In previous posts we have covered how to keeping the ball out of the red zone, how to defend the dribble, and what to do when the ball handler picks up the dribble. In this post we’re going to cover taking away one of the offense’s weapons – the pass.
If we take away the dribble from the ball handler, the ball handler has two choices when they pick up the dribble. They can attempt a shot or they can pass the ball.
For this to work, a number of things have to happen. First, the dribble has to be defended. In the illustration below the point guard (1) has the ball. The defender (x1) needs to be in between the ball handler and the basket.
Second, we need to determine which offensive players are one pass away from the ball. In the illustration the are the guard (2) and the forward (4). The other two offensive players are more than one pass away from the ball, so we’re focused on helpside defense with them (that will be the next post).
To defend against 2 and 4, the defender needs to get in between the ball and the player they are guarding. In other words, the defender positions himself or herself in the way of a potential pass. The defender will assume a low, athletic stance (not as low as if we are guarding the dribbler), raising both arms so that one is in the passing lane and the other is near the opponent. This allows either arm to deflect a possible pass. The defender needs to be facing in towards the basket.
In the illustration, the defenders for players 2 and 4 are in the passing lane.
Now, if offensive players are doing their jobs then they will not be stationary. This means that the defensive player has to maintain their position in the passing lane and this means moving as the offensive player that they are guarding moves.
