How to aim a basketball

What Part of the Rim to Aim at When Shooting a Basketball

Have you ever wondered if there was a ‘correct’ spot on the rim that players should aim for when shooting a basketball?

I know I have… many times.

Admittedly, I’ve always been an “aim at whatever feels most comfortable for you” coach. But recently, I’ve been questioning whether that’s a good enough answer…

I questioned whether I was doing the players I was coaching a disservice by giving an answer that I wasn’t 100% sure I wholeheartedly believed in.

This question seems to be widespread judging by the many emails I receive from both coaches and players asking me the same question… “what part of the rim should be focused on while shooting?”

It seems we’re all a little confused about this question.

So I searched… books, websites, podcasts, twitter polls (I’ll get to that later), and I couldn’t find a difinitive answer that resonated with me.

The next step was to get the opinions of those I trust in the basketball coaching community.

I asked the opinions of 18 experts by sending them an email asking this simple question…

Which part of the ring should players focus on when they shoot the basketball?

Here are the responses I received back…

I believe shooters should always focus on the ring that’s in the middle. 

Whether a shooter views the rim from the top of the key, wing, etc, there will always be a ring that’s placed in the middle of the rim that can be used as a target. 

In my opinion, if you work on following-through correctly every time you’ll always give yourself a chance to make shots consistently.

I teach players to try to SWISH every shot and that the center of the rim is your target.

This narrows your focus and even if you miss your target slightly (short, long, left or right) it still has a chance to go in.

I think when it comes to targeting on your shot, it really depends on your comfortability. Some players like to aim at the front rim, some at the back of the rim, and some in the soft area over the rim.

I have both known and worked with many great shooters that use all of these methods. Like anything in shooting, sometimes there is no absolute one way to get the best results. One specific targeting system might work for one player and be terrible for another. 

With that being said there is one technique I have seen a ton of success with. Targeting the “Dimond Tip.”

This the area on the back of the net where the small diamonds connect to the bigger ones.

This can be super effective because if you to hit your target exactly it will result in a swish. With the front iron or back iron method, a perfect shot can still result in a miss. I feel it also gets better results then aiming for the soft area over the rim because there is still a specific target to shoot for.  

Before answering the question, I did a quick poll on social media asking…

“What have you been taught as far as where to look when shooting?”

Of nearly 200 responses, 46% said back of the rim, 34% said front of the rim, and 20% said center of the basket — Clearly, the split on what’s being taught is significant!

For me, in training, it all comes down to consistent repetition creating instinctual reaction. As a shooter, the most important thing is said consistency and instinctual reaction rather than conscious thought.

If, when getting into the shot, a player is questioning, “Am I looking at the right spot on the rim?” chances are, they’re not a very good shooter.

Youth baseball pitchers aren’t taught to try and hit a stitch in the catcher’s glove, they’re taught to hit their spots by playing catch with the catcher; same goes for youth football QBs and WRs.

Minds aren’t strained when the thinking aspect is removed and it becomes simply playing the game. Shooting is much of the same. You score points by putting the ball in the basket; not by hitting the front of the rim, not by hitting the back of the rim.

In having players focus on consistently finding the basket as opposed to focusing on a tiny spot we make the game simple, and, in turn, have them reacting and shooting instinctually instead of deeply analyzing every aspect of their shot as they’re shooting.

The game of basketball is a thinking man’s game where, if you’re thinking, you’re probably not gaming. It’s about feel, flow, and rhythm; breaking it down to individual components, shooting is exactly the same.

I teach players to focus on the nearest part of the rim until the ball goes through or makes contact with the rim.  

I know there are several different theories on this particular topic and many great shooters, including Steph Curry, commonly watch the flight of the ball, but I think focusing on the target, the rim, is the most effective.

When shooting darts, would you watch the path of the dart, or focus on the triple twenty or bullseye on the dart board?  The answer is obvious, you would focus on the dart board.

It’s the same concept when shooting a basketball, focus on your target.

One of the most important aspects of shooting is one of the most simple… where are you aiming? There are a lot of different ideas out there, but I firmly believe in one.

I encourage players to find the farthest part of the rim from them no matter where they are standing on the floor, or the back of the rim.

The reason is simple… we know we are going to get tired as we play. So if there is that guarantee that we are going to lose energy, I want to aim for the longer target and leave room to miss short.

You also want to make sure you are finding a physical target, rather than the “middle of the hoop.” Without a physical target, your eyes aren’t focussing on anything tangible and, therefore, can’t measure the distance accurately because they have no reference point.

In addition, I try to get the players I work with at the NBA level to lock in on as small a targets as they can, as early in their shot as possible. If you can find a small target then you give yourself a lot of wiggle room, where as if you aim for the for “the hoop” in general then you have a small margin for error before you get disastrous results.

The target I suggest is the furthest coil that attaches the net to the rim.

Lastly, don’t overlook the idea of trying to find that target as early in your shot, or shot preparation as possible. Don’t locate your target in the middle or end of your shot when you could have found it earlier.

I believe and teach that players should aim for the back half of the basket. I am a huge advocate that every ball go up and over the rim and I hate it when shooters miss short.

Short shots have no chance of going in, but a shot that is up and over the rim has the possibility to fall, even if there was an error on the shot.

If a player is going to make an error, I would like that error to count for 2 points. 

Good shooters are never left, right, or short. Good shooters shoot straight shots that go up and over the rim.

Aiming for the back half of the rim gives the shooter the best chance to never be short. The majority of shots are missed short and that is why I teach to aim for the back half of the basket.

More important than the spot on the rim a player focuses on

when shooting is the consistency with which he or she is able to lock onto that spot.

Whether a player is comfortable focusing on the front, back, or middle of the rim, be sure to stress to them the importance of finding that spot every time.  

When I work on this with my players, we try to focus on the middle of the hoop. While a bit more ambiguous than the front or back of the rim, it allows players to stay consistent wherever they are shooting from (top, wing, corner, etc.) because that spot never changes.

Further, focusing on the middle of the hoop can help a player make shots even when they are slightly off their mark, as there is more room for error than with a shot targeted at the front or back of the rim. Aim small, miss small!

My recommendation would be to aim for the middle of the rim and imagine the basketball halfway down prior to the shot attempt. 

As a skills coach and former player, I tried the recommended methods of aiming for the front or back of the rim but would end up short or long with many shot attempts.

What I teach through our concepts with Pure Sweat Basketball is if you aim for the front of the rim and the ball hits the front of the rim, you have accomplished your goal. If you aim for the back of the rim and the ball hits the back of the rim, you have accomplished your goal. 

If you aim for the middle of the rim and the shot attempt is long or short, the basketball still has an opportunity of going in because the player is targeting the middle of the rim. 

The important thing is shot mechanics, squaring up properly and balance through the shot attempt.

Mihai Raducanu – No Limit Performance

That is a great question and just like footwork, there are no right or wrong ways. A player should be given all the options in order for them to choose what works for them. 

There are different ways of teaching what to focus on and some have proven more successful for certain players or teachers than others. 

I tell those that I teach to look at whatever they would like as long as they are focused on something.

Recent and past research has shown that the longer we focus on a target the higher our chances are of hitting it. It doesn’t matter what you focus on as long as you understand what you need to do with the ball in order to get in the hoop. 

Your shot is based on your rhythm and follow-through. Elbow above the eyebrow and five fingers pointing down. 

You can look at the front of the rim and focus on getting the ball over the front of it. 

You can look at the back of the rim and focus on getting the ball just in front of it. 

You can look in the middle and focus at getting the ball in that specific spot. 

However you choose to focus is irrelevant, just do it and practice your rhythm with various footwork off the catch and dribble. 

Constant repetition of consistently well-performed movement will create a smooth shot.

I always tell my players to pick whatever makes them comfortable, but to “aim small, miss small” don’t just look at the “front’ or “back” of the rim.

They need to pick out a specific loop or part of the net and aim for that every time.

If I absolutely had to pick, I would say aim at the back side loop holding the net up or a piece of the net on the backside.

That way you know that you have to get the ball up over the front and should never miss short if you hit your target. And if you do shoot short, it should still have a chance to go in.

None of them.  

I was taught look at the front, the back, every way you can look at it, but every time I tried to do this as a player it made me think way too much and affected the rhythm on my shot.

I’ve asked several players this and I’ve never heard a great shooter that we work with tell me they actually focus on anything. And, when I say great shooters, I mean light out hitting threes on national tv in the Final 4. They just shoot the ball.

I think you get to a certain level and it’s just a feel that you have.  

If I had to give an answer to a beginner, I’d say the middle of the rim. I’m not sure why you’d aim for the front or back of the rim if you’re trying to make the ball go through the hoop.

Shooting is based on proper fundamentals, balance, and practice. A solid foundation to shooting the ball is a start, but the most important element is quality repetition.

By quality, I mean shooting thousands of shots with the same fundamentals that you were taught.

Hopefully, you were taught to shoot the ball the right way. If so, you will be a very effective shooter.

The topic of where to aim is overblown in my opinion. My take is to select an area to aim for and make it part of your shooting identity.

Through repetition, you find comfort in your stroke and muscle memory will take care of the makes!

Players should focus on the middle of the hoop. That’s where you’re aiming to shoot. It also allows the most room for error.

I also like the loop in front to shoot over, but not the back of the rim. The back of the rim is hardly friendly.

Great shooters miss a majority of their shots short or long, not side to side.

There are hundreds of things that coaches/trainers can teach athletes when it comes to shooting. For me, a specific aiming point on the rim or basket is not one of those.

If you study all the great shooters, both men and women that have played our great game, you will see a variety of different types of shots. We hope to give athletes a few things to focus on from a mechanical and technical standpoint and get really good at those. Things such as footwork, balance, follow-thru and the mental side to shooting.

The goal is obviously to make the shot and if we can get some of the technical fundamentals automated in their habits, this next step is most crucial.

That step is the work, the daily disciplined routines of getting up hundreds of shots to become a great shooter. Through this deliberate practice and training is where players will develop the “feel” and muscle memory of making shots.

So, I guess what I am saying is the aiming can come more from a feel that is developed through thousands of hours in the gym.

As a player who worked tirelessly on my shot, I found myself in my early training years aiming for the back of the rim so I wouldn’t front rim my shots (I may have had a coach tell me this?).

As I became a more established player, I didn’t’ have necessarily a target point.

All this to say, over the years when working with players, I have taught players who front-rim a lot of shots to aim for the back of the rim. That has not been a part of my/our recent teachings.

Shooting and this topic is a fascinating discussion. I am interested to hear some of the other responses you gather and learn from them.

To summarize my thoughts for a moment, I think the “less is more” approach can be helpful to developing shooters and the target point would seem to confuse that process a bit.

I will start off with an analogy a hunter would appreciate…

When hunting big game with a rifle, you don’t just aim at the entire area which is the entire deer, elk or moose. You don’t just point the rifle in the direction of the animal and pull the trigger. You pick out the vitals.

You slow down, focus, and raise the rifle and rest the butt of gun on shoulder and line up the rear sight, and place the bead between the rear sight and put bead on vitals, the heart or lungs. You aim at those vitals. Not the entire animal. Relax and squeeze the trigger. With practice and repetition, you will find success.

The backboard and rim are also an entire area. You don’t just push the shot towards the backboard and hope. The front of the rim, from whatever angle you are shooting from, is your target… or vitals from previous analogy.

Unless you are shooting from a 45 degree angle and then your target is the top corner of the square.

Example: To simplify and clarify, while shooting a free throw, straight in front of rim, the target is the front of the rim. While shooting from baseline, target is side of the rim. Eye the front of the rim from where you are positioned. Demonstrate this and show on court, or use diagrams. Eye your target, front of the rim, not the back of the rim, eyelet for net, or net, or backboard.

When shooting you must eye your target, and your index finger or middle finger will reach over the front of the rim on your goose neck follow through. The finger will reach over the front of the rim.

On the 45-degree angle bank shot, that same index finger or middle finger will hit that top corner of the square on the side you are shooting from.

Coaches: Video your shooters and athletes. This is a teaching point. Freeze the video at point of release. If the middle finger drifts right, off of your target, your shot will go right. The further the shot, the more the shot will drift. If the middle finger is left, shot will drift left as explained before.

From 18′ to 21′ the drift can be significant. Your room for margin of error will increase the more the distance. A good follow through with finger pointing to target and release point can salvage poor mechanics. If you don’t hit your target, you will not make your shot.

For younger athletes and shooters, I give this analogy…

It is like going in for the kiss. The lips are the target, if you kiss on the chin, temple, nose, or forehead, your boyfriend or girlfriend will think you are crazy if you don’t hit your target which is the lips. Same for shooting hoops…

If you hit the top of the backboard, side of the backboard, or air ball, people will think you are crazy.

Eye your target, hit your target, your percentage of shots made will increase. This is, and should, be taught in progression.

I know this is specific and detailed, but I wanted to give you not only the target, but why the target.

I think this is different for each player and don’t think there is necessarily a right/wrong place to look.

As a player, I looked right over the front of the rim. As a coach, I usually ask a player what he/she looks at and as long as they are looking at a specific area I think that’s fine.

I am most comfortable with “over the front of the rim” for a couple of reasons.

First and most importantly, I think a player can quickly “find” it compared to the “middle of the basket” or “loop” etc.. I think by looking right over the front of the rim the player will not shoot it short.

I feel that is more timing of release than where you are looking.

I feel by visually “finding” your target sooner a player will shoot a higher percentage thus that is why I prefer looking right over the front of the rim.

When it comes to shooting, I usually start by asking the player where he or she looks when shooting the basketball.

The player usually says something like “at the rim” or a specific location on the rim.

The advice I give is to find a spot on the rim that you are comfortable with. For me, it is the back of the rim. However, for others, it may be the middle or front of the rim.

I have not bought into the back of the rim being the best and only option, but it is the best option for me.

Young players shooting the basketball should get repetitions with as many shots as possible and experiment with different looks at the rim. Once the player has gotten enough repetitions, he/she will have a good sense of what his/her preference is for looking at the rim.

The key from that point is to consistently look at that same spot from then on. The best shooters all have very specific routines and techniques.

When I received the answer from Damin Altizer and read that he conducted a Twitter poll, I thought it was a fantastic idea and decided to run my own too!

I tweeted out this question…

“What part of the rim have you been taught to look at when shooting?”

And gave three options to pick from.

1. Front of the rim
2. Back of the rim
3. Middle of the rim

Here are the results…

Coaches and Players: What part of the rim have you been taught to look at when shooting? — Coach Mac (@BballCoachMac) December 11, 2015

Out of the 265 people that voted, it was nearly completely even between front of the rim and back of the rim, with a few that focus on the middle.

This means that, when shooting, 44% of players are aiming for a target that’s 18 inches away from the target that another 43% of players are aiming for. That’s crazy.

Couple of quick notes…

1. I should have included not focusing on anything specific as an option for the Twitter poll.

2. I probably should have said ‘middle of the hoop’ instead of ‘middle of the rim’ as some people may get confused and assume that’s the same as ‘front of the rim’.

You’ve now made it to the end of the article…

You’ve read the opinions of 18 basketball experts, you’ve seen the results of a poll that was answered by over 250 players and coaches…

And you’re still probably wondering when this article is going to get to the part where I tell you EXACTLY where to tell your players to aim for on the rim so that they swish every shot.

Well, unfortunately, that’s not going to happen. In my opinion, there isn’t a correct spot on the rim to aim for.

As you can see above, there are many coaches that have had success with many different methods.

I encourage you to do two things…

1. Reread the expert posts above. Most of them know more about shooting than I ever will. If one of their opinions resonates with you, consider adopting their principles. Check out their website and learn more about their thoughts on shooting.

2. Let your players experiment and decide. Allow your players to experiment with a variety of methods and then encourage them to pick the one that feels the most comfortable to them.

This is the method I use.

As coaches, I believe it’s our responsibility to introduce our players to the different options they have and then allow them to choose the one that they feel the most comfortable with.

Now it’s your turn…

What part of the rim do you believe players should be aiming for when shooting a basketball? And why?

Let me know in the comments…

How to Shoot a Basketball Like a Pro: Complete Guide

Learn the basic fundamentals on how to shoot a basketball with this easy how-to guide.

Whether you want to learn how to play basketball for fun or want to become the next Steph Curry, you need to have proper shooting technique. Arguably the most important skill in this worldwide sport, being able to shoot provides you with several benefits on the basketball court. To strengthen your knowledge of this skill, consider what shooting entails, the simple shooting method, how to shoot, the importance of being a great shooter, and various shooting drills to help you perfect your form.

To play basketball, it's important to know the basic rules of the game, the layout of the court, player positions, and various skills that can help you improve your game. Shooting, in particular, is widely considered one of the most essential skills of the game. This is because it can set a strong foundation for your knowledge of the sport. For example, knowing how to shoot properly can increase your knowledge of the game regarding strategic gameplay and other fundamental skills such as dribbling and passing. Ultimately, correctly shooting a basketball can establish you as a well-rounded athlete in this sport.

Get your game on

© All Yazbeck

How To Shoot a Basketball

1. Get into a proper stance

Placing your feet in the right position can help you maintain balance and ensure you're able to handle the ball with ease. To shoot the basketball into the basket, keep your legs apart and extended. Your feet need to be in a comfortable position and approximately shoulder-width apart. This can help you support your weight rather than falling over when you shoot the basketball.

Anthony Davis

© Robert Snow/Red Bull Content Pool

If you plan on moving forward, bend your knees and move your dominant foot a little ahead of the other. For example, if you're right-handed, your right foot needs to be slightly in front of your left foot. Get balanced before the ball is in your hands so you can take a shot as quickly as possible without having to regain balance before shooting.

In addition, slightly flex your knees to make it easier for you to jump when you shoot the ball. Though this step takes practice, once you've mastered it, it can help you take a stance and make the shot more quickly.

2. Grab hold of the ball

Along with knowing how to stand, you need to maintain control of the ball. Grab hold of the ball using your fingertips of your shooting hand. Ensure that the ball and your eyes form a straight line leading to the hoop.

Keep your elbows aligned and make sure your hands are stable enough to ensure the ball heads in the right direction. Keep your lower arm vertical and at a 90-degree angle. Your elbows need to be in line with your shoulder as you raise them slightly to aim for the shot.

Once you have the ball, make sure you have it under your control using at least your fingers and your thumb. This helps the ball leave your hand with ease.

3. Focus on your target

Keep your eyes on the target by narrowing your focus on where you want the ball to go. For example, consider directing your attention to the backboard or the back rim of the net a little before shooting. This can help you avoid outside distractions that may hinder your ability to make the shot.

4. Take the shot

With the previous steps in mind, your hands need to be on the ball as your wrists flick forward to drive it toward the net. Be sure to arch your arms to propel the ball upward and into the net. Your arm needs to extend completely and your elbow needs to lock.

The more practice you receive with these steps, the easier it can be to execute them in the future without thinking ahead of time.

Anthony Davis

© Dustin Snipes/Red Bull Content Pool

Understand the Simple Shooting Method: BEEF

Whether you're playing one-on-one basketball or as part of a team, one simple shooting method to consider learning is the BEEF principle. This concept improves your form, balance, control, and overall shooting ability on the court. To refine your free throw and jump shooting, consider the following elements of the BEEF principle:

• Balance: Maintain a solid, balanced base that will help set the foundation for a perfect jump shot. Weight should be equally distributed between both legs with a slight bend in your knees.

• Eyes on the target: Most pros say that the ball will go wherever your eyes are looking, so make sure you're looking at the basket. Where you focus exactly is up to you, but focusing on the front of the rim or the back is a good place to start.

• Elbows aligned: Your elbow should be at a 90-degree angle with your torso as you prepare to shoot. The elbow should be underneath the basketball and your shooting hand fingertips should be on the ball with your off hand making light contact on the side of the basketball.

• Follow-through: The crucial last step of the BEEF Method is the flicking of the wrist to follow through on the shot. Upon release, the ball should roll off the tips of your pointer and middle finger. If you've done it correctly your wrist will be flexed with your fingers pointed down at the ground.

Shooting is hands down one of the most crucial parts of the game, and even a slight improvement in shooting percentage can make a huge difference in winning percentage. Practice, practice, practice in the form of strategic shooting drills is the way to increase skills and get better. Here are individual shooting drills to add into your basketball training routine.

Shooting Drills to Help Your Form

To perfect your form, it's important to practice specific shooting drills. These drills will develop your technique, improve your consistency, and increase your confidence on the court. Here are some shooting drills that can help you perfect your form and make you a better shooter:

• 1-2 step shoot: This drill involves stepping into your shot with one foot at a time and can help you develop your offensive skills. To perform this drill, begin by taking your stance. As you receive the pass, step with one foot in the pass's direction. If you're right-handed, step with your left foot, and vice versa. Then, step with your other foot to complete the 1-2 step shoot.

• Set to go: This drill involves you standing a few feet away from the basket. Once you're in a set position, keep your arm angle at 90 degrees with the ball positioned under your shoulder. Then, extend your legs and shoot at the same time.

• Off-dribble shooting: To perform this drill, take two 45-degree angle dribbles to your right and shoot the ball. Then, do the same to your left. The goal is to perform this drill at high speed and to maintain proper footwork and dribbling throughout.

• One Hand Form Shooting: Stand 2 to 4 feet in front of the rim and establish your base and position your feet properly to line up to shoot. Bring your arm up into an L position, your upper arm parallel to the ground and your forearm pointing to the ceiling. Your upper arm and forearm are at about a 75 to 90 degree angle. Shoot 5 to 10 reps then move to a new spot

• Add Off Hand: Stand 2 to 4 feet in front of the rim. Establish your base and position your feet properly to line up to shoot. Bring your arm up into an L position, your upper arm parallel to the ground and your forearm pointing to the ceiling. Your upper arm and forearm are at about a 75 to 90 degree angle. Place your off hand on the ball. Shoot 5 to 10 reps then move to a new spot. Tip: Make sure your four fingers are pointing up to the ceiling when you put your hand on the ball.

• Block Shooting: Block Shooting drills help you practice the same skill over and over and are excellent for developing shooting technique, developing rhythm and building confidence. They can also serve as warm up drills.

Importance of Becoming a Great Shooter

Knowing how to shoot a basketball has several benefits that can help you stand out on the court. Although you don't need to be an expert shooter, this highly coveted athletic skill can help you advance your overall technique. Here are some of the benefits and overall importance of becoming a great basketball shooter:

Helps your team score points: Being able to shoot a basketball increases your team's chances of winning a game. This is because making baskets is the way you score points in a game of basketball. Therefore, the better shooter you are, the greater your chances are of gaining points and helping your team win the game.

Increased shooting percentage: When your team has a higher shooting percentage, it can help you devise a strategy to win games more frequently. For example, if you need a certain number of points to win, being a great shooter can help your team understand the types of shots — and the number of shots — it needs to win. A team with a higher shooting percentage requires fewer shot attempts to win the game because they're more apt to make every shot. A lower shooting percentage may cause your team to rely on rebounds or forced turnovers.

More playtime: Coaches value basketball players with strong shooting skills. Often, this skill is hard to come by, so honing your shooting skills can give you more time on the court during a game

3X Chicago

© Red Bull

Knowing how to shoot a basketball is fundamental to the game. The more you understand proper form technique and follow it up with practice, the better athlete you'll be.

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 preparation 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 protection.

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 shield;
3) after the opponent has made free throws;
4) after winning a dropped ball;
5) after the opponent manages to score 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 - picking up 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 ring;
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 combinations of screens.
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 that has several leaders easily rebuilds 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 3-4 m.
4. Requires special long 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 breaks down.

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 formations:
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 Sokk 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 with 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. Gives the opportunity to arrange players according to their physical, technical and mental characteristics.
Tall, jumpy players are located close to the shield, mobile, fast players - in positions higher from the shield.
2. More commanding, easy to master, able to compensate for the individual gaps in the defense of the players.
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 can 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.

Defender's movements should be trained 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 ball tackle 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. And in games, take into account the characteristics of attackers under guard, do not let them go in their favorite directions (left hand, favorite throw point, feints, etc.).

3. When screening, the American defender's first impulse is to pass behind his player. With a quick movement of the foot close to the screener, he tries to get ahead of the screening and stay with his ward, and if this fails, a change of attacking players follows. This does not reduce activity.

‎Basketball Hoop

Description

If you love the game of basketball, and especially throwing a basketball into the ring... Then this game was made for you, a real basketball player!

Basketball will feature three different basketball game modes:
- Arcade Basketball : Throw balls until they run out, progressive difficulty, the most popular mode in basketball shooting games.
- Timed Basketball: throw balls while there is time, try to aim quickly and throw, speed basketball)
- Long-range basketball: throw balls and increase the distance after hitting farther and farther, if you miss, then minus one life, lives are limited . Like it if you like throws into the ring from a distance!

During the game, you will unlock various bonuses and achievements that will not let you get bored!

Earn Basketcoins (in-game currency) and spend it on skins for balls and nets!

Okay! You have read to the end! Now it's time to install this basketball game and prove that you are the best in the world by taking first place in all rankings! Basketball forever!

Jan 29 2021

Version 2.6

Work on optimization. Bug fixes and new effects!

Ratings and reviews

ratings: 188

Worth downloading?

The game is not bad addictive.
There is physics. But there is 1 minus why I didn’t put 5 stars. There are 3 modes in the game: only 2 of them are normal, the fact is that in mode 1 the sight is very uncomfortable. And you can download!

Great update

Keep it up!

Very weak

Games of this level are very illogical and stupid

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