HIGHER

BASKETBALL

STRUCTURES & STRATEGIES

Name ………………………………………………………………………

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 STRUCTURES AND STRATEGIES

A structure is the design, formations and organisations that teams/groups use

in different activities. It is the way that the team is set up. For example in
basketball setting out to use a 2–3 defence or a 1–3–1 attack or in football using
a 443 formation. Structures give a team a shape or pattern and allocate players
a position on the pitch/court and a specific role. However the structure must be
flexible enough to cope with unpredictable or unplanned events. A good team
will be able to play and adapt a number of different formations depending on the
opposition, the team tactics and what is happening during the actual game.

A strategy is the management of the tactics and skills of the game. It is a

planned system of play, which is implemented during the game to achieve
specific outcomes. A feature of an effective team is the application of an
appropriate game plan. In terms of strategic planning, a strategy could be defined
in two ways. Firstly an immediate next stage within a game context, for example,
‘setting up a zone’ or secondly it can be defined as longer-term planning, such
as preparing for a league championship final.

Tactics can be defined as the procedure for applying specific offensive/defensive

plans to meet match demands. Tactics involve more than one player and
normally makes good use of individual skills. It is important that all the players
know the game plan and recognise what to do when the game plan breaks down.
Tactical plans are designed to equip players with the ability to solve game
problems independent of the coach. The success of a game plan requires good
teamwork and application of team skills. Teams should be coached to have a
sound awareness of each other’s strengths and weaknesses and practice facing
game problems.

Basketball is a fast moving, dynamic game, which constantly presents varied

problems and challenges for players. During training sessions players should
practice set moves, in order to meet a variety of game demands. The principles
of the game of basketball can be divided into offensive (attacking) and defensive
principles and are based on the awareness of space, time and action. The ability
of players to participate or execute a strategy or tactic will depend on the player’s
technical, physical and mental qualities. Finally, when selecting the appropriate
strategy the following procedures can be applied and should be examined as a
shared team experience.
Diagram 1

BASKETBALL TERMS
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Boards or off the boards- a rebound

Corner-the area directly to either side of the basket near the baseline. You
cannot use the backboard for corner shots.

Discontinuing-a dribbling violation; dribbling for a second time after

stopping.

Double dribble-a dribbling violation; dribbling with 2 hands.

Forecourt and backcourt are not on the court. These are not specific
locations. The forecourt is where the forwards play on offense. It is fore or
closer to the basket than where the guards play. In a full court press when
the guards take the ball out from the baseline, the forecourt could be near
mid court. In a regular offense the forecourt is around the basket and
baseline. Farther away from the basket or back are the guards in the
backcourt.

Foul line extended-walk on the foul line toward the left or right sideline. This
area or line you walk on outside the foul line is the foul line extended area.
With a paint brush you could extend the foul line to the sidelines. These
extensions on the left and right sides are considered the foul line extended.

Free throw line-foul line

Give and go- Passing, then cutting to the basket (or other area) expecting to
receive a return pass.

Head-to head or belly-to-belly-play tight one-on-one defence.

Help out-moving into position to cover and covering another player's offensive
assignment.

Inside-closer to the basket, usually in the lane. The defence usually takes an
inside position. The offense always wants to pass inside.

In-in bounds; inside.

Man-to-man- term for person-to-person defensive coverage.

On-off ball-On ball refers to defensive coverage on the ball. Off ball is the
coverage on the other 4 players without the ball. On ball coverage is usually
tight, whereas off ball coverage is usually much looser.

One-on-one-person-to-person defensive coverage.

Outside-farther from the basket. Teams do not want to take too many outside
shots. Shorter players usually play outside.

Out-out-of-bounds; outside.

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Over and back- game violation; when you cross half court with the ball and
then go back.

Paint-the 3 second lane. On most professional courts it is painted one colour.

Palming-a dribbling violation when the palm of the dribbling hand is turned
upward (and then downward) to better control the ball.

Ready position- a player's body position when on the court. The body should
be in a half down position, feet shoulder width apart. Body weight is on the
balls of the feet. Bending is from the knees, not the back. The fingers are
spread apart clawed. The ready positions for rebounding, defence, and offense
are similar.

Screen or pick-when a stationary offensive player is used as, or sets up as,

a block or impediment on the defensive player assigned to another offensive
player. It is a violation if the screen moves to cause contact with the defence.

Shooting range or range-the maximum distance from which you can shoot
well. Players often shoot from beyond their range.

Slough off-the defence moves away from the offense toward the basket.

Strong- weak-side-The ball side of the court is called the strong side. The
defence needs to guard closely here. The weak side is the off ball side of the
court. The defence can slough off individual coverage and move toward the
lane to help out.

The Lane-the 3 second lane.

Three second lane-the lane: the paint.

Tied up-when the offense is not able to pass or move the ball because the
defence either gets their hands on the ball (jump ball) or prevents ball
movement for 5 seconds (a violation).

Transition or transition game- moving from offense to defence or vice-versa.

Players need to make quick transitions, especially from offense to defence.

Travelling-see "walking" below.

Violation-against the rules. The other team is awarded theball out-of-bounds.

Walking-travelling; sliding the pivot foot while holding the ball or taking more
than one-and-a-half steps while holding the ball. The half step is actually
another step. Another way to say this is that it is a violation to take 2 full
steps with the ball. When catching, a player takes the half step first. When
passing or dribbling, the half step is the second step.
BASKETBALL RULES

VIOLATIONS

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Travelling, double dribble, holding the ball longer than 5 secs, stopping the
ball on its downward path into the basket, kicking the ball, punching the ball,
passing the ball back over the centre and breaking any time limits.
After a violation the opposing team is given the ball on the sideline to throw
into play at the point nearest to where the violation happened.
Held ball when two players from opposite teams both end up holding the ball
the referee will restart the game with a jump ball between the two players at
the nearest circle

PERSONAL FOULS
Pushing, pulling, bumping, holding, tripping or charging an opponent is
deemed a personal foul. After a personal foul the player's number is noted at
the scorer's table and a foul is noted against the player's name on the score
sheet. A player who commits 5 personal fouls is fouled out of the game and
can take no further part in the game.

The referee will award a side ball to the opposition HOWEVER

If a player is fouled in the act of shooting and the basket is scored, then the
points will stand and the player will get one free throw. If the foul stops a
score being made then two or three free throws will be awarded depending on
whether it was a two or three point shot.
Every free throw is taken from the free throw line and is worth one point. A
player has five seconds to take each free throw. When the free throw is being
taken none of the other players can go into the free throw area.

TEAM FOULS
Every personal foul that is committed counts towards the total of the team
fouls. After a team has reached 7 team fouls every foul after that results in
free throws

TECHNICAL FOULS
Technical fouls are called against players and teams for delaying the game
and unfair conduct i.e. Illegal substitutions or illegal time-outs.
Free throws can be awarded after technical fouls on a one and one basis. This
is where the team are awarded 1 free throw and if it is scored they are awarded
1 more. Depending on the type of foul the referee may also award the team
possession from the halfway line.

TIME LIMITS
5 sec's .Any player cannot hold onto the ball longer than 5 sec's before they
have to pass dribble or shoot. 24 sec's. Once a team has the ball they must
make a shot at the basket within 30 sec's. 8 sec's A team has 8 sec's to move
the ball over the centre line into the attacking halt: 3 sec's .No player from the
attacking team can stay in the key area for more than 3 sec's without the ball.

GROUP/TEAM PRINCIPLES OF PLAY

When designing and implementing a structure, strategy or tactic there are a

number of principles of play that have to be taken into consideration to ensure
that it is effective. We are going to look at these in terms of attack and defence.
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ATTACK

As soon as a team/person is in possession, they are able to attack the opposition.

The longer that possession is retained the more scoring opportunities can be
created. The purpose of any attack is to create scoring opportunities and
ultimately to actually score.

Width: This is the space between players across the pitch or court. When players
create width in attack: they have more space and time in which to work and
execute skills; it puts pressure on the defence by stretching them and creating
holes in the defence called space; space provides more and easier one on one
situations and gaps for players to run through and finally the defenders have to
work much harder, as they have to cover more space.

Depth: This is the space between players along the length of the pitch or court.
When players create depth in attack: they offer support options ahead of and
behind the ball carrier, they have more space and time in which to work and
execute skills; it puts pressure on the defence by stretching them and creating
holes in the defence called space; space provides more and easier one on one
situations and gaps for players to run through and finally the defenders have to
work much harder, as they have to cover more space.

Support: This is the availability of options created by players of the ball. Players
who are not in possession of the ball must be creating space and/or in a position
to receive a pass at either side or in front and behind the ball carrier. When
players support well in attack: there are numerous options available to ensure
the attack continues, overload situations occur where attackers outnumber
defenders, close marking defences can be broken down and uncertainty is
created within the defence.

Penetration: This is the ability to break through and or get in behind a defence.
This achieved by: players taking on the defenders and beating them in 1v1
situations though overload situations (2v1 for example) are best, fast counter
attacks to catch the defence off guard, runs off the ball to get in behind the
defence and passes played over the top of the defence for players to move onto.

Speed: This is the ability to create attacking opportunities through pace and
speed of thought and action. This can be as an individual or an attacking unit.
By using pace the defence has less time to organise and set up their structure
and players can be caught out of position leading to gaps and overload
situations.

Overload: This is creating situations where the attackers outnumber the

defenders.

Mobility: This is movement on and off the ball it is the ability to change direction
at pace move into space. An attack that is static is easy to defend, therefore
players on and off the ball need to constantly be moving and changing direction

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to get free from the defenders, create space, offer support options and try to
penetrate the defence.

Communication: This is required to make players aware of the attacking tactic;

aware of support options, when and where they are in space etc. It can be verbal
(a shout) or a visual (a hand signal)

Organisation: Players have specific roles and responsibilities (we will talk about
this later). There are set plays to organise, the attacking formation and the tactics
in open play.

Balance: Players must be spread round the key not all in one area of the
attacking zone.

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 TEAM OFFENCE/ATTACK IN BASKETBALL

General Offensive Principles

Unless you are very familiar with the offensive strengths and weaknesses of
team members, you should select a basic offence that can be adapted to a
variety of players. It should be flexible enough to allow team members to use
their individual strengths.

Any offence should have court balance, that is, it should produce high
percentage shots with assigned offensive rebounders and assigned players for
defence when a shot is taken. Balance also refers to maintaining proper court
spacing – about 15 to 18ft apart – between offensive team-mates. Balanced
scoring from players is always better than dependence on a scoring star.

A good offence includes player movement as well as ball movement. Scoring

should come from the inside (close to the basket) as well as the outside (on
the perimeter of the defence). This prevents the defence from concentrating
on one area or one player. The execution of any system you design is much
more important than the system itself. What your team does is not so critical
as how well they do it.

Roles & Responsibilities

GUARDS FORWARDS CENTRES

DRIBBLING SHOOTING REBOUNDING
PASSING REBOUNDING SHOOTING
SHOOTING PASSING PASSING
REBOUNDING DRIBBLING DRIBBLING

Each player on a basketball team has a position to play. It is related to role,

ability and skill. The three basic positions in basketball are guard, forward
and centre (or post). The centre is usually the tallest player, with forwards
next and guards being the smallest. Centres and forwards tend to be the best
rebounders, while guards are often the best ball handlers. Guards also tend
to play outside more than forwards and centres.

Guards

Guards are usually called the team’s backcourt when grouped together. This
grouping can be broken down further into point guards (normally the best
ball handler and often the player who directs the team on the floor) and
shooting guards (also called “big” guards).

Because of their dribbling ability point guards are often able to create a
scoring chance for a team-mate by penetrating and passing, that is, by driving
past defenders to the basket and passing to an open or unguarded team-mate.
Point guards are called playmakers because they direct teammates and create
scoring opportunities. The point guard will usually be among the best ball
handlers on your team and should also be a leader who can be the coach on
the floor.

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Choose shooting guards from among the best shooters and ball handlers on
your team. Confident shooting is another important characteristic to look for
in a shooting guard.

Forwards

Forwards are sometimes called corner players because their normal offensive
position is in the corner of the frontcourt. Small forwards should be able to
play as a combination guard forward, handle the ball well, play outside on the
perimeter and rebound. Big forwards must be combination forward-centres.

Centres

Choose players for the centre position from among your biggest players who
relish playing inside, near the basket, where contact and congestion are
readily accepted. The centre is usually the biggest player and plays inside
around the free throw lane area in the high post (near the foul line) or in the
low post (close to the basket) and outside the free throw or three second lane
with his or her back to the basket. The centre and two forwards are collectively
known as the frontcourt.

Offensive Team Tactics

Develop team tactics to prepare your team to face all basic defensive
situations. You will need to include:
 A fast break offence to keep the defence honest and put immediate
pressure on the opponents
 A set offence for situations where opponents guard your players
individually (man to man)
 A zone set offence to be used against zone or area defences

Fast Break

One way the team can set up good shot is to run the fast break where the
team that gains ball possession brings the ball up the court before opponents
can get into good defensive position. The fast break usually develops after a
rebound, steal or possibly after a made basket, and is the fastest way to make
the transition from defence to offence. As soon as the defence gains control of
the ball they use the outlet pass or dribble to start the break – passing being
the first option and dribbling the last when moving the ball up the court. Then
the other team-mates attempt to beat the defenders up the court while staying
spread out. Players should run at top speed under control when fast-breaking
up the court. Remember to have one player stay a few steps behind the action
in a defensive safety role for balance.

Set Offence

If the defence is set and waiting a set offence should be used to get a good
shot. Your team should get into a basic starting formation and then use the
fundamental skill moves with and without the ball to create scoring
opportunities.

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This basic set or formation may take a variety of starting positions. You should
select a preferred starting formation that fits your personnel and favoured
tactics. The 1-2-2 “Give-and-Go”

One offence for beginning players is the 1-2-2 give-and-go offence. It can be
used effectively against player-to-player defences. The give-and-go offence is
a simple team offence that utilises passing, catching, basic moves without the
ball and individual moves with the ball. The 1-2-2 double low post or open
post set is a one-guard, open post formation that allows any player to V-cut
into the post area and keeps the middle open for individual offensive moves
plus give-and-go options. The give-and-go offence from the 1-2-2 open post
formation can also be used against zone or combination (zone and player-to-
player) defences by depending less on cutting and emphasising more
individual moves from stationary spots.

When in attack in basketball we assume that there are 3 imaginary lanes,

there should always be at least 1 player in each lane to provide width no
matter which type of attack you are using
Diagram 2

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 THE FAST BREAK

The fast break should be the first attacking tactic that a team should try to run.
As soon as a team gain possession they should try to initiate the fast break, as
it is the best way to create an easy scoring opportunity.

The fast break begins when the defending team gain possession of the ball. This
can be from a steal, an interception, a rebound and even sideline balls or scored
baskets if the team is organised enough. Although a fast break can start from
many different situations the main one tends to be rebounds from missed shots.

Each fast break follows the same general principles: regain possession, fast
delivery of the ball up to the opponents basket, attackers outnumber defenders,
players give options around the basket all leading to an uncontested lay up or
shot.

Within the fast break each member of the team has a role to fulfil in order for
the fast break to be effective and run smoothly.

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3 PERSON FAST BREAK

The following is a description of a simple fast break involving 3 players see

diagram3 on next page.

The attacking team have pushed up the court and made an unsuccessful shot
at the basket. The centre (X1) rebounds the ball and pivots to the open side,
the centre then looks up, to make an outlet pass to the guard (X2). The outlet
pass should be on the same side of the court as the rebound this should ensure
that the ball is taken away from the clutter of bodies in the key. The outlet
pass provides initial width in the attack this creates space to allow the guard
to operate. The centre should try not to make an outlet pass across the key as
this could be intercepted secondly they should only play the pass when the guard
communicates that they want the ball and the pass should only be made if the
guard is free. If the guard is marked tightly the centre can dribble the ball
forward. Therefore we see that decision making on the part of the centre is vital.

When the centre (X1) has gained possession of the ball from the rebound the
guard (X2) moves into the wide right lane to receive the outlet pass. They should
communicate when they want the pass by shouting ‘ball’ this lets the centre
know when to release the pass but it also communicates to the rest of the team
that the fast break is on. This communication is vital as everybody in the team
needs to know what is happening so they can assume their role in the tactic.
Without good communication there can be uncertainty which causes hesitation
and the fast break will be slowed down which means it will probably be
unsuccessful as the tactic relies on speed of thought and action.

Once the guard has received the ball they ‘dribble to the middle’ lane at pace.
By going down the middle that means that options are opened up down both
sides of the court. As soon as the centre has made the outlet pass they sprint
as fast as they can to fill the wide right lane and get ahead of the ball as fast
as is possible. At the same time the forward (X3) sprints as fast as they can to
fill the wide left lane and get ahead of the ball as fast as is possible. By ‘filling
the lanes’ the centre and forward are providing width in attack. This creates
space by spreading out the defenders who manage to get back causing gaps. This
also provides the guard with passing options on both the left and the right. It is
important that the forward and the centre get ahead of the guard to create
depth in the attack by moving up quickly they are able to penetrate the defence
and create overload situations where the attack outnumber the defence.

The guard continues to dibble at pace until they reach the top of the key, the
guard should arrive at the top of the key as the centre and forward reach the
extended free throw line. When the centre and forward reach the extended free
throw line they cut towards the basket looking for a pass from the guard to go
in for an uncontested lay up. The player who does not receive the ball should
continue towards the basket to provide an attacking rebound option if the shot
is missed.

When the guard reaches the top of the key decision-making is vital. The first
option should be to pass the ball to the cutting centre if they are unmarked for
an uncontested lay up; the second is to pass to the cutting forward, the third is
to drive towards the basket themselves for a lay up The fourth is a jump shot
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from the free throw line. If the guard selects the option to pass to either the
centre or the forward then they must remain at the top of the key to receive a
pass back or if the centre or forward makes a shot the guard must offer a
rebound option.

Diagram 3

Extended free
throw line
(imaginary
line)

It is important that the fast break is flexible and as such there are many
variations. From the simple “sling ball” when a team gain possession 1 player
gets free up the court behind the defence and receives a long pass for an
uncontested lay up, to the more complex set patterns as described above.
Diagrams 4-6 show some variations on the set fast break above that can be used
as alternatives depending on what the defence do.

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Diagram 4 is a variation on Diagram 3. This time player X3 receives the ball
earlier and passes to player X1 who was the original rebounder. Speed is vital.
Player X3 must sprint ahead and fill the lane. Player X2 is likely to dribble the
ball down the middle and pass on to player X3. This is called Option A.

Diagram 4: Key Points

 Player X3 passes the ball because a defender may have got back and be
actively defending against player X3. Player X1 may be unopposed. By
passing onto this player they can drive in easily and score a basket.

 By ensuring that player X1 keeps going other options may come into
play such as an attacking rebound. Ensuring that player X1 continues
to fill their lane is important for the overall balance of the fast-break.

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Diagram 5 is a variation of diagram 4. It is called Option B. In this drill player
X1 rebounds and passes to player X2. This player dribbles the middle and
passes to player X3. This time player X3 cannot get a pass away to player X1.
This is because the (imaginary) defenders have stayed closer to the basket and
have not committed themselves to moving out towards player X3. This time
player X3 fakes a pass to X1 and reverse-passes to player X2 at the free throw
line, who then shoots. It is for this reason that player X2 must stay out of the
key in earlier drills. Players X1 and X3 look to rebound the shot and score from
any rebound.

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Diagram 6 is a variation of diagram 5. It is called Option C. In this drill the
(imaginary) defender comes out to mark player X2. As a result player X2 fakes
to shoot and then passes the ball to X1 who should be moving towards the
basket for an unopposed lay-up shot.

Diagram 4 – 6: key points (practice variation – introduction of a defender

3v1)

The drills on Diagram 4 –6 can be repeated against a defender for Options A,

B & C. The key point to stress is that it is the actions of the defender that
allow the attackers to make decisions about their course of action. The task
for the attackers is to take an uncontested lay-up attempt on the basket, as
this is the highest percentage chance the attackers will have to score a basket.

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 DEVELOPING THE FASTBREAK

The following diagrams and explanations are a number of drills to develop the
fast break.

Diagram 7 is a 3-attackers versus 2-defenders practice. The attackers follow

the same pattern as before. When player X2 arrives at the free throw line
he/she must try to commit the last defender. He/she needs to keep their
dribble going. If they do this and the second defender stays near the basket
they can pass to player X1 or X3.

Diagram 7: key points (practice variation – introduction of a second

defender 3v2)

This drill is a good way to build up the fast-break offence. If dribbler X2

commits the first defender, this will take this player out of the play. When the
pass is made to either X1 or X3, it has now become a 2v1. It is very important
that player X2 is able to look at the reaction of the second defender. You can
often see if they are favoring one side or the other. If they move closer to player
X1 then the pass would go to X3 and vice versa.

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Diagram 8:
Diagram 8 is a 3-attackers versus 2-defenders practice. The attackers run the
fast break, X2 dribbling towards the key and looking at the second, (rear)
defender. If the ball is passed to X3 and defenders split and move to mark X1
and X3 respectively then the ball would be reverse-passed back to player X2,
who would either shoot from about the free throw line or continue driving in
towards the basket.

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Diagram 9:
In diagram 9, the three offensive players run the same pattern for early
offence, i.e., rebound, outlet pass etc. The two defenders start at the half-way
line. When the ball is rebounded they must run and place their feet in the
centre circle and then begin defending.

Diagram 9: key points

If the attackers can move the ball very quickly then they may be able to make
a scoring attempt before the defenders can get back in place. This can help to
make the practice more game-like.

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Diagram 10:
In Diagram 10, a third defender is added. However, this defender must not
enter the court until the ball has crossed the halfway line. When this happens
he/she must also place both their feet in the centre circle before joining
teammates D1 & D2.

Diagram 10: key points

This practice again puts pressure on the attackers to move the ball very
quickly with the defenders running from behind to try and catch up. If the
third defender (D3) recovers before the shot is taken then the fast-break
opportunity will have been lost. The attacking team can be limited to only
make a few passes – e.g. maximum four.

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Diagram 11
When the defenders gain possession of the ball in Diagram 11, they become
the new attackers. The attacker who last touched the ball before possession
was lost becomes the defender. The other two players on offence remain at
the basket they have just attacked to become the next defenders.

Diagram 11: key points

As soon as the defenders gain possession from an interception, rebound or a

successful or unsuccessful shot, they must immediately look too fast-break
before the other team can get a player back.

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Diagram 12:
In diagram 12, defender D1 has gained possession and has made an outlet
pass to D2. X1, who last touched the ball, is trying to get back.

Diagram 12: key points

This movement is known as a transition in Basketball, as it involves a team

going from offence to defence and vice versa. It is also a good drill to develop
reaction when changing from one to the other and simulates game-like
conditions. Players X4, X5 and X6 are waiting at the side of court. They will
be the next team on offence. X2 and X3 will become the new D1 and D2. If
the offence team score, the defence must inbound the ball before they can
resume.

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Key =
Player Movement
Pass

On anticipation of player 4 winning the rebound the three players furthest away
from the basket call out the passing areas. The player who calls "1" heads to the
side to receive the outlet pass; the player who calls "2" sprints down the centre
channel (The Glory Trail) and at a point either side of the halfway line and breaks
sharply to the side to receive the pass from the 1 spot; the player who calls "3"
sprints down The Glory Trail and at a point around the free throw line the player
breaks sharply to the sideline to receive a pass from the 2 spot Upon receiving
the pass the players must square up by pivoting towards the sideline in order to
protect the ball After passing the ball the players from spots 1 and 2 rejoin the
sprint down the Glory Trail to take up key rebounding spots at either side of the
basket Having won the initial rebound player 4 sprints down The Glory Trail as
the rebounder is the player who completes this exciting form of the fast break by
scoring a lay up from a pass from the 3 spot The 5th player trails the attack in
the safety position to cover a counter break.

The ball is channelled down the side because that is where the space is, however
by the time the ball has reached the 3 spot the defence is being dragged to the
side clearing space in The Glory Trail for player 4 who normally has an
unchallenged 1 v 0 lay up. What makes this break exciting is that it is fast
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because the ball never touches the floor, and it is a real team effort as there are
four players involved in the attack.

It is important that we develop a range of fast break options, as the fast break
has to be continually adapted due to the nature of the game of basketball.
Depending on what the defence do or don’t do each fast break situation will be
different, as the defence will have set a different problem for us to overcome. This
will require a different fast break solution.

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 METHODS OF GATHERING DATA AND WHY THEY ARE APPROPRIATE

Thoughts and feelings The simplest method of gathering data within the
activity is through the performers thoughts, feelings and reflections. This is
useful as a starting point and can indicate where weaknesses may lie. It is
particularly useful for assessing the mental aspects. However it is not totally
reliable as it could be biased and is an opinion of the performer not necessarily
an actual fact. To gather quality data more scientific procedures need to be
adopted.

Coach’s opinions This tends to be more accurate as the coach has an expert
opinion, which tends to be objective. The coach is comparing your
performance to his/her criteria of a good performance drawn from their own
experience. Yet again this is an opinion and not a fact and it is governed by
the coaches level of experience but can be a good starting point from which to
gather more in depth data.

Video this is a particularly good method of gathering data in any activity but
is especially good for team games or fast moving games where something could
be missed. Video is particularly useful in these situations as it can be paused
or played in slow motion or rewound and replayed as often as the viewer
requires. This allows a very accurate and detailed observation to be carried
out. Video provides the performer with visual evidence of their performance.
Video is also a permanent record that can be compared to a later video to
see if there are any changes to the performance after a fitness training
programme of improvement has been carried out. However video assessment
is only as effective as the criteria that are used to assess it, simply filming
your performance and watching it will be of limited value. The most common
and easiest way is to analyse the video in relation to criteria on an observation
schedule or comparing to a video of a model performance.

Observation Schedule. This is a sheet, which is made up before participation

in the activity. It can take various formats from a simple tally sheet e.g. an
observation schedule can be tailored to meet the requirements of the
activity and the data to be collected. It can gather a lot of general data or
much more focussed specific data depending on the criteria used. In order for
an observation schedule to be effective there needs to be some time spent
considering its design and research to ensure that the criteria it contains are
relevant and actually measure what it is intended to. The Schedule is only as
effective as the person who completes it. This means that to complete a
schedule the observer requires an understanding of the activity. The more
complex and detailed the data required the more expertise the observer should
have. For simple observation schedules it would be appropriate to use a
classmate but for more in depth analysis a teacher or coach would be better.
The observation schedule can be completed whilst watching the activity or
afterwards from a video of the activity. An observation schedule is an
appropriate method as it provides a permanent record, it can identify
strengths and weaknesses, it has specific criteria to compare your
performance to, it can be made specific to your needs, it is simple to use,
can allow a before and after training comparison to check for improvements.

25
Mapping sheet. This is another type of observation schedule. A plan of the
playing area is drawn out and the movements of the player are drawn onto the
plan. For example mapping the movements of a specific player in a football
team to analyse their work rate.

26
 ANALYSING THE FAST BREAK

Watch the game or video action to help you to analyse how effective your team
is in using a fast-break strategy. You should be aware of different tactics
previously rehearsed during practice sessions. Use the key at the bottom of
this sheet to help you to record your findings.

27
28
DETECTING AND CORRECTING ERRORS IN THE FAST BREAK

29
 ADAPTING STRATEGIES

The importance of problem solving and decision making during performance

and the ability to adapt strategies.

When playing matches there will be a need to adapt play in response to

performance demands. The need to change or adapt current strategy will
depend on the following types of offensive and defensive considerations:

 the strategy is working or not

 adjusting defence rhythm to upset the offence
 to catch up or to exert even more pressure
 whether the individual / team is in foul trouble
 to suit individuals in key positions who can affect an advantage
 to pressurise key players in the opposition
 the physical demand of the adopted strategy
 the time is running out
 you are being beaten
 you are winning.

Points to consider

The players must be able to respond to changing situations by adapting team

strategies. To be able to adapt, the team must:

 know the alternatives

 have practiced playing against varying offensive/defensive structures
 have practiced changing from one strategy to another
 all be able to react on court.

For example: in end games, the team initially plays 2-1-2-zone defence v 1-3-
1 offence. Offences could then alternate between man-to-man defence to zone
defence. The offence consequently has to adapt their strategy. This requires
good decision-making, communication and co-operation by all team
members.

This is the reason why we have looked to develop a number of fast break
alternatives. However there are also times when we will not be ale to run a
fast break or it has become to predictable so the next stage is to look at
alternative strategies to the fast break.

30
 ALTERNATIVES TO A FAST BREAK

If the fast break is not on or it breaks down or the defence are back in position
then an alternative offence/attack has to be run.

The main offensive aim in basketball is to get to your attacking basket before
the other teams’ defence is set therefore you are trying to gain numerical
advantage. Through trying to engage in this fast type of offence it would result
in various scoring opportunities.

Hence your first option is, if your transition from defence to offence is fast and
successful, is to fast break but what happens when the fast break is not on
or if it breaks down?

Well as with every offence it depends on the defence that the opposing team
adopts…

As an alternative you can employ the 1v1 perimeter moves outlined below. The
following strategies should only be used against a man-to-man defence, if you
receive the ball in space and time and you are in shooting range
(approximately at the edge of the 3 point line or closer). If the defence run a
zone defence you can run the motion offence outlined on page 34.

JAB STEP DRIVE

31
JAB STEP, 1 BOUNCE DRIVE, JUMP SHOT

JAB STEP CROSSOVER DRIVE

32
JAB STEP, CROSSOVER DRIVE 1 BOUNCE JUMP SHOT

JAB STEP JUMP SHOT

33
JAB STEP, STEP BACK JUMPSHOT

34
 MOTION OFFENCE

Motion offence is basically an endless type of offence where certain rules are
set by the coach that players have to follow until they can achieve an easy
basket. Motion Offence is run against a zone defence this happen from a set
formation such as a 1-2-2 or a 1-3-1 see diagram below are the most common.

1-2-2 set 1-3-1 set

Within the following strategies attacking team adopts a 1-3-1 formation to

combat the zone defence of the opposition and from the outset it also means that
the offence has width and depth. The guard is positioned at the “point” (1), the
forwards (2+3) are positioned on the free throw line extended outside the three
point line, one centre (5) is in the low post area just outside the key with the
remaining centre (4) just above the free throw line in line with the two forwards.

The key to breaking down a zone is to make the ball do the work whilst keeping
the defence on their toes with people cutting through the zone.

Type 1 Pass and cut:

Player with ball must pass the ball then cut to the basket other players
without the ball must move too keep good spacing fundamentals and court
balance.

Developing the pass and cut

Aim of drill: to introduce the pass and cut to the basket.

Diagram description:

In diagrams 13-14, by using three passes, X1 completes three passes with

his partner X2 who has possession after the third pass. X1 now cuts to the
basket, receives a pass from X2 and shoots with a lay-up shot. Player X1
should not require a dribble.

Diagrams 15-16 explain the introduction of a defender to make it a 2v1.

Following X2 out using passive defence at first the attacker X2 will have to
use a fake to be able to pass the ball to X1. No dribbling is allowed.

35
Diagram 15 – 16: key points

The 2v0 is an effective way to introduce the pass and cut to the basket. This
is an important attacking move in basketball. From it you can learn about
how both depth and mobility are important principles of play for both
individual and team performance.

The player who is receiving the pass must present a target hand by signaling
for the pass. The passer should pass ahead of the receiver so that this leads
him/her to the basket. The player receiving the pass should try to catch the
pass when his/her feet are in the air. This will mean that they can take two
steps to the basket. If they are on the ground when they receive a pass they
can only take one step. The person cutting to the basket to complete their lay-
up should complete their lay-up shot by placing the ball just inside the ‘magic
square’.

36
The next progression is 2v1 ‘live’. The defender follows X2 out but when the
defender tries to stop X1 from scoring. Decision-making is being introduced.
The student should look at the different options available to the offence. For
example,

1. X2 to X1 and lay-up.

2. X2 to X1 – defender covers back therefore X1 to X2 and shoot or lay-up

(no dribble).

3. Defender stays in middle of key preventing X2’s pass to X1, therefore

X2 must shoot the ball.

The key principle is that if you are being defended you pass the ball and move,
i.e., basket-cut. If you are not being defended – shoot. You only move on to
2v2 when you have covered screening and driving.

Type 2 Pass, Screen and cut:

The player passing the ball must set a screen away from the ball. The player
using the screen must read the defender and cut hard off the screen passing
shoulder to shoulder with the screener.

Aim of drills: to introduce screening on the ball in a 2v0 cut to the basket.

Diagram description:

Using the three-pass start the passer X1 then sets a screen for X2. In diagram
18 X2 uses the screen, dribbles past and takes a lay-up shot. Diagram 19
shows the introduction of a defender who is screened by X1 who allows X2 to
drive to the basket. Diagram 20 progresses to having 2v2.

DIAGRAMS 17 & 18

37
Diagrams 17–20: key points

X1 does not move to set the screen until X2 catches the ball. When X2 drives
past X1 they should keep as close to X1 as possible. See Diagram 18.
In Diagram 19, a defender has been introduced who follows X2 out from the
baseline.

After X1 has passed they set a screen on the defender’s shoulder to allow an
uncontested drive to the basket.

In Diagram 20, ensure that the defenders in a 2v2 stay with the attacker they
are marking. Do not allow them to switch.

Developing a screen and roll

Aim of drills: to introduce the screen and roll.

Diagram description:
After the third pass, X1 screens X2. X2 takes one or two dribbles. After the
screen,

X1 reverse pivots on right foot and rolls to the basket. X2 bounce-passes to

X1 who shoots a lay-up. This is shown in Diagram 21. Diagram 22 shows
the introduction of a defender for 2v1.

In Diagram 23 the 2v2 game allows increased decision-making. Diagram 24

shows another option, the backdoor cut. This play gives player X1 increased
options and at the same time is able to confuse the defender. Player X1 goes
to screen, but only goes halfway, then pushes off their front foot and basket-
cuts, signaling to receive a pass from player X2.
38
 Physical Education: Basketball with Structures, Strategies & Composition – (Int 2/H) 39

Diagrams 21–24: key points

In Diagram 21, X2 should use a bounce pass because it is both easier to

catch and it is harder to defend against.

In Diagram 22, X1 must try to set a screen on X2’s defender’s shoulder to

take them out of the play. When they reverse pivot they will block the defender
out and they will be on the ‘wrong’ side of the basket.
39
In Diagram 23, after X1’s screen, X2 can drive to the basket. If X1’s defender
tries to stop them, they should pass to X1, who has rolled to the basket.
Diagram 24 is particularly effective when player X1’s defender is not guarding
them too closely. This drill can be developed in practical contexts from 2v0 to
2v1 and on to 2v2. Following this comes a 2v2 ‘live’. At this stage further
offensive plays can be developed and refined.

1. the basket-cut
2. the on-ball roll
3. the screen and roll
4. the backdoor cut.

The option selected is dependent on the defence response. The 2v2 game can
be increased competitively by allowing the winners to stay on and a new
defensive pair comes on to the court. When a team wins three consecutive
games they come off.

Type 3 diamond:

The rule of the offence is when the ball gets passed low various cuts are made
through the key and a rotation occurs. It can be split in to two parts with #’s
1,2 and 3 working together in a diamond formation (i) and 4 and 5 working
the key and the baseline (ii).
After the pass is made low to 5 the
following happens –(i) #2 cuts to the
basket, facing the ball with their hands
up, once under the basket they then carry
on through to where 3 was positioned on
the wing. As this happens 1 rotates from
the point and takes up the wing position2
vacates and 3 rotates up to the point
position. (ii) 5 has just received the pass
and therefore adopts the triple threat
position to see if there is a shooting or
passing option on. After 2 cuts through
the key 4 follows through after them
looking for the pass in from the wing if
they do not receive the pass they carry on
through and out to the low post extended.

If they don’t have any options 5 then reverses the pass back to 1 then flashes
high just in front of the free throw line (out with the 3 second area).
1 then rotates the ball back to 3 and the offence is then repeated.

To get a good shooting opportunity the ball must be rotated a number of times
so the defence is moving about continuously. If a defender jumps out and is
close to you or if you find that you are in a space (if you are #1,2 and 3) you
drive past them to the basket – exploiting the zones weaknesses of the seams.

40
 DEFENCE

As soon as a team/individual loses possession they are in defence. When in

defence the objective is to stop and break down the opposition attack and
regain possession.

Delay: This is the first priority slow down/delay the attack so the defence can
get organised and consolidate their position. This can be done by reducing the
time and space an attacker has you can force them to slow down: By forcing
or channelling the player away form the danger areas or into an area that is
well defended is difficult to attack from or has limited options: By hustling and
jockeying the attacker without diving in an committing yourself.

Marking: This is ability of a player to stick with and close down the space and
time available for the opposition this can be done when their assigned attacker
is in possession or not depending on the type of defence being played. The
marker may not have the responsibility for a specific player but rather an area
of the court or pitch (zone) and is responsible for marking whichever player
enters the zone.

Width: This is the space between players across the pitch or court. In defence
it is important that there is a spread across the area so as to cover attacks
through the middle or the wide areas.

Depth: This is the space between players along the length of the pitch or court.
The defenders should never be in a flat line across the pitch or court. A
defender must be able to move forward to close down the ball carrier. Depth
is also important behind as well. The defensive formation must have an initial
line of defence then at least 1 other line of defence to provide cover in behind.
This prevents the initial line being by passed with a ball over the top and
provides cover if the initial line is breached.

Balance: It is vital to maintain a balanced defence. The defence has to have a

blend of width and depth and players should not all be drawn towards the ball
the defence needs to maintain its shape. By ensuring this, the defence can
cover wide attacks and prevent the attack exposing gaps when they switch the
point of attack.

Communication: This is required to make players aware of the type of

defence; aware of marking responsibilities, calling for help etc. It can be verbal
(a shout) or a visual (a hand signal)

Organisation: Players have specific roles and responsibilities (we will talk
about this later). There are set marking responsibilities, the defensive
formation and defending set pieces.

41
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN DEFENCE

All players must be able to defend they should be quick and have good
footwork so they can minimise the number of times that they are caught out
of position.

Guard leads the defence makes picks up quickest player from the opposition
and closes down outside shooters mainly plays perimeter outside defence and
has to be able to rebound if required.

Forward plays perimeter or inside defence can be assigned to pickup best

shooter must be a good rebounder.

Centre plays inside defence must be a strong defensive player and control the
area under the basket. Must be a very strong rebounder.

MAN TO MAN DEFENCE

In any man-to-man defence each player is assigned a specific player from the
opposition to mark. Each defender is responsible for getting between the
offensive player they have been assigned and the basket. The defender who is
marking the player with the ball is in the “ball position” any defender who is
marking a player who is one pass away is in the “deny position” and any
defender who is marking a player who is two or more passes away is in the
“help position”. It is important that the defenders communicate this to their
teammates through a loud shout of “ball, deny or help”. This also helps to
focus the defenders mind on their task.

In the ball position the defender should be putting maximum pressure on the
ball carrier to slow them down, limit their space and time, prevent them from
shooting passing or dribbling without fouling them and ultimately to try to
steal the ball or force a turnover.

In the deny position the defender is also working hard to deny space and time
for their opponent. They are trying to prevent them form being a passing
option for the ball carrier and close down any cut they make to receive passes
and they will look to intercept passes made to their opponent.
In the help position the defender does not work as hard trying to close down
the attacker they are assigned to mark. They tend to sag off their opponent to
plug gaps in the centre of the key or fill in behind a teammate who has been
dragged out wide. However they must be aware of where their opponent is at
all times to pick them up if the move into a more threatening position or the
ball is moved so that they are now one pass away.

42
Developing Man to Man Defence

Aim of drills: introduction of team defence – half-court man-to-man

Diagram 37 is about defending the perimeter area. It is a conditioned drill for
the defence. As the passer X1 passes, defender O1 runs out to put pressure
on the ball. Defender O2 goes to help. This is shown in Diagram 38. In
Diagram 39, the passer has moved the ball to X2. This time, defender O2
goes to the ball and O1 goes to help. In Diagram 40, there is a 2v2 live
situation with player P being a passing set up player who cannot shoot.

Diagram 37 Diagram 38

43
 Diagram 39 Diagram 40

In Diagram 37, the two defenders line up in ‘tandem style’ below the free
throw line. When the ball is passed from the top to the wing, they either run
or jump to the ball or move to a position of ‘help’. This is a position half-way
between their man and the ball, forming a shallow triangle. The shaded area
in Diagram 38 shows this. In this position they can see the ball, you
(themselves) and the man (the person they are guarding) without turning their
head. This is known as ‘Ball–You–Man’ and is a very important principle of
defensive play. It allows the defender to be in the correct position to move
when a pass has been made.

Players should be encouraged to verbalise their role. They should shout ‘ball’
or‘help’ when they are in different positions. Such communication can also
improve concentration.

In Diagram 38, the ball has been passed to player X1, therefore ‘O’ is on help.

Diagram 39 shows the reverse of this. O1 is on help. In Diagram 40, a 2v2

live game is shown. In this game limited dribbling is allowed. The defenders
are encouraged to stay with the defender they are guarding and to avoid
switching. When you have to cover a player who is dribbling try to guide them
down the sides of the court and keep them away from more dangerous court
areas. The task for the dribbler on help is to stop the dribbler penetrating
central areas and to limit the number of options that the offence has in attack.

Aim of drill: to develop half-court defence in the low post area.

Diagram description:

Diagram 41 is about defending the low post area. It is a conditioned drill for
the defence. P being a passing set up player passes to X1, defender O3 runs
out to deny the pass to X3. Defender O4 comes off X4 to help. Diagram 42
illustrates the reverse of this. Diagram 43 P the passing player has been
removed. This is a conditioned drill with no dribbling. X1 & X2 attempt to
pass to X3 & X4. This time defenders O3 & O4 must quickly readjust their
positions. In Diagram 44, the players are now playing a ‘live’ 2v2 game with
limited dribbling.
44
 Diagram 41 Diagram 42

Diagram 43 Diagram 44

Diagram 41 illustrates how to develop low post defence. The defence style is
slightly different from perimeter defence. When the ball is passed to X1,
defender O3 raises their right hand denying a pass and blocks the ball path
from X1 to X3. The shaded area on diagram 41 indicates this. Defender O4
leaves X4 to support O3. This limits the attacking potential, as the pass would
essentially be placed into a higher percentage shooting area.

Diagram 42 illustrates the same play on the other side of the court.

Diagram 43 highlights a progression whereby X1 and X2 attempt to make the

pass to X3. In all situations the defenders are encouraged to move and defend
when the ball is in the air.

In Diagram 44, a 2v2 live game is shown. In this game no dribbling is allowed
between X1 and X2 and limited dribbling between X3 and X4 is allowed. The
defenders are encouraged to deny space, block ball path and limit attacking
options by supporting each other.

45
Some “rules/considerations” of man-to-man defence –

1. Never let your player between you and the basket

2. You should always be in a ready state so your knees should never be
straight
3. Never be beyond the ball, you should always be able to see the ball and
your player
4. Defend with your chest (be between 2 sheets of glass) if you use your hands
you will be called for a foul
5. Never be straight on to your defender always have an angle to work with

What to do when your player –

 Has the ball - your aim is to keep yourself

between the ball and the basket. Try to force your
opponent on to their weakest hand e.g. if they’re
right handed defend their right side and force
them on to their left. Remember they can fake
with the ball and their eyes the only thing they
can’t fake with is around their centre of gravity so
try to focus on that.

 Has not got the ball - adopt a position

which is known as “help side”. They should be in
a good defensive position where they can see the
ball and their player pointing at both (defensive
triangle). From this stance you are in a position
to see the whole area. If a pass were made to your
player there would be more than enough time to
reach your player and put them under pressure.
You are also in a position to anticipate the pass
and intercept it if it is high and loopy.

REQUIREMENTS FOR MAN-TO-MAN

 Physical and mental toughness

 High level of Cardio-vascular endurance

 Focus – only have 5 fouls to play with

 Concentration and control – it can be very frustrating especially when

fatigue is setting in and you can’t chase back you could vent your irritation
by fouling when not needed to.

 Communication is vital – all players have to alert teammates to dangers

e.g. screens etc.

46
Strengths Of Man- To-Man Defence

1) Simple to understand - you are given a player to mark and basically you
have to stay between your allocated attacker and your basket wherever he
goes.

2) This defence is very flexible - in that it can be effectively played full court,
three quarter court, half court and in the back court areas.

3) This defence allows players to be well matched up - tall players can be

matched up, fast players can be matched with fast players etc.

4) This defence allows maximum pressure to be applied - unlike zone defence,

man-to-man defence allows you to contest every dribble, every pass, every
inbound and every shot. Ultimately this pressure can lead to turn-overs and
bad decision making.

5) Players tend to find man-to-man defence more exciting to play- unlike zone
defence where there is restricted movement; man-to-man defence is far more
active as your movements depends on the movements of the attackers
wherever they are on court. This defence dictates that the game will be played
at a much faster tempo and this keeps defenders both physically and mentally
alert and players like this.

Weakness Of Man- To-Man Defence

1) Miss-matches can occur in man-to-man defence - if the opposition are

unknown to you miss-matches may occur in terms of speed, strength and
experience, which could be exploited by the opposition.

2) Defenders who are not well coached in the individual fundamentals of man-
to-man defence can be exploited - upon receiving the ball good attackers
square up and immediately "read the defence ", and if the defender is in a
poor position the attacker will immediately take him on.

3) Because of its aggressive nature foul trouble can occur - because good man-
to-man defence contests every pass, dribble and shot and because the pace
of the game tends to be fast, defenders are often called for reaching and
blocking fouls.

4) Players who are in trouble can be exploited - players who are in foul trouble,
injured or tired are not able to defend effectively, and experienced players will
exploit this ruthlessly by driving at the hampered defender.

5) Man-to-man defence is more physically demanding – for poorly conditioned

players and small squads of players (5/6) man-to-man can be very tiring, and
this can result in lapses in concentration and poor decision making.

6) Key players can be dragged out of position - the player dictates the
defenders’ position he is marking, and for example, if an attacking centre
deliberately stations their self high away from the basket, this drags the
defensive centre away from the key rebounding area.
47
Variations on man to man defence

Man to man defence can be played full court, half court or in the final
attacking third of the court. This would be depending upon the score line the
stage of the game and what the opposition strengths and weaknesses were.
For example your team may be trailing with little time left to play so you need
to get the ball quickly therefore you may play a full court man to man to apply
pressure and force turnovers as soon as you lose possession. Another
variation is a pressure man-to-man defence where the marker shifts from
basket side to ball side of the defender placing themselves between the
attacker and the ball carrier. This cuts out the passing options and put even
more pressure on the ball carrier and is designed to force turnovers. Yet again
this can be run as full, half court or in the last attacking third.

48
ANALYSING A MAN TO MAN DEFENCE

49
ZONE DEFENCE

An alternative defence to man to man is the zone defence. This defence assigns
each player to cover a particular zone or area of the court. The zone is
described in terms of player alignment around the key (see example below)
and there are many variations. The most frequently used being the 2-1-2, 1-
3-1 and 2-3

2-3 zone defence.

Strengths Of The Zone Defence

1) The defensive players positions and player movements are easily learned -
players are given a specific area of floor to cover.

2) May be used with players at any level of skill or experience - inexperienced

players are less likely to be exploited by experienced players, as the defender
is covering an area of floor rather than a specific player.

3) Keeps tall defenders close to the basket - tall defenders tend, to cover the
court areas close to the basket, these are key rebounding areas. Unlike man
to man defence where the attackers position dictates the position of the
defender.

4) Exploits poor outside shooting - because of the availability of plenty help

side defence, there are few opportunities to drive against the zone therefore
teams have to be good outside shooters, if not you are in for a long night!

5) Limits foul trouble - because driving strategies are cut to a minimum, zone
defences tend not to foul much.

6) Can control the tempo of the game - because defensive player movement is
less and driving strategies are less the game tends to be played at a slower
pace than man to man.

7) Produces good positioning for the fast break - because the defenders will
always know where they will be positioned following an attempted field goal,
it is easier to run a structured fast break.

8)Reduces high % shots - because of the always available help side defence,
high % lays up are not common against a zone defence.

50
Weaknesses 0f The Zone Defence

1) Zone defence is vulnerable in the seams of the zones - in the areas of court
where one players defensive area overlaps his team-mates, there is often
confusion as to whose job is it to cover that area.

2) Openings always exist - no matter what pattern the zone takes there is
always going to be some area of court in the attacking end left open.

3) Easier to get open to receive the ball - attackers frequently do not have to
work (e.g. do not have to use cuts) to get open to receive the ball. There is less
pressure put on the attack.

4) Weak against good outside shooting - because a zone invites teams to shoot
from the outside; if the shooters are in good form the zone will not be effective.

5) The zone can be impractical as it takes more time to set up - if players are
slow to get back in defence there will be holes in the defence, which are
vulnerable to the fast break or cutting attackers.

6) Easier to switch from man to man defence to zone than the reverse - you
cannot play good zone defence until you have mastered the fundamentals of
man to man. When an attacker enters your zone area you have to cover him
man to man until he leaves your area, thus to play good zone defence you
must be able to play man to man defence.

7) Can lead to poor defensive techniques - because there is less defensive

movement in zone defence poor players can become lazy and lapse in
concentration.

51
 DEVELOPING THE 2-1-2 ZONE DEFENCE

Diagram 57 illustrates defensive alignment when the ball is in the middle of

the court.

Diagram 58 highlights a breakdown drill for perimeter defence. The offending

player X1 passes to X2. The defending player O2 advances mid-way towards
X2. Defender O1 supports play by preventing the penetration dribble.

Diagram 59 illustrates the movements of defending players O3, O4 and O5

when the ball is played from the point of the key. Offensive player X1 initiates
play either to X3 or X2, thus providing width in attack.

Diagram 60 illustrates a progression to a conditioned 5v5 game.

In Diagram 57, the defending players are aligned to defend an attack initiated
from the middle of the floor. The defending players limit the attacking options
by spreading their arms up and out, thus narrowing the angle of a pass or
penetrating advance move. This could force the opposition to take outside
shots.

In Diagram 58, the movement of the perimeter defensive players is

highlighted in response to game demands. When the offensive player X1
selects to pass to X2, the defending player O2 advances towards X2 to stop
the pass, O1 moves out to prohibit the penetration dribble towards the basket.
Good communication and support play can force the offence to make hurried
decisions.

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In Diagram 59, the movement of the centre (middle) and post players
(forwards) is highlighted in response to game demands. The offensive players
X1, X2 and X3 cannot shoot but try to create gaps in the defence by passing
to X4 and X5 (who are allowed two dribbles). Players X4 and X5 should
effectively use V-cut to vary direction and tempo of the attack. Creative use of
screen and fake pass will help confuse the defence.

In Diagram 60, the formation of the defence is complete for a 5v5-conditioned

game. The following rules should be applied. The offence must successfully
pass five times before attempting to score.

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2-1-2 Zone Defence Strengths

l) The defensive rebounding positions are excellent. The positions adopted by

players 3, 4, and 5 forms the perfect rebounding triangle around the high
percentage scoring area under the basket.

2) This defence exploits poor outside shooting. The 2: 1: 2 zone defence is so

tight that it permits very few drives and inside shots, therefore teams are often
reduced to outside shooting – and if you cannot consistently hit the outside
shot your team will find it extremely difficult to score!

3) Fast break opportunities are increased. Because every player knows

approximately where they will be at the time of an opposition shot, unlike
man to man defence where you can be anywhere on court, it makes it easier
to run a structured fast break. When a missed shot rebounds the 2: 1: 2 zone
has the perfect rebounding triangle at the back, and players 1 and 2 who will
be at front of the zone will be in perfect positions to receive an outlet pass to
run the fast break.

4) The effectiveness of the 2: 1: 2 zone is increased on narrow courts. When

the court is narrow there is no room down the sides to create an overload
offence, or there is no room to pass to low pass and allow offensive rotations
to take place via cutting players.

5) This defence does not allow defenders to be isolated in 1 v 1 situations.

Because of the areas of coverage defenders will always have team-mates in
help side positions.

2-1-2 Zone Defence Weaknesses

1) This defence is ineffective against good outside shooters – because this

defence defends an area not much bigger than the three-second area it is very
vulnerable to good outside shooters from around eighteen feet from the
basket.

2) This zone is vulnerable to fast breaking attacks – in common with all zone
defences, slow returning defenders leave gaps in the zone coverage which are
frequently missed by team-mates and are brutally punished by fast breaking
attackers.

3) This defence can encourage lazy defence – because of the small area of floor
covered by this defence, movement of the defensive players is limited and can
lead to players becoming mentally and physically less aggressive and lazy.

4) This defence is very vulnerable on the seams down the sides of the defence
– down either side an attacking player who penetrates the seam is going to
draw in three defenders from the top, middle and bottom of the 2:1:2 zone
leaving gaps in the defence for other attacker to exploit.

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ANALYSING THE 2-1-2 ZONE DEFENCE

55
 1-3-1 ZONE DEFENCE

The 1-3-1-zone defence can be run as an alternative to the 2-1-2-zone defence

this has the players operating in a different formation and therefore the shape
of the defence is different as are the actual zones covered. This defence may
be adopted to overcome different problems set by the attack and would be a
more effective strategy than the 2-1-2 zone or a man to man defence in the
specific situation. As such the 1-3-1 has different strengths and weaknesses
than the 2-1-2.

Strengths of The 1-3-1 Zone Defence

1) This zone puts pressure on the guard making an entry pass in the offence
- because the guard is quickly under pressure from the defender playing at
the point of the zone and the wing players are being covered being covered by
the defenders playing in the 2 and 3 areas making the first pass in the attack
is difficult, especially when compared to the unchallenged entry pass allowed
by 2: 1:2 zone. This tends to stall the attacks offensive pattern keeping in
mind that the attack has only 24 seconds of possession in which to get a shot
off.

2) This zone is very strong against good outside wing shooters - the wing
shooting areas are covered by the defenders in areas 2 and 3 therefore there
are NO unchallenged shots in these areas.

3) The high post is always covered - the player playing in the 4 area always
covers this vital position.

4) The area under the basket is always covered - the high percentage scoring
area around the basket is always covered by the tall player playing in the
number 5 area, which makes passes or penetration to this area very difficult.

5) When facing this zone teams tend to rush their offence - because many of
the key attacking areas are covered by the 1:3:1 zone most passes and shots
are challenged and under this pressure attackers frequently make bad
decisions when passing and rush their shots when shooting.

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Weakness of The 1-3-1 Zone Defence

1. This zone provides poor defensive rebounding coverage - unlike the 2: 1: 2

zone defence, which provides a perfect rebounding triangle around the basket,
the 1: 3: 1 provides only one player at the basket area which leaves an
incomplete rebounding triangle.

2. This defence tends to decrease a teams fast break opportunities - as this

defence is a less effective defensive rebounding defence, and since most fast
breaks occur after a missed shot, the fast break tends not to occur so often
when playing this zone because less rebounds are won.

3. This defence provides openings for shooting opportunities from the corners
on the baseline areas- in the 1: 3: 1 zone defence the players have greater
areas of floor to cover than most other zones this gives outside shooters in the
corners time to get a shot off before the wing defenders can drop down to
challenge the shot.

4. This defence is vulnerable to low overloads-overload offences which have

an attacker at low post and a good outside shooting attacker wide in the
corner cannot be successfully countered by this defence as there will always
be a shooting spot left open either on the low wide spot or on the wing spot
when the wing defender drops low to challenge the baseline attacker.

COMBINATION DEFENCE

As the name suggests these defences are a combination of man to man and
zone. These defences are used when a team wants to have the benefit of the
floor coverage around the basket of a zone defence but wants to put pressure
on a specific player or even players as in a man-to-man defence. The diamond
and one and box and one are two of the more frequently used. For example
when the opposition has an outstanding ball handler or outside shooter or a
player who is the team leader who the defending team want to limit their
effectiveness.

The diamond and 1 The box and 1

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ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

In basketball there are a variety of playing roles and responsibilities that you
can adopt those being Guard, Forward and Centre, with each position
dependant on the strengths and weaknesses both mentally and physically
that a player possesses.

The different positions have certain roles and responsibilities that they need
to administer throughout the game as seen in the diagram below-
Name of role and Where player is Role Qualities Order of
number positioned on Possessed Responsi
associated with the court bility
plays
GUARD - 1 - Perimeter/ - ATTACK - Usually - Dribbling
“point” - Play maker/ smallest - Passing
player Coach on court player in the - Shooting
- Communicates team - Rebounding
what plays to be - Good ball
performed handling
- Initiates plays skills
- Good
- DEFENCE communicat
- Matches up with ion skills
opposing guard - Peripheral
- Aims to force vision
them to the sides
of the court away
from danger area
FORWARD – 2+3 - Plays within - OFFENCE - Usually best - Shooting
the 3 pt area - Main outlet option shooter - Rebounding
for fast break - Fast - Dribbling
- Good at transition - Very - Passing
(changing from effective in
defence to offence) 1v1
situations
- DEFENCE -
- Picks up other
forwards
- Helps inside the
key
- Alerts guard to
dangers e.g.
screens etc.
CENTRE - Plays inside - OFFENCE - Tallest - Rebounding
-4+5 the “key” - Main rebounder in player - Shooting
the team - Strong/ - Passing
- Plays on the Tough at the - Dribbling
“posts” boards
- Very effective - Effective
close in to the post player
basket - Good spatial
awareness
- DEFENCE for cutting
- Matches up with in and out of
opposing centre the key
- Usually in help -
side under the
basket
- Stops drives to the
basket

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59