How to play the center position in basketball

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

The center, who is often referred to as the “five,” is one of the most important basketball positions on the team.

A dominant center can completely change the identity of a team’s offense and defense.

Often the player deemed "the center" is the tallest player on the team, and they usually spend a lot of time around the key on the defensive end of the floor.

Offensively, most of the center’s points will come right around the basket, although it's becoming more common for them to step outside and hit midrange and three-point shots.

Many youth players watch the slam dunks of Shaquille O’Neal or the blocked shots of Dwight Howard and want to mimic the play of famous big men...

But few actually have the characteristics necessary to be a great center.

So, what traits does the “five” man need to dominate?

1. Height

Even though we believe positionless basketball can be a great offensive concept and that multiple players should be able to play multiple positions on the court...

The saying “size matters” still exists for a reason.

The center is typically the tallest player on the team, and therefore is typically responsible for getting high percentage layups and post finishes on the offensive end and guarding the other team’s tallest player on the defensive end.

This isn’t to say a smaller center can’t be effective... but it’s much more difficult.

The team's center also usually has elite strength to compliment that height.

A player who is expected to battle for every rebound, score regularly in the post, and guard the biggest player on the other team will have to be strong in order to be successful.

A lot of teams have players that are tall or strong, but it is far more rare for a player to combine those physical attributes with the willingness to use them.

A great center needs to provide an inside presence on both ends of the court, and size alone is not enough to create that presence.

They must also be willing to play physical with the biggest and strongest players on the other team on every trip down the court.

The tallest player on the team is never going to be the quickest, but a dominant center does still need to be an athletic player who can run the floor and contribute on every possession.

Mobility is a trait that often separates a good center from a great one, primarily because it is so rare among players who are naturally so much larger physically than other players on the court.

Any coach would be glad to have a player who is tall, strong, and willing to play physical...

But if that player is also athletic enough to create shots for himself on the offensive end and block shots on the defensive end, then he will be a truly dominant center.

5. Conditioning

Dominant centers are a nightmare for opposing coaches, and one way they typically try to minimize that player’s impact is by creating tempo offensively and forcing him to run the floor.

Most centers are not built for that type of game, but a dominant one will also be in good enough shape to play a lot of minutes.

After all, even if you are the best player on the court, your impact is not nearly as high as it could be if you are only able to play half of the game.

A center who is in great physical shape will also be in great shape to become a dominant player.

A player with size, strength, and athleticism has the potential to become a great center...

But how should he be putting those characteristics to use?

If you have a player with the size and physicality to be a true center, he needs to be the best rebounder on both ends of the court.

It does not take a basketball genius to realize that the tallest player is the closest to the rim, and therefore the closest to a lot of rebounding opportunities.

A center who controls the glass can be the most valuable member of a basketball team.

More rebounds equals more shots, and more shots equals more points.

So a dominant center who attacks the glass on both ends can completely dictate the game.

As the biggest player on the court, the center needs to provide a presence in the lane for the offense.

This means he must be able to fight for post position, and then be able to execute a variety of different moves to score on the block.

Depending on the level of play, it can be common for centers to be thrust into their role simply because of size, but a dominant center needs to be skilled enough to make efficient moves and finish with touch around the rim.

A great center can completely change your team’s entire defense, primarily because opponents will be much less willing to attack the hoop.

A high level high school center or above may be expected to play above the rim and block shots, but a center at any level can still be a “rim protector” if he is able to be a help defender that discourages the offense to drive.

This is where the height, strength, and physicality mentioned above become necessities for a dominant center, as a smaller player simply does not provide that physical presence.

Naturally, the biggest players typically match up with one another, meaning your center has to be able to guard the biggest player on the other team.

Again, height, strength, and physicality of course play a factor in this responsibility.

Players of any size can get rebounds or score in the post occasionally, but not everyone can physically take on the challenge of defending a center.

If your center has the mobility and conditioning mentioned above as well, then he will have the advantage in this matchup.

If a player is a truly dominant center who is capable of scoring in a variety of ways, then he probably will not be guarded by only one player very often.

Some teams may elect to send double teams or traps to force the center to get rid of the ball, and when that happens, he must be able to distribute to open teammates.

A dominant center scores in the lane often enough to draw additional defenders, and then takes advantage by dumping passes off to the other post player, hitting an open cutter, or kicking out for an open 3-point shot.

Now that we’ve covered what characteristics can make for a great center and what role the center should be playing on the court, how can a player build himself into a great big man?

At some point, most coaches have seen a physically imposing center who provides a presence, but his only chance to score is an easy drop step layup or open putback at the rim.

However, a great center needs to have a number of different post moves that they can execute with their back to the basket.

True post players have become fewer and further between in this era of basketball.

In fact, most teams don’t play with a true center at all...

So a big, tall player who probably isn’t as quick as most others or as comfortable on the perimeter needs to have multiple ways to score inside in order to be established as part of an offense.

A dominant center should have a go-to move, a very reliable secondary move, and then also be able to add counters to those moves.

A dominant defensive center is typically a shot blocker.

But simply being tall will not automatically mean that a player will be spiking every opponent’s shot off the backboard.

Blocking shots - and just playing good post defense in general - requires toughness, anticipation, and coordination.

Playing 1-on-1 against an offensive player on the block will help a center develop those skills, and getting a number of repetitions in a row will help build the necessary conditioning as well.

The most common way that an opposing coach will try to limit the effectiveness of a dominant center is by forcing him to score at the free throw line instead of giving up open post moves.

It has proven to be incredibly effective in some situations, especially against big men who are far below average free throw shooters.

After all, “Hack-A-Shaq” is still one of the most commonly used phrases in defensive basketball strategy many years after it was implemented.

A great center needs to be able to step up to the free throw line and knock down shots at a high rate so that he can not be taken advantage of by opposing teams.

Free throw shooting becomes even more important in late game situations, and if the center is your best player, you want to be able to leave them in the game during crunch time.

But if they can’t be trusted to make free throws, then you probably won’t want them on the court in those big moments.

As mentioned above, the time of true centers has largely come and gone in today’s basketball world.

It has become much more common to see different varieties of “small-ball” or positionless basketball, especially at higher levels.

Therefore, a center will only make himself more valuable if he is also able to at least provide a threat to shoot a jump shot.

Long range shooting isn’t necessary for centers, and it is extremely rare for the center to be considered a knock down shooter.

But even the willingness to shoot from 10-15 feet can add an entirely different dimension that can be very difficult for most opposing centers to defend.

If a center can step out and be a threat from 3-point range, too, then he has the potential to become unstoppable.

While shooting and other ball skills can be a great addition to a center’s game, they will never be truly necessary or expected to play the position.

Strength is absolutely essential to the success of a big man who aims to control the paint.

Spend time weight training to get your body to a point where it can physically take on the responsibility and toll of playing center.

A center can be a focal point of a team offense and a team defense if they have the size and physicality to provide a real presence on both ends of the court.

However, the center can completely change the game if they also have the skills and athleticism to control the rebounding battle, score in the paint, and block shots.

Though the position has become less and less common in recent years, a truly dominant center who has the ability to impact the game as an offensive threat and also a defensive stopper will make your team a matchup nightmare for opposing coaches.

How to Play Center in Basketball

Would you like to know how to play center in basketball? Do you know what is a center in basketball? If you are trying to understand how to play a big man’s game, you are in the right place. There are many different basketball positions, so understanding them is very important. We are grateful you are trying to understand the center position.

In our guide to playing center in basketball, we will help you understand how to play a big, specifically the center position, by explaining the different techniques required to be a thriving center in a league.

So, what does a center do in basketball? A center or five in basketball is a big man traditionally positioned around the rim throughout a game. Traditionally, a center’s role is to score and defend shots at the basket. Even though these are some of the traditional roles of a center, the game is somewhat changing where dominant centers need to be more versatile and possess multiple skill sets.

Centers are usually the tallest persons on the court at any time, however, some players are tasked with playing the center’s position even though they are not as tall as we expect them to be because they possess the skill sets to be effective.

In basketball, a team is as strong as its weakest link, meaning that coaches and the players can orchestrate their offense and defense to focus on their opponents’ weakest players. We are saying this to say that all positions in basketball are equally important.

The center has important roles. These include protecting the rim on defense to make it easier for his teammates to protect the perimeter. A center should provide an offensive option in the post, pass the ball effectively out of double-teams from the post. Depending on how his team plays, centers should stretch the court for his teammates by scoring from the perimeter.

Even though basketball is evolving, there are specific base skills that all good centers possess. Let’s take a look at some of the skills that all centers should have.

Footwork

Moving and positioning your feet properly is an essential skill that all centers need to have. Footwork in basketball refers to a player’s ability to use their feet to set themselves in an advantageous position to lose defenders, place their bodies in ideal places to score, grab rebounds and play post defense. There are multiple footwork moves that coaches should teach their centers.

Centers need to learn how to do footwork while on offense, like basic drop step moves, pro-hops, pivots, and many others. On the defensive end, centers also need to learn to use their feet to get between the rim and defenders to make it difficult for their opponents to score.

Positioning

Positioning is a by-product of footwork. A center’s position on the court can be looked at in two ways. The first way is how he positions himself around the rim while playing offense or defense, and this is where footwork comes in.

Being able to skillfully set yourself between the opponent and the rim or position yourself at an angle that makes it easy to get layups or dunks is something that every center should learn. The second aspect of positioning has to do with how a center spaces the floor so that their teammates can operate while also being a threat to score from where they are.

Centers need to learn about the areas on the floor that they need to be throughout plays so that they don’t clog the lane or disrupt a play by being in the wrong place.

Contact Finishing

The center position is one of the most, if not the most, physical position to play in basketball. Centers are normally the biggest guys on the court, which means that they will be going up against the opponent’s biggest guy more often than not.

With this in mind, centers should anticipate getting a lot of contact while attempting to score baskets. Contact usually results in a foul, which sends the center to the free-throw line, but they also needed to take advantage of finishing through these fouls to get additional points.

Free Throw Shooting

A center is often required to play through contact. Understandably, the center will become a liability if he is a very poor free throw shooter, especially in late-game moments. Have you ever heard the term hack-a-Shaq or hack-a-Dwight?

These are late-game strategies that teams employ when playing against big men who cannot score the ball from the stripe. You don’t want to be a center and have a low free-throw shooting percentage, or you may see your playing time significantly reduced.

On the other hand, if you are a center that can efficiently convert free-throw opportunities, teams will be wary of fouling you and sending you to the free-throw line.

Anticipation

You may be wondering how anticipation is relevant to playing basketball, let alone playing the center position. If you were to have a conversation with any elite rebounder or elite shot-blocker, they would tell you that anticipation has a lot to do with rebounding and shot-blocking.

The best rebounders can look at the trajectory of a shot or the bounce of the ball off the rim and anticipate where that ball will be going next so they can react quickly to grab that rebound. Shot blockers can usually anticipate opponents’ shot attempts and get in a position to block their shots even before the shot is attempted.

Great centers are centers that can defend the rim, and to do this, they need to be able to anticipate.

Rebounding

We have been speaking a bit about rebounding, so it is on our list as you can imagine. The best centers are often the ones that can rebound the ball in addition to scoring. There are great centers that don’t rebound very well, but they need to be exceptionally well on the offensive end for them to be considered great.

If you speak with any coach, they would tell you they would prefer to have a center that can rebound and score and not just score alone. One of the center’s main responsibilities is to rebound the ball to prevent additional possessions by the opponent or give their team extra possessions from offensive rebounds.

Shot Blocking

Not all centers are great at shot-blocking as, if not god-given, it’s a skill that takes time to develop. Shot blockers are valuable to their teams. They allow them to play a specific type of defense that takes the pressure off perimeter defenders because they know that there is someone behind them to protect the rim if they get beaten.

Shot blockers usually have good footwork and anticipation skills. Centers usually block the most shots on the court. This is usually because of their height, but if centers are not extremely tall, they can work on their jumping ability, which will help them protect the rim.

Here are seven tips that you can follow to become a good center in basketball.

1. Bulk up

Because the center position is one that is so physical, players that are bigger and have a lot of muscles usually fare well at this position. As a center, playing on the block will see you banging with other centers and power forwards. You are less susceptible to injury if you have a bigger body that can take the hits, and this will also make it a lot easier for you to score and defend against your opponents.

2. Improve shooting

In today’s game of basketball, the center position is not just the traditional around the rim role. We see an increasing number of centers being asked to stretch the floor by stepping out of the paint and making mid-range to long-range shots. Improve your offensive arsenal by adding a reliable shot so that your coaches can ask you to stretch the floor and help your team’s offense.

If you can knock down shots from outside the paint, you will score more points per game, and this will open up the lane for your guards and wing players to attack the rim. Your ability to shoot will also allow your coach to run more plays for you, such as the pick-and-pop.

3. Practice Passing

Nikola Jokic is one of the best centers in the NBA today. In addition to his ability to score the basketball, he is considered really good because of his passing ability. Centers that can pass the ball properly from out of the post are very rare and valued.

If you can pass the ball from out of the post, this will make you a very dangerous threat when your opponent’s double team you. In addition to passing out of the post, centers that can pass the ball from the perimeter properly are also of extreme value to their teams. Work on your passing so you can find cutters and open shooters.

4. Practice Footwork

Footwork is key at the center position. If you can’t move your feet properly, your days at the center position will be very dismal. On both offense and defense, centers with good footwork will have a huge advantage over their opponents. If you have good footwork on offense, you can use this to score very easily while drawing fouls. Your footwork on defense will help you to keep up with your mark and protect the rim.

5. Work on Rebounding

Centers should be able to rebound the football. Chances are, if you are selected to be the center for your team, you have good height compared to your teammates. Your team will likely depend on you to rebound the ball, so you will need to work on your rebounding to be a good center.

You can do various drills by yourself or with your teammates to help you improve your anticipation and bounce around the rim. Remember to practice boxing out as a boxing out is the fundamental stage of rebounding.

6. Improve strength

In addition to becoming bigger, you will also need it to improve your strength. Remember to devote some of your free time or your training time to gym workouts to be a good center. Strong centers are usually hard to deal with on offense and very difficult to score against on defense.

The stronger you get, it’ll be easier for you to back down your opponents or finish through contact. On the opposite side of the ball, you will be able to stand your ground when your opponent’s try to post you up because you are stronger.

7. Finish through contact

If you want to be a good center, work on finishing through contact. It comes with the territory. The center position is very physical, so you will have a lot of contact during a lot of your finishes.

You can gain additional points by scoring the basket even after you are fouled. Do not depend on the referee because you won’t always get the calls and be sent to the free-throw line. Do drills with your coaches or teammates to work on contact scoring.

1. Drop Step Drill

This is an important post-move that includes sound footwork. This is very important for players to learn if they plan to score while playing with their backs to the basket.

2. Contact Finishing Drills

This drill is very good to help centers finish through contact. The physicality of this drill will form tough post finishers.

3. Jump Hook

This offensive weapon is a deadly, near unstoppable move that all Centers should learn. This video will demonstrate the footwork associated with this move.

Here are a few of the most excellent NBA centers of all time.

Shaquille O’Neal

Many people often regard Shaquille O’Neal or The Big Diesel as the most dominant player ever to play the game of basketball. During Shaq’s years as a player, he was an unstoppable force in the post that required multiple players to contain him somewhat. Shaq is 7’1″ and over 300 lb, making him one of the biggest players to have ever played the game of basketball.

Shaq played with multiple teams throughout his career in the NBA, but his most successful stint was with the Los Angeles Lakers when he played alongside Kobe Bryant. O’Neal won 3 NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers and one with the Miami Heat.

Wilt Chamberlain

Without a doubt, Wilt Chamberlain is one of the top 10 greatest players to have ever played the game of basketball. Wilt Chamberlain was a huge player standing at 7 feet 1 in and over 300 pounds.

If you were to take a rock and throw it in a pond filled with NBA records, chances are you will hit a record set by Wilt Chamberlain. Wilt Chamberlain was as dominant as they came. When he played in the NBA, he was able to score at will. Wilt Chamberlain is a two-time NBA Champion.

Yao Ming

Yao Ming is an eight-time NBA All-Star, 7 ft 6 in tall, former Houston Rockets center. Yao entered the NBA as the first pick in the 2002 draft made by the Houston Rockets. Throughout his career, Yao Ming averaged 19 points and nine rebounds to go along with two blocks.

Kareem Abdul Jabar

Kareem is a 7 foot 2 in center who won six NBA championships throughout his career. He was a two-time Finals MVP and, without a doubt, one of the greatest players to ever grace a basketball court.

Hakeem Olajuwon

Hakeem Olajuwon is another first overall pick made by the Houston Rockets. He was drafted in the 1984 draft and became a two-time NBA champion and two-time NBA Finals MVP. Hakeem is regarded as one of the greatest centers of all time.

To be a good center in basketball, you should work on your size and your strength. Try to be bigger and stronger while remaining mobile. Centers should always be able to finish through contact at the rim, rebound the ball efficiently, and be really good at the position they should pass from out of the post, block shots, and shoot the ball fairly well.

Did you find this helpful? Then also check out other basketball FAQ articles here.

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who it is, what position it plays in, top players

This player has many titles: scorer, shooting guard or post scorer in basketball. You can also often hear the wording “second number”, this is his position among his team. Basketball fans from our country most often call him a scorer, because this reflects the essence of the tasks assigned to him. This basketball player combines many functions, the most important of which are the completion of attacks and the pursuit of dangerous attackers from opponents. Let's figure out the duties of the second number, what skills and abilities he should have. Also here you will find the best scorers in the history of the sport.

Usually the best sniper in the team is number two, hence the unspoken name - scorer. Since he is a shooting guard, he is required to be equally good at scoring points for his team and working on defense.

Basketball players in this role are always popular, as they are the most capable players in the league and leaders of their team. It is they who more often than others give the audience truly exciting moments and break the applause. Get ready to find out what qualities an athlete must have in order to take such a position in the central zone.

What should a scorer be like?

Shooting into the basket from the central area is not easy. In accordance with his strategy, each coach puts in this place an athlete in whose abilities he is confident. It is the common duty of all defenders to prevent opponents from scoring. Capable defenders can take over the leader of the other team, thereby compromising their tactical decisions.

The attacking defender is a special piece. As a rule, not the tallest players, who are distinguished by quick reaction, speed and dexterity, get such a role. These are the most dynamic and maneuverable representatives of the team, who will boldly take the initiative and throw the ball into the ring. At the same time, they are strong and very well developed physically, which allows them to emerge as a leader from the fight under the basket.

The defender will spend more time in the background, focusing on long shots, the main characteristic of this position is accuracy. More is required from the attacking defender. They constantly rush forward, paving the way for themselves or for themselves and their comrades.

He provides a lot of rebounds, he has a lot of assists.

A defender who is able to attack is a powerful weapon for his team, and a serious threat for the opponent. There is always an experienced player in this position, so his skill really impresses the audience. For other members of the team, the scorer is a leader and support, as it is he who comes to the rescue in difficult situations. The longer the number two basketball player plays in this position, the more dangerous he poses to opponents, and the more fans love him.

How to become a good scorer?

First you need to become a good defender, that is, learn how to act in those situations when the other team has the ball. The most important skill is to keep the player, that is, to follow on the heels of the wards, to prevent him from realizing his plans, but at the same time not breaking the rules. In this situation, you need to not allow to break through and make a hit on the ring, and this is very difficult. It is required to keep up with the enemy in speed and surpass him in agility in order to skillfully maneuver.

There are several basic skills that every defender must master. First of all, this is the ability to take the correct position of the body, ensuring high mobility. When guarding a basketball player, you need to keep your legs in line and bend your knees slightly to give your body springiness. The body weight is evenly distributed between the two reference points, the upper part leans forward slightly. The arms are outstretched and slightly bent.

It is necessary to keep at a distance of a meter or one and a half from the guarded, and at the moment when he is ready to throw, take a step towards him and throw one of his hands up and forward. The task is not to allow the ball to be thrown and even to aim, so there is less risk. As soon as the attacker releases the projectile from his hands, you need to return to the starting position again. Remember, at this moment he is already preparing for a new action, and you have to track or even predict.

A good defender will never let an attacker get away. He will fight him, but at the same time keep a distance of a couple of steps. Keeping the distance is very important, for this you need to have high speed and excellent reaction. The defender acts after the attacker, so he has to move in different ways. Better technique means more success.

Learn to run backwards, this skill is in demand, as well as side step running. The side step is convenient when moving at a short distance from the object, in order to keep it on its half and not let it get close to your ring. You can run this way not only to the right or left, but also forward, in which case the first step is taken from the foot that is forward. Beginners often start bouncing, but this is not what you need. Movements should not be jumping, but sliding.

The defender knows this perfectly, and the attacker is ready to cope with such actions. He knows how to behave in the case of tight guardianship, how to get rid of it. Being an attacking defender is even more difficult, because he combines two roles at once. That's why second players are so in-demand: they're versatile in their skill set.

NBA Top Scorers

The NBA's all-time top scorer is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. To determine the effectiveness of the player, two indicators are evaluated:

• total career points scored;
• how useful the player is in attack and what benefits he brings in general.

At the moment, only seven basketball players have managed to overcome the personal effectiveness threshold of 30,000 points. The statistics are a little unbiased, since now different shots are valued by different numbers of points. But before the 80s, there were no three-point shots in basketball, and athletes received only a point even after hitting from a long distance.

Wilt Chamberlain was the first to break the 30,000 mark in the 1971-1972 season. He retired a year later with a total of 31,419 points. This was repeated by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the 1983-1984 season. After that, five more seasons awaited him, the result of which was an unsurpassed record to this day - 38,387 points.

Next on the list is Karl Malone, who retired with 36,928 points. Not to mention Michael Jordan, his result was 32 292. But Jordan is also a record holder, although he is not in first place, but he is in the lead in the average score per game - 30.123 points.

We have analyzed who a post scorer in basketball is and what functions he performs. Being such a player is very honorable, responsible and difficult at the same time.

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 preparing the USSR national team for the Olympics in Seoul - team strategy at 1985-1988 The strategy also provides for the management of the team during the competition.

Tactics is a part of the strategy that solves the main tasks of training, taking into account specific capabilities - team resources, characteristics of opponents, competition conditions. All this determines the tactical and combination baggage of the team.

When choosing tactics of the game (attack), one should proceed, firstly, from the real capabilities of the players, taking into account, first of all, their strengths, for the disclosure of which combinations are built and learned. Secondly, attack tactics are determined by the strength and weakness of a real opponent in a tournament, match.

I usually discuss playing combinations with the players for whom this combination is designed. I know the strengths of my players, but the players themselves know them even better and can make significant adjustments to the combinations I have proposed.

A.Ya. Gomelsky about playing defense

I believe that defense is the main concern of the coach: firstly, because the victory of the team largely depends on its strength, secondly, because the attack starts from the defense, like from the stove, in- thirdly, because the players themselves never work on the elements of protection, and finally, because the audience, as a rule, does not see it, even journalists often underestimate it.

The best team cannot win without a solid defense. Team defense is built on the individual characteristics, capabilities and mood of all players. Often in training, and even in competitions, individual players show indifference to defensive actions. It always bothered me and even angered me. Yes, the menial work on defense isn't that spectacular - except for things like block shots, rebounds, interceptions.' And many players are not aggressive on defense, they are resting on defense, trying to prove themselves in attack.

I am sure that without great desire, responsibility, initiative, passion, it is simply impossible to defend today.

If the defender allowed the attacker to receive the ball in the danger zone, he has already lost. And how many cases when the center is allowed to receive the ball in the three-second zone under the shield, without striving to actively fight for an advantageous position.

Often defensive players are in no hurry, they do not concentrate their attention and efforts enough on this part of the game.

I want to emphasize that the psychology of defense is one of the most important concerns of a coach, and often more depends on the focus on defense than on technique and physical condition. Doesn't the ability to intercept the ball and win the rebound depend on the mind and the ability to calculate one's strength? If a player goes to intercept the ball, exposing his rear, and slips past the ball, is this not the result of poor calculation, inability to predict, anticipate the situation, think and act responsibly? All this is the psychology of defense.

I believe that a player who is weak and inept in defense causes more damage to the team than a player who is weak in attack. The definition of "good defense is head and legs", while still valid, is incomplete. Fast, tenacious, active hands that can both hit and intercept the ball, and prevent a throw, pass, kick the ball while dribbling are no less important for a defender

Counterattack

Counterattack is the most spectacular and quick use of all opportunities to achieve result.

Fast play requires high technique. The desire to play at high speeds is commendable and acceptable only if the speed does not exceed the state of the art. Otherwise, there will be more mistakes, losses of the ball than achievements. Therefore, in an effort to prepare a fast break, it is necessary to train the execution of all technical elements at high speeds, using both active and passive resistance of defenders in situations 1-1, 2-1, 3-2, 4-3, 5--4 and with numerical equality.

My idea of ​​a counter-attack is not only to move quickly towards the opponent's backboard, but also to quickly transfer the ball to the opponent's backboard with sharp passes, or, if there is no free recipient to receive the ball, by dribbling the ball, actively moving forward. In the final stage of the fast break, players strive to create a triangle in the front line of attack with the apex on the free throw line. There should be a player with the ball, and two other players - to the left and right of him, 4-5 m ahead.

A counterattack is possible in the following situations:
1) when intercepting the ball;
2) when taking a rebound on his shield;
3) after the opponent has taken free throws;
4) after winning a dropped ball;
5) after the opponent manages to pocket the ball.

The best outcome of a fast break is taking the opponent's ring with a numerical advantage, when implementing situations in numerical equality: 1-1, 2-2, 3-3, 4-4. This is easier than beating a 5-5 defense that has already built up its defensive formations.

There are three phases in a counterattack that are equally important for success:
1) the beginning of a fast break - 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 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 systems of mixed defense:
1. Four players build a zone defense 2-2

or 1-2-1

, and one defender personally marks the strongest offensive sniper or center, depending on capabilities and tactics of the opponent.
2. Three players build a 2-1 zone defense and two guard the enemy's strongest snipers.

3. One player completes the zone formation while four players cover the opponents personally.

4. Two players form a zone defense and three players act as an individual defense.

Mixed defense brought good luck to the USSR national team and the CSKA team more than once. The choice of defense has always been determined by the characteristics of the opponent and our capabilities.

In the final of the Olympic tournament in Seoul against the team of Yugoslavia, we used a mixed defense 1-4.

Sabonis played a zone defense, the rest of the players closely guarded their opponents. This was due to the presence of Vrankovic or Raja in the Yugoslav team, who are not very dangerous away from the shield, and the fact that Petrovich, Paspal, Kukoch posed a big threat. The players who guarded the leaders of the Yugoslav team could, with a greater degree of risk, fight with their opponents to get the ball. They knew that Sabonis would help them if they were beaten.

A similar defense was chosen in the semi-final tournament in Seoul against the US team. Sabonis did a zone defense and let Robinson or Reed or Maning shoot from wide. But the rest of the US players were completely covered, and a player like Maning did not bring a single point to the team. As a result, the USSR national team won 82:76. And Sabonis, who participated in the Olympics after a serious injury, two operations, took first place in the selection of balls from shields and made a great contribution to the victory of the USSR team.

Sometimes, with two centers Sabonis - Tkachenko, we built a mixed, personally set defense 3-2. Two giants and one mobile defender played well in the zone. In the early 70s, it was Eremin, then Valters, and at the Olympics and the pre-Olympic tournament Sokk performed this function, and Belostenny and Volkov played instead of Sabonis and Tkachenko in Holland.

At the Seoul Olympics, we used such a defense (3 in the zone, 2 in person) against the Brazilian team.

Sabonis, Volkov and Sokk built a triangle on top of which Sabonis and Volkov played. Tikhonenko took care of So-uzu personally, and Marciulionis took care of Schmidt, and although these two players scored 65 points together, the match turned out to be very difficult for us, but we still won 110:105. The mistake in the choice of defense was that Schmidt outplayed the smaller Marciulionis in different positions, and Souza outplayed the slower Tikhonenko. In the last 10 minutes of the match, Volkov was attached to Schmidt, Marciulionis switched to Souza, and we changed Tikhonenko to Goborov in zone defense.

Benefits of mixed defense
allows you to fight with him to get the ball, while expecting the active help of teammates, without fear of a throw.
2. Such a system, if the opponent is not prepared for it, tactically introduces confusion and makes it difficult to carry out screening combinations.
3. Combines the best aspects of individual and zone protection systems.
4. Promotes a quick transition from defense to counterattack.
5. 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 rearranges the offense and breaks the mixed defense.
2. Simultaneous movements of two or three players diagonally can destroy a mixed defense if the opponent manages to create a numerical advantage on one of the sides of the field.
3. Often vulnerable to medium throws from 3-4m.
4. Requires special lengthy preparation, coordinated actions, high teamwork of the whole team for rebuilding and interchangeability in positions.
5. If one of the five players did not have time to reorganize or did not cope with his duties, then the whole idea of ​​​​such a defense is frustrated.

A.Ya. Gomel. Pressing defense

Pressing is the most active type of defense, constant pressure on the opponent. It can be personal or zone, it can start from the moment the opponent throws it: all over the court, on 3/4 of it, in their own half, i.e. on 1/2 site.

The goal of defense by pressing is not only psychological pressure on the opponent, but also the desire to break the opponent's established game, break his habitual connections between defense and attack, his combinations, make inaccurate passes of the ball, hasty - throws. It is impossible to apply pressure without mastering enough methods of individual protection. This form of defense requires high physical condition, good reserve and teamwork of all players and team units.

Pressing is used both as a system of play for long periods of time, and as a forced measure: when losing in a score to increase the pace or when waiting for pressure from an opponent.

By pressing, we try to take the ball away from the opponent - we force him to make false, inaccurate passes that are easily intercepted. Often, the opponents of the front line of pressing, having missed the opponents, do not pursue them, but watch the development of further events - this is a gross mistake. It is necessary to chase the player with the ball, trying to knock the ball from him from behind, stepping on his heels. Thus, you force the opponent to rush, worry, make mistakes.

If in zone or personal pressing you are left without a player and do not help a friend, you make a miscalculation. If one of the five pressers is not active, the work of the entire team goes down the drain. Pressing is primarily an active defense of the team.

In modern basketball, many coaches tend to believe that personal pressing is less effective, difficult, leads to a large number of personal violations and is inferior in usefulness to zone pressing systems. I also believe that a strong, technical player with good dribbling is able to cope with personal pressure.

In addition, with a stretched defense, it would be incredibly difficult to keep such players as Marciulionis, Volkov, Kurtinaitis, Petrovich, Schmidt, Kukach, Paspal, Rivier, Gallis one on one. I'm not talking about NBA players. But although zone pressing has become more popular, it is impossible to do without the ability to play personal pressing. Therefore, it is necessary to train defense daily 1-1, 2-2, 3-3, 4-4 all over the court, with and without the ball, with and without dribbling, with and without screens, first at a walk, then at high speed.

Exercises are useful in which the number of defenders prevails over the number of attackers. These exercises promote the interaction of the defenders, instill the skills of tackling the ball. They are also good for attacking players. When training personal pressing, due attention should be paid to the rapid movements of players in an active stance, in different directions, with a skillful change in the positions of players. Defenders of the first line of defense seek to push their attackers to the sidelines and prevent the attacker from getting around him with the ball and without the ball.

If one of the defenders managed to stop the attacker with the ball at the touchline at the intersection with the penalty or center line, the defensive partner must come to the aid of a friend: together they force him to make a cross pass, which the other three players are ready to intercept.

The initial stage of personal pressing is carried out by two fundamentally different tactical constructions:
1. The opponent who introduces the ball into the game holds a high moving edge and with an active movement of the hands prevents him from making an aimed pass.

2. No one guards the opponent who puts the ball into play, but two pressers prevent the most dangerous dribbler from getting the ball.

For example, Volkov secured Sokka and Marciulionis from behind when passing to player 5.

A few tips when defending with personal pressure: make him stop and do not let him make an accurate pass, interfering with his hand movements;
2) if the defending partner allowed himself to be passed around, 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 team-oriented, easy to master, capable of compensating for individual players' gaps in defense.
3. Promotes counter-attacking and frequent interceptions of the ball with the greatest possible degree of risk, because. Partners are always ready to help.
4. The number of fouls in a zone defense is usually less than in a personal defense.
5. This defense is less vulnerable 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 can be used occasionally and should not be the main form of defense. It is not advisable to use zone defense at the beginning of the match, when the opponent's players are not yet tired, energetic enough - their throws are more accurate and productive than at the end of the game.

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

Even type of zone defense formations includes systems: 2-2-1, 2-1-2, 2-3.

Odd formation: 1-2-2, 1-3-1, 3-2.

Each of these constructions has its advantages and disadvantages, which are useful to analyze.

The arrows indicate the direction of movement of the players. The shaded places on the court are the weak positions of the defense.

Zone defense 1-2-2

#1 - the lightest, fastest defender, #2 and #3 - quite mobile, jumpy, good if their height is at least 2 m. #4 and #5 - centers. Their task is to fight with the opponent's centers, picking up balls from the shield.

This system is most useful against teams trying to attack from under the shield through the post. Disadvantages - weak positions indicated in the figure.

Zone defense 2-1-2

It is used against strong opponent's centers who are dangerous on the "second floor" when rebounding the ball. Good for developing a counterattack with fast #1 and #2 players. Vulnerable in corners under 45, in the center for long and medium throws. The task of post #5 is to mark the opponents' post and, together with ?3 and ?4, create a rebounding triangle. #3 and #4 are mobile and high wingers, they can be swapped depending on the place of the sniper's attack.

Zone Defense 1-3-1

Helps to keep #3, #5, #2 between the ball and the basket at all times, used against opponent's strong centers and shots from middle and close positions. Her weakness is throws from the corners of the site and passes to the shield along the front line.

#1 - the fastest defender, running into the gap in every possible situation, #2 and #3 - mobile, jumping players, #5 - center, #4 - the fastest winger, able to move into the corners of the court.

Zone defense 3-2

#1, #2 and #3 are aggressive, mobile players, the success of the whole system largely depends on their activity. All three are focused on intercepting the ball and counterattacking. This system is most acceptable against teams seeking to attack from a distance, and less suitable against strong centers. The 3 second zone and 45 angle positions are the most vulnerable. #1 is in charge of the foul line. #2 and #3 are in a rebound fight. #5 and #4 are the first and second centers.

Zone protection 2-3

Strongest under the backboard, in the corners of the court along the front line. It is used against a tall, powerful team attacking from close positions and from under the shield. Often used for group selection of the ball in the corners of the site. When interacting #4 and #2 or #3 and #1, the defense is less effective on the foul line and at a 45 angle. #5 - center, #4 - second center, #3 - winger, #1 and #2 - defenders, constantly aimed at interception and counterattack.

Zone protection 2-2-1

This defense is used by agile and short teams aiming to intercept the ball and constantly counterattack. This zone counterattack is used against teams seeking to attack from medium distances. Center #5 is responsible for rebounding, wingers #3 and #4 are responsible for positions in corners and under 45 , rebounding the ball and for the foul line.

Defenders #1 and #2 tend to close the passes to the shield and into the three-second zone, while they themselves are constantly aimed at counterattacking.

A.Ya. GomelskyDefense against ball carrier

It is necessary to work out the correct body position in a basketball stance: the center of gravity is evenly distributed on both legs, but not on a full foot, but on toes, with a "charged" (ready for any movement) foot, knees slightly bent, legs slightly wider than shoulders . Boxing stance - like the great Michael Jordan.

If the opponent is in possession of the ball, one arm of the defender must be directed at the ball and constantly attack the opponent, preventing him from aiming or throwing (best if it touches the attacker), and the second arm slightly pulled back. Many defenders, being between the player with the ball and the basket, even in the correct stance, do not actively use their hands, do not make an offensive movement towards the attacker, which allows the opponent to calmly take further actions. At the same time, it must be remembered that you cannot cross your legs, that the distance between the defender and the opponent must be calculated so that the opponent can pass with a dribbling to the ring.

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

The 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 attackers.
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, 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.

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