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How to win a-one on one basketball game


The 12 Best Moves and Tips to Dominate

Basketball is a team game that is best to watch when it's played unselfishly by players who are willing to make the extra pass and move the ball instead of forcing a shot of their own.

However, even within the concept of a team offense, there are still many situations which call for players to make 1-on-1 basketball moves to get past their defender.

Even if it works, that does not always lead to a basket for the player who makes the move. It may be just as likely to create a scoring opportunity for an open teammate.

Regardless, any player who wants to be considered dominant must be a threat to put the ball on the floor and make a 1-on-1 move to get past the man defending him.

Why are 1-on-1 Basketball Moves Important?

Though basketball is a team game that is played 5-on-5 for a reason, that does not mean that it’s not still imperative for players to practice and perfect 1-on-1 moves to use within the offense.

Penetrating to the middle of any defense is a great way to create scoring opportunities because it forces the defense to help the defender who got beat, and often makes the entire defense collapse.

Forcing the defense into this difficult situation can create anything from an open layup to a mid-range jump shot to a kick-out pass to an open shooter on the perimeter.

Therefore, players need to develop a variety of moves that they can execute in 1-on-1 situations at game speed.

Twelve 1-on-1 Moves to Dominate in Basketball

In this article, we’re focusing primarily on moves that are designed to beat the defender off the dribble from the perimeter.

But no matter where on the floor you are trying to score from, variety is key to becoming a dominant scorer.

Like any part of the game, if you do the same thing over and over again, your opponent will eventually be able to make adjustments.

Below is a list of moves that every player who wants to be a playmaker and beat his defender should practice and aim to perfect in order to play at a high level.

1. Crossover

Perhaps the most commonly known and used move on the basketball court is the crossover dribble.

It’s simple, but deadly when done correctly.

Get your defender going in one direction with a setup dribble or two, hesitate, and then make a quick and low crossover dribble to your other hand once you have your defender off balance.

This could create a pull up jump shot, or an opportunity to keep driving and create a scoring opportunity for yourself or a teammate.

While the crossover is basic, there are also multiple variations that you can use in 1-on-1 situations, such as:

a. The Iverson Crossover

Named for its Hall of Fame innovator, the Iverson Crossover is a variation in which you take a larger, over-emphasized step to set up the move and bring the ball out wider in order to tempt the defender before eventually crossing over.

This is a riskier and flashier option because it can easily end up in a carry or an easy steal, but can be deadly when executed at a high level.

b. Tim Hardaway’s Killer Crossover

Tim Hardaway’s version of the crossover can be just as dangerous, but is much different from Iverson’s.

While the Iverson Crossover focuses on a slow set up and one quick crossover dribble, Tim Hardaway’s Killer Crossover is one quick power dribble between the legs to set up the defender in one direction, and then another quick crossover dribble back the other direction.

This forces the defender to change directions twice in order to stop the move.

2. Between the Legs

Once you’ve perfected your crossover dribble, it’s time to work on changing directions with a dribble between your legs.

Start the move up the exact same way, but instead of dribbling the ball in front of your body, keep one foot forward and dribble the ball between your legs in order to keep it protected from the defender.

3. Behind the Back

Perhaps an even more deceptive way to change directions and protect the ball is by making that crossover dribble behind your back.

Wrap the ball from one side of your body to the other as quickly as you can to leave your initial defender behind and get to open space.

4. Hesitation

Getting your defender off balance is one of the easiest ways to beat him off the dribble, and a sudden change of speeds can be a great way to do it.

Just like on the crossover dribble, you want to set your defender up with a power dribble or two in one direction, and then quickly slow down while keeping your dribble alive.

This is the point where you may want to use the crossover (or another move that requires a change of direction) but the hesitation may be enough to beat your defender.

Once he slows down, explode towards the basket with another dribble in the same direction to get to the middle of the defense.

5. In and Out

Another great counter move to the basic crossover is the in-and-out.

After you set up your defender and make your hesitation, fake the crossover by bringing the ball to the center of your body.

Your hand should roll from the outside of the ball, then to the top of the ball, and finally to the inside of the ball.

Then, push the ball back to the outside of your body, and continue to power dribble in the same direction.

6. Spin

Set your defender up in one direction with a power dribble or two, plant your inside leg to establish a pivot foot, and then spin back the other direction to get past your defender.

The spin move is a great way to change directions while still using your body to protect the ball. When done under control, it can be a strong, physical move that slices into the defense.

7. Euro Step

While several of these moves may create multiple different scoring opportunities, the Euro step is most often done with the simple goal of getting a layup for the ball handler.

Get your defender going towards the rim with a dribble or two, take a step in one direction and plant your foot, pick the ball up, and then take another quick step in the opposite direction while bringing the ball up to shoot a layup.

The Euro step can be a difficult move to perfect without traveling, but is very deceptive when done correctly.

 8. Jab & Go

When trying to beat a defender 1-on-1, it helps to know which way your defender thinks you’re going. One great way to find this out is with a simple jab step.

From a stationary position, take a quick fake step with your non-pivot foot. Then make your drive in either direction, depending on how your defender reacts to the jab step.

9. Pump & Go

It may not be the flashiest play on the basketball court, but a simple shot fake can get your defender off his feet and give you all the time you need to get past him.

Catch the ball on the perimeter, bring the ball up above your head to simulate your real shot, and then rip it through to get past your defender once he has jumped to challenge your shot.

10. Step Back

While most 1-on-1 moves are meant to get by your defender, the step back is used to get away from your defender.

Get your defender going towards the rim with a power dribble or two to sell that you are attacking for a layup, plant your front foot, and take a big step back to land on your back foot.

This should hopefully create an open jump shot, but could also open up another opportunity to drive towards the hoop again if the defender jumps out at you.

Tips to Improve Your 1-on-1 Basketball Moves

Now that we’ve established a number of moves that can help you dominate, what is the best way to actually work on perfecting them?

1. Play King of the Court

The easiest way to work on your 1-on-1 game is by using a breakdown drill that includes a lot of opportunities to face an individual defender.

King of the Court is essentially a continuous 1-on-1 game with make-it-take-it rules.

To get the ball, a player must get a stop - otherwise, a new defender comes in.

This gives players a chance to make moves against multiple defenders of different sizes and skill levels, and also forces them to mix in a variety of moves if they want to keep scoring.

2. Practice a Variety of Moves

Like just about anything on the basketball court, 1-on-1 basketball moves will not be as effective if you do the same thing every single time.

No matter how good you are at one individual move, eventually, defenses will be able to make adjustments to stop you.

Whether it is during an individual workout with no defense or a 5-on-5 full speed situation, it is important for players to work on multiple moves to get past their initial defender.

3. Use Your Moves in Live 5-on-5

Penetrating into the middle of a defense to create a play is one of the most important skills that a basketball player can have - and it’s also one of the most difficult to do at a high level.

This means that not every player should be going into a live game scenario and trying to embarrass his defender with an Iverson Crossover or a step back jump shot.

Breakdown drills like King of the Court mentioned above are great for working on your 1-on-1 moves, but basketball games are not played 1-on-1.

Once you’ve practiced some of those moves in isolated situations, try working them into opportunities in 5-on-5 pickup or practice games as well before you’ll be ready to do them at a full game speed with help defenders.

4. Change Speeds

One of the keys to beating your defender in a 1-on-1 situation is to get him off balance.

And one of the best ways to do that is to change speeds within your move.

No matter which move you’re using, practice setting up your defender slowly, and then exploding towards the rim.

This sudden change of speed is difficult for defenders to react to, and can create all the space you need to penetrate the defense.

5. Be a Threat to Shoot

It is typically easier to beat your defender off the dribble if they are up guarding you closely, and the easiest way to keep your defender from sitting back and anticipating your move is by being a threat to shoot from outside.

If you are capable of knocking down three pointers, defenders will have no choice but to go out to the perimeter and guard you.

Practicing your shooting on a regular basis will ultimately also make it easier to make plays off the dribble.

6. Play on Two Feet

Even if your 1-on-1 move is perfect and you get past your defender into the middle of the defense, it will not matter if you’re unable to make a good decision when you get there.

Especially for younger players, one way to work on making good decisions after a successful drive is to come to stay on two feet as long as you can.

This ensures that you are under control, and also gives you more time so that you do not have to decide whether to shoot, pass, or continue towards the basket while you are in the air.

Conclusion

Any great perimeter player needs to be able to use a variety of 1-on-1 basketball moves to beat his defender off the dribble and create scoring opportunities.

However, few players are actually prepared to execute those moves at a high level when it comes time for real game action, which means that not everyone should be trying to make isolated 1-on-1 plays to attack the basket.

Players must first work on those moves in breakdown drills and practices, develop the skills to be a threat to score from multiple spots on the floor, and ultimately make good decisions with the ball in order to be dominant in 1-on-1 situations.

One On One Basketball Rules

King’s court, cut-throat, ones, there are a lot of names, ways and variations to play one on one. One on one is not just a basketball game but it’s also a battle of bragging rights.

One On One Basketball Rules and Variations are not all played the same way across every court. From counting by ones or twos, to foul calls, to one-shot only, and everything in between. The benefits of playing one on one are many and it is a must of you want to improve your game as there is a direct correlation to playing one one one and five on five…

I will go through the different variations to the game and the many reasons you should be playing more ones. Some of the ways to play you may already know and some you never thought of before. Also discussed are the common rules to the game of one on one.

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Benefits of playing one on one?

Growing up I was a shooter and focused a lot of my practice time on putting up a lot of shots. Shooting 500 shots a day while playing a ton of pick up basketball at the hot spot in my city, the good old YMCA. I spent many hours playing and hanging out there with friends and meeting new people.

One thing is for certain, I don’t regret my time spent those summers playing basketball and trying to get better, it was fun. And when things are fun it’s much easier to do. I do remember one thing during my days playing basketball I was always timid playing one on one with the better players because I was scared to lose, this was a BIG MISTAKE. I had the privilege of being good friends with the best player in the city, and he could beat anyone he played with ease. Looking back, this was a wasted opportunity for me.

The many benefits of playing one on one seem to be endless, lets go through a couple:

Jab Step & Pivot

Learning to jab step is a crucial part of being able to score in basketball, a good jab step will have the defense guessing what your going to do with the basketball. The jab step is a fundamental skill that always needs to be worked on, your reading the defense and reacting to what they give you on bases on their body position and their tendencies.

If you jab step, they move or jump back, you shoot.

If you jab step, they don’t move you blow by them.

If you jab step right and fake with the ball as you are going to dribble at the same time. You then go the opposite way if they bite.

Defense

I was a terrible defender growing up, that was until I would play my good friend who was the best player in the city. The few times I did play him one on one or I was against him in a pickup game I guarded him. I learned pretty quickly how to become a good defender, I knew what he wanted to do and how he wanted to score but it was still tough stopping him. Guarding anyone else after having to play defense on my friend felt really easy, and I enjoyed playing defense and prided on being a good defender thanks to him.

When playing one on one it’s just you all by yourself guarding the player in front of you with no one to slide over and to help. It really exposes your weaknesses on defense. When you are playing in a 5 on 5 game, you may not try as hard on defense sometimes because the player we are guarding isn’t very good or we save it all for the offense because we have help on D, we don’t have to worry.

Not the case when playing one on one, unless your playing someone who is not very good, in order for you to win you need to D up.

Learn to do contact layups

Do you want to be good at layups in traffic or make more layups with contact, play a lot more one on one. During a one on one game your going to find that anytime you are able to shoot a layup, your defender is going to contest the shot and there will be contact. Even when you beat your opponent he is still on your hip. Playing ones is going to help you work on contact layups and help you score more in traffic.

Shooting with a hand in your face

So you put a lot of shots your working on your game and your getting better, but you are having difficulty making shots with a hand in your face. I know you know where I am going with this and yes, many of the shots you shot in ones are going to be contested and are perfect on working at getting those ice-cold veins. The variations I am going to show you will help you even further with mimicking a hand in your face when shooting while playing ones.

Rules

There aren’t a whole lot of rules, defense can call fouls or offense if there is a disagreement you can shoot for the ball. You can play keeps which means after a score you keep the ball or you may switch possessions on a score.

You can play with prison rules which there are no fouls which I don’t recommend, but also there are no out of bounds.

When you get a rebound you must clear the ball at the three-point line or mark, a foul results in a check ball at the top of the three-point line.

Keeping Track of Score

I am not going to spend a ton of time talking about the score because I am sure you know how to count. Basically most players play with a point system of ones and twos. Ones inside the three-point line and twos outside it. You can also play all ones. The games generally can go up to 7, 9, or 11 points, it entirely up to what you and your opponent decide. If your playing by twos and threes your games may go up to 11, 15, or 21.

Determine who gets the ball, you can play it as Do or Die, which means the person shooting makes it, it’s their ball or if they miss it, it’s their opponent’s ball.

Game-Point can be won by one or two baskets. Win by two or straight. Make sure you decide how the score is kept and what it’s up to before the game starts.

One on One variations

With all the variations to the game of one on one hopefully, I am getting you to think outside the box, no I didn’t invent all these one on one type games except for the last three, well maybe I didn’t. But it is really good to employ one of these variations after playing pick or when you’re bored from the same old same old.

One on One

Straight up one on one, score counted by ones and twos, win by one or two, hope that’s not confusing.

No Rebounding

Basically you are taking one-shot you make you keep the ball, you miss you do not rebound, your opponent gets the ball and checks it up. If you are on offense and the ball is stolen, blocked or poked out of bounds it’s your opponent’s ball. You can add this type of play to any of the variations below.

One Dribble Max

You are only allowed to take one dribble.

Two Dribble Max

You are only allowed to take two dribbles.

Three Dribble Max

You are only allowed to take three dribbles.

Unlimited dribble

Pretty self-explanatory, dribble as many times as you need.

One on One on One

You can play this version with as many players as you like, each player keeps track of their own score. It is a simple rotation between players so decide the order.

Player A, Player B, and Player C are all playing. Player A vs B is first with Player A making the basket. Player A has one point. Player B subs out, then its Player C turn. Player A is still on offense, and Player C is on defense, they play until someone scores. The player that scores stay on while the player that was scored on comes off.

Another variation is one shot only no rebound and its a simple rotation make or miss. You can still keep track of scores the same way.

3 Moves – One on One

Here is a version of one on one I made up, So its like going into your bag of tricks or moves in this case and picking the right one for the moment.

The game goes up to 3 points, you have three moves and must use each move once to score 3 points. 3 moves = 3 points, you can’t use the same move twice.

So I tell my opponent my 3 moves so he has an idea of what I may do but doesn’t know when ill use the moves in what order. So I tell them Im going to use a step back, crossover into jump shot and one dribble pull up.

The idea is I have to score with these 3 moves once each. Your third point will be the toughest as he knows what move you have left so I would use some strategy and save the step back for last as its hardest to guard.

Speed One On One

If you have watch FIBA 3 on 3 they play basketball without checking the ball unless its a foul. The way they play if you are not familiar with the game is whenever the offense scores, the ball is live as soon as it goes through the hoop. It is only live to the defense in which they grab the ball after entering the hoop from under the basket. They must clear the ball, this speeds up the half-court game.

You can play like this when your playing ones, you score, your opponent immediately grabs the ball from the made basket that is under the hoop and can dribble it out quickly to clear it and now try to score

This is a great way to keep the pace of the game going, it is really tiring but a great way to keep everyone on their toes, give it a try.

 

No Step

Here is another game I made up one day with a friend while we were bored its called no step because you are not allowed to dribble. you literally have to inch your way to the basket to get a good shot.

The rules are no dribbling, you get the ball at the top of the three-point line, if you shoot and  if you airball your opponent gets to dribble.

You literally have a guy in your face as if you just killed your dribble and your trying to score, get ready to do a 100 pump fakes. I like to throw the ball off the backboard to try and get closer to the rim or, shoot quickly expect a miss and rebound. Also I like to get my opponent to jump and ill throw the ball off them inching my way closer to the rim.

This game is going to teach you te be super aggressive to create space to shoot.

So in any of these variations of one on one games you can add no rebounds, turnover on possession of missed shots to any of them. Modify the game to your liking and you don’t have to play keeps if you don’t want to, decide on the rules prior to the game starting hope that helps.

 

Related Readings:

  • 12 Fun games for kids with a basketball
  • 10 Fun games you can improve basketball skills with
  • How to be a better shooter | The ultimate guide

 

25 NBA records you didn't know about - Blogg on the floor - Blogs

The current NBA regular season turned out to be rich in updating records. JR Smith threw 22 3-pointers in a game, and Kyle Korver hit at least one 3-pointer in over 100 games in a row. “Philadelphia” repeated the anti-record for defeats in a row, and Kevin Durant was ahead of Michael Jordan in the number of games with 25 points or more.

In general, there is a reason to remember 25 NBA records that are rarely remembered, and many do not know.

Most fouls in the game - Don Otten - 8

If you think the rules for taking personal fouls in 1949 were any different than they are today, you're wrong. For 6 fouls, the player was removed from the site, as now. So how did Tri-Cities Blackhawks center Don Otten manage to rack up 8 personal fouls?

The fact is that the NBA rules say that the game must be held in a 5-on-5 format, and if there are not enough basketball players in the team, then the player who has gone over fouls can continue the game. But for the sixth and each subsequent violation on his part, the opponent receives the right to a technical free throw.

The Blackhawks had only 5 players left at the end of the game (injuries and foul bust) when club leader Don Otten also scored a sixth foul - but remained on the court according to the rules. Likewise, Lakers' Robert Sacre recently continued with six fouls, but unlike Sacre, Otten didn't stop at six fouls and picked up two more.

Lowest scoring game - Pistons vs. Lakers - 37 points for two50 years, more people fell asleep in the stands than were scored on the court. In the worst game in league history, the Pistons (still the Fort Wayne Pistons) beat the Lakers (still the Minneapolis Lakers) 19-18.

The 24 second rule hadn't been implemented yet, so the Fort Wayne players simply held the ball, preventing Minneapolis's dominant George Mikan from attacking the basket. But even taking into account the low pace of the game, this result stands out against the backdrop of the season. The Pistons didn't drop below 64 points per game that year, and the Lakers never dropped below 63. 0003

Mikan scored 15 of the Lakers' 18 points, and no Pistons player scored more than 5 points.

Longest game - Olympians vs. Royals - 6 overtimes

78 minutes On January 6, 1951, the Indianapolis Olympians fought the Rochester Royals and eventually won after six overtimes - 75:73. With no time limit to attack, overtime turned into a dull sight, no one daring to be the first to act, like shy schoolboys on their first date.

During the first four overtimes, only 8 points were scored (for two), with the second and fourth overtimes going to zero. Another 8 points scored in the fifth overtime; finally, in the sixth five-minute period, the Olympians put the ball into the basket, but the Royals did not, and tired players and spectators went home.

Most consecutive dismissals - Don Boven - 6

Playing for the Hawks when they were based in Milwaukee, Don Boven in the 1951-52 season managed to rack up six fouls and be ejected from the floor for going over six personal fouls games in a row. This is his main achievement in a career that has 3 seasons in the NBA with an average performance of 9points and 4 rebounds per game. 90,003 90,002 90,007 Worst winning percentage for a playoff team - Baltimore Bullets - 16-54 90,008 90,003 90,002 playoffs.

At that time, the NBA consisted of only 10 teams divided into two divisions. And four clubs from each division got into the playoffs. Of the five teams in the East, New York and Syracuse won 47 games each, Boston took 46, and Baltimore deserved the penultimate ticket, as Philadelphia managed to be even worse - only 12 wins with 57 losses.

But the Bullets did not last long in the playoffs - they were taken dry by the Knicks. 90,003 90,002 90,007 Most points in a non-overtime game - Boston Celtics - 173 90,008 90,003 90,002 90,007 90,008 90,003 90,002 On February 27, 1959, the Celtics mauled Elgin Baylor's Lakers defense with a 173 sketch. Even for a game with multiple overtimes, this performance is amazing - but Boston did it in 48 minutes of regulation time, defeating the Lakers by 34 points.

The saddest quarter for "Boston" was the third - only 38 points. But in the fourth "Celts" bounced back, gaining as much as 52 points. Tom Heinsohn scored 43 points, Bob Cousy finished the match with 31 points, and Bill Sherman and Frank Ramsey also overcame the 20 mark. Only two Celtics players failed to score ten points that day.

When league commissioner Maurice Podoloff found out about the score in this game, he exclaimed: “173:139? Incredible!” . 90,003 90,002 90,007 Most assists in a half - Bob Cousy - 19 90,008 90,003 90,002 In that same game, the legendary Bob Cousy added 28 assists to his 31 points. That's 13 more assists than the entire Lakers team in that game, and at the time, it was an NBA record.

This record is already beaten (more on that below), as is the record of 12 assists in a quarter (John Lucas scored 14 assists in one quarter at 1984). But the record of 19 assists in half has not been beaten by anyone so far. 90,003 90,002 90,007 Most minutes per game on average in a season - Wilt Chamberlain - 48. 5 90,008 90,003 90,002 90,007 90,008 90,003 90,002 per game, spending on the court for 48.5 minutes on average.

As you know, a basketball game without overtime lasts 48 minutes.

Wilt was so strong and stamina that he could play without substitutions and dominate the floor. Chamberlain never left the court, having played the whole 7 more games with overtime. That season was the statistical peak for the legendary center, who set a ton of records and averaged 45.8 minutes per game during his career.

Most games in one regular season - Walt Bellamy - 88

There were many unusual things in the 1968/69 season, the most surprising being the case of Walt Bellamy. The center began his season with the Knicks averaging 15 points and 11 rebounds in 35 games in New York. But on December 19, he was traded to Detroit for Dave DeBushcher.

At that time, by the will of the calendar, the Pistons had played 6 games less than the Knicks, so they had 53 games instead of 47 until the end of the season. In the end, Bellamy went on to play 53 more games, bringing his total number of appearances on the court this season to 88.

Most points in a quarter - Buffalo Braves - 58

Led by John Havlicek and Dave Cowens, the Boston Celtics smashed the Buffalo on October 20, 1972. At the end of three quarters, the Celts were ahead - 103:60 - and the game seemed to be over.

But the Braves suddenly decided to play catch-up, taking advantage of the relaxed Bostonians. They had won back 35 points in the final quarter, losing just eight by the end of the match. In the fourth quarter, the Buffalo players were able to score 58 points, which to this day (even with the advent of the three-point line) remains an NBA record.

Most blocked shots in a game - Elmore Smith - 17

Since 1973, the NBA began to record blocked shots, and center Elmore Smith became the first season leader in this indicator, averaging almost 5 blocks per game in season 1973/74. In a game against the Blazers in October 1973, Smith was credited with 17 blocks!

This eclipsed even the 49 points that Gail Goodrich scored in that meeting. It is likely that before 1973, Bill Russell or Wilt Chamberlain exceeded the figure of 17 blocks, but then such a figure had not yet been calculated, and therefore the official record is still as follows - 17 blocks in one game by Elmore Smith of the Los Angeles Lakers .

Biggest 4th Quarter Gap - Milwaukee Bucks - 29 points

It's pretty hard to get 10 points back in the last quarter of a game. Now imagine playing 29! That's how many points the Bucks were behind with 8:43 left to play against Atlanta in 1977. But the remaining time ended with a score of 41:11 (including a spurt 35:4), and the victory by two points went to Milwaukee.

Highest scoring game - Pistons vs. Nuggets - 370 points for two

On December 13, 1983, the NBA played a game that was destined to break many scoring records. In 48 minutes of regular time and three more overtimes, new records were set for the points scored by the winning team, the points scored by the losing team, the number of accurate shots, the number of assists, and even the number of players who scored 40 points in the same match.

But, of course, the main record is the number of points scored for two teams. 186 for Detroit, 184 for Denver - only 370 points in the highest scoring game in NBA history. For the entire game, only two accurate shots were made from behind the arc - one from Isaiah Thomas, the other from his opponent Richard Anderson in the last second of the game. Even regular time was super productive and ended with a score of 145:145.

Thomas scored 47 points, his teammate John Long - 41. Denver leaders - Kiki Vandeweye and Alex English scored 51 and 47 points respectively. Their total of 98 points remains the duo's highest scoring performance in league history. 90,003 90,002 90,007 Most blocks per game in a season - Mark Eaton - 5.6 90,008 90,003 90,002 Eaton's huge height and equally impressive arm span made him a paint monster. Unfortunately, it is impossible to say with certainty that 5.6 blocks per game on average in the 84/85 season is an all-time record, because, as already mentioned, up to 19For 73 years, blocks were not counted in the statistics, and Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain made them with an ease that even Eton could not dream of. 90,003 90,002 90,007 Most steals in a quarter - Fat Lever - 8 90,008 90,003 90,002 In March 1985, Fat Lever was almost arrested for stealing basketball equipment - in only the third quarter of a game against Indiana, the point guard intercepted the ball from an opponent 8 times. This brazen robbery is not an isolated incident - during his career, Lever scored 2.2 interceptions per game on average.

Most minutes in a game - Dale Ellis - 69

Imagine how frustrating it is to lose a match like this.

Dale Ellis spent 69 minutes on the floor and scored 53 points - and all for nothing. In an endless game in 1989, Seattle fought Milwaukee for four quarters and five more overtimes - but lost 154:155. Ellis' teammate in the Sonics, Xavier McDaniel, nearly matched Dale's timing, playing 68 minutes in that meeting.

Most fouls in a game - Utah Jazz - 52

It took overtime to open this "achievement", but even with an additional five minutes, such an achievement inspires fear. 52 personal fouls were issued to Jazz players on April 9, 1990 against Phoenix (who fouled a total of 32 times).

What's especially surprising is that Utah still had players left to finish the game. John Stockton, Thurl Bailey, Bobby Hansen and Eric Johnson were sent off for going too foul, but Karl Malone and Blue Edwards settled on five fouls. Mark Eaton, Darrell Griffith, Mike Brown and Delaney Rudd each scored 4 fouls - and bencher Eric Leckner was so passive that he broke the rules only twice.

Obviously, Tommy Nunez, Blaine Reikelt and Hugh Hollins, the referees of the meeting, were the most tired in that game.

Most assists in one game - Scott Skiles - 30

10 assists - GM. 15 - great point guard performance. 20 is a unique achievement.

When we hear someone has 30 assists, we assume that player took 3 games to do so. But on December 30, 1990, Scott Skiles managed to make 30 assists in one game - the Magic played against the Nuggets. As if that wasn't enough, Skiles also scored 22 points.

Needless to say, Orlando's attack scored 155 points in that game - no overtime?

Biggest Score Difference - Cleveland vs. Miami - 68 points

It seems ironic today that in 1991, Cleveland set an NBA record by defeating Miami by 68 points (148: 80). It is especially impressive that the defeat was achieved by team efforts - none of the Kavz players scored even 20 points (the leaders are Mark Price and John Battle with 18), but eight people at once overcame the bar of 10, and three more scored more than 7 points .

Most Consecutive Free Throws Made - Michael Williams - 97

In his first two seasons in the NBA, defenseman Michael Williams hit only 72% of his free throws. But as soon as he started to play more and find himself on the foul line more often, he was in his element.

This was especially pronounced in the period from March 24 to November 9, 1993, when Williams accurately hit 97 free throws in a row. Many have come close to this streak (Jose Calderon has the second longest streak of 87 shots), but no one has been able to beat it so far.

Fastest sent off for busting fouls - Bubba Wells - 3 minutes

Bubba Wells fouled so fast it could fit in one continuous Youtube video. If not for this achievement, no one would remember the nondescript Dallas forward, who appeared in the NBA for just one season.

But December 29, 1997 is Bubba's finest hour. Mavericks head coach Don Nelson decided to pull off another of his sleight of hand tricks against Chicago and released Wells with one simple task: to foul Rodman to smear from the penalty line. After three minutes of playing time, Bubba had already gone to the locker room.

Alas, the tactic did not work - Dennis hit 9 of his 12 free throws.

Most technical fouls in a season - Rasheed Wallace - 41

In the 2000/01 season, the expressive Sheedy Wallace managed to pick up 41 "techies" at once for disputes with referees, rudeness and unsportsmanlike behavior.

Do you know who is second in this indicator with 38 technical fouls in a season? That's right, Rasheed Wallace, a season earlier.

Most teams - different players - 12

Four players wore 12 different uniforms during their NBA careers.

One of them, Tony Massenburg, played for 4 different clubs in the 1991/92 season. The other, Joe Smith, was once a first pick and ended up traveling to a dozen different teams in the league. Jim Jackson also once seemed like a rising star in Dallas, and as a result, not only played in 12 teams, but also refused to play for the thirteenth (New Orleans). Chucky Brown did not seem to be a star anywhere, but he also played for 12 teams and was on trial in the thirteenth (“Miami”).

NBA team records

Youngest player in NBA history - Andrew Bynam - 18 years and 6 days

In the first game of the 2005/06 season, Andrew Bynam played just 5 minutes and 29 seconds, missing both his shots, but taking two rebounds and making two blocks. At that moment, he went down in history as the youngest player to enter the NBA parquet. One of the last basketball players to enter the league straight out of high school before being banned in 2006, Bynam turned 18 just six days before his first professional basketball game.

Shortest NBA career - Jameson Curry - 4 seconds

In 2005, defenseman Alex Scales, who recently played in Korea, was listed on the San Antonio squad. He spent 11 days with the team and even went on the court once... for a full 9 seconds. In the protocol, he still has 0 minutes played.

In January 2010, Clippers defenseman JamesOn Curry broke this incredible record. 3.9 seconds before the end of the third quarter of the match with Boston, Curry entered the court instead of Chris Kaman - and did not appear on the NBA floor again.

Jameson Curry took the shortest time to set an NBA record. Even so sad.

Source

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 preparing 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 an effort to prepare a fast break, it is necessary to train the execution of all technical elements at high speeds, using both active and passive resistance of defenders in situations 1-1, 2-1, 3-2, 4-3, 5--4 and with numerical equality.

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

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

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

There are three phases in a counterattack that are equally important for success:
1) the beginning of a fast break - picking up the ball, first pass, movement of the players, their start;
2) the middle stage of the development of the attack - the transition by the players of the middle line of the field, their advancement;
3) completion of the attack - passing the ball at speed and throwing in close proximity to the backboard.

The timing of the "rehearsed fast break" depends on the speed of the players, the ball passes and the finishing shot. The USSR national team spent 5-7 s on a layered fast break. I think that the schemes of her tactical formations will provide great opportunities for the creativity of coaches working with any teams.

Playing in the USSR national team such powerful and tall centers as A. Sabonis and V. Tkachenko made it possible to carry out a counterattack through one long pass across the entire court.

Center #5, after recovering the ball from the backboard, passes it to runaway #2.

Such an attack was especially successful when building a zone or mixed defense, when one of the defenders or wingers playing in the front line of defense was given the task of running away at the moment of throwing at our ring, in the expectation that the giants would be able to take possession of the ball , bouncing off the shield, and make a long pass across the entire field. Naturally, such a system of counterattack requires special coordination of actions, and its development takes considerable time in the training process.

Development of a quick counter-attack through the middle of the field.

Players #5, #4, #3 are fighting for the ball and, having mastered it, they try to make the first pass to player #2, who passes the ball to player #1. Player #1 rushes forward dribbling through the middle of the court. Players #2 and #3 overtake the dribbler at high speed, form a triangle with #1, and finish the attack with a close range throw if they manage to create a numerical advantage under the opponent's shield.

If it was not possible to complete the attack in the first echelon, then the second echelon comes into action - center players #4 and #5. They, each on their own side of the court, rush to the opponent's shield. The one on whose side the ball is on ends the attack.

Development of a fast sideline break.

On a rebound from the left side of the backboard, the post makes a quick pass to player #2, who opens to receive the pass to the sideline, just above the free throw line. At the intersection of the sideline with the center, player #1 receives a pass from player #2, then passes it to player #4, who rushes forward on the left side. Player #4 has three possible continuations of the attack: give the ball to player #5 or #3, who is running towards the opponent's backboard in a straight line, or pass to player #2 in the area of ​​the arc. It is clear that the transfer should be made to the most open player, who is in the most advantageous situation.

A similar situation occurs when attacking on the opposite side.

Developing 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 field-goers #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's or center's three-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 going 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. 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 formations:
1. The opponent who introduces the ball into the game holds a high mobile edge and with an active movement of the hands prevents him from making an aimed pass.


2. Nobody 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. 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 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 may be used sporadically and should not be the primary form of defense. It is not advisable to use zone defense at the beginning of the match, when the opponent's players are not yet tired, energetic enough - their throws are more accurate and productive than at the end of the game.

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

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

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

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

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

Zone defense 1-2-2

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

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

Zone defense 2-1-2

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

Zone Defense 1-3-1

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

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

Zone defense 3-2


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

Zone protection 2-3

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

Zone protection 2-2-1

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

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

A.Ya. GomelskyDefense against ball carrier

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

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

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

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 forwards.
7. Actions of defenders during screenings.
8. Rear screen protection.
9. Slip protection.
10. Group tackle by two defenders.
11. Defense against the first pass to the counterattack.
12. Fighting the attacker in the corners of the court.

Let's try to analyze the defender's actions in each of these positions.

1. Defender's task - in a parallel low stance, without crossing the legs, move backwards, knees slightly bent, one hand all the time makes attacking movements towards the dribbler (feints with the body and head participate in this frightening dribbler movement), with the other hand he tries to stop the dribble (if possible, knock the ball out). The raised hand is ready to prevent the presenter from making the pass. Hands can be changed, they are always in motion.

As already mentioned, 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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