Playing the slow game | Stopping the outlet pass | Defensing the 3-on-2 | Defensing the 2-on-1 | Defensing the 5-on-4 and 4-on-3

A great number of modern basketball teams include the fast-break to some degree in their offense. Many of them run at every occasion while other more conservative teams wait for the more certain opportunity. Since this fast-break is so popular, defensive plans must include adequate techniques for defensing this dangerous offensive weapon.

Playing the Slow Game

One of the first things that many teams do when playing against the fast-breaking opponent is to resort to sa slow offense. This is done in an effort to upset the tempo of the fast-breaking opponent. These slow tactics undoubtedly have a psychological effect on the fast breaking team. When their opponents hold the ball longer than normal, the fast-breaking team often fails to take advantage of the break when the opportunity arises. Many times, in their over-anxiousness to run with the ball, the fast-breaking team will commit errors that they normally would not commit. If the slow-break offense was not troublesome to the fast-breading team, the latter team would not resort to pressing tactics that they often do in an effort to speed up the game. They press in an effort to make the slow-breaking opponent play their game, they are accustomed to playing.

Stopping the Outlet Pass

Slow-breaking tactics alone are not enough to contain the well organized fast-breaking team. Furthermore, even the fast-breaking team must use some defensive techniques designed to prevent their opponents from fast-breaking. Though the fast-breaking team is hungry for ball possession, they seldom want to “trade baskets” with their opponents.

Since the key to the fast-break lies in the speed in which the outlets pass is made after a rebound, defensive plans must include methods for stopping or delaying this outlet pass. Every offense should include responsibilities for defensive balance, for pressing rebounders, and for guarding outlet pass receivers. Initially, the defensive rebounder must be pressed.

So that he cannot make the easy pass out to the waiting guard. The player nearest this defensive rebounder should press the pass attempt while his teammates retreat into defensive positions. While the rebounder is being pressed, the back defensive players should be covering the outlet pass receivers (Chart 216). If the normal outlet channels are covered, the rebounder must dribble downcourt or look for another possible receiver. This will consume time and allow an opportunity for the other players to get back into proper defensive positions.

CHART 216. Preventing the outlet pass. As defensive rebounder X1 looks for the outlet pass receivers, he is pressed by Ol. Outlet pass receivers X4 and X5 are covered by O4 and O5 while O2 and OS hustle downcourt into defensive position.

Defensing the 3-on-2

The successful fast-break obtains the 3-on-2 situation more than any other outnumbering situation. Chart 217 diagrams the defensive technique to combat this situation. X1 and X2 fall into a tandem defensive position as shown. It is the responsibility of X1 to stop the advancing dribbler at the free-throw line and to defense any shot attempt there. When X1 makes a pass to a teammate in a side lane, X2 hurries to defense the pass receiver while X1 quickly retreats to the area under the basket vacated by X2. X2 protects the baseline forcing any drive by the pass receiver to be made toward the middle. If this defense is executed correctly, the pass receiver will often return pass to the offensive player at the free-throw line. If this is done, and the other members of the defensive team are hustling downcourt as they should be doing, someone should be able to get into position to defense the ball. When this pass is made back to the free-throw line, X1 cannot leave the underbasket area to pick up the ball. If no other defensive help has arrived, X2 must move from the side position out to defense at the free-throw line. However, if this pass is made, there is no excuse for the other defensive players not arriving in time to give defensive help.

CHART 217. The vertical or tandem defense for the 3-on-2 situation. X1 stops the dribbler. When 1 passes to 3, X2 moves out to defense the pass receiver as X1 slides back under the basket.

CHART 218. If 3 return passes to 1 at the free-throw line and no other defensive help has arrived, X2 must move out to defense 1. Xl· cannot move back out to the free-throw line or 2 will be open for a lay-up.

Defensing the 2-on-1

The 2-on-1 situation will occur occasionally despite our best defensive efforts. Therefore, it is imperative that each player be taught the proper method for defensing this situation. When the lone defensive player realizes that he is going to be outnumbered 2 to 1, he hurries to the underbasket area as shown by Chart 219. As the ball is advanced by the offense, the defensive player uses quick fakes in efforts to force a careless pass by the offensive players. If the ball is being advanced by a dribble as is often the case, the defensive player should fake a charge at the dribbler, retreat quickly, and defense the dribbler's teammate. Such a fake charge often results in the dribbler picking up his dribble too far away from the basket. Quick retreat by the defensive player to the dribbler's teammate can result in no one being open for a pass. If the defensive player can prevent a lay-up shot, he has done a good job.

CHART 219. Defensing the 2-on-1. X must retreat to an underbasket position. When the dribbler reaches the free-throw line, X1 should fake a charge at the dribbler. Many offensive players will pick up their dribble when this fake is made at them. If the dribbler picks up his dribble, X1 retreats quickly to cover 2.

CHART 220.  Zoning the 4-on-3 situation.

The 2-on-1 situation is a difficult situation to defense and it is seldom possible to prevent a shot. The mistake made by many defensive players is to commit a foul that results in a three point play. The defensive player must attempt to defense any shot attempt but must take extra care not to lunge into the shooter. The clever offensive team will often score two points from the 2-on-1 situation—it is foolish to give them three!

Defensing the 5-on-4 and 4-on-3

The defense will be faced by both 5-on-4 and 4-on-3 situations during the course of a season. These situations are not as difficult to defense as the Son-2 and 2-on-1. By zoning the basket area, the defense can force delay until the other defensive players can arrive for help. By congesting the basket area, the defense should be able to prevent the close shot. Drills that will afford the squad practice on the 5-on-4 and 4-on-3 situations must be included in practice plans along with 3-on-2 and 2-on-1 defensive drills.

Are You Ready To Move Onto The Next Lesson? Click Here...