Today's Quote: "As coaches we talk about two things: offense and defense. There is a third phase we neglect, which is more important. It's conversion from offense to defense and defense to offense." — Bob Knight
Today's Theme... Transition Defense
"Transition" refers to the process of changing from defense to offense (transition offense), or offense to defense (transition defense). Transition defense can be as simple as having one guard protecting back after a score, rebound or steal, with the rest of the team hustling back on defense. Or if the opponent is a fast-breaking team, it may require two guards back (see below). Or transition defense may employ a full court press defense.
All players sprint back on defense. The first player back should run to the rim and take one step out. His/her job is to defend the hoop and make the offense pass at least once.
For youth teams, keep things simple, and have them all sprint back to the paint, and then match up from there. Nowadays the 3-point shot in transition is a big weapon. For high school teams and above, we teach the following:
First, stop the ball. The second player back should stop the ball, no matter where it is. Instead of sprinting to the paint and then stopping the ball, the second player should find the ball wherever it is (even if it is just over the half-court line) and stop it. Even if the offensive player gets by him in the open court, he will have slowed the ball down some, giving our other defenders a second or two to catch up.
The remaining three players should "sprint back with vision". Instead of running straight to the paint, they see where the offense's shooters are going and matchup with those 3-point shooters. Communication is key.
Players who fail to sprint back on defense usually find themselves on the bench. There is no excuse for not sprinting back on defense, unless it is fatigue and you need a rest.
In regard to sprinting back, it's the first two steps that really make the difference. Often players hesistate, look and then go. They should be taught to react NOW, with two quick first steps. Game film is a great tool here. Players often think they are sprinting back, until you show them the film.
To learn how to defend against 2-on-1 and 3-on-2 fast breaks, see "Transition Defense" for details. There are specific rules for each situation.
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Put in a new offense or defense this season.
Run a special inbounds or buzzer-beater play and look like a genius!
Use a special defense to shutdown a star player.
Teach your team how to break a press.
