How to be a good forward in basketball

How to Dominate as a Power Forward in Basketball (Tips and Tricks)

The power forward (also known as the “four”) is an integral part of any basketball team that intends to play with toughness and physicality.

Traditionally, the power forward is a player who is bigger and stronger than the point guard, shooting guard, and small forward, but a bit shorter and quicker than the center.

The power forward is primarily considered an interior player that scores in the post.

But depending on the offense, they will most likely also have to be comfortable on the perimeter in order to be considered dominant.

A great power forward will be asked to do a number of things on both ends of the court.

But many of those are things that not all players can do.

So, what characteristics can make for a dominant power forward in particular?

Although we support positionless basketball and it’s important for players to be comfortable in multiple spots on the court, size does still matter.

The ideal power forward is big enough to create shots for himself in the post and also to defend the other team’s biggest players.

Although size often becomes a bigger separator as players grow older, this still applies to youth basketball as well, where there may not be a true “center.”

The power forward may very well be the biggest player on a youth team.

While a player has to have some natural size to be qualified as a power forward, he must combine that size with strength in order to be considered dominant.

A dominant power forward is probably the strongest player on the team, and also has to be the most willing to use that strength.

A player who is asked to be one of the team’s best rebounders and defenders while being matched up against the opponent’s biggest players will have to be strong in order to be successful.

Toughness may be the most important trait of a great power forward.

Size and strength are very necessary physical characteristics, but alone they are not enough to make the player a truly dominant force.

Great power forwards are usually the toughest and nastiest guys on the team.

Willing to defend the strongest player on the court, dive on the floor for loose balls, and fight for rebounding position every time a shot goes up.

Perimeter players (and sometimes even centers) can get away with avoiding contact and playing with more finesse if they’re good enough.

But it’s very rare for a power forward to be considered great if they are not willing to play with physicality.

While it’s true that a great power forward is most likely a big, strong player who physically imposes his will, he will not be a truly dominant player if he or she is just a one-dimensional brute.

The best power forwards are the players who can provide the strength and toughness mentioned above with the skill to step out and be serviceable on the perimeter as well.

Especially if the power forward is playing within a 4-out 1-in offense, the center may be the player who primarily occupies the block.

This means that the power forward must be able to handle the ball on the perimeter if necessary, and more importantly, to step out and knock down a midrange shot or 3-pointer.

Versatility should especially be stressed at the youth levels where players are not done growing or developing.

The player who meets the physical traits of a power forward for an elementary school team could become the point guard or the center in the future.

The power forward is not the team’s primary ball handler and is typically not a team’s primary scorer, but he will be asked to rebound, screen, defend, and play with toughness at all times.

Any player who is asked to do the most difficult jobs on the court without being regularly rewarded with points has to be a true team player.

Though in some ways this is true at all positions, the selfish player who only wants to be the leading scorer and have the ball at all times will not be a great power forward for any team.

The power forward is expected to be a big, strong, tough player who can also play with skill.

But how should they use those traits, exactly?

Even though the power forward is a physical player who is not afraid of contact, this does not mean that he is simply a big body or an enforcer.

Here are a few specific responsibilities of a power forward:

The power forward’s most important responsibility is as a rebounder.

It doesn’t take a Hall of Fame coach to realize that the team who gets the most rebounds will oftentimes end up getting the most shots, and that the team who gets the most shots will oftentimes score the most points.

Therefore, as one of the strongest and toughest players on the team, the power forward has to be a great rebounder on both ends of the court.

When a shot goes up on the defensive end, he must be willing to work for a box out against one of the biggest players on the other team, and he must be able to secure rebounds.

When a teammate takes a shot on the offensive end, the power forward must fight for an offensive rebound to create second chance points as well.

The power forward will most likely be the team’s leading rebounder - or second, if the team has a great rebounding center as well.

As one of the biggest and toughest players on the team, it’s the power forward’s responsibility to defend the biggest and toughest players on the other team.

Of course, this is not always an easy task.

This is where size, toughness, and strength become absolutely necessary.

A player who lacks even one of those traits can find himself getting scored against in the low post or getting beat for offensive rebounds.

Depending on the situation and the personnel for both teams, it’s also possible that the power forward will have to guard players who are slightly smaller and quicker, and also players who are slightly bigger and stronger.

Although the power forward is often thought of as a rebounder and defender more than as a  primary scorer, to be a dominant player at any position, you must still be an offensive threat.

The power forward has to be an inside presence that is capable of scoring in the low post.

This means a great power forward must have multiple ways to score with his back to the basket, including one “go-to” post move.

It is important to be serviceable on the perimeter as well, but “power” is included in the position’s title for a reason, and being a truly dominant power forward on the offensive end starts with strong, physical moves in the paint.

The difference between a power forward who is “just” a strong, physical brute and a truly dominant power forward is oftentimes the ability to contribute from the perimeter.

Depending on the age and skill level, power forwards who are able to only play “bully-ball” may sometimes be very difficult to stop. ..

But as both the age and skill level go up, a power forward will have to be capable of more in order to dominate.

Again, we promote the concept of positionless basketball because a team-oriented offense with versatile players is much harder to stop than one that is centered around just one or two players.

A power forward who can step out and make an open midrange or three-point jump shot gives your team a much better chance to play offense with that philosophy.

Unless the power forward happens to be the best player on the team, they’re probably not expected to be the primary scorer.

As a big, strong, tough player, you have to depend on the power forward to set physical screens that create opportunities for teammates to score.

Of course, all players are expected to screen...

But it needs to be a strength in order for a player to be considered a dominant power forward.

As one of the toughest on the team, it’s the power forward’s responsibility to make hustle plays.

• Diving on the floor for loose balls
• Taking charges
• Boxing out

Of course, as a coach, you want all of your players to be responsible for bringing energy and making tough plays like these...

However, a great power forward who is the toughest player on the team is responsible for initiating that energy.

Just like your team’s selflessness and flow will often begin with your point guard, your team’s toughness and energy will often begin with your power forward.

Now that we know what traits make for a strong power forward and what that power forward should be responsible for on the court, let’s talk about what a player can do to improve in those areas.

The power forward is not always considered a team’s primary offensive threat, but they must still be able to score in the low post when given the opportunity.

Players that have a number of reliable back-to-the-basket post moves have become more rare in today’s game, and so have truly dominant power forwards.

This is not a coincidence.

In order to be a truly dominant power forward on the offensive end of the court, you must have at least one “go-to” move in the post, and other options you are comfortable using as well.

Developing those post moves will require breakdowns against live post defenders.

As mentioned earlier, the power forward’s most important role on the team is as a rebounder.

While a number of the traits that make a great rebounder (size, instinct, toughness, etc) are somewhat natural, they can be worked on as well.

Any game-speed defensive breakdown drill that requires a power forward to box out another player who is actively pursuing a rebound, or any offensive drill that requires a power forward to fight for position against a defender, can improve a player’s rebounding ability.

Live drills with real shot attempts will teach a player to react to rebounding angles and also will force them to become more comfortable with initiating contact.

In order to make hustle plays, defend the other team’s strongest players, and bring energy to the court, you must be in great shape.

A dominant power forward is expected to provide a variety of threats on the offensive end, to bring toughness and grit to the defensive end, and to give effort for rebounds on both ends.

Doing all of those things for a full game at any level requires great conditioning.

As strength is a necessary trait of a dominant power forward, weight lifting must also be coupled with this conditioning.

A player’s physical conditioning and strength are often built in the off-season, but must be maintained during the season as well.

As mentioned above, no power forward will be considered truly dominant if he is only a physical presence who can push people around.

It helps, of course, but the great ones are the players who also have the skill to play on the perimeter when necessary.

Any player who can add serviceable ball handling and shooting will be a much more threatening power forward, and they will also be more capable of playing positionless basketball.

Focusing on solely post moves to score in the paint or solely on weight lifting to improve strength can limit versatility for a power forward.

While both are certainly necessary, you must work on ball handling and shooting to compliment those post moves, and also improve agility and athleticism to compliment brute strength.

A power forward can be an integral part of your team if he has things like size, strength, and toughness.

Traits that every coach wants all of their players to have.

However, a power forward can be dominant if he couples those traits with great physical conditioning, the willingness to make selfless plays, and the versatility to both defend and rebound and also score from multiple spots on the court.

The player who provides that rare combination to become a dominant power forward can bring that same toughness and energy out of his teammates, and ultimately can be the driving force behind your team’s overall identity.

How To Play Power Forward In Basketball: The Best Position

In basketball, a power forward is the player that lines up at the front of a team’s formation. The power forward often provides offensive and defensive rebounding, as well as post-up scoring. Power forwards are usually taller than other players on the court. Because it is their job to be able to defend against other teams’ centers. While also being tall enough to rebound over them. In this blog post, we will discuss what it takes to play power forward in basketball and some of the best power forwards in history!

What is The Role of a Power Forward in Basketball?

A power forward in basketball is a player that lines up at the front of a team’s formation. They are usually taller than other players on the court. Because it is their job to be able to defend against opposing centers. While also being tall enough to rebound over them.

Rebounding

For a power forward, rebounding is one of the most important aspects to be successful in this position. Because you are often matched up against players who are taller than yourself, it becomes difficult to rebound over them. If you can out-rebound your opponent and grab an offensive board for a putback or pull down some defensive rebounds during crunch time. Then that’s just another way that your team will benefit from having you on their side!

Defense and Shot Blocking

As a power forward, it is important to be able to play good defense. It’s not enough just being tall or having an intimidating presence. You have to actively move your feet well and always stay in front of your opponent. Shot blocking is also something that comes naturally for many power forwards because they are larger than other players on the court. If there’s one place where you don’t want the ball going into, then it is definitely around this player at the front of their team formation.

Blocking shots isn’t only about height; some shorter players like Dennis Rodman were great shot blockers as well! That’s why we highly recommend watching highlight reels of basketball history. Such as Rodman playing with Michael Jordan during his second three-peat with the Chicago Bulls.

Strength and Conditioning

To succeed in this position, players need to be very strong and fit. Strength is especially important when it comes to defending your opponent for an extended period or boxing out so that you can get rebounds if the ball isn’t coming right into your area. It all comes down to who’s stronger. Someone like Shaquille O’Neal was a power forward because he had what it took on both ends of the court!

But not everyone has access to muscle-building supplements such as Creatine, which is one supplement we recommend looking into. This ingredient helps with strength training by enhancing creatine phosphate energy metabolism within our cells. While also expanding blood flow through vasodilation (opening up your veins and arteries). We want you to think about your goals and what you want to achieve as a power player on the court.

How Do You Become a Good Power Forward in Basketball?

To become a good power forward in basketball, you must have height and strength. You also need to be able to play both ways because you might find yourself playing on the outside if your team has smaller players who can run faster than you down the court. In addition, always hustle during every minute of play since there are no timeouts in basketball. You need to be able to play through the entire game at 100% speed. Since resting on the court is not an option!

Power Forward’s Average Height

The average height for a power forward is around six feet tall. However, some players play the position who stands at about seven or eight feet tall. It is important to be tall enough. But also quick and fast on your feet so you can keep up with smaller players.

Power forwards are usually taller than other players on the court. Because it is their job to defend against opposing centers while being able to rebound over them.

How Do You Play Power Forward in Basketball?

Power forwards are often of a larger build than other players on the court. This is because power forwards plays closer to the basket. Where more strength and weight can be an advantage over their opponent who will usually have less size at that position. Power forwards must also possess good shooting skills beyond the close range or around the paint to excel in today’s game.

There are many different qualities and skillsets you need to play power forward, including strength, athleticism, endurance, footwork, and coordination! You must be comfortable with physical contact either when rebounding or setting screens for your point guard. Being patient around the hoop during post-up moves can lead to easy points too!

Best Power Forwards in Basketball History!

Kevin Garnett

Kevin Garnett is one of the best power forwards in NBA history. He was a tremendous rebounder at both ends of the court, and his quickness allowed him to get around slower players on defense. Garnett was versatile and willing to play anywhere on the court, making him a valuable asset during his long career.

When it comes down to what makes an outstanding player great, KG had everything you want from someone who plays this position – strength plus speed plus hustle equals winning basketball games every time they step out onto that hardwood floor!

Dirk Nowitzki

Dirk Nowitzki is another power forward worth mentioning when it comes to listing the best power forwards in basketball history. He is a seven-footer with good range and the ability to put on some serious weight during his career (he has gotten up as high as 245 lbs)!

Dirk Nowitzki’s height, shooting skills, and endurance made him one of NBA MVPs best power players ever! He is a ten-time all-star, one-time NBA Finals MVP, and has scored over 30,000 points in his career!

Charles Barkley

Charles Barkley is another one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history. He was a great rebounder and he had good dribbling skills too! Charles Barkley could play just about any position on the court because of his size and strength, but power forward suited him best.

One thing that made Charles Barkley stand out from other players at his position was his crazy antics both on and off the court – expect to be entertained when watching this guy perform!

Dennis Rodman

As we mentioned earlier in our blog post, Dennis Rodman might not have been the tallest player around but he made up for it by being tough as nails when rebounding and playing defense against taller opponents such as Shaquille O’Neal and Hakeem Olajuwon.

Rodman was a skilled rebounder who knew how to position himself for the best possible chance at grabbing the ball, which is why he averaged close to 13 rebounds per game during his career!

Conclusion

In conclusion, power forwards is versatile players who typically stand around six foot nine inches tall. Power forwards rely on their strength and body mass to overpower opponents in the post, while also having good speed and endurance for the defense at both ends of the court!

We had to go for a top-four, this time because we could not leave out the infamous Dennis Rodman, part-responsible for the Chicago Bulls’ two three-peats! So who’s your favorite power forward? Let us know below.

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.

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.

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 a distance. 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.

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