]()
And I hope these tips will help
you for the next time you face that elite guard.
- Play Underneath - If he's a great dribble penetrator, but his outside shot is fairly weak, you may
want to sag off of him and play underneath screens.
- Pressure - If he's a great shooter, but ball-handling is not his expertise, you will want to pressure
him and stay very close, so that he can't receive any easy passes or get any room to get off a shot.
- Sag Off Until 1st Pass - If you run into an elite player who can do everything, he will be much more difficult to stop. One thing you can do is
sag off until the first pass. When the elite player has the ball, you make that first pass
really easy for him and as soon as that first pass is thrown, you deny the pass back to him all the time.
- Deny the Player - You can also deny the player the ball from the start. The player
guarding the inbounder completely denies the star player while the defensive player assigned to the
star player is on the opposite side.
If he were to catch the ball, you could have the player denying
the pass sprint back to the person he was initially guarding. You could also use the player guarding
the inbounder to instantly form a double team to try to force the star player to get rid of the ball. - Double Team - If this player is still destroying you, you could flash a double-team at him whenever he touches the ball. Different tactics
include double team from the person closest to the ball, from the weakest offensive player, and from the offensive player's back are few that you could try.
- Take Charges - If you are also playing great help defense, you can take a couple of charges. This
will make the player think twice before penetrating, and he'll start settling for the tough, outside shots.
- Study Tendencies - As you go up in the levels of basketball, it's important to study the player's tendencies. You should know what
shots they make at a high percentage and what shots they miss at a high percentage.
If the player
is very good at driving right and scoring the ball, shade them to their left. If the player always hits the corner jump shot, make sure to stay close
to them when they're near the corner. If they catch the ball with space, close out hard and force them to put it on the ground.
When Shane Battier guards
Kobe Bryant, he knows he can't stop him, but he tries to force him to take low-percentage shots. By studying game-film and statistics, Battier
knows that if he can force Kobe to take certain type of shots, it increases his team's chances of winning.
Overall, the biggest thing is to make sure that the defender is focused, staying in front of
him, and keeping his feet. For the most part, if you've got a marginally quick defensive player, he
can stay in front of the elite player, cause him to take tough shots, and contain his penetration.
What are your thoughts on this? Please add your comments below.
Guarding In Basketball: The Ultimate Guide
Guarding in basketball is one of the most important aspects of the game. It’s also one of the more difficult ones to learn and perfect. The idea behind guarding someone in basketball is to deny them access to their desired destination. While staying on your side of the court.
This article will go over what guarding entails, how you can train it, and give some tips for guarding against different types of players.
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What is Guarding in Basketball?
The first step is to understand guarding in basketball. This involves staying between your player and the basket while playing defense, without impeding their path of movement towards the basket.
The defender should stay on his side of the court by moving sideways along with his opponent when they try to move around you. If someone tries to cut back toward the middle of the court, you should anticipate this and cut them off before they can get there.
Stay Low, and Keep Your Distance!
When guarding someone in basketball it’s important to stay low while keeping your feet shoulder-width apart. This will make guarding much easier because you’ll be able to move around more easily and quickly when needed. Also, if somebody tries to go under one of your legs on their way past, make sure that you keep up with them by sliding both feet at once. Instead of just stepping back with one leg or the other.
The moment that they try to take advantage of a lazy slide is the moment where guarding pays off for you! It’s also important not only to know how far away from an offensive player that you are allowed to stand, but also to know what your position on the court can allow you to get away with.
Improving Your Guarding in Basketball
Now that guarding in basketball has been discussed. It’s time for us to talk about how you can improve guarding skills through training. This article is focused more specifically on guarding against different types of players.
We will leave some key tips up to the discretion of the reader when appropriate.
The first step to improve your guarding is to practice guarding somebody better than you. This way, you can learn what not to do from them and how to counter it. If they’re quick on their feet, work on keeping your distance. So that they don’t go under your legs as easily. If they’re bigger than you, make sure that when guarding in basketball or if guarding a big man (or girl), keep yourself lower and closer to the ground. While trying to stay between them and the basket at all times!
Some of our favorite drills for practicing guarding are:
Keep Away
The offensive player tries his best at getting open by driving around defenders before shooting an open shot with no defense playing him whatsoever. Once he misses, then another defender takes over until he scores. The defender must keep his hands up at all times when guarding in basketball to avoid fouling! Once the offensive player has scored, they switch roles so that both players can get a turn guarding each other.
Shadow Drills
While guarding somebody in basketball. Try dribbling with your head facing toward them instead of looking down at the ball while dribbling it. This will help you learn how to anticipate what they’re going to do next. And prepare for guarding against their movements earlier on during practice or games!
Partner Guarding
Have one person guard another one who is trying their best to score by getting open through cuts around defenders before shooting an open shot with no defense playing him whatsoever. Keep your distance and hands up to avoid fouling! Once the offensive player has scored, they switch roles so that both players can get a turn guarding each other.
Different Guarding Techniques
There are three main ways by which people tend to move around their opponents while playing defense. These are fronting, backpedaling, and guarding straight-on (facing someone head-on).
Fronting
Fronting occurs when one player moves between an offensive player attempting a pass or shot toward another teammate.
Who may be cutting into open space under them at just the right moment. This guarding technique is usually employed when guarding smaller, faster players.
The fronting technique is most effective when guarding somebody in basketball if you can keep your feet shoulder-width apart at all times to prevent the offensive player from going around you. This guarding technique is used by players who have a lot of experience guarding, so be prepared for it!
Backpedaling
Backpedaling occurs when one player keeps their distance while moving backwards with an opponent driving toward them or trying to shoot a jump shot. The goal of backpedaling is not only to stop penetration and play good defense but also to allow teammates time to rotate over on help-side defense (the side where they’re needed).
This guarding technique works best against more powerful guards who might bump into you as they try their hardest to score. Try stepping forward with either foot anytime you need to readjust your guarding position.
This allows you to move forward with them, but also lets the ball carrier know that they don’t want it!
Guarding Straight-On
Finally, guarding straight-on involves staying between an offensive player and where they want to go without giving them any space whatsoever. This guarding strategy works best for people with quick hands and good anticipation skills as it often leaves little room for mistakes or missed opportunities!
This guarding technique works great if there are other defenders on help-side defense around because it gives them time to come over for more support as well as cover-up potential rebounds off missed shots. However, do not guard straight-on if guarding somebody in basketball is too difficult or uncomfortable for you because many different guarding techniques will work a lot better! are useful in guarding someone.
Different Types of Guards
We could not mention guarding in basketball without mentioning the different types of guards on the court:
The Point Guard
The point guard is usually the smallest and fastest player on a team who is responsible for bringing the ball down court to start plays as well as guarding smaller players like small forwards or shooting guards.
Some of the best point guards in basketball history include Steve Nash, Russell Westbrook and Allen Iverson, to name a few.
The Shooting Guard
The off-guard tend to be bigger than point guards as they are usually taller, more athletic, and can shoot better from long range; their job is also to bring the ball down the court and guard players who are taller than them.
The shooting guard (off-guard) is often a team’s best shooter from behind the three-point line; their job is to score points for their team by shooting layups or open shots from long range when they get them!
This guarding technique works great if there are other defenders on help-side defence around because it gives them time to come over for more support, as well as cover-up potential, rebounds off missed shots.
Conclusion
Thanks for reading our blog on guarding in basketball. We’ve covered most of the basics, along with some tips to help you improve your technique and train this defensive strategy.
If there are any other questions or comments about how to guard better, please let us know!
Here are Some of our Favourite Basketball Sneakers
Here we will be giving more of an opinion, rather than facts. Are the sneakers worth the price that they are being sold at? Should you upgrade from your current sneakers, depending on what boots you own? What features stand out on these sneakers? If any. Does it do the job? Speed, control, stability etc. Depending on your needs/preferences. We can also mention its durability, if we have collected enough data on the specific sneakers.
What did we expect vs. what we got. Is it maybe overrated/underrated?
Elite
Here’s our pick from the very best of the bunch.
Pro
On your way to the pro leagues? Here’s our pick.
Beginner
Want something to start with? Have a look at our pick.
Personal protection system | Basketball team action
The organization of defensive team action, in which each player is assigned to hold a specific opponent player, is called the personal defense system.
This system has a number of positive aspects, and it is no coincidence that the vast majority of teams use it.
The positive quality of personal defense is its activity, which creates conditions not only for the protection of the basket and for the fight for the ball, but also for the fight against players without the ball.
This system is easy to learn. Each player, knowing who he is holding, helps the team to quickly organize the defense. The responsibility of each player for the actions of a certain opponent is increased.
This defense system makes it possible to distribute players depending on the characteristics of the opponent (tall keeps high, mobile - mobile, etc.) and at the same time help your partner.
It is a universal system and is applicable against any attack system; the skills acquired by the players of teams using this system make it easy to master any other defense system.
The disadvantage of this system is the following:
The player, constantly moving behind his ward, spends a lot of physical strength; this defense system also makes it easier for the enemy to set up a barrier.
The personal defense system comes in three forms: full-field defense, backcourt defense, and free-throw defense or, as it is commonly known, “half-field” defense.
Each of these forms of personal protection is distinguished from each other by the area of protective actions.
What is each of these forms of personal protection?
Full field protection . This form is the most active form of personal protection.
In it, actions are organized according to the principle - not a second of rest for the opponent, not a single free pass, not a single free throw into the basket. To accomplish this task, the players keep their wards wherever they are, trying to completely turn them off from the game (Fig. 76).
Fig. 76. Holding all over the field
The effectiveness of this defense option depends primarily on how timely and fully all the team players will perform their functions.
If at least one player switches to defense at the wrong time or does not hold his charge tightly, then this will immediately affect the effectiveness of defensive actions of the whole team.
Defending all over the field requires the players to be able to hold the opponent tightly, it requires a lot of stamina and mobility. When applying this defense system, players must be able to quickly switch from attack to defense and quickly dismantle players.
It should be noted that when applying this form of defense, many teams make a characteristic mistake, namely: instead of quickly covering the players without the ball tightly, they begin to fight the opponent for the ball. As a result, the player with the ball, having uncovered partners, easily outplays the defenders and passes the ball to one of them to further develop the attack.
In order to avoid this error, players must learn the sequence of closing players when applying this form of defense. First of all, all players without the ball should be tightly covered. To facilitate this task, the defender, acting against the player with the ball, without entering the fight for the ball, prevents the pass with energetic work of the hands.
After all the players without the ball have been covered, the main actions of the defender against the player with the ball begin. These actions depend on whether the attacker used dribbling or not. If the ball carrier has not yet used the dribble, then the defender should be more careful. He needs to seek distracting actions to get the attacker to dribble, in order to then decisively enter the fight for the ball. In the fight for the ball with the opponent who used the dribble, sometimes the nearest partner should also join. If the opponent does not dribble, then in this case the defender, as it were, sneaks up on the player with the ball and suddenly and quickly tries to knock or snatch the ball from the hands of the opponent.
Previously, personal protection throughout the field was not widely used and was essentially used only:
with a clear superiority over the opponent, when the team wanted to achieve the maximum score or when the defending team lost a few points in the last minutes.
Currently, many coaches are striving to significantly expand the use of this form of protection and are achieving some success. In particular, this form of defense is used by many teams against the fast break. Some teams use this defense option against a team using a zone defense system, trying to create an advantage in the first minutes and forcing the opponent to leave the zone defense system.
Skillful use of this defense option during the game, if necessary, increases the pace of the game, which is very important for seizing the initiative, as well as for a "spurt" in the score of the game, especially when physically superior to the opponent.
Personal protection throughout the field forces the opponent to continuously act actively.
Based on the above, it can be concluded that this defense option has a great future, and coaches should take this into account.
Defending in own backcourt . This form of personal defense differs from the previous one in that the defenders enter the fight with their ward only when they cross the middle line (Fig.
77).
Fig. 77. Keeping in their backcourt
Using this form of personal defense, players quickly retreat back to their backcourt when the ball is lost, giving temporary freedom to the attackers.
The defense in its backcourt is inferior in its activity to the defense throughout the field, but due to the decrease in the protected area, it is more reliable for protecting its basket from shots not only from close, but also from medium and long distances and at the same time creates the necessary conditions for fighting for the ball in their backcourt.
Individual teams resort to some variation in applying this form of defense.
A team with players who are good at intercepting the ball, when the ball is lost, leaves them to hunt for the ball, and the rest of the players retreat to their own zone.
This brings results, especially in cases where the opponent leaves only two or three players in his backcourt (fig. 78) or the players of the opposing team do not have an accurate pass.
Fig. 78. Chasing the ball in your backcourt
Free throw defense , or half-court defense. Recently, many teams have begun to use a new form of personal defense system - protection in the free throw area, or defense in the half zone.
This form of defense originated as a counter-measure against successful attackers who, by skillfully using the center players and the high skill of the players using lightning passes to the backboard, gain an advantage in the game and shoot balls into the basket from close range.
Half-zone defense is based on the principle: all to defend the basket. To do this, the team quickly retreats to their shield, settles in the free throw area and guards the nearest approaches to the shield (Fig. 79).
Fig. 79. Half-zone defense
In carrying out the main task of preventing the opponent from throwing the ball into the basket from close range, the defenders weaken their attention to their players when they are without the ball.
The farther from the ball and the basket is the ward, the deeper the defender can retreat to the backboard and, together with partners, come to grips with the created threat to the basket.
However, the player must not lose control of his charge, but move in such a way that he is always between him and the shield. If the ward uses throws from long and medium distances, then when he receives the ball, you need to get out in time and prevent him from making a throw. After the ward passes the ball, the defender must quickly return to his original position.
The concentration of five players on a small area of the court and mutual assistance help to insure the center, make it difficult for the opponents to get to the backboard, and also create favorable conditions for fighting for the ball after a rebound from the backboard.
This form of defense, the half-zone defense, is so named because, firstly, it combines the principles of personal player-versus-player defense with the principle of collective protection of a certain area of the site and, secondly, because, the protected area equal to half of the team's backcourt.
This form of defense has some significant drawbacks: it is significantly inferior in its activity to the first two forms of defense, as it is built on the desire to defend more than attack, gives the opponent freedom of action over most of the court and does not completely eliminate basket shots from a long distance . The defense in the half zone also makes it difficult for the team to transition to a fast break due to the proximity of the players to their shield.
Given the serious shortcomings of this form of defense, it can only be used in cases where the defending team plays worse in defense than in attack and is inferior in speed to the opponent, when the players of the attacking team do not know how to accurately shoot at the basket from a long distance, when the defending the team has a slight advantage over the opponent and strives to keep him in the remaining very short time until the end of the game.
A. Ya. Gomelsky about strategy and tactics in basketball
copies of swiss watches
Strategy is the main theoretical direction of the entire work of the team, which determines the means and methods of preparing for the main competitions.
Four-year plan for the preparation of the USSR national team for the Olympics in Seoul - the strategy of the team in 1985-1988. The strategy also provides for the management of the team during the competition.
Tactics is a part of the strategy that solves the main tasks of training, taking into account specific capabilities - team resources, characteristics of opponents, competition conditions. All this determines the tactical and combination baggage of the team.
When choosing tactics of the game (attack), one should proceed, firstly, from the real capabilities of the players, taking into account, first of all, their strengths, for the disclosure of which combinations are built and learned. Secondly, attack tactics are determined by the strength and weakness of a real opponent in a tournament, match.
I usually discuss playing combinations with the players for whom this combination is designed. I know the strengths of my players, but the players themselves know them even better and can make significant adjustments to the combinations I have proposed.
A.Ya. Gomelsky about playing defense
I believe that defense is the main concern of the coach: firstly, because the victory of the team largely depends on its strength, secondly, because the attack starts from the defense, like from the stove, in- thirdly, because the players themselves never work on the elements of protection, and finally, because the audience, as a rule, does not see it, even journalists often underestimate it.
The best team cannot win without a solid defense. Team defense is built on the individual characteristics, capabilities and mood of all players. Often in training, and even in competitions, individual players show indifference to defensive actions. It always bothered me and even angered me. Yes, the menial work on defense isn't that spectacular - except for things like block shots, rebounds, interceptions.' And many players are not aggressive on defense, they are resting on defense, trying to prove themselves in attack.
I am sure that without great desire, responsibility, initiative, passion, it is simply impossible to defend today.
If the defender allowed the attacker to receive the ball in the danger zone, he has already lost. And how many cases when the center is allowed to receive the ball in the three-second zone under the shield, without striving to actively fight for an advantageous position.
Often defensive players are in no hurry, they do not concentrate their attention and efforts enough on this part of the game.
I want to emphasize that the psychology of defense is one of the most important concerns of a coach, and often more depends on the focus on defense than on technique and physical condition. Doesn't the ability to intercept the ball and win the rebound depend on the mind and the ability to calculate one's strength? If a player goes to intercept the ball, exposing his rear, and slips past the ball, is this not the result of poor calculation, inability to predict, anticipate the situation, think and act responsibly? All this is the psychology of defense.
I believe that a player who is weak and inept in defense causes more damage to the team than a player who is weak in attack. The definition of "good defense is head and legs", while still valid, is incomplete. Fast, tenacious, active hands that can both hit and intercept the ball, and prevent a throw, pass, kick the ball while dribbling - are no less important for a defender
Counterattack
Counterattack is the most spectacular and quick use of all opportunities to achieve result.
Fast play requires high technique. The desire to play at high speeds is commendable and acceptable only if the speed does not exceed the state of the art. Otherwise, there will be more mistakes, losses of the ball than achievements. Therefore, in an effort to prepare a fast break, it is necessary to train the execution of all technical elements at high speeds, using both active and passive resistance of defenders in situations 1-1, 2-1, 3-2, 4-3, 5--4 and with numerical equality.
My idea of a counter-attack is not only to move quickly towards the opponent's backboard, but also to quickly transfer the ball to the opponent's backboard with sharp passes, or, if there is no free recipient to receive the ball, by dribbling the ball, actively moving forward. In the final stage of the fast break, players strive to create a triangle in the front line of attack with the apex on the free throw line. There should be a player with the ball, and two other players - to the left and right of him, 4-5 m ahead.
A counterattack is possible in the following situations:
1) when intercepting the ball;
2) when taking a rebound on his backboard;
3) after the opponent has taken free throws;
4) after winning a dropped ball;
5) after the opponent manages to pocket the ball.
The best outcome of a fast break is taking the opponent's ring with a numerical advantage, when implementing situations in numerical equality: 1-1, 2-2, 3-3, 4-4.
This is easier than beating a 5-5 defense that has already built up its defensive formations.
There are three phases in a counterattack that are equally important for success:
1) the beginning of a fast break - rebounding the ball, first pass, movement of the players, their start;
2) the middle stage of the development of the attack - the transition by the players of the middle line of the field, their advancement;
3) completion of the attack - passing the ball at speed and throwing in close proximity to the backboard.
The timing of the "rehearsed fast break" depends on the speed of the players, the ball passes and the finishing shot. The USSR national team spent 5-7 s on a layered fast break. I think that the schemes of her tactical formations will provide great opportunities for the creativity of coaches working with any teams.
Playing in the USSR national team such powerful and tall centers as A. Sabonis and V. Tkachenko made it possible to carry out a counterattack through one long pass across the entire court.
Center #5, after recovering the ball from the backboard, passes it to runaway #2.
Such an attack was especially successful when building a zone or mixed defense, when one of the defenders or wingers playing in the front line of defense was given the task of running away at the moment of throwing at our ring, in the expectation that the giants would be able to take possession of the ball , bouncing off the shield, and make a long pass across the entire field. Naturally, such a system of counterattack requires special coordination of actions, and its development takes considerable time in the training process.
Development of a quick counter-attack through the middle of the field.
Players #5, #4, #3 are fighting for the ball and, having mastered it, they try to make the first pass to player #2, who passes the ball to player #1. Player #1 rushes forward dribbling through the middle of the court. Players #2 and #3 overtake the dribbler at high speed, form a triangle with #1, and finish the attack with a close range throw if they manage to create a numerical advantage under the opponent's shield.
If it was not possible to complete the attack in the first echelon, then the second echelon comes into action - center players #4 and #5. They, each on their own side of the court, rush to the opponent's shield. The one on whose side the ball is on ends the attack.
Development of a fast sideline break.
On a rebound from the left side of the backboard, the post makes a quick pass to player #2, who opens to receive the pass to the sideline, just above the free throw line. At the intersection of the sideline with the center, player #1 receives a pass from player #2, then passes it to player #4, who rushes forward on the left side. Player #4 has three possible continuations of the attack: give the ball to player #5 or #3, who is running towards the opponent's backboard in a straight line, or pass to player #2 in the area of the arc. It is clear that the transfer should be made to the most open player, who is in the most advantageous situation.
A similar situation occurs when attacking on the opposite side.
Development of a fast break after a free throw into our ring.
If player #4 catches a bounce or quickly clears a potted ball from behind the endline, the first pass is to the left sideline to player #1 opening at or slightly above the free throw line. Player #2 opens near the center circle, receives the ball and dribbles forward. Players #5 and #3 pass the dribbler along the touchlines, player #4 overtakes him from the right, and player #2 stays slightly back in the backing position. Thus, player #2 has four options to choose the direction of the attack.
Same procedure as above, but after rebounding a field goal or after the ball is thrown in from behind the end line.
Developing a fast break after a dropped ball in the center circle or on the free throw line in our half of the field.
Player #5 discounts player #4 who is ready to receive the ball with his hands up. After catching the ball, #4 passes forward to player #1, who opens up to receive that pass after being screened by player #3.
Players #2 and #4 support the attack. Such a combination can be played in both directions. At the heart of her success is high growth, good jumping ability and the ability to accurately throw the ball to the partner of the center player.
Same scheme, but now player #4 screens player #2 who, having received the ball from player #3, rushes forward.
The easiest way to complete a counterattack is for the players to take the shortest path to the opponent's shield. However, with the development of a counterattack, options are possible with cross screens
interaction like a trio
setting up screens for the players of the second echelon in the center of the field.
Many teams in the world, including the USSR national team, after they failed to complete the counterattack with a scoring throw, in the transition to a positional attack, spent precious time placing players, thus allowing the enemy to prepare for defensive actions and occupy all defenders advantageous positions.
This is why a quick or non-stop attack after a counterattack ("transition game") is increasingly used in the tactics of the best teams in the world. I will give an example of such an attack in the USSR national team.
The fast break was not completed by the players of the first attack tier #2 and #3, nor the second tier #4 and #5. They, each on their own side, set up screens for fielders #3 and #2 for a shot from medium or long distance, and then go to the backboard to receive the ball in the three-second zone on the spot or to fight on the backboard, after a throw from one of the players # 2 or #3. Options for a non-stop attack can be very different. This could be a double or triple screen for the team's sniper, or a winger or post entering the 3-second zone after receiving the screen. It all depends on the characteristics and capabilities of the player for whom the combination is being made.
Double screen to Marciulionis (#2) to attack with his left hand from the free throw area.
Players #4 (Volkov) and #3 (Tikhonenko) simultaneously put up two screens for player #2 (Marciulenis). #2 breaks into the free throw line, where he receives the ball from player #1 (Sokka). "Marciulionis has opportunities to continue the attack:
a) receiving the ball in motion and passing under the backboard;
b) receiving the ball with a stop and shooting at
c) passing the ball to player #5 (Sabonis) in case there is a switch of defenders.
Players #4 and #2 after screening go under the backboard to fight for the rebound.
Mixed defense
There are several systems of mixed defense:
1. Four players build a zone defense 2-2
or 1-2-1
capabilities and tactics of the opponent.
2. Three players build a 2-1 zone defense and two guard the enemy's strongest snipers.
3. One player completes the zone formation while four players cover the opponents personally.
4.
Two players form a zone defense and three players act as an individual defense.
Mixed defense brought good luck to the USSR national team and the CSKA team more than once. The choice of defense has always been determined by the characteristics of the opponent and our capabilities.
In the final of the Olympic tournament in Seoul against the team of Yugoslavia, we used a mixed defense 1-4.
Sabonis played a zone defense, the rest of the players closely guarded their opponents. This was due to the presence of Vrankovic or Raja in the Yugoslav team, who are not very dangerous away from the shield, and the fact that Petrovich, Paspal, Kukoch posed a big threat. The players who guarded the leaders of the Yugoslav team could, with a greater degree of risk, fight with their opponents to get the ball. They knew that Sabonis would help them if they were beaten.
A similar defense was chosen in the semi-final tournament in Seoul against the US team.
Sabonis did a zone defense and let Robinson or Reed or Maning shoot from wide. But the rest of the US players were completely covered, and a player like Maning did not bring a single point to the team. As a result, the USSR national team won 82:76. And Sabonis, who participated in the Olympics after a serious injury, two operations, took first place in the selection of balls from shields and made a great contribution to the victory of the USSR team.
Sometimes, with two centers Sabonis - Tkachenko, we built a mixed, personally set defense 3-2. Two giants and one mobile defender played well in the zone. In the early 70s, it was Eremin, then Valters, and at the Olympics and the pre-Olympic tournament Sokk performed this function, and Belostenny and Volkov played instead of Sabonis and Tkachenko in Holland.
At the Seoul Olympics, we used such a defense (3 in the zone, 2 in person) against the Brazilian team.
Sabonis, Volkov and Sokk built a triangle on top of which Sabonis and Volkov played.
Tikhonenko took care of So-uzu personally, and Marciulionis took care of Schmidt, and although these two players scored 65 points together, the match turned out to be very difficult for us, but we still won 110:105. The mistake in the choice of defense was that Schmidt outplayed the smaller Marciulionis in different positions, and Souza outplayed the slower Tikhonenko. In the last 10 minutes of the match, Volkov was attached to Schmidt, Marciulionis switched to Souza, and we changed Tikhonenko to Goborov in zone defense.
Benefits of mixed defense
allows you to fight with him to get the ball, while expecting the active help of teammates, without fear of a throw.
2. Such a system, if the opponent is not prepared for it, tactically introduces confusion and makes it difficult to carry out screening combinations.
3. Combines the best aspects of individual and zone protection systems.
4. Promotes a quick transition from defense to counterattack.
5.
Allows players to use their strengths defensively and not show their weaknesses.
6. Can take the point guard out of the game and deprive the opponent of the usual formation and rhythm, destroy the counterattack if applied pressure throughout the field.
Weakness of the mixed defense
1. A technically competent team, which has several leaders, easily rearranges the offense and breaks the mixed defense.
2. Simultaneous movements of two or three players diagonally can destroy a mixed defense if the opponent manages to create a numerical advantage on one of the sides of the field.
3. Often vulnerable to medium throws from 3-4m.
4. Requires special lengthy preparation, coordinated actions, high teamwork of the whole team for rebuilding and interchangeability in positions.
5. If one of the five players did not have time to reorganize or did not cope with his duties, then the whole idea of such a defense is frustrated.
A.
Ya. Gomel. Pressing defense
Pressing is the most active type of defense, constant pressure on the opponent. It can be personal or zone, it can start from the moment the opponent throws it: all over the court, on 3/4 of it, in their own half, i.e. on 1/2 site.
The goal of defense by pressing is not only psychological pressure on the opponent, but also the desire to break the opponent's established game, break his habitual connections between defense and attack, his combinations, make inaccurate passes of the ball, hasty - throws. It is impossible to apply pressure without mastering enough methods of individual protection. This form of defense requires high physical condition, good reserve and teamwork of all players and team units.
Pressing is used both as a system of play for long periods of time, and as a forced measure: when losing in a score to increase the pace or when waiting for pressure from an opponent.
By pressing, we try to take the ball away from the opponent - we force him to make false, inaccurate passes that are easily intercepted.
Often, the opponents of the front line of pressing, having missed the opponents, do not pursue them, but watch the development of further events - this is a gross mistake. It is necessary to chase the player with the ball, trying to knock the ball from him from behind, stepping on his heels. Thus, you force the opponent to rush, worry, make mistakes.
If in zone or personal pressing you are left without a player and do not help a friend, you make a miscalculation. If one of the five pressers is not active, the work of the entire team goes down the drain. Pressing is primarily an active defense of the team.
In modern basketball, many coaches tend to believe that personal pressing is less effective, difficult, leads to a large number of personal violations and is inferior in usefulness to zone pressing systems. I also believe that a strong, technical player with good dribbling is able to cope with personal pressure.
In addition, with a stretched defense, it would be incredibly difficult to keep such players as Marciulionis, Volkov, Kurtinaitis, Petrovich, Schmidt, Kukach, Paspal, Rivier, Gallis one on one.
I'm not talking about NBA players. But although zone pressing has become more popular, it is impossible to do without the ability to play personal pressing. Therefore, it is necessary to train defense daily 1-1, 2-2, 3-3, 4-4 all over the court, with and without the ball, with and without dribbling, with and without screens, first at a walk, then at high speed.
Exercises are useful in which the number of defenders prevails over the number of attackers. These exercises promote the interaction of the defenders, instill the skills of tackling the ball. They are also good for attacking players. When training personal pressing, due attention should be paid to the rapid movements of players in an active stance, in different directions, with a skillful change in the positions of players. Defenders of the first line of defense seek to push their attackers to the sidelines and prevent the attacker from getting around him with the ball and without the ball.
If one of the defenders managed to stop the attacker with the ball at the touchline at the intersection with the penalty or center line, the defensive partner must come to the aid of a friend: together they force him to make a cross pass, which the other three players are ready to intercept.
The initial stage of personal pressing is carried out by two fundamentally different tactical constructions:
1. The opponent who introduces the ball into the game holds a high moving edge and with an active movement of the hands prevents him from making an aimed pass.
2. No one guards the opponent who puts the ball into play, but two pressers prevent the most dangerous dribbler from getting the ball.
For example, Volkov secured Sokka and Marciulionis from behind when passing to player 5.
A few tips when defending with personal pressure: make him stop and do not let him make an accurate pass, interfering with his hand movements;
2) if the defending partner allowed himself to be bypassed, immediately come to his aid, of course, without leaving your ward in a safe position under the shield;
3) constantly watch not only your ward, watch the actions of partners, learn to see the whole field.
In the USSR national team and CSKA, zone pressing 1-2-1 - 1 brought us the most success.
We started pressing from the opponent's front line after a goal and a free kick. High extreme Volkov interfered with the throw-in. If the ball was injected to the right, Marciulionis and Volkov attacked X2 defender together, trying to prevent him from going forward and make an aimed pass to XI defender, Sokk followed the movement of X3 and X4. Sabonis secured the rear, was responsible for long passes and for the X5 player. Tikhonenko in the center of the field followed X4's pass with a long pass and went to the ball passing side.
Returning from a weak attack, we built a defense 2-3
Zone defense in basketball
The meaning of this defense is that the players are in charge of a certain area of the field, in accordance with the position of the ball and the formation of the attacking team.
Benefits of zone defense:
1. Allows players to be placed according to their physical, technical and mental characteristics.
Tall, jumpy players are located close to the backboard, mobile, fast players - in positions higher from the backboard.
2. More team-oriented, easy to master, capable of compensating for individual players' gaps in defense.
3. Promotes counter-attacking and frequent interceptions of the ball with the greatest possible degree of risk, because. Partners are always ready to help.
4. The number of fouls in a zone defense is usually less than in a personal defense.
5. This defense is less vulnerable to screen combinations.
6. Can concentrate with strong opponent centers and stretch with snipers.
7. More than personal protection, it saves players' strength and protects leaders from fouls.
8. Most effective against opponents with strong centers.
9. A team that owns a zone defense can easily build mixed forms of defense: 3-2, 4-1, 2-3.
10. Convenient and suitable for small fields.
Disadvantages of zone defense:
1. Inferior to the personal psychological responsibility of the players, their charge for individual victory in defense.
2.
Less useful against teams with strong snipers.
3. As a rule, the corners of the court are less protected in zone defense.
4. Zone defense may be used occasionally and should not be the main form of defense. It is not advisable to use zone defense at the beginning of the match, when the opponent's players are not yet tired, energetic enough - their throws are more accurate and productive than at the end of the game.
There are several formations of the zone defense, however, each of the zone defenses should easily transform depending on the attack - stretch when attacking from a distance and group around the ring.
Even type of zone defense formations includes systems: 2-2-1, 2-1-2, 2-3.
Odd formation: 1-2-2, 1-3-1, 3-2.
Each of these constructions has its advantages and disadvantages, which are useful to analyze.
The arrows indicate the direction of movement of the players. The shaded places on the court are the weak positions of the defense.
Zone defense 1-2-2
#1 - the lightest, fastest defender, #2 and #3 - quite mobile, jumpy, good if their height is at least 2 m. #4 and #5 - centers. Their task is to fight with the opponent's centers, picking up balls from the shield.
This system is most useful against teams trying to attack from under the shield through the post. Disadvantages - weak positions indicated in the figure.
Zone defense 2-1-2
It is used against strong opponent's centers who are dangerous on the "second floor" when rebounding the ball. Good for developing a counterattack with fast #1 and #2 players. Vulnerable in corners under 45, in the center for long and medium throws. The task of post #5 is to mark the opponents' post and, together with ?3 and ?4, create a rebounding triangle. #3 and #4 are mobile and high wingers, they can be swapped depending on the place of the sniper's attack.
Zone Defense 1-3-1
Helps to keep #3, #5, #2 between the ball and the basket at all times, used against opponent's strong centers and shots from middle and close positions.
Her weakness is throws from the corners of the site and passes to the shield along the front line.
#1 - the fastest defender, running into the gap in every possible situation, #2 and #3 - mobile, jumping players, #5 - center, #4 - the fastest winger, able to move into the corners of the court.
Zone defense 3-2
#1, #2 and #3 are aggressive, mobile players, the success of the whole system largely depends on their activity. All three are focused on intercepting the ball and counterattacking. This system is most acceptable against teams seeking to attack from a distance, and less suitable against strong centers. The 3 second zone and 45 angle positions are the most vulnerable. #1 is in charge of the foul line. #2 and #3 are in a rebound fight. #5 and #4 are the first and second centers.
Zone protection 2-3
Strongest under the backboard, in the corners of the court along the front line. It is used against a tall, powerful team attacking from close positions and from under the shield.
Often used for group selection of the ball in the corners of the site. When interacting #4 and #2 or #3 and #1, the defense is less effective on the foul line and at a 45 angle. #5 - center, #4 - second center, #3 - winger, #1 and #2 - defenders, constantly aimed at interception and counterattack.
Zone protection 2-2-1
This defense is used by agile and short teams aiming to intercept the ball and constantly counterattack. This zone counterattack is used against teams seeking to attack from medium distances. Center #5 is responsible for rebounding, wingers #3 and #4 are responsible for positions in corners and under 45 , rebounding the ball and for the foul line.
Defenders #1 and #2 tend to close the passes to the shield and into the three-second zone, while they themselves are constantly aimed at counterattacking.
A.Ya. GomelskyDefense against ball carrier
It is necessary to work out the correct body position in a basketball stance: the center of gravity is evenly distributed on both legs, but not on a full foot, but on toes, with a "charged" (ready for any movement) foot, knees slightly bent, legs slightly wider than shoulders .
Boxing stance - like the great Michael Jordan.
If the opponent is in possession of the ball, one arm of the defender must be directed at the ball and constantly attack the opponent, preventing him from aiming or throwing (best if it touches the attacker), and the second arm slightly pulled back. Many defenders, being between the player with the ball and the basket, even in the correct stance, do not actively use their hands, do not make an offensive movement towards the attacker, which allows the opponent to calmly take further actions. At the same time, it must be remembered that you cannot cross your legs, that the distance between the defender and the opponent must be calculated so that the opponent can pass with a dribbling to the ring.
Contact defense against the ball carrier, although difficult and somewhat risky, is modern and has its advantages. If your arm extended to the opponent reaches his chest, then by doing so you prevent the attacker from lifting the ball up for a throw.
The defender's movements should be practiced regularly:
a) in each training session - with and without resistance;
b) with one or two balls;
c) with side steps, making contact with the body closest to the attacker.
The defender's actions in different situations can be divided into 12 positions:
1. Defense against a dribbler driving the ball to your ring.
2. Defending against a player who has finished the dribble and is looking to either shoot or pass.
3. Defense against an attacker 5-6 m from the backboard, but not using the dribble.
4. Actions of defenders in numerical minority.
5. Actions of two defenders against three forwards.
6. Actions of three defenders against four forwards.
7. Actions of defenders during screenings.
8. Rear screen protection.
9. Slip protection.
10. Group tackle of the ball by two defenders.
11. Defense against the first pass to the counterattack.
12. Fighting the attacker in the corners of the court.
Let's try to analyze the defender's actions in each of these positions.
1. Defender's task - in a parallel low stance, without crossing the legs, move backwards, knees slightly bent, one hand all the time makes attacking movements towards the dribbler (feints with the body and head participate in this frightening dribbler movement), with the other hand he tries to stop the dribble (if possible, knock the ball out). The raised hand is ready to prevent the presenter from making the pass. Hands can be changed, they are always in motion.
As already mentioned, one should move on a "charged" foot, the heels do not touch the floor, the back is straight, slightly tilted forward, the head is raised up.
The leader should be pushed to the sideline, in the corner of the court, or his movement should be directed towards the defensive partner, remembering that the leader must not be allowed to go to the "strong" side (if left-handed - to the left, if right-handed - to the right).
The distance from the leader should be maintained depending on the speed of his rushing with the ball, his ability to attack or pass, as well as your ability, taking into account the position on the field of defensive partners. Do not rush to take the ball away from a good dribbler, wait for him to stop or make a mistake.
2. If the attacker has finished dribbling and has stopped to shoot or pass the ball, the defender must definitely get close to him, actively using his arms, preventing him from concentrating on the next action. The hand closest to the opponent must touch the fingers of his chest or stomach and not allow him to lift the ball up to attack the ring or pass. The defender seeks to force the opponent to turn his back to the shield and, without stopping attacking the attacker, prevents him from making an aimed pass. The defender must signal to his defensive partners to be ready to intercept the ball. These are already team actions.
3. If the opponent has received the ball 5-6 m from the backboard and he is in possession of the dribble, the defender must not stop actively attacking the attacker; make short lunges with your front foot, use your hands to prevent him from aiming.
The attacker cannot be missed to the shield along the front line, if he moves slightly towards it, none of the partners will help the defender. The hand close to the end line insures the passage with the lead, the other one attacks the attacker.
Do not give in to feints. If the attacker went to the end line where the defender took up position, you can meet him with his chest and show the referees that he knocked you down. Don't be afraid and learn to fall gently on your back.
If the attacker, despite the activity of the defender, lifted the ball for a throw, you should try to jump with him and prevent the throw. Do not stop working even when the opponent has already made a throw or pass. Do not turn away from him and block his path to the shield. When you take a step back, meet him with your face, and do not try to run after him. You should always be in these moments between the opponent and your shield.
4. If the defender is alone against two attackers, he tries to prevent the ball from being thrown from under the backboard and retreats with his back to his ring so that he can see both attackers.
With false movements, he tries to stop the player with the ball and prevent him from making a pass to the opponent under the ring or in time for him in order to block the throw from afar. Not allowing the ball to be thrown from under the shield, the defender will fulfill his mission.
2x1 training on the spot and on the move develops reaction in defenders, teaches active arm movement, backward movement, composure and ability to intercept the ball.
5. Two defenders against three forwards - a common situation in any match, so the defenders, regardless of their position, being in the minority, must know their maneuver.
The front defender moves towards the dribbler to stop him at the top of the three-point offensive zone. He uses a feint, showing that making contact with this attacker is his main real task. At the same time, he should not get close to the opponent leading the ball. The rear defensive player takes a position on the free throw line, behind the front one and, after the pass from the dribbler, moves towards the player who received the ball - he is responsible for passing this player to the backboard or throwing from close range.
The front defender, meanwhile, quickly moves to the third striker under the shield, managing to prevent him from getting the ball. The task of the two defenders is to prevent the ball from being thrown from under the shield. Exercises 3x2, 4x3, 5x4 are a good school for practicing such actions. You can train them by attacking with two balls.
6. If three defenders are defending against four attackers, their actions are built as follows. If attacker XI has the ball, defender ?1 rushes towards him, defender ?2 is responsible for throwing and moving to attacker XZ's shield, defender ?3 moves to the shield. If attacker X2 receives the ball, defender ?1 tends to it. Defender ?3 is responsible for attacker X4, defender ?2 moves to the basket.
A 4x3 drill on the spot and on the move, with rebounding the ball after a throw, with one and two balls - a good rehearsal for a defense of three against four.
7. Today, not a single even very serious team imagines an attack without a combination of screens.
Coordination of actions of the team's defenders, warning about the impending screen determine the preparation of the team to fight the screens.
The guard guarding the screening player must warn his partner of the imminent threat. If the screen without the ball is made by attackers of the same height, there is no great danger of changing the defenders.
If the defenders want to avoid changing when screening from the side, the defender must turn towards the defender and step back, bypassing him from behind, which will not allow the attacker to pass to the backboard.
If the attacker screens from the blind side, from behind, the defender must open towards the defensive partner, turning sideways to him. This will make it difficult to set up a barrier.
8. If your partner puts a screen on the sniper when attacking from medium or long distances behind the defender and you did not have time to get out from under such a screen, a change is necessary: your partner switches to the sniper with his hand raised and prevents him from making a throw.
You are left with a dangerous, taller opponent, and your task is to prevent him from getting the ball or picking up the ball after the throw.
It is difficult to do without the help of partners in this situation. In general, I am a supporter of the smallest shift with screens, because. this reduces individual responsibility and gives the attacker a chance to beat the defender.
9. If your player, while in possession of the ball, seeks to pass to a teammate who is close to him, you must step back and allow your defensive partner to slip, and then take an active position towards your attacker.
10. The defensive player should always try to get the dribbler to the touchline, into the corner of the court, stop him and turn his back to the backboard.
The second defender, seeing this situation, attacks the opponent with the ball from the other side. Both of them with active hand movements interfere with making an aimed pass. It is important that the rest of the defense players are ready, focused on intercepting the ball.
11. The USSR national team used the defense against the first pass in a fast break more than once against opponents who counterattack through a fast dribbler, sending him the first pass after picking up the ball from the backboard. So we often defended against the Spanish national team, where the ?1 dribbler was Carbolan or Salosobal.
Our team's tall center, who plays close to the backboard, whether it's Tkachenko, Sabonis or Belostenny, prevents the dribbler from making an accurate first pass. At the same time, our fast defender, for example, Homichujus, presses ?1 opponent and does not allow him to receive the ball. The other three of our players were to immediately return to their zone.
So often the counterattack of the Spanish national team failed, in which the Spaniards were especially dangerous and productive.
I must say that there are some significant differences between the game of our and American defenders. According to my conclusions, they are:
1.
Americans on the defensive are always offensive, they are not afraid of a contact attack on the attacker in possession of the ball.
In a low stance with arms raised, the US defender seeks to hit the ball, prevent a pass from being made, not to mention a shot. If the attacker lifts the ball up, the defender immediately reacts to this: his hand rises up and seeks to interfere with any actions of the attacker. The attacker put the ball down - the defender immediately takes two quick steps back, preparing to prevent the opponent's pass without losing his defensive stance.
2. When active, the American defender never allows the attacker to pass with the ball through the center, into the middle, but constantly pushes him to the sideline. When an attacker is missed on the front line, teammates immediately come to the aid of the defender. Our tactic is, on the contrary, to close the baseline, where, as we believe, it is more difficult to provide team assistance. I think it's best to find a compromise here: train the safety net both in the middle of the three-second zone and when passing on the front.
