BASKETBALL SPACE

Spacing is a concept that many coaches and players talk about but very few really spend time understanding. We utilize spacing so that we can put the maximum amount of pressure on our opponents’ help defense.

We not only have to take advantage of defensive mismatches every game, we have to put as much pressure on the “help & recover” part of the opponents’ defense as possible. We believe the key to accomplishing this is through spacing.

Our goals with our spacing are:

Make it difficult for one defender to guard two offensive players.

Make the defense constantly run to “close-out.”

Some guidelines of spacing:

Stay 12’- 15’ apart.

Stay “on a string” with the player next to you; move to an open space as they move.

Be prepared to “punish” the defense, be ready and be decisive on the catch.

Always pay attention to your spacing: “when in doubt….spread out.”

We have to put the defense in uncomfortable situations where they have to make an important defensive decision: Do I help and risk not being able to recover or do I stay and risk a dribbled-in lay up? This is the state of hesitation we want them in. It puts the defense at a distinct disadvantage.

(thanks coach Eastman)