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How to prevent turnovers in basketball
How to prevent turnovers in basketball
6 Simple Ideas to Reduce Your Teams Turnovers
By Jeff Haefner
1 - Track and "Report Back" Turnover Stats for Games, Scrimmages, and Practices
If you're serious about reducing turnovers, you'll want to track these stats for more than just games -- you'll want to track them for scrimmages and
practices too.
And above all, be sure to "report back" the turnover stats to your players after each game/practice so they know it's important to you and they get the
feedback they need to improve...
If players see they did poorly, then they can focus and think about how they can improve. If players did well, they can think about why they did well
and learn from it.
Players need that feedback to improve!
In addition to the "number of turnovers", what percentage of your possessions are turnovers? Or even better.![]()
.. what is your turnover differential? This can be a better statistic because a percentage gives you a truer number based on the pace of the game.
2 - Show Players Their Turnovers on Film
Edit film of your recent game(s) and show players their turnovers in a team setting. If players can "see" themselves on video, it can be a great
learning tool.
When players see the mistake on video it makes a much greater impact on them. It becomes especially effective when players see themselves making the
same mistake over and over again.
3 - Evaluate Where Turnovers Come From
Take a look at your game film and chart where the turnovers come from. Who made the turnover? What kind of turnover (travel, post feed, forced
pass, leaving feet, missed catch, etc)? Who made the turnover?
By breaking down the turnovers you'll get a better indication of what you need to work on and also let your team know how and why they are turning
it over.
4 - Use Passing Drills With Fast Moving Targets
Instead using of the common stationary passing drills, use drills that require players to pass to someone moving (preferably at fast speeds). Not
only does this overload the player making the drill more difficult (so it seems easy in games), it also better simulates what happens in a game.
Players are generally moving so passers need to learn how to lead a player and hit the moving target.
Danny Miles has won over 900 games at the college level and consistently has teams with the fewest turnovers in that nation. They run drills like
this every day and it shows. One example is the 3 Lane Rush drill that they run every day in practice.
5 - Practice Footwork Every Day
Most turnovers stem from poor footwork resulting in a travel or an out-of-control pass.
You can reduce these kind of turnovers by practicing jump
stops, facing the basket on every catch, front pivots, reverse pivots, step-throughs, sweeps, and drop steps.
Every day this footwork and mentality should be drilled. Use drills that get players in the habit of catching and facing the basket in triple
threat over and over. Use footwork drills
that require them to pivot in various situations. This will certainly help reduce turnovers and also improve their offensive scoring abilities.
6 - Emphasize the SIMPLE Pass
Quite often, players just need to learn to make the "simple" pass instead of trying to thread the needle or make the spectacular pass. They don't
realize that the simple pass to an open player (which results in the next pass that turns into an assist) is just as valuable as the assist.
Emphasize the SIMPLE pass every day and you'll see improvement.
Please let us know what you think by sharing your comments below...
How to Avoid Basketball Turnovers
Turnovers are a paramount piece of any basketball game. Avoiding turnovers can help you get playing time and stay on the court.
On the other hand, turning the ball over consistently can lead some coaches to prefer another player and pull you from the game.
If you can take care of the ball your chances to help your team will greatly increase.
Here are 7 tips to avoid turnovers in basketball.
1. Hit the weight room…
Watching playoff basketball at any level it is usually clear who the physically stronger team is.
This team often imposes their will throughout the game, at times ripping the ball away from the other team, forcing turnovers, and scoring easy points in transition.
Hitting the weight room will help prevent the following:
- Having the ball ripped away from you easily.
- Having the ball poked away from you while driving to the hoop.
- Having rebounds stolen from you.
- Having weak passes go off target or get picked off.
When lifting weights, be sure to work with a good coach or trainer who has your best interest in mind. LIfting weights consistently can help prevent injury and lead to good health for years to come. It is about more than basketball. Lift weights to help both your short-term and long-term goals as an athlete and person.
2. Work on your passing…
As coaches we tell players to get lots of shots up on their own in the off-season.
One thing you also should be doing is grabbing a buddy or family member and working on your passing. After all, good passes lead to good shots and one bad pass often leads to a second bad pass or a turnover.
To work on your passing do the following:
- Take advantage of any passing drills you have done before or are listed here.
- Work on a variety of passes such as post entry passes, passes out of the post, passing in transition, bounce passes, overhead passes, no-look passes and so on.
- Pay great attention to detail- Your passes should always be crisp and be thrown to the shooting side shoulder of your teammate.
Great players are often great passers. They have value on their team because they can create opportunities for teammates. Be a great teammate by becoming a great passer.
3. Improve your footwork…
A lot of turnovers happen because of poor footwork and pivoting. The unfortunate thing is these turnovers are often completely preventable!
To improve your footwork do the following:
- Work on jump-stops consistently. Doing this will help to prevent easy turnovers.
- Spend time drilling your footwork consistently. This will help slow down the game for you and lead to fewer unforced errors.
- Work on your post moves too, even if you are a guard. Post moves include a lot of good footwork, plus you get the added benefit of working on your finishing as well.
Even if your footwork is good, you should be working on it consistently.
This will help prevent sloppiness.
4. Improve your ball-handling…
Unlike working on passing, you can do this without having another person to work out with.
- Use one or more of the following drills and work on your ball-handling on a daily basis. Even if you are not a guard, opposing coaches are terrified of big guys who can handle the ball, stretch the court, and create mismatches.
- Work your ball-handling while conditioning to get used to game speed.
- I’m also a firm believer in two ball dribbling. I’ve heard the comments before that basketball is only played with one ball. But if you can handle two balls at once, then one ball is going to feel a lot easier and the game will feel natural.
5. Watch film…
Find out when common turnovers occur for you.
For example, are you turning the ball over due to poor footwork, in transition, while trying to beat zones, or maybe even dribbling into double teams?
Identifying the reasoning for the turnovers will help you know what to work on.
If the problem is passing then work on your passing and hit the weight room. If your problem is ball handling then work on ball handling. Don’t be afraid of some constructive criticism. We can all improve at something.
6. Improve decision-making…
A lot of turnovers are made due to poor decisions. Ill-advised passes are made or double teams are dribbled into. To improve your decision-making do the following:
- Identify what poor decisions are being made. Talking to your coach and watching your own game film can go a long way towards improving this.
- Watch other basketball games and pay close attention to decision making. You’ll find that some of the best players are also good decision makers. You’ll also start to identify their progressions and what risks they are and are not willing to take.
7. Some turnovers are mental…
No player wants to turn the ball over, when you struggle with turnovers, however, you may try to focus on not turning the ball over and might even play scared.
- Playing scared won’t help. You will become a less effective offensive player and your opponents will notice this and take advantage of it.
- Continue to work on fundamentals and improve your game. If you are still playing scared then talk with your coach about this. They will appreciate your honesty and willingness to improve.
- These strategies may go a long way to helping the mental part of your game.
Tips for For Coaches:
If you’re a coach working with a team, here are a few additional tips for you…
- Utilize certain ball-handling, passing, and footwork drills daily in practice. A couple I like include Nate Sanderson’s Sorcery and Partner Pass and Pivot.
- Don’t allow lazy passes in any drill. Even basic shooting drills are a chance to work on passing.
- Add in an extra defender or two occasionally on defense. This works especially well in learning to break the press and breaking good trapping zones.
- Have your players hit the weight room year round.
A good strength and conditioning coach will work with you and make sure players aren’t worn down come playoff time, in fact they will probably be the physically stronger team if you do this right.
Lastly, we have all sat in a gym before when a player or team turns the ball over a couple times in a row. The coach, understandably frustrated, responds by yelling at the player to not turn the ball over.
Obviously the player knew they weren’t supposed to turn the ball over, telling them this won’t help. Be positive and know in the middle of the game some issues won’t be solved. Instead, utilize practice to keep working the skills necessary to improve the play during games.
Defending when forwards are outnumbered
It is not uncommon during a game for defenders who retreat after losing the ball to be outnumbered. A player who has made a passing error must not make it worse by moving towards the ball in an attempt to immediately take it away. The most sensible thing to do in this situation is to immediately step back.
If the defender starts moving towards the ball, he will give the attacker the opportunity to freely go to the basket, and then the only hope of the defense will be an unlikely miss when throwing from under the basket.
The most common outnumbered attackers are two against one, three against one, three against two, four against two, four against three, and five against four.
In these situations, the defenders should first of all try to slow down the advance of the ball by their actions until the approach of the partners and, if possible, prevent a shot from under the basket or a shot from a convenient position. Defenders must perform effective feints to stop the dribbler. When two or three defenders are outnumbered, they use the principles of zone defense. A defender who can intercept a pass or hit a passing player is very aggressive before the help arrives, forcing a shot from more than 5m away from the basket.
Two against one . When playing against two offensive players with the ball, the defender moves into position on top of the free throw area, keeping both attackers in sight.
If the attacker with the ball is ahead of his partner, the defender, stepping back, must begin active actions against the player with the ball. When the player with the ball falls behind a partner, the defender should turn towards the player without the ball, since he is at that moment a big threat. At the same time, the defender continues to cover the area at the free throw line and tries to stop the dribbler, preventing him from easily passing to a partner.
It is very important to know the capabilities of attacking players. If, for example, a tall player breaks through without the ball, he may not be as technical with the ball as a dribbler. In this case, it is necessary to provoke a pass to this player, and then aggressively attack him, forcing him to make a mistake in dribbling or passing the ball. Throws are most often taken from the right side, and the best shooter advances in that direction. If the attackers advance the ball along the touchline, the defender must act to keep the ball close to the touchline, as the touchline and endline can be used in the interest of the defense when teammates arrive.
Do not try to take the ball away from a dribbler during a dribble until he makes a tactical error. If the attackers pass the ball to each other, it is possible to retreat to the free throw line and then feint towards the player moving closer to the middle, causing him to rush the pass or lose confidence. The opponent must be prevented from making a throw from under the shield. At the same time, the defender must remain in a good position to fight for the ball in case of an unsuccessful throw.
Three against one . As one defender counters a three-offer break, he retreats to the free-throw line, trying to figure out where the pass will go. If the dribbler stops, the defender steps back approximately 2.5m from the basket, allowing the shot to be taken from the free-throw line. The defender should try to get the dribbler to dribble with his weak hand, shifting slightly to his strong side to prevent an easy shot from under the basket or a pass. If necessary, it is better to intentionally make a mistake (“foul”) by stopping a dribbler than to allow him to shoot into an unprotected basket.
Three against two . In a three-on-two situation, the defenders have two ways to defend. In the first method, they are located one after another: the front player is in the outer semicircle of the free throw area, and the back player is in the three-second zone, 2-2.5 m from the basket. The front player must stop the dribbler by forcing a pass (the more passes the attacking players make, the more likely they are to make a mistake). The back player moves in the direction of passing the ball, but does not start moving until the ball has left the hands of the passer. If he falls for the feint, then the third player will remain uncovered under the basket. After the pass, the front player turns towards the ball and steps back, moving slightly away from the ball. The back player aggressively attacks the ball carrier, trying to delay the attack and blocking cross passes. If the dribbler does not stop and pass the ball, the front defender pushes him to one side or the other, thereby limiting his ability to pass the ball.
If he succeeds, the back player moves to the other side and the front player steps back a little. The third defender must return during this time and take a position at the free-throw line.
In the second method, the defenders are placed in parallel. This method of defense is advantageous when the average offensive player is not a very skilled dribbler or when the attackers are not very fond of fast-breaking. Defenders take positions along the edges of the free throw line, approximately 4-4.5 m apart, slightly turned outward and keeping the dribbler and player on their side of the court in sight. The distance between the defenders should not be so large as to allow the dribbler to pass between them and perform a basket shot. The defender playing on the side of the dribbler's lead hand must attempt to stop the dribbler by using feints and loud shouts as he steps back. When the dribbler stops, both defenders step back in the direction of passing players on their side of the court, waving their arms and not allowing passes to be made.
If a pass is made to a passing player, the defender takes a position between the basket and the ball carrier and prevents him from making an easy shot from under the basket. At the same time, the partner turns towards the ball in a position convenient for fighting for the ball in the event of an unsuccessful throw or interception of a pass to a player passing by his side. During this time, the third defender must have time to return and cover the middle player.
Four against two . In a four-on-two situation, the defenders play parallel along the edges of the free-throw line and try to slow the ball carrier's progress until the assist arrives. They do not prevent a shot from medium or long distance, but they do not allow offensive players to shoot from under the basket, up to and including a violation of the rules.
Four against three . In situations of four against three and five against four, the defense is guided by the same principles as described above.
The zone defense technique is used. The attackers' maneuvering area is reduced by another defender.
In a four-on-three situation, the defenders form a triangular area with the front player in the outer semi-circle of the free throw area and with the back players on the touchlines of the three-second zone. Players spread their arms to the sides and move, covering as much area as possible until help arrives. The front defender must open the side with fewer attackers for the pass and follow the pass. The defender on the far side of the ball turns towards the pass and enters the three-second zone. He secures the attacker passing in the middle and interferes with the pass under the basket. The defender on the side of the ball comes out in the direction of the player who received the ball. Players must prevent shots from good positions by using the zone shifting technique. And when help arrives, players can return to personal protection.
Five against four .
In this situation, the defenders first form a zone in a diamond formation when the ball is at the middle player, and then reform in a square when the ball is passed to the edge. The basic principles of protection are preserved.
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 defense, like from a 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 order to prepare a fast break, it is necessary to train the execution of all technical elements at high speeds, using both active and passive resistance of defenders in situations 1-1, 2-1, 3-2, 4-3, 5--4 and with numerical equality.
My idea of a counter-attack is not only to move quickly towards the opponent's backboard, but also to quickly transfer the ball to the opponent's backboard with sharp passes, or, if there is no free recipient to receive the ball, by dribbling the ball, actively moving forward. In the final stage of the fast break, players strive to create a triangle in the front line of attack with the apex on the free throw line. There should be a player with the ball, and two other players - to the left and right of him, 4-5 m ahead.
A counterattack is possible in the following situations:
1) when intercepting the ball;
2) when taking a rebound on his shield;
3) after the opponent has made free throws;
4) after winning a dropped ball;
5) after the opponent manages to score the ball.
The best outcome of a fast break is taking the opponent's ring with a numerical advantage, when implementing situations in numerical equality: 1-1, 2-2, 3-3, 4-4. This is easier than beating a 5-5 defense that has already built up its defensive formations.
There are three phases in a counterattack that are equally important for success:
1) the beginning of a fast break - rebounding the ball, first pass, movement of the players, their start;
2) the middle stage of the development of the attack - the transition by the players of the middle line of the field, their advancement;
3) completion of the attack - passing the ball at speed and throwing in close proximity to the backboard.
The timing of the "rehearsed fast break" depends on the speed of the players, the ball passes and the finishing shot. The USSR national team spent 5-7 s on a layered fast break. I think that the schemes of her tactical formations will provide great opportunities for the creativity of coaches working with any teams.
Playing in the USSR national team such powerful and tall centers as A. Sabonis and V. Tkachenko made it possible to carry out a counterattack through one long pass across the entire court.
Center #5, after recovering the ball from the backboard, passes it to runaway #2.
Such an attack was especially successful when building a zone or mixed defense, when one of the defenders or wingers playing in the front line of defense was given the task of running away at the moment of throwing at our ring, in the expectation that the giants would be able to take possession of the ball , bouncing off the shield, and make a long pass across the entire field. Naturally, such a system of counterattack requires special coordination of actions, and its development takes considerable time in the training process.
Development of a quick counter-attack through the middle of the field.
Players #5, #4, #3 are fighting for the ball and, having mastered it, they try to make the first pass to player #2, who passes the ball to player #1.![]()
Player #1 rushes forward dribbling through the middle of the court. Players #2 and #3 overtake the dribbler at high speed, form a triangle with #1, and finish the attack with a close range throw if they manage to create a numerical advantage under the opponent's shield.
If it was not possible to complete the attack in the first echelon, then the second echelon comes into action - center players #4 and #5. They, each on their own side of the court, rush to the opponent's shield. The one on whose side the ball is on ends the attack.
Development of a fast sideline break.
On a rebound from the left side of the backboard, the post makes a quick pass to player #2, who opens to receive the pass to the sideline, just above the free throw line. At the intersection of the sideline with the center, player #1 receives a pass from player #2, then passes it to player #4, who rushes forward on the left side. Player #4 has three possible continuations of the attack: give the ball to player #5 or #3, who is running towards the opponent's backboard in a straight line, or pass to player #2 in the area of the arc.
It is clear that the transfer should be made to the most open player, who is in the most advantageous situation.
A similar situation occurs when attacking on the opposite side.
Development of a fast break after a free throw into our ring.
If player #4 catches a bounce or quickly clears a potted ball from behind the endline, the first pass is to the left sideline to player #1 opening at or slightly above the free throw line. Player #2 opens near the center circle, receives the ball and dribbles forward. Players #5 and #3 pass the dribbler along the touchlines, player #4 overtakes him from the right, and player #2 stays slightly back in the backing position. Thus, player #2 has four options to choose the direction of the attack.
Same procedure as above, but after rebounding a field goal or after the ball is thrown in from behind the end line.
Developing a fast break after a dropped ball in the center circle or on the free throw line in our half of the field.
Player #5 discounts player #4 who is ready to receive the ball with his hands up. After catching the ball, #4 passes forward to player #1, who opens up to receive that pass after being screened by player #3. Players #2 and #4 support the attack. Such a combination can be played in both directions. At the heart of her success is high growth, good jumping ability and the ability to accurately throw the ball to the partner of the center player.
Same scheme, but now player #4 screens player #2 who, having received the ball from player #3, rushes forward.
The easiest way to complete a counterattack is for the players to take the shortest path to the opponent's shield. However, with the development of a counterattack, options are possible with cross screens
interaction like a trio
setting up screens for the players of the second echelon in the center of the field.
Many teams in the world, including the USSR national team, after they failed to complete the counterattack with a scoring throw, in the transition to a positional attack, spent precious time placing players, thus allowing the enemy to prepare for defensive actions and occupy all defenders advantageous positions.
This is why a quick or non-stop attack after a counterattack ("transition game") is increasingly used in the tactics of the best teams in the world. I will give an example of such an attack in the USSR national team.
The fast break was not completed by the players of the first attack tier #2 and #3, nor the second tier #4 and #5. They, each on their own side, set up screens for fielders #3 and #2 for a shot from medium or long distance, and then go to the backboard to receive the ball in the three-second zone on the spot or to fight on the backboard, after a throw from one of the players # 2 or #3. Options for a non-stop attack can be very different. This could be a double or triple screen for the team's sniper, or a winger or post entering the 3-second zone after receiving the screen. It all depends on the characteristics and capabilities of the player for whom the combination is being made.
Double screen to Marciulionis (#2) to attack with his left hand from the free throw area.
Players #4 (Volkov) and #3 (Tikhonenko) simultaneously put up two screens for player #2 (Marciulenis). #2 breaks into the free-throw line, where he receives the ball from player #1 (Sokka). "Marciulionis has opportunities to continue the attack:
a) receiving the ball in motion and passing under the backboard;
b) receiving the ball with a stop and shooting at
c) passing the ball to player #5 (Sabonis) in case there is a switch of defenders.
Players #4 and #2 after screening go under the backboard to fight for the rebound.
Mixed defense
There are several systems of mixed defense:
1. Four players build a zone defense 2-2
or 1-2-1
capabilities and tactics of the opponent.
2. Three players build a 2-1 zone defense and two guard the enemy's strongest snipers.
3. One player completes the zone formation while four players cover the opponents personally.
4.
Two players form a zone defense and three players act as an individual defense.
Mixed defense brought good luck to the USSR national team and the CSKA team more than once. The choice of defense has always been determined by the characteristics of the opponent and our capabilities.
In the final of the Olympic tournament in Seoul against the team of Yugoslavia, we used a mixed defense 1-4.
Sabonis played a zone defense, the rest of the players closely guarded their opponents. This was due to the presence of Vrankovic or Raja in the Yugoslav team, who are not very dangerous away from the shield, and the fact that Petrovich, Paspal, Kukoch posed a big threat. The players who guarded the leaders of the Yugoslav team could, with a greater degree of risk, fight with their opponents to get the ball. They knew that Sabonis would help them if they were beaten.
A similar defense was chosen in the semi-final tournament in Seoul against the US team.
Sabonis did a zone defense and let Robinson or Reed or Maning shoot from wide. But the rest of the US players were completely covered, and a player like Maning did not bring a single point to the team. As a result, the USSR national team won 82:76. And Sabonis, who participated in the Olympics after a serious injury, two operations, took first place in the selection of balls from shields and made a great contribution to the victory of the USSR team.
Sometimes, with two centers Sabonis - Tkachenko, we built a mixed, personally set defense 3-2. Two giants and one mobile defender played well in the zone. In the early 70s, it was Eremin, then Valters, and at the Olympics and the pre-Olympic tournament Sokk performed this function, and Belostenny and Volkov played instead of Sabonis and Tkachenko in Holland.
At the Seoul Olympics, we used such a defense (3 in the zone, 2 in person) against the Brazilian team.
Sabonis, Volkov and Sokk built a triangle on top of which Sabonis and Volkov played.
Tikhonenko took care of So-uzu personally, and Marciulionis took care of Schmidt, and although these two players scored 65 points together, the match turned out to be very difficult for us, but we still won 110:105. The mistake in the choice of defense was that Schmidt outplayed the smaller Marciulionis in different positions, and Souza outplayed the slower Tikhonenko. In the last 10 minutes of the match, Volkov was attached to Schmidt, Marciulionis switched to Souza, and we changed Tikhonenko to Goborov in zone defense.
Benefits of mixed defense
allows you to fight with him to get the ball, while expecting the active help of teammates, without fear of a throw.
2. Such a system, if the opponent is not prepared for it, tactically introduces confusion and makes it difficult to carry out combinations of screens.
3. Combines the best aspects of individual and zone protection systems.
4. Promotes a quick transition from defense to counterattack.
5.
Allows players to use their strengths defensively and not show their weaknesses.
6. Can take the point guard out of the game and deprive the opponent of the usual formation and rhythm, destroy the counterattack if applied pressure throughout the field.
Weakness of the mixed defense
1. A technically competent team that has several leaders easily rebuilds the offense and breaks the mixed defense.
2. Simultaneous movements of two or three players diagonally can destroy a mixed defense if the opponent manages to create a numerical advantage on one of the sides of the field.
3. Often vulnerable to medium throws from 3-4m.
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.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 Sokk and Marciulionis from behind when passing to player 5.
A few tips when defending with personal pressure: make him stop and do not let him make an accurate pass, interfering with his hand movements;
2) if the defending partner allowed himself to be bypassed, immediately come to his aid, of course, without leaving your ward in a safe position under the shield;
3) constantly watch not only your ward, watch the actions of partners, learn to see the whole field.
In the USSR national team and CSKA, zone pressing 1-2-1 - 1 brought us the most success.
We started pressing from the opponent's front line after a goal and a free kick. High extreme Volkov interfered with the throw-in. If the ball was injected to the right, Marciulionis and Volkov attacked X2 defender together, trying to prevent him from going forward and make an aimed pass to XI defender, Sokk followed the movement of X3 and X4. Sabonis secured the rear, was responsible for long passes and for the X5 player. Tikhonenko in the center of the field followed X4's pass with a long pass and went to the ball passing side.
Returning with a weak attack, we built a defense 2-3
Zone defense in basketball
The meaning of this defense is that the players are in charge of a certain area of the field, in accordance with the position of the ball and the formation of the attacking team.
Benefits of zone defense:
1. Allows players to be placed according to their physical, technical and mental characteristics.
Tall, jumpy players are located close to the shield, mobile, fast players - in positions higher from the shield.
2. More commanding, easy to master, able to compensate for the individual gaps in the defense of the players.
3. Promotes counter-attacking and frequent interceptions of the ball with the greatest possible degree of risk, because. Partners are always ready to help.
4. The number of fouls in a zone defense is usually less than in a personal defense.
5. This defense is less vulnerable against screen combinations.
6. Can concentrate with strong opponent's centers and stretch with snipers.
7. More than personal protection, it saves players' strength and protects leaders from fouls.
8. Most effective against opponents with strong centers.
9. A team that owns a zone defense can easily build mixed forms of defense: 3-2, 4-1, 2-3.
10. Convenient and suitable for small fields.
Disadvantages of zone defense:
1. Inferior to the personal psychological responsibility of the players, their charge for individual victory in defense.
2. Less useful against teams with strong snipers.
3. As a rule, the corners of the court are less protected in zone defense.
4. Zone defense can be used occasionally and should not be the main form of defense. It is not advisable to use zone defense at the beginning of the match, when the opponent's players are not yet tired, energetic enough - their throws are more accurate and productive than at the end of the game.
There are several formations of the zone defense, however, each of the zone defenses should easily transform depending on the attack - stretch when attacking from a distance and group around the ring.
Even type of zone defense formations includes systems: 2-2-1, 2-1-2, 2-3.
Odd formation: 1-2-2, 1-3-1, 3-2.
Each of these constructions has its advantages and disadvantages, which are useful to analyze.
The arrows indicate the direction of movement of the players. The shaded places on the court are the weak positions of the defense.
Zone defense 1-2-2
#1 - the lightest, fastest defender, #2 and #3 - quite mobile, jumpy, good if their height is at least 2 m. #4 and #5 - centers. Their task is to fight with the opponent's centers, picking up balls from the shield.
This system is most useful against teams trying to attack from under the shield through the post. Disadvantages - weak positions indicated in the figure.
Zone defense 2-1-2
It is used against strong opponent's centers who are dangerous on the "second floor" when rebounding the ball. Good for developing a counterattack with fast #1 and #2 players. Vulnerable in corners under 45, in the center for long and medium throws. The task of post #5 is to mark the opponents' post and, together with ?3 and ?4, create a rebounding triangle. #3 and #4 are mobile and high wingers, they can be swapped depending on the place of the sniper's attack.
Zone Defense 1-3-1
Helps to keep #3, #5, #2 between the ball and the basket at all times, used against opponent's strong centers and shots from middle and close positions.
Her weakness is throws from the corners of the site and passes to the shield along the front line.
#1 - the fastest defender, running into the gap in every possible situation, #2 and #3 - mobile, jumping players, #5 - center, #4 - the fastest winger, able to move into the corners of the court.
Zone defense 3-2
#1, #2 and #3 are aggressive, mobile players, the success of the whole system largely depends on their activity. All three are focused on intercepting the ball and counterattacking. This system is most acceptable against teams seeking to attack from a distance, and less suitable against strong centers. The 3 second zone and 45 angle positions are the most vulnerable. #1 is in charge of the foul line. #2 and #3 are in a rebound fight. #5 and #4 are the first and second centers.
Zone protection 2-3
Strongest under the backboard, in the corners of the court along the front line. It is used against a tall, powerful team attacking from close positions and from under the shield.
Often used for group selection of the ball in the corners of the court. When interacting #4 and #2 or #3 and #1, the defense is less effective on the foul line and at a 45 angle. #5 - center, #4 - second center, #3 - winger, #1 and #2 - defenders, constantly aimed at interception and counterattack.
Zone protection 2-2-1
This defense is used by agile and short teams aiming to intercept the ball and constantly counterattack. This zone counterattack is used against teams seeking to attack from medium distances. Center #5 is responsible for rebounding, wingers #3 and #4 are responsible for positions in corners and under 45 , rebounding the ball and for the foul line.
Defenders #1 and #2 tend to close the passes to the shield and into the three-second zone, while they themselves are constantly aimed at counterattacking.
A.Ya. GomelskyDefense against ball carrier
It is necessary to work out the correct position of the body in a basketball stance: the center of gravity is evenly distributed on both legs, but not on the full foot, but on the 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. 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. Protection against rear screen.
9. Slip protection.
10. Group ball tackle by two defenders.
11. Defense against the first pass to the counterattack.
12. Fighting the attacker in the corners of the court.
Let's try to analyze the defender's actions in each of these positions.
1. Defender's task - in a parallel low stance, without crossing the legs, move backwards, knees slightly bent, one hand all the time makes attacking movements towards the dribbler (feints with the body and head participate in this frightening dribbler movement), with the other hand he tries to stop the dribble (if possible, knock the ball out). The raised hand is ready to prevent the presenter from making the pass. Hands can be changed, they are always in motion.
As already mentioned, one should move on a "charged" foot, the heels do not touch the floor, the back is straight, slightly tilted forward, the head is raised up.
The leader should be pushed to the sideline, in the corner of the court, or his movement should be directed towards the defensive partner, remembering that the leader must not be allowed to go to the "strong" side (if left-handed - to the left, if right-handed - to the right).
The distance from the leader should be maintained depending on the speed of his rushing with the ball, his ability to attack or pass, as well as your ability, taking into account the position on the field of defensive partners. Do not rush to take the ball away from a good dribbler, wait for him to stop or make a mistake.
2. If the attacker has finished dribbling and has stopped to shoot or pass the ball, the defender must definitely get close to him, actively using his arms, preventing him from concentrating on the next action. The hand closest to the opponent must touch the fingers of his chest or stomach and not allow him to lift the ball up to attack the ring or pass. The defender seeks to force the opponent to turn his back to the shield and, without stopping attacking the attacker, prevents him from making an aimed pass. The defender must signal to his defensive partners to be ready to intercept the ball. These are already team actions.
3. If the opponent has received the ball 5-6 m from the backboard and he is in possession of the dribble, the defender must not stop actively attacking the attacker; make short lunges with your front foot, use your hands to prevent him from aiming.
The attacker cannot be missed to the shield along the front line, if he moves slightly towards it, none of the partners will help the defender. The hand close to the end line insures the passage with the lead, the other one attacks the attacker.
Do not give in to feints. If the attacker went to the end line where the defender took up position, you can meet him with his chest and show the referees that he knocked you down. Don't be afraid and learn to fall gently on your back.
If the attacker, despite the activity of the defender, lifted the ball for a throw, you should try to jump with him and prevent the throw. Do not stop working even when the opponent has already made a throw or pass. Do not turn away from him and block his path to the shield. When you take a step back, meet him with your face, and do not try to run after him. You should always be in these moments between the opponent and your shield.
4. If the defender is alone against two attackers, he tries to prevent the ball from being thrown from under the backboard and retreats with his back to his ring so that he can see both attackers.
With false movements, he tries to stop the player with the ball and prevent him from making a pass to the opponent under the ring or in time for him in order to block the throw from afar. Not allowing the ball to be thrown from under the shield, the defender will fulfill his mission.
2x1 training on the spot and on the move develops reaction in defenders, teaches active arm movement, backward movement, composure and ability to intercept the ball.
5. Two defenders against three forwards - a common situation in any match, so the defenders, regardless of their position, being in the minority, must know their maneuver.
The front defender moves towards the dribbler to stop him at the top of the three-point offensive zone. He uses a feint, showing that making contact with this attacker is his main real task. At the same time, he should not get close to the opponent leading the ball. The rear defensive player takes a position on the free throw line, behind the front one and, after the pass from the dribbler, moves towards the player who received the ball - he is responsible for passing this player to the backboard or throwing from close range.
The front defender, meanwhile, quickly moves to the third striker under the shield, managing to prevent him from getting the ball. The task of the two defenders is to prevent the ball from being thrown from under the shield. Exercises 3x2, 4x3, 5x4 are a good school for practicing such actions. You can train them by attacking with two balls.
6. If three defenders are defending against four attackers, their actions are built as follows. If attacker XI has the ball, defender ?1 rushes towards him, defender ?2 is responsible for throwing and moving to attacker XZ's shield, defender ?3 moves to the shield. If attacker X2 receives the ball, defender ?1 tends to it. Defender ?3 is responsible for attacker X4, defender ?2 moves to the basket.
A 4x3 drill on the spot and on the move, with rebounding the ball after a throw, with one and two balls - a good rehearsal for a defense of three against four.
7. Today, not a single even very serious team imagines an attack without a combination of screens.
Coordination of actions of the team's defenders, warning about the impending screen determine the preparation of the team to fight the screens.
The guard guarding the screening player must warn his partner of the imminent threat. If the screen without the ball is made by attackers of the same height, there is no great danger of changing the defenders.
If the defenders want to avoid changing when screening from the side, the defender must turn towards the defender and step back, bypassing him from behind, which will not allow the attacker to pass to the backboard.
If the attacker screens from the blind side, from behind, the defender must open towards the defensive partner, turning sideways to him. This will make it difficult to set up a barrier.
8. If your partner puts a screen on the sniper when attacking from medium or long distances behind the defender and you did not have time to get out from under such a screen, a change is necessary: your partner switches to the sniper with his hand raised and prevents him from making a throw.
You are left with a dangerous, taller opponent, and your task is to prevent him from getting the ball or picking up the ball after the throw.
It is difficult to do without the help of partners in this situation. In general, I am a supporter of the smallest shift with screens, because. this reduces individual responsibility and gives the attacker a chance to beat the defender.
9. If your player, while in possession of the ball, seeks to pass to a teammate who is close to him, you must step back and allow your defensive partner to slip, and then take an active position towards your attacker.
10. The defensive player should always try to get the dribbler to the touchline, into the corner of the court, stop him and turn his back to the backboard.
The second defender, seeing this situation, attacks the opponent with the ball from the other side. Both of them with active hand movements interfere with making an aimed pass. It is important that the rest of the defense players are ready, focused on intercepting the ball.
11. The USSR national team used the defense against the first pass in a fast break more than once against opponents who counterattack through a fast dribbler, sending him the first pass after picking up the ball from the backboard. So we often defended against the Spanish national team, where the ?1 dribbler was Carbolan or Salosobal.
Our team's tall center, who plays close to the backboard, whether it's Tkachenko, Sabonis or Belostenny, prevents the dribbler from making an accurate first pass. At the same time, our fast defender, for example, Homichujus, presses ?1 opponent and does not allow him to receive the ball. The other three of our players were to immediately return to their zone.
So often the counterattack of the Spanish national team failed, in which the Spaniards were especially dangerous and productive.
I must say that there are some significant differences between the game of our and American defenders. According to my conclusions, they are:
1.
Americans on the defensive are always offensive, they are not afraid of a contact attack on the attacker in possession of the ball.
In a low stance with arms raised, the US defender seeks to hit the ball, prevent a pass from being made, not to mention a shot. If the attacker lifts the ball up, the defender immediately reacts to this: his hand rises up and seeks to interfere with any actions of the attacker. The attacker put the ball down - the defender immediately takes two quick steps back, preparing to prevent the opponent's pass without losing his defensive stance.
2. When active, the American defender never allows the attacker to pass with the ball through the center, into the middle, but constantly pushes him to the sideline. When an attacker is missed on the front line, teammates immediately come to the aid of the defender. Our tactic is, on the contrary, to close the baseline, where, as we believe, it is more difficult to provide team assistance. I think it's best to find a compromise here: train the safety net both in the middle of the three-second zone and when passing on the front.
