Structures and Strategies- Basketball Key Concept 2- Identification of strengths and weaknesses in performance in terms of: roles and relationships; formations; tactical and design elements Man to man defence

Team Defence To perform effectively in a basketball game the team must prevent the opposition from scoring baskets and winning the game. Scoring baskets is not enough if you continually allow the other team to score. ALL players must know their individual role and understand what their responsibilities are within the chosen structure/strategy. Selecting an appropriate strategy will predominantly depend on individual players strengths and weaknesses in terms of Physical qualities- for example, CRE, Speed etc Technical qualities - for example, dribbling, shooting etc Mental qualities- for example, controlling emotions Special qualities- for example the ability to disguise intent A good team will continually analyse their opponent’s strengths, weaknesses, strategies and change or adapt their structure or strategy accordingly. There are two basic types of defence: Man to man/Zone

Man to Man defence Man to Man defence is a simple defensive strategy in Basketball. Each one of your five defenders matches up against one of your five opponents and is responsible for guarding that player. Players are matched with opponents who have similar physical, technical and mental qualities. In other words, the point guards defend each other, the centres defend each other and the forwards defend each other. Each player must try very hard to stop there opponent. If 1 or 2 players don’t fulfil their role effectively then the defence will fail. Offensive players will be able to overload defensive players (2v1, 3v2 etc.) and they will have the opportunity to drive to the basket and perform high percentage lay ups. The aim of man to man is to continually pressurise the offence and set “traps” which enable you to create turnovers and steal the ball

Trapping Trapping requires the defensive player to force their opponent to the baseline away from the basket and attempt to force them into the “trapping zones” and stop the dribble. Once the offensive player is in this area and has stopped dribbling a second defender “helps” his team-mate and “double teams” the ball carrier. Both players obscure the ball handlers view, keep close together and have their hands at the height of the ball. This prevents the bounce pass or a throw over the top. In this situation the attacker is at a serious disadvantage, therefore, it is crucial defenders do not “reach in” and give away an easy foul. This will pressurise the ball handler and hopefully force a time violation or weak pass that can be intercepted by the remaining defensive players.

The following diagram shows the trapping zones:  attacking Red Boxes Catches the attacking player in the corners Green Boxes The offence have to worry about the 8 sec violation Yellow Boxes The offence have to worry about back court violation

Advantages of Man to Man Each player may be assigned to an opponent whom they can best handle, physically, technically and mentally. Defensive responsibility can be defined to each player. Helps to create turnovers and steals as you are continually pressurising your opponent and trying to force poor decisions. Can physically “wear down” a less well-conditioned opponent and force them to make mistakes. You can influence the tempo of the game. Can be used effectively when you are several points down. Permits those assigned to weaker opponents to double up on the opposition’s best player.

Disadvantages of Man to Man It is very physically demanding, therefore, players may become fatigued quicker. It only suits a well-conditioned team. Players are more likely to foul and get into foul trouble. You require depth on your bench. Vulnerable to screens and blocking defence. Players must be comfortable defending from all areas of the court. When switching players can become mismatched physically and technically. It creates 1v1 situations, therefore, you have to accept your opponents will drive to the basket and score high percentage lay ups. It exposes weaker team-mates. It is more difficult to establish a good rebound position to win defensive rebounds.

Important points to remember when defending in man to man Defensive stance and focus- Your weight should be on the balls of your feet and shoulder width apart. Knees bent and back straight. Keep your head up, eyes forward with arms out and palms up. Defensive slides- Slide your feet sideways using quick, short steps and don’t get your feet crossed! If your opponent dribbles past you, sprint back and once you get in front again get into your defensive stance. On the ball defence- Over guard towards the defensive players strong side. If they are right handed, over guard that side and make them go left. Always direct them towards the baseline and try to set the “trap”. Keep the palm of your lead hand facing up to get the ball from below as slapping down will cause a foul. Use your other hand to block the passing lane. Stay with your opponent and try to stop the dribble so you can close in and apply pressure. Don’t reach in! This causes you to lose your balance and defensive stance and your opponent will find it easy to dribble around you. It also causes fouls and free throws being awarded. Move your feet quickly and get into your defensive stance.

Denial- When your opponent is one pass away from the ball “deny” the pass by blocking the passing lane. Use your body and hand to prevent the pass reaching your opponent. Try and get between your opponent and the ball. Post Players- You can move directly in front of the post player to deny the pass. This can be difficult if the post player is taller than the defender or you can straddle the post player with one foot in front and one foot back, standing sideways to the offensive player with one hand in the passing lane. Know your opponents S and W- Guards can play back of their opponent a little if they are very quick or out with their shooting range. This gives you time to react so the offensive player will not get around you. If they are good shooters you must play tighter.

Things to consider Good shooters- stay close Does not dribble well- stay close and keep up the pressure Quick and a good dribbler- stay back a couple of steps giving you time to react. Right handed- over guard the right side and force them to the left. Rebounding- when a shot is taken shout “shot!” to alert your team-mates to box out their opponent and win the defensive rebound.

Types of Man to Man Half Court Press- Half court man to man starts at, or just beyond, the half way line. This is less of a gamble than full court as all 5 defenders are in the defending half. This is less physically demanding than full court. Full Court Press- Simply man to man extended over the full court.

Adapting Man to Man Like all structures and strategies each man to man strategy has its advantages and disadvantages. A good team responds to their opponents success against their chosen strategy i.e. baskets scored. Adapting the strategy to prevent opponents utilising their strengths is crucial. This can be done in a variety of ways: Adapting from one man to man strategy to another. Switching the opponent you are responsible for. Each time the opponent crosses over or a guard loses their man you mark that offensive player. Double team the opposition’s best player.

Principles of Play- Man to Man Width in defence- Evident in half court man to man when you are setting up at the half way line waiting on the offence to attack. When your opponent enters into your defending half and moves to find space for a pass then width will be evident some times but not always as you are responding to your opponents movements. Depth in Defence- If your opponent is able to move past you at any stage in the game then there will often be players behind you who can attempt to intercept the ball. However, this requires them to be very aware and they must sacrifice marking their own player to try and make the steal/block/ interception. This often creates overload situations (2v1, 3v2 etc.) and is a disadvantage for the defensive player. If your opponent is close to the basket and is able to drive then there may not be support and any attempt to stop the offensive player could result in a foul. Mobility- In man to man defence players will often interchange positions. Switching offensive players and double teaming occur regularly, however, this can be a disadvantage for defensive players as they may find themselves marking a player with better physical and technical qualities than their own.

Roles and Responsibilities Your role and responsibilities are straightforward in man to man defence. Mark the player in the opposite team who has similar qualities to your own and prevent them from scoring baskets. Every defensive player must be comfortable defending in all areas of the court, therefore, several qualities are required to fulfil their role effectively. Physical Qualities CRE- required supporting in offence and defence over 4 quarters whilst maintaining a high skill level throughout. Consistently remaining with your opponent and pressurising them over 4 quarters requires excellent CRE. Speed- quick transition from offence to defence is vital so you get into position ready to mark your opponent. Crucial in 1v1 situations if your opponent gets past you. You need to sprint back and quickly get into a strong defensive stance again. Power- crucial when rebounding. Explosive power when jumping is required to win rebounds over offence. Strength- required to block out and ensure defensive rebounds are won. Muscular Endurance- effectively winning defensive rebounds over 4 quarters requires good ME in the leg muscles. Maintaining a strong defensive stance and sliding your feet for the duration of the game requires good ME in the quadriceps, hamstrings and calves.

Physical Qualities- Skill related Balance- required when defending to quickly change direction when moving. Maintaining a good defensive, balanced stance will make it difficult for your opponent to get past you and create a scoring opportunity. This will allow you to pressure the ball and prevents you from getting into foul trouble. A balanced position is crucial when preparing to jump for the rebound. Agility- required when quickly responding to your opponents movements and getting into position to prevent a pass, steal the ball or block a shot. Required when jumping to win the defensive rebound. Reaction Time- required to quickly respond to your opponents movements, particularly in 1v1 situations when you are being attacked at speed. Crucial when attempting to steal and for reacting to the flight of the ball to win the defensive rebound. Movement Anticipation- required when anticipating attackers movements and position they will take to prevent drives to the basket, block the passing lanes and steal. Crucial when blocking out the offence and anticipating which direction the rebound will travel. Timing- required when attempting to steal, block shots and jumping when rebounding. Crucial when attempting to steal the ball during the dribble. Good timing will enable you to make contact with the ball. Poor timing will result in contact with the player and a foul or free throw.

Mental Qualities Managing your emotions- remaining disciplined, patient and sustaining concentration will ensure your opponent is continually under pressure and it will frustrate them. This will prevent you from getting into foul trouble which is very important later in the game. You are exposed in man to man and susceptible to getting into foul trouble, therefore, it is important you remain focused throughout and stay on task.

Game Plan Before deciding which strategy to use it is very important to consider several factors. These factors will influence the decisions made before and during the game. Responding effectively to situations during the game will ensure game effectiveness. Pre planning strategies ensures teams are well organised to cope with the pressures and demands of any competitive situation. When selecting any strategy the following should be considered: Your own strengths and weaknesses Your opponents strengths and weaknesses Knowledge of previous performance – your own and your opponents (analyse) Knowledge of previous results- your own and your opponents (analyse) The timing and application of strategies i.e. end of quarter strategy/time remaining in the game/score-are we winning or losing/player is fouled out/player gets injured/players are fatigued The level of competition- class/league/cup game.