Effective team defense begins by being in the proper position on the floor. The first step, to be in proper position, is for defenders to see both the ball and the offensive player she is defending. The next step to help defenders be in proper position is to continually read the player with the ball, and recognize indicators that should initiate movement by defenders.
The following are some actions by the player with the ball, which if recognized, can help the off-ball defenders move into better position:
When an offensive player brings the ball overhead. This is an indicator for off-ball defenders to move a step closer to the player they are guarding. When the ball is brought overhead the ball-handler does not have the ball in a position to drive, only to pass or shoot.
When the dribbler starts to bring their other hand to the ball they usually are going to pick up their dribble. This is also an indicator for off-ball defenders to move closer to their man. When most players begin to bring their other hand to the ball they are going into the motion of shooting, passing or stopping – all actions which should result in defenders moving closer to the player she is defending.
When the passer turns her body and looks to one side of the floor she has lost vision on the other side. This movement allows the defenders on the side of the floor the passer is not looking towards to move a step closer to the players they are defending.
When the dribbler goes into a skip step or hops it is usually the beginning of a hesitation move into a drive. Defenders on either side of the ball should be ready to cover the drive-line and take away the opportunity to penetrate.
When a post player, with their back to the basket, begins to drop their back foot toward the basket a drop step or spin move back the other way is likely to follow. If off-ball defenders are close enough they may be able to steal the ball if it is dribbled on a spin move or take away the path to the basket.
4:13
No comments:
Post a Comment