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How to beat a double team in basketball
How to beat a double team in basketball
The Double Team in Basketball : Basic Concepts and Examples
Table of Contents
What is a double team in basketball
The double team is a basketball defensive tactic in which an offensive player with the ball will receive simultaneous defensive pressure from a primary defender and a secondary defender with the ultimate objective of limiting scoring opportunities, particularly near the basket or from the perimeter.
Who is the primary defender of a double team
The primary defender is the on-ball defender that is initially assigned to guard the offensive player with the ball.
In terms of standard basketball positions, if the ball is on the perimeter such as the top, wings, or corners, then the on-ball defender is typically a point guard, shooting guard, or small forward.
On the other hand, if the ball is near the low post area, then the on-ball defender is usually a power forward or center.
Who is the secondary defender of a double team
The secondary defender is an initial off-ball defender that will leave (i.![]()
e. move away from) their own assigned offensive player to execute a double team with the primary defender against a player with the ball.
What are general advantages of a double team
Advantage #1
A noteworthy advantage of executing the double team is that the additional defensive pressure, particularly from the secondary defender, could cause the player with the ball to go too fast. This, in turn, could lead to potential turnovers or questionable shot selection.
For example, if a player with the ball receives the double team, then that same player might pick up their dribble quicker than they preferred and then they might turn the ball over by way of a bad pass to another teammate.
Advantage #2
Another advantage of executing the double team is that it could limit or prevent easy scoring opportunities for the offensive team in general as well as the offensive team’s best player.
In other words, if the offensive team prefers to let one player do most of the team’s scoring, then setting up a double team to limit that player’s offensive productivity may prove to be useful for the defensive team.
That could potentially be even more beneficial if that offensive player is a low post player. Essentially, it is usually much more effective to double team a low post player as opposed to a perimeter player.
The main reason being that it is typically easier to provide proper defensive rotations, particularly on the weak side of the court.
Furthermore, it should be noted that many teams may prefer to double team the low post player simply to influence that player into passing the ball back towards the perimeter and away from the basket.
Theoretically speaking, when the ball gets passed away from the basket, this usually decreases the shot making percentages for the offensive team, especially if the offensive team only has average or below average three-point shooters. That, of course, would be favorable for the defensive team.
What is a general disadvantage of a double team
The biggest disadvantage of the double team is that an offensive player without the ball will typically be open, at least temporarily.
It should be noted though that this could get mitigated to a degree by implementing defensive rotations, particularly with weak side help defense.
However, if the defensive team does not execute proper defensive rotations or those rotations are poorly executed, then the offensive team will most likely receive an open jump shot near the perimeter or an open layup or dunk at the basket.
What are the general techniques to execute a double team
Technique #1
The first technique to execute a double team is to consider the timing of it. While it is possible to initiate the double team at any particular time during the defensive sequence, the usual best time to execute it is after the player with the ball already started their dribble or just finished their dribble.
If the player with the ball started their dribble, then the defensive pressure from the double team could cause them to prematurely pick up their dribble. When that mistake occurs, the player with the ball could compound the problem by executing a bad pass, which then could lead to a turnover.
Likewise, if the player with the ball already ended their dribble, then the double team pressure could cause the player to get rid of the ball impulsively leading to a intercepted pass or some other type of turnover such as a traveling violation.
Technique #2
The second technique to execute a double team is for the primary defender and secondary defender to place their adjacent feet next to each other (i.e. lock their feet together) as a method to prevent a potential dribbling escape route for the player with the ball.
In other words, if the player with the ball did not already begin or end their dribble at the onset of the double team tactic, then the primary defender and secondary defender should not allow the offensive player to break the pressure by splitting the double team or by easily dribbling around it.
Technique #3
The third technique to execute a double team is for the primary defender and secondary defender to use high hands to make it more difficult for the player with the ball to see potential passing options out of the double team.
Moreover, the primary defender and secondary defender should use their high hands to mirror the hands of the player with the ball.
As a result of mirroring, one of the defenders could possibly deflect an attempted pass from the player with the ball, and this could lead to a turnover.
Additionally, it is important for the primary defender and secondary defender to not reach for the ball in an attempt to steal it from the offensive player. This could cause the primary defender or secondary defender to receive an unnecessary foul.
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What are basic examples of double teams with defensive rotations
Example 1
This is an example of a double team when the ball gets passed into the low post and the player executing the pass is not a good three-point shooter. Furthermore, the example demonstrates what could happen if the ball gets passed back towards the perimeter.
To start, 5 receives the ball from 2 and when that occurs, X2 moves away from 2 to execute a double team alongside X5.
From that point, because of the double team tactic, 2 receives the ball back from 5 and as that occurs, X1 executes a closeout to defend against 2.
X1 executes the closeout on 2 near the wing because X2 probably would not have enough time to recover after releasing from the double team. Additionally, X1 could also prevent an uncontested jump shot or easy dribble drive to the lane.
Furthermore as X1 executes the closeout on 2, the weak side defender, X3 executes a closeout on 1, particularly as 1 receives the ball from 2.
Additionally, as those closeouts occur, X2 sprints across the lane to defend against 3 near the left side wing. Therefore, if 3 receives the ball from 1, then 3 cannot take an uncontested jump shot or easily drive to the basket with no defensive resistance.
Example 2
This is another example of a double team that could occur after a player passes the ball into the low post and then cuts through to the weak side corner.
This example is also derived from Building a Championship Defense by Matt Painter.
To start, 5 receives the ball in the low post from 2. Afterwards, 2 cuts through the lane towards the left side corner. As 2 cuts through the lane, X2 mirrors 2 path with proper defensive sliding and then touches a piece of the paint.
Following that, as 2 continues to cut through, X2 quickly turns and immediately executes a double team with X5 against 5.
It is also important to note that as 2 cuts through, X2 must touch a part of the paint because of X2 executes the double team too early, then 5 could simply execute a short pass while 2 is still in the paint.
After that occurs, 2 could simply score near the basket which is not what the defense desires. Also, it should be noted that for this example that once 2 cuts through to the left side corner, X3 should stand in the gap between 2 and their own assignment, which is offensive player 3.
From that point, if 5 were to execute a cross court skip pass to either 2 or 3, then X3 would execute a closeout on either player.
Also, as that theoretical skip pass happens, X2 would have to release from the double team and execute a closeout on either 2 or 3, whichever one did not receive the ball.
Example 3
This is an example of a double team in the low post with the secondary defender coming from the high post or nail area, near the top.
To start, 5 receives the ball from 2 and as that happens, X1 drops back to double team alongside X5. From there, if 1 were to receive the ball from 5, then X4 would have to closeout on 1.
Furthermore, X1 would have to sprint across the lane to defend against 4 who happened to fill the left side corner.
Related : Virginia Defense- Post Double – YouTube
Example 4
This is an example of a low post double team that occurs during post split action by the offensive team. To begin, 5 receives the ball from 2 and after that, 1 cuts to the right side wing via the screen set by 2.
As that occurs, X1 goes under the screen set by 2 while X2 executes a double team alongside X5 against 5.
However, to counter that double team action, 2 attempts to slip to the basket after setting the screen.
Fortunately, X3 is able to switch and limit the effectiveness of the slip action by 2. Moreover, at the same time, 3 is currently open so X2 should release from the double team, sprint across the lane, and defend against 3.
It is also possible for X4 to defend against 3 while X2 sprints across to guard 4. That particular rotation could be useful, especially if 3 is a good three-point shooter.
Related : How the Houston Rockets Double Team the Post – YouTube
A Plan For Handling Double Teams
In a previous article, “Pivoting: Basketball’s ‘Stepchild’ Fundamental”, we discussed the various pivots a player has at his disposal, how to drill them and we finished with an important concept for players at every level to master-pivoting out of trouble after a used dribble.
Today, we’ll expand on that and start to discuss the various types of situations in which players get double-teamed and how to combat that defensive ploy.
Like pivoting out of trouble, all of our players –no matter what level- need a plan when confronted by the various double teams that they’ll see. How often have you seen a coach (maybe yourself) look at or talk to a player with puzzlement or disdain when they’ve mishandled a double team. The player often looks back at the coach with the same puzzled look. If a team covers these situations in the pre-season and then occasionally reviews them in-season, especially when facing teams that double, there will be a better rate of success against them. Even more importantly, when there is failure, the coach and player have terminology and reference points to discuss what went wrong.
With that, let’s start 90-94 feet away and work into the frontcourt. We’re also going to assume for now that all the doubles that we will discuss are real good doubles and your man can’t simply put the ball on the floor and beat both defenders. In real life, if your player can do that, it’s your call if it’s OK since you know your personnel.
DIAMOND PRESS: One of the toughest double teams to face at all levels but especially for younger players is the first trap on the 1-2-1-1 press-commonly known as the Diamond Press. You know the deal, when your (generally a guard) man catches that first pass, he’s faced with a double in what can be a bad spot on the floor by an opposing guard taking away the sideline and the press point man (usually an athletic forward with some size) taking away the middle. Your player has to pass out of it. What should (can) he do?
Fight to be as square he can with the ball on his hip.. If he’s not square, he’s in even more trouble.
Be flexed low in an athletic stance.
Take the double team down low by getting even lower himself. When the double team goes down low with your man, he can then go back high and pass over them. Generally speaking, he should have 3 options-15 feet or less from him- a sideline option, a middle option (45 Degrees) and a reverse option. Generally, if he hits the sideline or middle options, you’re off on your press break with an advantage.
If he reverses the ball, you’re safe for the time being.
There is yet another tactic the man being doubled can utilize occasionally in this situation. Upon the catch the man can pivot away towards his opponent’s baseline. The double teamers, caught by surprise, will follow the offensive player-one on each side. The offensive player can then pivot back through the two defenders and split the double and pass OR dribble himself on the attack.
BEFORE your man even catches the ball, he should avoid the dead corner and try to catch the ball higher (FT Line extended), if possible.
Another deterrent before the catch is to have a bigger man catch the first pass so that he can naturally look and pass over the double (this achieves the same goal as getting the double down low and passing over it). A good strategy here is to break a bigger player up the sideline to the FT line extended to receive the first pass. This can really mess with the first trap because the press point man has so far to go.
The receiver can generally make a quick pass to ta middle cutter or longer sideline cutter.
DIAMOND PRESS-DOUBLE ON THE BOUNCE: Sometimes the trap on the diamond press isn’t “on” until the receiver dribbles the ball to the middle. The defensive wing will aggressively force your man to the middle. The double comes from the pressing team’s point man on the bounce to the middle. So, it’s essentially the same trap in a little different spot with perhaps the element of surprise.
The one advantage the offensive man has in this situation is that if he reads the pending double, he has some time and space to avoid it. He should still have his sideline, middle and reverse options when he sees the pending double so he can pass BEFORE he gets doubled. If, however, he does get doubled and has to pick up his dribble, he reverts back to “square, stance, low, lower”. He should again have his usual 3 outlets. He can also still pivot away and back through, splitting the double but this time he’s exhausted his dribble.
Next: Beating 2-2-1 first trap,and run and jump traps.
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 court. 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.-Step-5.jpg/aid43486-v4-728px-Play-21-(Basketball)-Step-5.jpg)
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.
Basic basketball terms in simple terms
Captain of the basketball club "Odessa"
Andrey Agafonov
Ukrainian basketball comes to life again: dozens of cities host competitions every day, from men's and women's Super Leagues to youth level matches. And if you want to understand what is happening on the court, just above the level of “Oh, those in blue scored against those in white,” the captain of the Odessa basketball club, a multiple winner of the Ukrainian championships and one of the most experienced players in the country, Andrey Agafonov, in simple words talk about slam dunks, alley ups, buzzer beaters and other popular basketball terms.
slam dunk
Hitting a basketball into a basket with both hands. In this case, you need to jump and literally hit them from above, clinging to the ring. Especially you have to grab at speed, so as not to fly in somewhere and not get injured.
Slam dunk is not only a two-point hit, but also one of the most spectacular elements in basketball. In addition, it is a great way to cheer up the team and the audience.
Dribbling
In the simplest sense - the usual dribbling of a basketball.
Selection
Rebounding the ball by the players after a blurry shot around the ring.
My record is 17 rebounds in 17 minutes, this season I made 13 per game. Some people say: "Whoever wins the rebound wins the match." The statement is controversial, but there is certainly some truth in this.
Block shot, jar, pot
Blocking an opponent's throw without breaking. For example, I throw the ball, at this time the player of the other team covers it with his hand, preventing me from scoring.
Double dribble
Violation of the rules: re-start of the dribble after the player has fixed the ball in his hands.
Jogging
Another violation of the rules: a basketball player takes more than two steps with the ball in his hands without dribbling.
Assist
Passing the ball, after which a teammate scores a shot. That is, with my pass I create such a convenient situation that the player can successfully complete the attempt. There is a basketball rule: if you're not sure, don't give it back. The worse you pass, the less the percentage that the partner realizes the moment.
Personal, technical and unsportsmanlike fouls
These are all types of violations on the site. Personal - we fought, I lost the position and somehow hooked the opponent: for example, I pushed or hit my hand. Technical is when I run and shout to the referee: “What the hell are you giving me a foul, are you crazy?”
Unsportsmanlike is when the player did not even try to play the ball, but intentionally grabbed the T-shirt or tripped the opponent.
A player who receives 5 personal or 2 unsportsmanlike fouls ends the match.
free throw
The player after violation of the rules by the opponent throws the ball into the ring from the foul line without resistance. One accurate throw brings one point.
And one
A successful throw from any distance during which the rules are violated regarding the player. In this case, he goes to punch an additional (free) throw.
Three, throw from behind the arc
Throw from behind the 6.5-meter line, bringing the team three points.
The most popular combinations: "horns", "head"
In short, "horns" is when two big players go to the 3-point line, set up screens, and the player with the ball chooses a convenient direction of movement.
"Head" - the usual interaction between center and point guard. Many players have their own tricks when playing combinations.
For example, my partner and I see each other: I show with my body that I am moving to the left and I hear the opponent shouting: “Left!” - but at the last moment I show my partner with my eyes that I will come up on the right, for example.
These are quite heavy elements that need to be done in a split second. We conduct a complete analysis of the opponent before the game, down to who has what favorite movements and points on the court.
Shot clock
24 seconds is the time for the team to attack. If during this time the team does not score or the ball does not touch the bow of the ring, possession passes to the opponent.
If during our attack they fouled, then we will have 14 seconds to attack.
Buzzer beater
Last converted shot with a siren at the end of an attack, quarter or game. My most memorable goal was not a buzzer, but in the 2010/2011 season, in the decisive match for the championship between Budivelnyk and Donetsk, we had +1 point with 30 seconds left in the game. My partner misses, I rebound offensively and shoot the ball into the basket. We get +3, and we understand that we are the winners in the championship.
Time-out
Minute pause in the game at the request of the coaching staff. Used to take a breath and make adjustments to the game.
Dye
An area under the hoop where attacking players cannot stay continuously for more than 3 seconds.
If one of the guys is late, the ball goes to the opponents. This zone is called so because its color differs from the main color of the site.
crossover
Transferring the ball from one hand to another with a change in direction of movement.
Overtime
If the score is equal and this is not a cup match, then an additional five-minute period is added to the regular time. There can be several overtimes, if at the end of them none of the opponents took the lead. I played a maximum of 4 overtimes, half the game on top. At the end, everyone walks, of course. So what to do? There is no choice, everyone wants to win.
Pick and roll
We call it "double".
For example, the ball is dribbled by a small player, the big one puts a barrier on his defender, and they try to beat the opponents 2x2. This is similar to the "head" combination.
Swingman
A basketball player who can play point guard, shooting guard, sometimes small forward. That's how Toms Leimanis is in our team.
Alley-up
I pass to the hoop from somewhere so my teammate can catch the ball mid-flight and hit the slam dunk.
Lay-up
Effective two-point shot right from under the basket.
Double team, doubling
One of the defense options, in which the defenders together hold back the attacking player.
