How to have lockdown defense in basketball

5 Steps to Become a Lockdown On Ball Defender for Basketball Defense

My Dad was a 5’8 basketball defense specialist and played division 2 college basketball. Yup… a basketball defensive specialist at 5’8 playing division 2 basketball.

I get a ton of questions asking how to become a better basketball defender. Many people are constantly asking for the best drills for basketball defense. Yes, there are drills that can help improve our defense, but there is something much more important than any kind of drill. My answer is always the same… The majority of the time, defense in basketball comes down to one thing…

EFFORT.

If my Dad could make division 2 college basketball as a defensive specialist at 5’ 8’, you can too, no matter your size. My Dad told me every time he stepped on the floor he only had one thing in mind, “I am completely shutting down the person I am guarding.”

Pure effort and determination.

Now, being able to put maximum effort into defense is easier said than done. Once you have mastered effort, the most important aspect to defense, we can talk about the other fundamentals to become a great basketball defender.

Every team has to run these 5 pillars correctly to create it’s maximum defensive potential.

These pillars are:

1. Ball
2. Help
3. Triangle
4. Post
5. Box Out

In this blog, we will be going over pillar one: Ball.

There are 5 crucial pieces to everyone’s on ball basketball defense. I like using pillars as a way to say tips, steps, progressions, and so on because, without one of the white house pillars, everything would come crashing down. This invites the reader to realize that all steps are necessary to one another. So if you ever hear me say pillars, this is what I am referring to. 🙂

1. Basketball Defense Stance
2. Push NOT pull
3. Glass Ceiling
4. Hand Signals
5. Closing Out

Basketball defense stance is the base, and the first and most important aspect of our on ball defense. Without a good defensive stance, all our other pillars go to waste.

Majority of poor defenders do not have a good center of gravity on their stance. The reason for this?

They have their nose PAST their toes.

We need to have our nose ABOVE our toes. This gives us proper balance to react quickly to the opposing teams movement.

The picture below shows us what stance we SHOULD be getting into.

Butt Down. Nose ABOVE toes.

This is arguably one of the most important details in the game of basketball.

Yes, the ENTIRE game of basketball.

Almost every poor on ball defender pulls first, NOT push first. Knowing the difference between these two is CRUCIAL to your on ball defending success.

This is the biggest key to becoming elite in basketball defense.

If your feet are coming together and clicking a lot, it is very likely that you are pulling before pushing.

Use these pictures as reference below.

Stance: NEVER closer than shoulder width or clicking our feet.

Below is an image of what most defenders do first: Pull.

Pulling first forces us to be skinny, making it much easier for the offensive player to go around.

The third biggest fundamental of on ball defense is the glass ceiling. A lot of coaches like to call this the coffee mug.

Visualize yourself getting into a defensive stance. Now imagine a glass ceiling right above your head once you get into your stance. The goal on defense is to NOT shatter the glass ceiling.

This is an awesome analogy for kids to understand because they do not want to break the glass. If your bobbing up and down on defense constantly, your reflexes and reactions to certain situations are going to be much slower.

Another way to think of this analogy is the coffee mug that I stated earlier. Once you get into your defensive stance, think of a hot coffee mug right on top of your head.

The coffee mug also helps encourage a proper pillar one of on ball basketball defense: Stance.

If the coffee mug is on top of your head, you most certainly can not have your nose past your toes!

High hands are one of the most deceiving aspects in the game of basketball. It can make or break an offensive player from scoring. Having active hands is an illusion that you want on your side.

Majority of poor defenders don’t use their what? You guessed it, their HANDS!

There are two main concepts when it comes to talking about defensive hands. These are:

1. The Deflector
2. The Digger

We like to call these the “2 D’s. ”

The Deflector can be defined as the high hand to disrupt passes above the waist and contest shots.

The Digger can be defined as the low hand to disrupt bounce passes and crossover dribbles.

Below you can see Coach Pat Miller with one digger and one deflector. This is how our hands should look with our basketball defense.

Now, how do you know which one to use and when?

Whichever direction the basketball defender is sliding, is the same hand that the deflector should be.

So, if you are sliding to your left, the deflector will be your left hand.

The reason for this?

If the offensive player decides to shoot, you already have a hand high to contest the shot! This makes it extremely efficient to block a shot as well.

Now, the digger would then be the opposite. If you are sliding to your left, the digger would be your right hand.

The reason for this?

If the offensive player decides to crossover, you already have a hand in place to disrupt the dribble.

These two hands would then switch depending on what direction you are sliding.

• Left hand deflector
• Right hand digger

• Right hand deflector
• Left hand digger

The hardest thing to do in ALL of basketball? The close out.

Trust me on this… nothing is harder than giving a good close out. This is coming from a college basketball player.

Offensively we LOVE closeouts.

Defensively, we HAVE to master them.

The first step to a good close out is putting your weight in the right direction. Almost all closeouts fail for this exact reason.

When we go to closeout, our momentum is going in the opposite direction of where the offensive player WANTS to go. This gives us an extreme disadvantage.

This is why we most throw out weight backwards to put us in a position where we can react to where the offensive player wants to go.

How do we do this?

As you are running to close out, throw your arms up and backwards as fast as possible. The arms are what allow us throw our weight backwards.

Notice the picture below, the head is completely behind the legs. This is the definition of weight being thrown backwards into our closeout.

As we talked about earlier, defensive hands can be an illusion.

That is why high hands are so important in the middle of a closeout.

High hands are what will prevent the offensive player from shooting the basketball.

If the offensive player does decide to shoot, your hands will already be there to give a good contest.

Yes, chopping your feet is extremely important when making a closeout in basketball, BUT I want to clear up some myths about the subject of choppy feet.

Imagine yourself on the baseline getting ready to run sprints during practice.

Now, imagine coach saying the words, “go,” to start the sprint, but you have to stop your sprint once your coach says, “stop.”

The goal of this sprint? To stop as fast as possible.

Now, imagine your coach saying, “stop,” after he previously just said, “go.”

Are you going to chop your feet 10 times to stop as fast as you can?

I sure hope not.

The myth that you need to chop your feet an extreme amount of times to have a good closeout is just excessive and wrong.

It is very important that we DO chop our feet, and NOT hop, BUT chopping your feet ten times over makes the closeout even worse.

Chop your feet 3 or 4 times to give the best possible closeout, just like you would naturally in the first place.

Majority of coaches teach defenders to try and completely cut off the ball handler. In certain situations, yes, this is the correct way to teach it, but that completely depends on where you are on the court, and where your help defense is on the court.

Once you get older and start playing at a higher level, players these days are now extremely crafty with the ball. Elite ball handlers will have a counter every single time you try to immediately cut them off with no angle. This then results in a blow by.

Learning to push first and drop into a roughly 45 degree angle when you slide, is crucial to the success of your team defense and your basketball close out.

This is exactly what you must do after you have completed step 3 of your closeout: choppy feet.

Remember to push first, NOT pull first, and push at roughly a 45 degree angle.

45 degrees helps keep us between the rim and our offensive player, which is exactly what we want when we play basketball defense.

If you’re looking to become a lockdown on ball defender, these are the steps I would take to get there.

But remember, you main focus needs to be on your effort, drive, and the mindset that no one will score on you.

Anyone can become a good defender… ANYONE. My father is proof of that.

1. Ball
2. Help
3. Triangle
4. Post
5. Box Out

1. Basketball Defense Stance
   1. Nose ABOVE Toes
2. Push NOT pull
3. Glass Ceiling
   1. Coffee mug
4. Hand Signals
   1. Deflector
   2. Digger
5. Closing Out
   1. Weight Back
   2. High Hands
   3. Couple Choppy Feet
   4. Sliding Angles

Yes, there are a lot more of defensive details that go into the basketball techniques of defense, but if you focus on mastering these five broader concepts of on ball basketball defense, you are well on your way to mastering the first pillar of defense: Ball.

If you’re interested in more in-depth detail about mastering the art of becoming an elite defender, check out our Man to Man Defensive System. This gives much more detail breakdown onto all of our pillars in the game of basketball, and all the drills necessary to master them.

Make sure you check out our other blog on how to become an elite shooter, the most important skill in basketball: 5 Steps to Perfect Shooting With Your Basketball Shot Form.

I also strongly encourage you to check out our basketball training podcast: Off the Court. This can be found on ALL listening platforms! The podcast has over 5,000 downloads.

Lastly, we have a completely free ebook: How to Unlock the Mental Side of the Game. Mental is to physical as 4 is to 1. It’s extremely important that we do not overlook this for our basketball game.

-Coach Jack

Basketball on the Edge - 17 Tips to Help You Become a Lockdown Defender

1. Defense is a Mindset

You have to make a conscious decision to shift your mindset In order to be a great defensive player. As a high school player I focused primarily on my offensive game. I wanted to be able to score, handle the ball, and pass. Not that I was bad on defense, but it was definitely a secondary priority. When I got to college at Kent State I spent a large portion of my freshman year sitting on the bench. I learned a lot about defensive fundamentals and competing hard on that end of the floor during my first year of division one basketball practices. As my sophomore year began I realized that four starters with solid offensive games were returning. There was one open spot in the starting lineup at the two guard position. I knew what my coach was looking for from that fifth starter. Defense! I went from being a 22 point per game scorer in high school to a player capable of guarding the best opposing perimeter players in college. What changed? Simple, my mindset. I just decided I was going to become a good defender because that is what I needed to do to play. I wasn’t the quickest or strongest player, but I had a defensive mindset. Defense became important to me. It was a matter of pride for me to try and shut down my opponent. I wasn’t always successful, but because of my defensive effort I usually made things tough on the player I was matched up with. You can be a good defensive player if it is important to you. If it’s not you won’t.

2.  Guard the best player on the other team

Want to become a better defender? Always guard the other team’s best player. I’m talking especially during pickup games or practice situations where your coach is not telling you who to guard. Look for challenges. Get out of your comfort zone. Test your defensive abilities against the best player the other team has to offer. Make this a habit and watch your defensive skills improve steadily over time.

3.  Communicate

You must be willing to open your mouth and talk to your teammates. Call out screens, cuts, positioning, switches, etc. You must also listen when your teammates are talking to you. Remember that communication is a two-way street. You must speak AND listen for communication to be effective. A quiet team is a losing team.

4.  Get low and stay low

If you are lower than your opponent you will have better balance and be in position to react immediately to what your opponent does. When you stand straight up or allow the offense to get lower than you, chances are you’ll get beat. So much of being a good defender is maintaining your balance. By staying low you’ll increase your chances of remaining balanced and in position no matter what the offense does.

5.  Watch your opponent’s midsection

By keeping your eyes locked on your opponent’s midsection you are much less likely to be faked out than if you are watching their feet, hands, or eyes.

6.  Always See Your Opponent and the Basketball

You should always be in position where you can see the ball and see your “man”. One way to do this is to always be one step below the invisible straight line connecting the ball to your man. This principle requires you to constantly move and readjust your position as the ball and your man move around the court. You should never be standing flat-footed and still on the defensive end of the court.

7.  Have active hands guarding the ball

Your hands should be in motion when you are guarding the ball. Try to mirror the ball with one hand when your opponent has picked up his or her dribble. Get one hand in the passing lane and one hand down by the ball when your opponent is dribbling. You want to make the offensive player feel as if your hands are everywhere.

8.  Pressure the ball

Most players don’t like to dribble, shoot, or pass under duress. Think about the type of defensive player you don’t like playing against. They probably are constantly right up in your personal space, harassing your every move, making it difficult for you to be effective. Guess what? If you don’t like playing against that type of player neither does anyone else. You need to become that type of defender, one that puts constant pressure on the ballhandler and makes their life miserable because everywhere they go you are right there too!

9.

When closing out on an opponent that has the ball, sprint about 2/3 of the way and then begin to break down into short choppy steps as you approach your opponent. Your hands should be up to discourage your opponent from shooting and your weight should be on back foot so you can react quickly if they drive to the basket. Never jump or use big steps when closing out. If you do, your opponent will blow by you while your feet are off the floor.

10.  Don’t block shots

Unless you’re a gifted athlete with long arms and great leaping ability don’t jump to try and block shots. For every shot you block you’ll commit many silly fouls or get faked out of position. You’ll do yourself and your team more good by staying on your feet, getting a hand (or two) up, and obstructing the shooter’s vision.

11.  Jump to the ball

Anytime a pass is made by the offense each defensive player should adjust his or her position by jumping to the ball. This simply means taking an immediate step or two in the direction of the pass while keeping an eye on your man and the ball. By jumping to the ball you can force a cutter to go behind you and get into helpside defensive position much quicker. A great defensive team is always made up of players that jump to the ball whenever a pass is made.

12.  Don’t get out of position by lunging

As an offensive player I want you to lunge for the ball, get off-balance, and be out of position so I can attack you. Don’t lunge for the ball. This is true when guarding the ball or when you are a help defender. Stay on balance and maintain proper defensive positioning.
Avoid foul trouble

13.  Play defense without fouling.

You can’t help your team if you’re sitting on the bench. Two tips for avoiding fouls: Play help defense with your feet and your body, don’t just stick a hand out when you help a teammate. Don’t try to block shots, get a hand up and stay on your feet. If you follow these two tips you’ll cut down on your fouls dramatically.

14.  Sprint in transition

If you and your teammates will commit to sprinting back on defense every single possession you will prevent many easy baskets over the course of the season. Those baskets can turn potential wins into losses. It takes no talent at all to sprint hard in transition. It just takes discipline.

15.  Anticipate

A good defensive player tries to think ahead about what their opponent is likely to do next. Oftentimes, this leads to a split second advantage that allows the defender to steal a pass, take a charge, or bump a cutter. The more you play the more you’ll be able to “see” what’s about to happen giving you a head start on getting a defensive stop. Play the game, think the game, and study the game . When you do all three you’ll be able to use anticipation to help you become a force on defense.

16.  Use fakes on defense

An underrated skill on defense is the ability to fake. Take a quick step at a dribbler to see if they’ll pick up their dribble. Look away with your eyes and bait a passer into throwing a pass that you’re ready to intercept. There all sorts of opportunities like these throughout a game. Look for them and then incorporate fakes into your defensive game plan.

17.  Finish the Job – Box out

The defensive possession doesn’t end until you get the rebound. Don’t work hard for 20 or 30 seconds and then let your opponent sneak in for an offensive rebound. Box out with authority every time a shot goes up!

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Cut-off as one of the most important aspects of basketball defense

Introduction. The importance of defending against offensive shots in basketball is obvious. In this case, various methods of countering the defender and the attacker are used. The goal of the attacker is to make an aimed throw at the ring from one position or another, and the goal of the defender is to prevent this in every possible way, preventing foul (penalty). The paper considers one specific type or method of defense, called in basketball cutoff or cutoff . Namely [1, 3], cut is an instant action aimed at interrupting the opponent's path and reducing his ability to get to the ball. The paper considers some methods of training such a method of protection in the physical education lessons of university students specializing in the game of basketball .

Cut-off as the main method of protection. Let's look at some of the main ways a defender cuts or cuts off an attacking player. It is known [1-3] that the optimal position for cutting off by the defender of the opposing player to prevent him from performing an attacking throw on the ring is the line in which collision fouls or picking up the ball after the throw are not recorded personal fouls collision. During a basketball game, when 10 players move around the court at high speed in a limited space, personal contact cannot be completely avoided . According to the rules of the game of basketball [4] a personal foul is a foul against a player due to contact with a player from the opposing team. A player must not block, hold, push, run into, trip, or impede an opponent by exposing an arm, shoulder, knee, hip or foot. Personal foul - punishment in basketball. Remark to the player, recorded in the protocol, for a mistake when contacting an opponent. Depending on the nature of the error, the degree of punishment is different - from throwing in the ball by the injured team from behind the sideline to 3 free throws. So optimality criterion for cutting is maximizing the possibility of intercepting the ball when passing it to your opponent or simply depriving it of a pass and minimizing the probability of receiving a personal foul.

Interception triangle. Consider one method of protection based on clipping, which is called intercept triangle. The interception triangle is the position of the player on the court that maximizes the ability to intercept the ball when passing to your opponent or simply close it from a pass. For this player, you need to draw a conditional line between the player with the ball and your opponent. Take a position between them. Near pass should be closed tighter (picture) [3].

Fig. Interception triangle

In this case, the white player with his right hand prevents the opponent from receiving the ball. If the opponent starts moving, then you just need to retreat along the triangle line to the right place - again, to close the transfer line. The interception triangle provides an opportunity to completely cut off a player from receiving the ball, which is especially effective against individually strong attackers. With the help of the interception triangle, it is easy to provoke a loss: it is enough to simply step back from the attacker and free the passing line for a second, provoking a pass, and then intercept him with a sharp lunge. It seems to the authors that such a method of placing players in personal defense should be used in training sessions and games of students (boys and girls) in physical education classes in groups with the specialization "Basketball". In particular, this technique is used by the authors at the Ural Federal University in Yekaterinburg.

Conclusion. The best defense in basketball - to deprive the opponent of the ball or prevent it from being received. Positioned on the court along the interception triangle , you can cut off the attacker from the ball or provoke an easily intercepted pass. Work your training and defense games physically and always play smart.

A. Ya. Gomelsky about strategy and tactics in basketball

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Strategy - the main theoretical focus 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 not in a 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, with dribbling, with active advancement. 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 taken 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 - rebounding the ball, first pass, movement of the players, their start;
2) the middle stage of the development of an 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, 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 - center players #4 and #5 - takes over. 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 route to the opponent's backboard. 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 productive throw, in the transition to a positional attack, spent precious time placing players, thereby 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 attacking:
a) receiving the ball in motion and passing under the backboard;
b) receiving the ball with a stop and shooting on
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 mixed defense systems:
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 and 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 Olympics in Seoul, 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. Gives players the opportunity to use their strengths in defense and not show 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 3-4m.
4. Requires special lengthy preparation, coordinated actions, high teamwork of the whole team for rebuilding and interchangeability in positions.
5. If one of the five players did not have time to reorganize or did not cope with his duties, then the whole idea of ​​​​such a defense breaks down.

A.

Pressing is the most active form 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 are making 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 one-on-one players such as Marciulionis, Volkov, Kurtinaitis, Petrovich, Schmidt, Kukach, Paspal, Rivier, Gallis. 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 in which the number of defenders outnumber the number of attackers are useful. 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, a 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. 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 national team of the USSR 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. Allows players to be placed according to their physical, technical and mental characteristics.
Tall, jumpy players are located close to the backboard, mobile, fast players - in positions higher from the backboard.
2. More team-oriented, easy to master, 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 against screen combinations.
6. Can concentrate with strong opponent centers and stretch with snipers.
7. More than personal protection, it saves players' strength and protects leaders from fouls.
8. Most effective against opponents with strong centers.
9. A team that owns a zone defense can easily build mixed forms of defense: 3-2, 4-1, 2-3.
10. Convenient and suitable for small fields.

Disadvantages of zone defense:
1. Inferior to the personal psychological responsibility of the players, their charge for individual victory in defense.
2. Less useful against teams with strong snipers.
3. As a rule, the corners of the court are less protected in zone defense.
4. Zone defense may be used occasionally and should not be the main form of defense. It is not advisable to use zone defense at the beginning of the match, when the opponent's players are not yet tired, energetic enough - their throws are more accurate and productive than at the end of the game.

There are several formations of the zone defense, however, each of the zone defenses should easily transform depending on the attack - stretch when attacking from a distance and group around the ring.

Even type zone defense formations include 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 other arm slightly pulled back. Many defenders, being between the player with the ball and the basket, even in the correct stance, do not actively use their hands, do not make an offensive movement towards the attacker, which allows the opponent to calmly take further actions. At the same time, it must be remembered that you cannot cross your legs, that the distance between the defender and the opponent must be calculated so that the opponent can pass with a dribbling to the ring.

Contact defense against the ball carrier, although difficult and somewhat risky, is modern and has its advantages. If your arm extended to the opponent reaches his chest, then by doing so you prevent the attacker from lifting the ball up for a throw.

The defender's movements should be practiced regularly:
a) in each training session - with and without resistance;
b) with one or two balls;
c) with side steps, making contact with the body closest to the attacker.

The defender's actions in different situations can be divided into 12 positions:
1. Defense against a dribbler driving the ball to your ring.
2. Defending against a player who has finished the dribble and is looking to either shoot or pass.
3. Defense against an attacker 5-6 m from the backboard, but not using the dribble.
4. The actions of the defenders in the numerical minority.
5. Actions of two defenders against three forwards.
6. Actions of three defenders against four forwards.
7. Actions of defenders during screenings.
8. Rear screen protection.
9. Slip protection.
10. Group tackle 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, you 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, into the corner of the court, or directed towards the defending 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, picks up the ball for a shot, you should try to jump with him and prevent the shot. 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.

Consistency 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 screener 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 sets up a screen for a sniper when attacking from medium or long distances behind a defender and you do 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 coming 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 recovering 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.

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