Defensive Strategy

Hiiiiiiiiiiiiii Everyone!!!!!!!! Thanks for tuning in, this time we will talk about common defensive strategies. We will cover defenses including the "man-to-man" set-up and the "zone" set-up. Don't worry if these terms seem unfamiliar to you at this time because by the end you will be an expert! Let's get started....woohoo...

Man-to-man:
In a man to man defense, each player is assigned to defend and follow the movements of a single player on the opposing tem. Often, a player guards his counterpart or person on the other team playing the same position (e.g. center guarding center), but a player may be assigned to guard a different position. The strategy is not rigid however, and a player might switch assignment if needed, or leave his own assignment for a moment to double team an offensive player.

Zone:
The alternative to man-to-man defense is zone defense, in which the defender is assigned a specific area of the floor, and then guards whatever offensive player enters his area.

Overall:
The advantage of the man-to-man defense is that it is more aggressive than the zone defense. It also allows a team's best defender to stay on a player who has to be guarded at all times. The disadvantage is that it allows the offensive team to run screens more effectively, and it leaves weaker or slower defenders more exposed. In a man-to-man defense, those defenders are generally teammates staying close to their own assigned offensive player, and thus are often not in good position to offer help should a weaker defender be eluded by the offensive player he is trying to guard.

Now it's time to get out to those courts and try it for yourself!!!! Thanks everyone for listening. Feel free to leave question, comments, or concerns!

Offensive Strategy

Now it's time to talk some Offensive Strategy. I will go over 3 very common offensive strategy tactics that anyone can preform. These include Isolation, "Give and Go," and "Pick and Roll." Each one can me very effective in causing your team to score, if done at the right time. Im going to break each one down and explain them in detail so lets start right from the top!!

 Isolation Play:

1. Pick the match up you want to take advantage of in an isolation play. To do so, figure out who on your team has the greatest advantage over the player that is assigned to defend that person. Look for size mismatches, speed mismatches, strength mismatches or anything else that will give one player an advantage over the defending player.

2. Give the selected player the ball on the offensive end. Make sure the player doesn't dribble before the floor is properly spaced. If the player dribbles early, they'll risk losing their dribble before the opportunity arises to utilize it

3. Space the court for the selected player to begin the isolation play. You'll want a couple shooters spaced on the other side of the court. You'll also want another player positioned on the other side of the lane to grab a rebound. However, you don't want to have anyone else within ten to fifteen feet of the isolated player.

4. Give the isolated player the options of shooting, driving or passing to an open player. By giving the isolated player multiple options, that makes the isolation play that much more difficult to defend.

Give and go:

The give-and-go, often called pass-and-cut, is a basic offensive play in which a player simply passes (gives) to a teammate and cuts (goes) to the basket, attempting to break free of his defender and expecting a return pass from his teammate. If the defender moves with the first pass, or turns his head, the ensuing cut should be quick and straight; however, a fake, feint, change of direction, or change of pace may be necessary in order to draw a reaction from the defender. When they see the give-and-go maneuver initiated, other offensive players must decoy their defenders from the basket area and passing lane. If free to receive a pass, the cutter should raise his hand nearest the basket as a passing signal and target. The pass can be a straight pass, a bounce pass, or a lob pass as the situation warrants.

Pick and roll:
This play begins with a defender guarding a ballhandler. The ballhandler moves toward a teammate, who sets a "screen" (or "pick") by standing in the way of the defender, who is separated from the still-moving ballhandler. The defender is forced to choose between guarding the ballhandler or the screener. If the defender tries to guard the ballhandler, then the screener can move toward the basket, sometimes by a foot pivot ("roll"), and is now open for a pass. If the defender chooses instead to guard the screening teammate, then the ballhandler has an open shot. Additionally, the ballhandler may pass the ball to an open teammate, a well-executed pick and roll is the result of teamwork good teamwork.

When excecuted correctly any of these simple plays can result in a basket, so go out to the court and practice them in a pick up hame. Perfect your skill and come back here to learn more!!! Until next time, see ya!

Defensive Stance

Now it's time to talk about proper defense stance. This skill is crucial for becoming a great basketball player and stopping your opponent from scoring. I have put together 10 Key Steps to a Great Defensive Stance. So lets get started!...

Fronts of the Feet - Most of your weight should be on the fronts or balls of your feet and the majority of the weight should be on the big toes, but still keep heels on the ground. Wide Base & Feet Turned Slightly In - Your feet should be pointing straight ahead or slightly turned in (pigeon-toed). This creates an angle that allows you to provide more force against the ground. Your feet should also be slightly wider than shoulder width apart. Hips Back & Knees Bent - Butt should be behind the heels and your knees should be pointing forward, but not past the toes. Knees Inside of Feet - This helps create better push-off power. Butt Down - Staying low helps maintain balance. Shoulders Over Knees - Your shoulders should be over your knees with your chest out and back straight or slightly arched. Hands up - Depending on the tactic (Hands out or hand up to defend shot/dribble).

8. Eyes focused on the player's waist or chest. Focusing on the ball may cause you to hesitate and not be ready for when the player makes their move.
9. You should be able to draw a vertical line from the front of your forehead thru the front of your knees thru the front of your toes.
10. All of this should create the perfect, balanced defensive stance.