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Prepare them the best you can so that your team can achieve to the best of their
potential because you put them in the best situation to succeed. Transition defense is
often overlooked and the main thing a coach needs to do is decide from Day 1 what
their team is going to do in regards to defensive transition. Teach that all year long and
emphasize it in practices and games. I hope this article has helped you to better
understand the two basic philosophies of transition defense.
INTRODUCTION
Here is our alignment out of our primary transition. This is the only time that
the 5 will be on the ballside block, as once penetration starts, 5 will bail
backside to create a lane for the ball.
Players
1) Pt guard: Attacks off the dribble well, good playmaking ability, and able to
get to the rim out of transition.
2) Shooting guard: Decent shooter, but real good about getting to the rim off of
penetration. Almost a slasher type of player, but can hit an occasional 3 on a
kick out.
3) Off guard: Terminology is probably backwards but this needs to be your best shooter, as they get a lot of skips on
penetration over the top.
4) Trail: Usually a decent post player who can handle the ball. Bigger person, but one you feel confident can take a
defender off of the dribble.
5) Post: Doesnt have to be a great back to the basket player, just someone who is big, physical, and has a soft touch
around the basket. Needs to be your best rebounder
In this sequence you can see that once the ball has started penetration inside
the perimeter, the 5 will bail to the backside block.
Notice the spacing. Athletes need to be about 15-18 feet apart at all times
1
Offense
Rules for this offense:
Guards:
Penetration:
1) Any penetration to the basket, needs to be just that, penetration with the
mindset that you are going to get to the rim. Players will want to try to go side
to side with the dribble at first. The key to this is to get the guard in the mindset
that they are getting to point A from B in a straight line. It is the person with the
ball responsible for getting their teammate open. This is different from
traditional methods when it is the cutters responsibility to get open. Here we
want enough penetration to where we create a help situation
Penetration Ctd.
On penetration, penetrate until you are cut off by a help defender. The help
defender needs to CUT you off, almost to where they are going to take a
charge if you keep going. Reason being is that we are trying to put pressure
on the defense by attacking the rim. The results should be the following, either
a lay up, or get fouled shooting the layup.
Notice how in this we show how much help is needed before a guard stops
their dribble.
Penetration:
On penetration, as soon as the help goes, the nearest guard will rotate over the
top of the ball. We make sure to tell them to stay outside of the perimeter on
this to create spacing, and a longer recovery on help.
On the kick out we tell the 2 one of two things. If they are a shooter, who you
feel confident shooting the ball, tell them to fire away. If they arent a great
shooter, as soon as they catch the ball, tell them to rip, and drive right back
over the top looking to get to the rim.
The two players who are backside (4 and 3) are just to stand there to help tie
down helpside
2
Offense
Guard Rules CTD
Penetration:
As soon as the 1 kicks the ball out, their job is to head to one of the corners.
They can either head to the playside corner, (as shown here), or the weakside
corner shown in the next sequence.
Make sure they are sprinting out to the corner to help clear a lane, and that
they are getting width on this. We are seeing a lot that the 2 on penetration
has been able to kick back out to the 1. We dont mind this our 1 can shoot
pretty well, and gives us another look.
Notice here that the guard rules stay the same on penetration. 2 is attacking
the rim, the 4 will rotate over the top of the 2, (a little exxageratted here) to
make a longer recovery for the defender. What we are telling our 2 to do here,
is mainly keep your head up and your goal is to get to the rim, draw help from 5, and third option is kick back out to the
4.
Penetration:
Here you see what happens if the 1 had cycled out to the weakside. In this
case to keep spacing integrity, the 4, and 3 would replace each other, and the
1 would sprint to replace the 3. We dont get this a lot due to the fact that it isnt
real natural for a kid
Reversals:
BLUR SCREEN
We get this a lot during our secondary where we have a slot to slot pass. We
will also do this most times in our offense once we get into it. This screen is
very effective just becuase of the misdirection that it causes.
3
Offense
Guard Rules CTD:
Reversals:
BLUR SCREEN
After the ball has been reversed to the 4, the 1 will dive to the middle of the free
throw line. Timing is the key element to this, as the 4 must time this out to
where they are rubbing off of the 1's butt as they attack the rim off of the
dribble. As soon as the 4 clears the 1 with the dribble, the 1 will flare out to the
backside slot. The 4 is rounding the corner heading downhill trying to get to the
rim or draw help.
Notice we are still following our rules here as the 2 is coming over the top of the
4, because they are the nearest guard
FOR MORE GUARD INFO SEE BREAKDOWN DRILLS, AND INFO SHEET. THESE ARE OUR BASIC RULES
THOUGH
POST RULES:
What to do on penetration.
It is very important for your 5 to understand two things. First where the
penetration is coming from, is it over the top, or is it baseline penetration. And
second would I be better to stay put, or should I follow circle shooting rules that
you will see in the next few sequences.
On penetration over the top, the rule of the 5 is simple, circle under the basket
to the opposite block. We are still following our basic concepts of make the
defense have a longer recovery, and also give the ball a lane to the rim.
Where the 5 has to read this is that if their defender leaves early, they may be
better suited to just sit and stay, and recieve the dump off from the 1.
4
Offense
POST RULES CTD
PENETRATION
In this sequence you can see that we are having a baseline penetration.
Normally I hate this move offensively, we either get trapped or kick the ball out
of bounds. However, with this offense I am starting to allow my guards to do
this because of the rules of the 5.
In the case of baseline penetration, the rule of the 5 is to circle over the top,
and get to the bottom of the dots, hands ready for any quick pass. We try to
make this pass quick, and high so the post can go get it and score. I know
Calipari said a lot of times that was a lob for a dunk. Well I coach girls so we
just tell them catch it high and keep it high.
In the case of the guards here, the 1 would be the nearest guard so they would
rotate over the top of the 2, and the two would get out to the perimeter on any
pass. It could be either playside or weakside, but more than likely weakside.
There are two times that the 5 should post up on the ball side block. The first
as we stated early is in primary transition, only to bail as soon as we start
penetration. This is simply to clear a lane for the ball to get to the rim.
The second time is on any quick skip from side to side when the post was
already backside as you see in this sequence.
We will tell the 5 on a skip duck in and pin. We will try to get you the ball, but if
we don't, as soon as penetration inside the perimeter happens get to the
backside block quickly.
Those are the basic rules to the offense. We try to make sure of the following
things.
1) Get to the rim, either get the lay up or get fouled. This will put pressure on
the defense constantly
2) If you are a shooter on the kickout, then shoot. We dont mind it, we have
plenty of people for backside rebounding purposes.
3) If you are not shooting attack on the kickout, dont hesitate, drive the helper
over the top
1
Offense
This is what will happen if the ball is entered below the free throw line. #1 is still
pressuring the ball at the half court line and stays matched up with the player at the point.
But this time on the pass, #3 is closing out on the first pass. #2 drips into the mid lane
help side. #2 matches up with the back side wing player. #4 and #5 match up with the
post players on their sides respectively. Once again, the circles on the diagrams show the
match ups off the first pass.
When the ball is entered below the wing, the drops are again basically identical to
the man to man defense. #3 here takes the first pass and is the wing defender on that side
of the zone. #2 drops to the middle in help position (as he would in the 1-2-2 zone), and
is now the defender on the back side wing. #1 either drops back or matches up with the
point. #4 and #5 are already in their spots on the bottom of the 1-2-2.
First Pass Match Up – 2-3 Zone
The first pass match up into the 2-3 zone is basically the same as the above two.
The first diagrams show when the ball is entered to the free throw line. As with every
other defense, #2 takes the first pass and is now the ball side top guard on the 2-3. In the
2-3 however, #3’s job is a little bit different. #3 now drops ball side and becomes the
outside wing on the bottom of the 2-3. #1 drops back to the middle of the free throw line
or high post area (depending on how you play the defense) and assumes the backside
guard on the top of the 2-3. When #3 reaches the block, #5 can kick to the middle and
assume the middle position on the 2-3. #4 then assumes the back side wing on the bottom
of the 2-3. The 3rd and 4th diagram show how they are sliding back into the 2-3 for your
benefit.
When the ball is entered below the free throw line, everything is basically the
same. The defenders all end up in the same positions, except #3 takes the first pass.
Because it is below the free throw line, #3 is still the bottom wing player in the zone. All
the other positions are the same, it’s really easy to grasp. See the diagrams below.
For the 1-3-1, it gets a little more tricky when the ball is entered below the free
throw line, but it’s not too bad. When the ball is entered below the free throw line
extended, as always #3 takes the first pass. #2 then drops down to the back side wig
position while #4 cuts up to the high post as the middle man. #1 drops down to the top of
the key as the top man on the 1-3-1 zone. The diagrams show how to get to the 1-3-1.
First Pass Trap – Man to Man
As I stated before, no matter where the ball is entered (above or below FT line),
the movements when trapping the first pass are exactly the same. When the pass is made
to the wing, both #2 and #3 sprint over to the player receiving the ball and apply a trap.
The players MUST learn to move on air time and get there as soon as the pass does. As
the pass is being made, #1 must also move on air time to drop back into help side
defense. Both the posts at this time are matched up with the post players next to them.
Once the pass is made out of the trap, you are in a scramble type situation. I advise (you
can do what works for you in this situation) #1 to take the first pass and then one of the
players sprints out of the trap and takes the unguarded opponent. The diagrams below
reflect this.
First Pass Trap – 1-2-2 Zone
As with the man to man, the 1-2-2 trap is exactly the same rotation. In fact, I use
the same diagrams to show the movement. I have #1 again taking the pass to the point
and one of the players in the trap sprinting across to fill the back side wing area that is
void of a defender. You can do it however you want. Some coaches may rotate where
they bring their #4 up to guard the wing, shift five over and have one of the player that
were trapping sink down into the lane, it’s really up to you and your philosophy.
First Pass Trap – 2-3 Zone
This is actually a little easier than running the 2-3 with the match up. The #3 is
still going to be the ball side wing on the bottom of the 2-3 and #2 is still going to be the
guard on the top of the 2-3. When the first pass is made, the #2 and #3 man are again
sprinting on air time to make the trap of the ball. As the pass is being made, #1 drops
down to the free throw line area and assumes the back side guard position. After the pass
out of the trap, #1 takes the pass, but #2 sprints up and bumps him over. After the pass is
made #3 takes his spot on the low wing and bumps #5 to the middle and #4 over to the
other low wing on the 2-3.
First Pass Trap – 1-3-1 Zone
These diagrams show trapping the first pass and getting into the 1-3-1 zone
defense. The only thing for this one is that #1 is going to have to cover a lot of ground on
air time to make it work as well as it can. As the pass is in the air, #2 and #3 have to
sprint over and trap the pass. Also as the ball is in the air, #1 must sprint hard and cover
the back side, #1 will now be the back side wing in the 1-3-1 defense. At this time, #4 is
also coming up to the high post as the middle man in the 1-3-1. When the ball is passed
out of the trap to the point, #4 can come up, contest, but is then bumped back to the
middle by #2 who comes up and takes the top spot in the zone. #3 then takes the wing on
the 1-3-1 and we are set.
Dribble Penetration
Undoubtedly, unless you have the best defender in the world, the other teams
point guard is going to penetrate at some point. What we want to teach our defender (#1)
to do is push the ball to the side line and keep it out of the middle if they feel themselves
getting beat. There are times when the point guard will just refuse to pass to the ball to
his open teammates and will try to force things.
When we push the point guard to a side, we have the same basic options as
before, we can either match up or trap. When we match up, #2 will take the wing on the
ball side as if he is matching up in whatever zone or man to man defense we are in. #1
would become matched up with the point guard or would be a wing on whatever zone we
are playing and so on. If we were to trap, the same rules apply as if we were to trap the
wing. #1 and #2 trap the dribbler and #3 would take the place of #1 with back side help.
After the pass was made out of the trap we would be back into our regular defense.
Personally, I like the trap because again, it goes back to getting the ball out of the
point guard’s hands. But you do whatever fits your style for you personally as a coach.
Conclusion
Let me reiterate one more time, this is not supposed to be some complicated
defensive scheme that ends up confusing your players more than the opponent. It is
meant to be a simple thing that will throw your competition for a look from time to time.
I don’t want to devote hours in practice to this, I feel that you can get pretty good at it
only spending minutes a day of your practice time on it. Also, I am a coach that likes to
press full court, so this may only be brought out occasionally, such as at the end of a half
or quarter.
But at the same time if you feel this is too simple for you however, and you would
like to add more complexity to it, there are ways to make it more complex. You could run
it like former LSU Coach Dale Brown’s freak defense, the side and position (above or
below the free throw line) dictate what defense you run out of it. Overall though, I like to
use it as a look that I bring out from time to time to attempt and confuse the opponent, to
not let them know what we are running. I feel that this gives us a slight advantage that
can help us down the stretch.
If you have any questions, feel free to shoot me an e-mail at
john.carrier@st.bemidjistate.edu. I would be glad to do what I can.
20_023_028.qxd 31-05-2006 12:13 Pagina 23
FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - DEFENSE
by Mario Buccoliero
ADVANTAGES
Here which are the advantages this
defense can offer:
FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - DEFENSE
1. The most important advantage is that requires players with specific skills in
this defense is unique in "influencing" order to play it well.
D.1 the movement of the offense, forcing
them to play an unconventional offen- PLAYERS' SKILLS
se, a style of play that is risky and ▼ This defense requires players, who are
moves them out of their usual offensive able to sacrifice themselves and, from
spots. my experience, I find that women will
2. It can quickly change the direction of often guarantee that this happens most
the game and offer decisive breaks for of the time.
the defense. ▼ Players must totally believe that what
3. It's a spectacular defense, that crea- they are doing is the best for the team.
tes excitement with its aggressive A coach must be able to sell this defen-
traps. se to the team in order to make it work.
4. It "pumps up" the defense, when well- ▼ Players have to be quick and have
made stops and steals occur and excellent athletics skills.
"shakes" the defense, when players are ▼ Very important aspect: players must be
lazy and not playing aggressive basket- skilled in aggressive man-to-man
ball. defensive tactics.
5. It creates great problems for the offen- ▼ You will need months of practice and
se to move the ball, forcing them to use plenty of patience to build this defense
lob and bounce passes, slow passes so it can be regularly applied.
that can easily be stolen.
6. It creates extreme pressure on the INITIAL SET
offensive perimeter players. There are not fixed rules for where the
7. It will often create a "paralyzing" effect players should play. Each coach knows his
on the opponents, causing them to players best and will have to make individual
make bad passes and force their shots. decisions when assigning positions. Here,
for example, is how I set the players when I
D.2
DISADVANTAGES coached the Italian National team (diagr. 1):
This is a very risky defense (wide spaces ▼ X1, Zimerle, the point guard: quick,
to cover, traps), and a little mistake will strong, with quick hands.
allow the offense to easily beat you. ▼ X4, Balleggi, the power forward: fast,
There is no balance when blocking-out on with a great arm span, very agile.
defense and on the help-side rebounding. ▼ X3, Macchi, the small forward: similar
It requires a lot of energy, so this zone can- to X4, with a good elevation.
not be used throughout the game. In addi- ▼ X5, Paparazzo, the center: tough, good
tion, it's a very technical defense and on the passing lanes, intelligent.
D.3
▼ X2, Masciadri, the guard: quick and the middle of the lane. This forces the
powerful, the "playmaker" of the offense to make slow (lob or bounce) pas-
defense, who is positioned in the last ses. It's very important that the defense
row of the defense, sees the entire relies on their arms and hands.
court, constantly talks with his team- Sometimes, we let the defenders jump to
D.4 mates and alerts them to movements. put more pressure on the offense.
She is the key for the 1-3-1 defense.
X5 must always be behind the ball, and in
TRAPS ON THE FOUR CORNERS front on the high post. In addition, he must
If we decide to use the three-quarters 1- be ready to slide down and front the low
3-1 trap, we will double team on the four post (diagr. 7).
corners of the defensive half court
(diagr. 2). TRAPS IN THE LOW CORNERS
These moves are fine when you play
GLOBAL TEACHING METHOD defense that double teams in all four cor-
For teaching this defense, I show how ners of the half court.
this defense works for all the players (glo-
D.5
bal method), and then I divide the defense X4 and X1 jam the lane if an opponent is in
into the five parts, so each player will shooting range or tries to drive (diagr. 8).
know her role (analytical method), and X4 must be aggressive on the ball. The
then go back again to all total defense player must not slide on the pass fake. X2
(global method). covers the low post and goes outside only
when a pass is made.
After a free-throw, we run the defense
high and we trap right after the half court If the ball reaches the player in the cor-
line (diagr. 3). ner, we run the double team and rotate as
in diagr. 9.
Here the individual tasks: First option: if 3 has both feet facing
▼ X1 forces the ball handler on one side towards the basket, X2 and X4 aggressi-
of the court, and does not let any drib- vely double team. X5 runs down to cover
ble penetration in the middle of the 5 in the low post, X1 guards the high post,
court. and X3 jams in the middle of the lane,
D.6 ▼ X4 slides down and double teams only covering the basket and all lob passes.
behind the mid-court line.
▼ X5 always plays behind the ball and Second option: if 3 is with his shoulders
fronts the offensive player, keeping towards the basket (diagr. 10): X1 goes in
her from receiving the ball. the passing lane nearest the ball, X3
▼ X2 covers the player in the corner or comes high to anticipate 4 at the high
the low post. post. We only leave a passing choice to 2
▼ X3 slides down to steal the potential on the other side of the court. This forces
diagonal pass. the offense to make a long and slow (lob
or bounce) pass to this player, who is the
If the double team is successful, we will most distant and least dangerous offensi-
be in the situation described in diagr. 4. ve player.
D.7
We will try to intercept the pass with X3
or X2, leaving 2 open, who is the least Important tips:
dangerous of all the offensive players. ▼ Convince the players - and coach
If we decide to continue with the high them with the appropriate drills - that,
traps (diagr. 5): if 1 passes the ball to 2, X3 while they are trapping, they must
runs to cover 2, X1 double teams 2, X5 fol- force a mistake or cause a bad pass to
lows the movement of the ball, and fronts be made while applying pressure on
5. X2 covers 3 on the opposite corner, and the trapped opponent.
X4 slides down, looking to steal a possible ▼ Do not ever let the ball enter on the
pass to 4 and to protect the basket. high post area, which is the most dan-
gerous spot on the floor. Once it
D.8
1-3-1 ZONE WITH TRAPS IN THE CORNERS makes it to the high post, the ball can
When and how to run it (diagr. 6): be passed on both sides of the floor.
If there are no "desperate" situations and
we do not want to run too many risks. PASS FROM GUARD-TO-GUARD
After the first trap, we double team only in If the ball is passed from one guard to the
the corners. The main aspect of this other, the defenders, who are always
defense is to "cover" the passing lanes. covering the passing lane, rotate as
This defense then "invites" penetrations in shown in diagr. 11.
FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE | 20 2006 | PAGE 25
20_023_028.qxd 31-05-2006 12:13 Pagina 26
FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - DEFENSE
D.9 D.13
D.10 D.14
D.11 D.15
D.12
with two high posts (we also use this row of the zone, and must force 1 towards
offense versus the 1-3-1 trap). one side of the court. The defender must
We move in this way (diagr. 15): absolutely prevent the ball being returned
▼ X5 anticipates 5, who is the "inside" to the right side, in this case, of the diagram.
post.
▼ X3 anticipates 4, who is the "outside" Two-on-Two Drill
post. 2 is the most dangerous player, We increase the difficulty for the defender,
and can hardly be trapped. playing two-on-one, and two-on-two
(diagr. 18).
If the ball is dribbled in our defensive half X1 must push the ball handler on one side D.17
court by 2, we will move in this way (diagr. of the court, and also force 1 to make a lob
16): X3 will close and go on the passing line. pass to 2.
X5 must recover on 4. X2 will stay behind, X3 helps, closing on 2, letting X1 recover.
ready to guard a post if this player moves
down low. X4 closes on 5 or 3 under the Contesting the Post Drill
basket. If 4 goes low, he will be guarded by Contesting the pass for low post is basic
X2. Naturally, when we are in this situation, work (diagr. 19).
we do not make the first high trap. We will The perimeter players pass the ball to each
only make the traps in the corners. other, and X5 runs to contest the post,
always staying between the ball and basket.
ANALYTICAL TEACHING
D.18
Now we start to teach in an analytical way TRAPS
to build up the 1-3-1 trap (diagr. 17). One-on-two Trap Drill
Drills for teaching the proper double
One-on-One Drill teams: 2 vs 1 at three-quarters court
This drill is run for X1, who plays in the first (diagr. 20).
D.19
D.20
FIBA EUROPE
COACHES - DEFENSE
D.21
D.22
D.23
At the beginning, we facilitate the defen- situations, aggressively contesting the "Goalkeeper"
se by playing two defenders against one pass to the second offensive player This is for the defensive forwards X4
offensive player, giving two or three (diagr. 21). and X3. After a trap and a skip pass,
seconds for getting over the mid-court they must "dive" behind and recover,
line. X1 and X4 must force the ball hand- Three-on-Three Trap possibly stealing the "diagonal" pass.
ler towards the sideline and then double We work three-on-three to improve the Although this is a very dangerous move
team. The defenders must use their legs timing of the traps (diagr. 22). for the defense, it is a key moment in
and arms without making a foul, covering We put limitations on the offense, our 1-3-1 zone trap.
the ball, and trying to force a 5-seconds which now cannot use the post in the
violation. middle of the court. Besides, the offen- BACK TO THE GLOBAL TEACHING
se must get over the mid-court line by At the end of the session, we work
Two-on-Two Trap having one of the guards dribble the four-on-four, and finally we play five-
We now work two-on-two on different ball. on-five.
PAGE 28 | 20 2006 | FIBA ASSIST MAGAZINE
AGGRESSIVE ONE-THREE-ONE DEFENS E
Although some readers may not agree with what follows regarding the 1-3- 1
zone defense, I can only tell you what works for us and what I believe to be th e
best defensive strategy for Kankakee Community College . Maybe each reader wil l
find some small thing that will benefit you, and if that is the result, reading thi s
To better understand the aggressive 1-3-1, you first need to know why ou r
else's man-to-man preparations and to better prepare our team by doing somethin g
that our opponents would consider different or which created a change for them .
Secondly, we felt that the zone would reduce fouls . Although I did not keep
-2-
statistics from the earlier high school years, I have support data from the las t
twelve years at the junior college level . .Our teams have attempted an averag e
of 227 more 'free throws per year than our opponents, so we have reduced ou r
fouls . Thirdly, there are many good man-to-man offenses, but I am not certai n
-how many good zone offenses exist . Every year when a season is complete and I
sit down to make notes, one of the things I put down is, "look for another zon e
offense ." The fourth reason to support our zone strategy is to . force offenses t o
be more patient, and with today's athlete -that really is not "very cool . "
Introduction of the 45 second clock may result in the aggressive zone producin g
even more forced offensive tactics . The fifth reason for using the zone is tha t
inside . Another positive result of our zone is that with proper' rotation ou r
rebounders should always at least know where to go and hopefully have the insid e
position by being in the proper locations . Lastly, which defense would you rathe r
man-to-man defense, and I am relatively certain that most of the readers will
n
a J
-3 -
agree .
the most versatile or the zones . We could trap high, we could trap low, we coul d
jam the middle, we could force the ball to one side of the floor if desired .
Furthermore, . not many teams play a• 1-3-1, so once again, opponents have t o
prepare specifically for us . There are not many effective ways to attack th e
We really cannot scout our opponents, because the majority of them are a
hundred miles away from our campus, causing us travel and cost problems . I n
addition, to get a good scouting report, you have to see an opponent play two o r
three times, and we do not have the time or money for that . By the time we ge t
into the second half of our season, our players have seen nearly every offensiv e
set that can be used against us . Other than looking for individual ' s traits ,
Prior to presenting the specifics of the 1-3-1, I would like to give you some .
-4-
outside shot . We want to protect the middle and limit our opponents to one shot .
team picks up the ball, we want a defender in his face immediately, and we try t o
.distraction hurts the offense . Distractions include . a lob pass, a kick out-o f
bounds, a deflection, or any other type of interruption . .' Our players are heartil y
There are some important keys to the 1-3-1 zone . Foremost, like anythin g
necessary to sell your players on it by convincing . them the defense will help the m
win . Players must work hard to master the aggressive 1-3-1 defensive skills an d
asked many times how we get our kids to play so hard . I cannot tell you a
specific thing we do other than showing the players we will not accept anything
-5- '
less and that if they are going to play, they must bust their rear-end from th e
time they cross that sideline until it is time for them to come out of a practic e
or a game .
Another key to the success . of the aggressive zone is to get the fiv e
thing, it is important to, teach our players that they need to move while the bal l
is . in the air .- . :.Many .defenses which . tend to be less aggressive and not- particularl y
effective wait until the individual opponent has received the ball before moving t o
play the man with the ball . We emphasize that when the ball leaves the passer' s
Beyond these traits, the following will identify some of the characteristics we loo k
big point guard with a long reach, and one who is a physically talented player,
-6-
because the point guard is given a lot of freedom to use his natural instincts . I f
this player is aggressive, and meets the described characteristics, he will get a
The post man can be your . slowest player . He needs basic intelligence, bu t
he does not need to be a good ' rebounder . None of our post position players ha s
. ., . need not . have . great skills, the effective post • man must be a• hard- worker s
The wing positions require the best athletes, because this is the toughes t
spot to play in the defense . Hopefully, these players have long arms, goo d
quickness, and will produce the most rebounds . The wing players must be very
The baseline position utilizes the most aggressive player [we use a guard] .
telling our players to get their hands up . We also emphasize good balance,
- 7-
particularly on the weak side . We do not want a player standing on the wea k
side with his hands down, his knees stiff, ,and thinking that he does not hav e
eyes and head moving, and talking to each other . The ability to communicate i s
that they disrupt the offense in any way they can, whether through a kicked ball ,
Our point guard (see 81 . in Diagram A] normally will pick up the man wit h
the ball between the circles . He will force the ball to whichever side the offense
wants to go . Once the offense decides which side it wants, we attempt to keep
the ball on that side . We do not want the offense to dribble the ball back t o
the other side . The only accepted manner of return of the ball to the other sid e
offensive player who has been forced to move out of position to receive the pass .
The point guard stays in the guard-to-guard passing lane, and forces the ball to a
side . We like to "herd" the offensive man with the ball into the wing man's area
-8-
The point guard has very little responsibility when the ball is above th e
free-throw line . We let him decide whether he wants to come over and trap, as
indicated in . Diagram A . If he does not want to trap, he can drop off once th e
The post man's [#5 in Diagram A) rules are very simple . The post man ha s
two basic positions . If the man and the ball are above the free-throw line, th e
post man is going to play on the ball side In a denial position . If the opponen t
is below the free-throw line, our post man plays in front of the offensive pos t
man . We do not worry a great deal about technique, such as "step with you r
right foot and then pivot ." We only ask the post man to get the front position
any way he can . Our post men quickly learn this principle, because if they d o
not execute, they get a seat by me . The final thing we emphasize to the post
man is not to worry about the lob pass . You can not expect a post rnan to pla y
Our wing men [#3 and IN in Diagram A) pick up the offensive man with the
-9-
ball, one big step in front of the free-throw line . Their responsibilities are als o
quite simple . They have responsibility for .protecting what we call the "seam" an d
maintaining a position of constant pressure . The weak side [away from the ball ]
wing man X13 drops into a position where he can protect against the pass to th e
low post . It is :his responsibility to prevent a- pass on the angle . down low .
has to be in . a position to cover the diagonal pass at all times, and he must b e
prepared to move quickly up the lane if a guard-to-guard pass is made . .The .:weak.
side wing man also has the responsibility for calling all cutters . A rule of thum b
in- teaching weak side wing play might be "prevent a diagonal pass to the elbo w
area at all times, and deny a good shot if a guard-to-guard pass is made . "
The first thing a baseline man is going to tell a coach is that he canno t
coverage so that the total defense can be effective . We have developed a '
technique for convincing the baseline man that he can do the job if he works a t
terms of covering the floor in segments, i .e ., from the block to the sideline, fro m
the sideline back to the block, from block .to block, and from block to sideline .
If the ball is at the . elbow (Diagram A), the baseline man's responsibilities are t o
get to the block on the ball side in front of any post men . This movement . mus t
offensive players [again, while the ball is in the air), the baseline man sometimes
Some of you probably think you could defeat the defense by screening ou r
baseline man, but we have solved that problem . We tell our baseline man not t o
get screened! If you tell him not to get screened, but he proceeds to ge t
screened a couple of times, when he hears the horn and sees somebody coming i n
to hand him his warm-up, you will be amazed at how little time it takes for hi m
to learn not to get screened, or at the very least, make an effort to figh t
- 1 1 --
picks up the player with the ball between the circles and forces the ball to a
side, as the wing mans steps up to trap . Once the dribbler picks up the ball, th e
point man can drop off or stay in the trap at his own option . The wing man ,
however, has no option . He must stay and apply pressure . The wing man step s
The post man is siding in this situation ; the baseline man is on the bloc k
ball . side ; the weak -side wing- man has dropped . On the- pass-to-th e
baseline, the point man goes to the high post immediately . When the pass i s
made, the wing man opens up to the inside and then goes to trap .
the basket, after the cutter passes the ball to the baseline and the defensive win g
man goes right down to trap, a very wide passing lane is left open . However, i f
the defensive wing man simply opens up he has taken away about six feet of tha t
passing lane . The defensive wing man should be taught to go to the trap with a n
inside out pattern . The post man goes to the block on the ball side immediately .
The baseline man moves out to the trap and has responsibility for stopping
n
- 1 2-
anybody from driving the baseline . The weak side wing man must move up th e
lane somewhat . If the ball is high, the weak side wing should cheat low . Whe n
the ball is on the baseline, the weak side wing needs to cheat high . The wea k
side wing man cannot play tentatively, but must get in a position to take awa y
Definite rules need to be emphasized for the trap in the corner . First, i f
a man has his dribble , and has the ball down in an offensive position, th e
defensive man remains one arm's length away from him . The only time th e
defensive man guards the offensive man closely is if he has lost the dribble or h e
puts the ball over his head . When either happens, the defensive man move s
quickly towards the offensive man with hands up in order to contest the pass ;
however, he should not hack or slap at the ball . When an offensive man i s
We do not allow our players to leave their feet until the man has lost hi s
dribble . We also have a rule for the point guard which stresses high post an d
attack . As the ball goes to the baseline, the point guard goes to the high post .
Cr
-13-
If the point guard finds no offensive player in the high post area, he move s
approximately half way between the high post area and any offensive player i n
that . area . When the point guard moves out to try to stop the pass out of th e
trap, the weak side wing man has . to call any high post cutters . When the poin t
man hears "high post," he immediately returns to the high post area .
"lightning" and shown in .Diagram C . When the ball is in the wing area, there i s
responsibilities stay the same (he drops to the block and fronts anyone] . Th e
point guard drops to the high post . The weak side wing man retains his norma l
responsibilities . The strong side wing man opens up, in the event the . offensiv e
man cuts. Then the strong side wing man denies the ball back to the man wh o
passed to the baseline . The ball side wing man is positioned with a hand in th e
passing lane, trying to deny the ball back from the baseline . At this point, th e
baseline man moves out and plays the offensive man one-on-one . What we would
- 14-
really like is for this offensive player to bounce the ball twice and pick it up .
If he does, we will guard him very aggressively, hoping to deny the ball back t o
the guard .• . The point man's rule in lightning is high post and retreat ; so if h e
finds no one in the high post area, he backs off to the weak side elbow area .
One, special situation often occurs when the offense throws a skip pass or a
diagonal pass to the elbow (Diagram D) . When this happens, we try to convinc e
our players to call "skip ." . .Our° weak side wing man, [hopefully while . .the bal l
the air) moves up the lane as quickly as he can, but he must be under control .
He needs to get to that position soon enough so that the offensive player doe s
not even think about shooting the ball . He should come up aggressively, with hi s
hands up . The post man slides over in front , of the low post man . If th e
offensive post man moves out on the baseline, our post man goes out and play s
him like the baseline man . Our baseline man moves to the ball side and front s
the post until such time as he and the post man can switch back .
by the position of the ball on the court . A player must first go to his position,
- 1 5-
as dictated by the location of the ball, and then he can adjust if there is n o
This is a very basic defense, and while it looks a little risky at times, it i s
DIAGRAM B
(0'
., .
. .'DIAGRAM C
3
\
"I on 1 Defense With a Towel "
Emphasize :
1. dribbler push defensive ma n
2. Def . should be arm's length awa y
3. Def should cut off and s nuare up a t
each side line .
4. Move feet - Broomstick between knee s
Emphasize ;
1 . Don't move until the ball is passe d
2 .2 must anticipat e
3 . Hustl e
"Rotation "
Emphasize : 1 . No foul
2. Hands up
3. Ball can't be dribbled back
to other sid e
4. 2 can't get beat on sideline
V* Coach p€ :,ses the bail 'to '' the baseline, post must slide to front low post, an d
pt move to HP area, and then play whatever defense Coach has called (i .e . Lightning or
Thunder) . On return pass to Coach, pt goes to passing lane post to HP area . 01 can
break torn) area any time, but must call "High Post" before he breaks . 02 can move
around to changed lane . Emphasize : Move while the ball is in the air .
alan
00 I
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TEAM DEFENSIVE PRINCIPLES AND RULE S
1 . VISION
• See the ball at all times .
• Keep your head moving .
G. Everyone rebounds
• Establish position in assigned areas and go get the ball.
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1-3=1 EXTENDED ZONE DEFENS E
I. INTRODUCTIO N
The Potsdam 1-3-1 half-court extended passing lane zone defense is unlik e
conventional zones we often see today . Rather than pack our zone inside and invite th e
perimeter shot, we like to play our "13" zone incorporating many of our-man to ma n
defensive techniques and principles . Just as in our man to man defense, we attempt t o
put great pressure on the basketball and overplay the passing lanes . We want to make
teams lob the basketball, when they make a pass, to give our players in the zone a n
opportunity to move while the ball is in the air . As we take you through our "13" zon e
defense, many of our principles will become apparent .
We use our pressure man to man defense approximately 75% of the time and ou r
"13" zone the remaining 25% . We attempt to frequently change these two defenses an d
use them in conjunction with our full court, 3/4 court, and 1/2 court presses . As in
almost all defenses, alertness, quickness, concentration, and team effort are important fo r
success . All players must quickly move on every pass, (not on the catch) and be in th e
proper new defensive position before the catch .
We want our players to be active and aggressive in the "13" zone defense . They
all must have their hands up and be bouncing in the passing lanes when the ball is on th e
perimeter (unless pressuring the ball or denying ,the high or low post) . We tell the player s
to bounce and to be thinking TIP, not steal . If they can just get apiece of the ball on . a
pass, or make the offense lob a pass, then they have performed successfully . If the firs t
pass the opponent makes against our "13" zone is a lob pass, then the defense will be a t
an advantage . If the first pass against the zone is quick, crisp, and sharp, the players wil l
end up chasing the ball . All passes should be under pressure and the defense should no t
allow the offensive players to .complete easy, quick passes.
THE POINT POSITION : This man sets the tone as far as defensive pressure i s
concerned. Ideally, he would be the tallest guard on the floor ; a person who anticipate s
well; and one who possesses excellent quickness . His size and jumping ability will hel p
deter quick guard to guard ball reversal.
As the ball passes midcourt, the point guard mus t, read and recognize whether the
offense is attacking with one or two guard front against the defense . (see Diags . #2, #3,
#4, #5, and #6 )
THE WING POSITIONS : Ideally, your wings .should be tall and agile ; quick enough to
'guard smaller players on the perimeters as well- as being strong rebounders inside . It i s
vital that your wings constantly communicate with the point and baseline defensive
players, as their respective territories often overlap . The wings must also communicat e
with the defensive post, i .e., flash posts coming from the weakside . (see Diags. #7, #8 ,
#9,#10,#11,#l2,#13,and #14 )
THE BASELINE POSITION : This player should have excellent quickness
because he has so much area to cover (from corner to corner) . , We usually pla y
the smaller of our two guards here . You are probably questioning this strategy o f
placing our smallest player so close to the basket but further detail of hi s
responsibilities will explain why we do this . He must be very vocal and-a grea t
communicator as he can see everything that the offense is trying to do in front o f
him . (see Diags. #15, #16, #17, #18, and #19 )
Except for the 112 court trap, all of the other variations of 13 are keyed off
play by the wing players . (see Diags . #25, #26, #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, #32, #33 ,
and #34)
1.) defending the corner - elbow skip pass (if allowed, it willk1ogthe 13 zone )
2.) defending one and two guard fronts ; and .
3.) defending the high post area when it is vacan t
There are three other special situations a team should be ready to defen d
against . They include:
KEY B - Baselin e
W - Win g
P - Pos t
PT- Poin t
Pr
When facing a two guard front, we want our defensive point man
to play in the passing, lane between their, two guards . We mus t
BOUNCE and force them to LOB passes.
1rr,
,
Most teams have a tendency to enter into the right side of the cour t
and get their shot from the right side . Since most shots rebound
from the right to the left, we want our bigger wing to be on the left
side (F)Of' lin).
The strong-side wing sets up about one step over the 3-point arc .
This forces perimeter shooters out of their range, as most 3-poin t
attempts are taken just past the line . If the ball is on the right sid e
' of the court (facing in), we want our defensive wing to force th e
offensive player out on the perimeter (toward the sideline) .
If the ball is on the Right side (facing in), we want him to have hi s
right foot up ; left foor back; right hand up to have excellent pres --
sure on the ball, and left hand down to discourage any bounce pas s
inside. The wing must bounce when man with the ball is outsid e
his shooting range (5-10 feet beyond the 3-point line) .
11
The wing will aggressively pick up the ball handler, forcin g
perimeter once he arrives just outside the 3-point arc .
The weakside wing plays exactly in line between the ball and an y
offensive man on the weakside . He must be bouncing with both
hands up .
If the defensive point guard and strongside wing have done their
job of influencing the ball to one side of the floor, this allows th e
baseline player to establish his position on the ballside low block .
16
INCORRECT POSITION IN 13 ZONE
New Positions
20
DEFENDING THE HIGH POS T
ti) If the ball is above 15', the defensive post must defend an y
offensive player in the high post area . He must front the post wit h
a hand and a foot in the passing lane .
If there is nQ offensive player in the high post area when the ball is
above 15', we direct our defensive post to take two steps back an d
towards the middle of the lane and erect a flash post into the high
post area
WWI
f'r
The defensive post man must work very hard to box out after a
shot as he will sometimes be fronting the offensive post as the shot
is taken from the outside .
We play this most of the time . When the ball is in the corner, w e
want our wings to bounce, think tip, and, force them to lob ball ou t
of the corner. WE CANNOT ALLOW A BULLET PASS FRO M
THE CORNER TO THE OPPOSITE ELBOW . Obviously, th e
taller the wing is, the further he can bounce away from the ball an d
still apply pressure to force the lob .
WI - Shorter Win g
W2 - Taller Wing
26
"13 PRESSURE" POINT POSITIO N
The point man defends (fronts) the ballside elbow (high post area) .
If there is no offensive player in the high post or elbow area, the
point should anticipate a flash post or a skip pass to the opposit e
elbow.
D
One other point to remember is that the opposite wing, besides '
calling out flash posts and impeding theix progress, must be read y
to help out on possible lobs from the corner to the low post .
"13 TRAP "
29
"13 TRAP "
You can also use this tactic as a surprise element if the offense ha s
a poor passer or short player with the ball in the corner . ALL
RESPONSIBILITIES ARE THE EXACT SAME, EXCEPT FO R
THE WING,who now goes all the way to the corner to trap . When
we seta trap, we still think of just tipping and getting a piece of th e
ball - pot trying to steal the ball out of the double team .
30
SHIFT OF DEFENSE IN 13 TRA P
If the ball is passed out to the same side wing from the corner, ou r
0 point must stop any penetration as the ballside wing regains goo d
defensive position on the ball . The wing must quickly again pus h
the ball out beyond the 3-point area and force perimeter .
31
"13 DROP"
DP g®
t*J
If the offense is still successfully completing the corner - elbo w
skip pass, even with our corner trap, we will then go into' our 1 3
DROP. The point and the wing now each have differen t
responsibilities when the ball is in the corner. The wing now
"drops" to defend the high post area.on the ballside . The point
now plays at the opposite elbow to stop the skip pass .
There isn't as much pressure on the ball in the corner and we allow
the ball to be passed out to the same side wing . However, we hav e
now stopped the corner - elbow skip pass and the wing can quickly
apply pressure when the ball is,passed from the corner to th e
wing .
"13 SUICIDE"
34
SHIFT OF DEFENSE IN "13 SUICIDE "
It is imperative to set a good trap in the corner and have the other 3
players deny the three possible outlets . If a good trap is set, th e
man with the ball in the corner should not be able to throw a cross-
court pass with any sharpness .
SPECIAL SITUATION "DEFENDING THE WING CUTTE R
IN 13 ZONE "
The wing stays with the cutter until the post drops and can defen d
the low block. The wing ' then returns to bounce (in 13 pressure) ,
trap (in 13 trap), or defend the ball side elbow (13 drop) . The
weakside wing must be in position to help on the ballside low pos t
until the , post can defend, the low .
SPECIAL SITUATION
38
SPECIAL SITUATION " SCREENING THE POST "
n
"BOXING OUT ON SHOT FROM THE WING "
40
"BOXING OUT ON SHOT FROM CORNER "
4
- Baseline boxes shooter
- Post boxes low post (he must work especially hard for position i f
he is in a frontal postition )
fa
- Opposite wing boxes opposite wing or pos t
A-0>
)
'
i
`
Cincinnati 2 – 3 Zone
Bob Huggins
Cincinnati
*If you let the ball get to the middle, there is no helpside
*Bad passes are hard to shoot; the passes that hurt you
are straight line passes
4/17/05
“Circle Defence” DVD
by
Dave Robbins, Virginia Union University,
NCAA Division II National Champions
This article covers a zone defence which can be adjusted slightly in several ways to
confuse the offence. It can be adjusted to trap occasionally, trap throughout the
possession, or switch into man to man during the possession. With slight modifications it
can be changed from a 2-3 to a 1-2-2.
Circle Scramble
This is slight change to “Circle” that
allows the strong-side guard to trap.
In "Circle Scramble" everyone's duties
are the same as in regular "Circle"
except for the strong-side guard. The
strong-side guard (the guard on the side
the ball is entered) may trap at the wing,
in the corner, or may attempt to lay back
to wait and steal passes, by running
through passing lanes.
Virginia Union will combine their Circle Whenever they go into their switching
Defence with their man to man defensive man to man defence they do not say
system. “switch!” and let the opponent know the
defence they are in. Instead the
Their numbering system: defenders say “stay!” to indicate they are
• 10 – Man to Man switching – switching.
they will switch everything
• 11 – Man to Man – no switching
• 12 – Run and Jump, Trapping
Defence
We like to press for 94’. We don’t want to concede 1 floorboard. Go to the baseline the
first day and say,”We’re fighting for all of it.”
(He used the example that if China invaded California, we wouldn’t retreat to St. Louis
and then bring it.)
You must have all five guys playing hard. No traitors. If 4 guys are busting their butts,
one guy can’t loaf. Don’t be soft, don’t be a traitor.
Pressing gives you what Clark Kellogg calls, “spurtability.” If you believe in it, it can be
a great thing.
Positions
4 man- On the ball as soon as it comes out. If the referee doesn’t have to move you back
you haven’t done your job.
We are only in that zone press for about 1 or 2 seconds. Sprint to spots then find
someone on the other team. That becomes your man. Don’t worry about mismatches.
Don’t let the ball in, you are trying to steal it. NO TRAITORS.
Positioning is key to this. Stay between your man and the ball. Don’t allow it to be
passed up the court. Be on the line and up the line.
** You must practice quick up a lot. You must fight the natural tendency to get back on
defense.
We don’t want them to be able to pass the ball up court. You must force them to dribble
the ball up court.
Once the ball is inbounded, the 4 man retreats to the level of the ball.
Remember that we want to trap out of this press, stay between the man and the ball.
It isn’t about where you trap, it is about who you trap. We trap guys who can dribble.
Don’t trap non-ball handlers. We are trying to make your best ball handler give up the
ball. You decide who to trap based on scouting. We don’t want their best ball hadler
bringing the ball over half court.
Trap rules:
1. Don’t foul in the trap. Remember that fouling negates hustle. Foul with your
lower body.
2. Don’t get split.
3. Sprint out of traps.
Be aggressive. If we get a trap we should steal the next pass. “Trap it, steal it.”
Remember, it isn’t where you trap, it’s who you trap. We want someone besides the
point guard bringing the ball across half court.
Remember that this is a man press. If they line up in a 4 across press break, if O5 goes
up for the ball, X5 goes with him and might trap with X4.
(Note: O stands for offense. For example, O5 is the center. X stands for defense. For
example, X5 would be the defensive center)
When you steal it, pass it, don’t pound it. Make them pay.
When they try to isolate their point guard on a press break, we will drop the 4 man off the
ball and put the 3 man behind him. We will keep the ball out of the point guard’s hands
at all costs. This means that the 4 man, X4, will face guard the point guard.
Drill- Quick pick up from free throw alignment. Have kids circle up. Coach tosses the
ball up and says, “black ball!” Black takes it out and white sets up the press.
Black brings the ball up against white. White presses and then back to ½ court defense.
When we have a resolution at one end (basket, turnover, whatever) black will take it back
4 on 0. White will have stepped off and grey will just stand there. When the ball goes
through the net, black , which was the offensive team, will now press grey, who becomes
the new offensive team. The third team, white will set up their press offense and get
ready to be pressed by grey.