PERTH GRAMMAR SCHOOL
PE DEPARTMENT
HIGHER & INT2
STRUCTURES & STRATEGIES
Name ………………………………………………………………………
KEY CONCEPTS AND KEY FEATURES
Key Concept 1
The structures, strategies and/or compositional elements that are
fundamental to activities:
Key Feature 1
 Using space in attacking and defensive situations
Creating space in attack (Filling the lanes)
Manoeuvring in and out – manoeuvring opponents
Passing or running into space created
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Pressurising opponents in attacking and defensive situations
Overloading a defence when in attack (Fast Break)
High tempo of the fast break causes confusion and errors in defence
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Principles of individual and team play
Width in attack (Filling the lanes)
Depth in attack (Positioning of the guard in the final phase)
Mobility in attack (Adapting the strategy to meet performance
demands)
Communication in each for co-operation and support
Key Concept 2
Identification of strengths and weaknesses in performance in terms of:
roles and relationships; formations; tactical and design elements;
choreography and composition.
Key Feature 1
In terms of Roles and Relationships:
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Recognising individual strengths and weaknesses in a structure/
strategy/ composition
Analyse your role within chosen structure/ strategy.
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Recognising the demands of individual roles during performance
Physical, personal and technical qualities needed for successful
individual performance (Guard, Centre and Forward)
Performing under active pressure
Key Feature 2
In terms of Formations:

The benefits and limitations of various systems of play
Why run the fast break?
Strengths and weaknesses of chosen structures/ strategies
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The need to cooperate and support others in team or group situations
Processing information and making decisions on when to apply and
when to adapt various systems, as a team, in a game situation
Support play in the fast break (Filling the lanes)
Key Feature 3
In terms of Tactical & Design Elements:

Identifying and exploiting opponents’ weaknesses
Recognising opponents individual and team weaknesses and knowing
how best to apply a structure/ strategy which can take advantage of
highlighted weaknesses
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Recognising the need to maximise strengths within chosen structure/
strategy
Using individual and team strengths to select, apply and adapt a
structure/strategy
Key Concept 3
Information processing, problem solving and decision making when
working to develop and improve performance
Key Feature 1
 The importance of evaluating the effectiveness of current structures/
strategies in individual and team situations during performance
Using data collection through Observation Schedules (in conjunction
with video analysis) and Knowledge of Results to evaluate the
effectiveness of chosen structure/ strategy.
Why it is important to gather information on the current structure/
strategy
Why it is important to evaluate the structure/ strategy after
development
Why are the methods used appropriate?
Key Feature 2
 How to adapt and refine structures/ strategies in response to
performance demands
Experiencing drills and game – like practices to improve a chosen
structure/ strategy and prepare adaptations based on the response of
the opposition.
(Fast break options – creativity and improvisation)
Key Feature 3
 The importance during performance of continually being creative,
making good decisions under pressure and exercising effective
solutions
Showing awareness and understanding of when to adapt structure/
strategy in a demanding environment to ensure performance remains
effective.
STRUCTURES AND STRATEGIES
Basketball is a fast moving, dynamic game, which constantly presents
varied problems and challenges for players. During training sessions players
should practice set moves, in order to meet a variety of game demands. The
principles of the game of basketball can be divided into offensive (attacking)
and defensive principles and are based on the awareness of space, time and
action. The ability of players to participate or execute a strategy or tactic will
depend on the player’s technical, physical and mental qualities.
A structure is the design, formations and organisations that teams/groups
use in different activities. It is the way that the team is set up. For example in
basketball setting out to use a 2–3 defense or a 1–3–1 attack or in football
using a 443 formation. Structures give a team a shape or pattern and allocate
players a position on the pitch/court and a specific role. However the structure
must be flexible enough to cope with unpredictable or unplanned events. A
good team will be able to play and adapt a number of different formations
depending on the opposition, the team tactics and what is happening during
the actual game.
A strategy is the management of the tactics and skills of the game. It is a
planned system of play, which is implemented during the game to achieve
specific outcomes. A feature of an effective team is the application of an
appropriate game plan. In terms of strategic planning, a strategy could be
defined in two ways. Firstly an immediate next stage within a game context, for
example, ‘setting up a zone’ or secondly it can be defined as longer-term
planning, such as preparing for a league championship final.
Tactics can be defined as the procedure for applying specific
offensive/defensive plans to meet match demands. Tactics involve more than
one player and normally makes good use of individual skills. It is important
that all the players know the game plan and recognise what to do when the
game plan breaks down. Tactical plans are designed to equip players with the
ability to solve game problems independent of the coach. The success of a
game plan requires good teamwork and application of team skills. Teams
should be coached to have a sound awareness of each other’s strengths and
weaknesses and practice facing game problems.
DESCRIPTION OF THE 3 MAN FAST BREAK INT2
The 3 man fast break should be the first option of any offence. It is played
at speed as soon as the rebound is collected. The fast break should be used
under the following situations;
1.
2.
3.
4.
After
After
After
After
a
a
a
a
rebound
steal
blocked shot
successful shot
The fast break is the ultimate offensive weapon. It allows the ball to be
advanced up the court quickly for a high percentage shot, either by
outnumbering the defence or by not allowing the defence to set up in time.
It provides good width, depth and mobility in attack.
There are three main phases of a fast break;
Defensive Phase - Starting the break (rebound)
Transition Phase - Getting into position and driving the ball up the court
(filling the lanes)
Attacking Phase - Finishing with the correct scoring option (Lay-up shot)
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Strategy starts at high speed after winning a defensive rebound or an
interception has been made. Centre usually makes the rebound and
calls ‘rebound’ to initiate attack.
The outlet pass is made quickly to the open side (the side the rebound is
caught on) to the point guard.
Guard calls ‘ball’ and receives the pass in the outside lane (after moving
from the key where he was actively defending). This is to help the centre;
good communication lets them know what is happening.
Guard ‘dribbles the middle’ with control and keeps the fast speed of
attack by reading the game and making quick decisions.
Guard should drive hard towards the defence making them commit and
causing the defence to loose shape.
Driving down the middle gives the guard an option of passing to both
sides (depending on which player can receive the pass in good space)
therefore increases the attacking options.
While the guard dribbles down the middle, the forward and centre should
fill the outside lanes ahead of the guard to provide him with more
options.
Guard passes wide to the attacking forward, approximately half way
down the court, or when the defender has been drawn out of position.
Forward signals with hand to show when and where he wants the ball.
Forward takes the opportunity to lay-up the shot as soon as the pass has
been collected; the centre supports play and challenges rebound.
A lay-up shot is the 1st option because it has a higher percentage chance
of being scored. This is because the distance between the where the shot
is taken and the basket is at its smallest.
If the lay-up is unavailable because of good defending, an outlet pass
should be made to the point guard at the top of the key for him to make
the decision of shooting from which centre will rebound, or passing to
the centre on the other side for a lay-up
3 PERSON FAST BREAK HIGHER
The following is a description of a simple fast break involving 3 players see
diagram3 on next page.
The attacking team have pushed up the court and made an unsuccessful shot
at the basket. The centre (X1) rebounds the ball and pivots to the open side,
the centre then looks up, to make an outlet pass to the guard (X2). The outlet
pass should be on the same side of the court as the rebound this should
ensure that the ball is taken away from the clutter of bodies in the key. The
outlet pass provides initial width in the attack this creates space to allow the
guard to operate. The centre should try not to make an outlet pass across the
key as this could be intercepted secondly they should only play the pass when
the guard communicates that they want the ball and the pass should only be
made if the guard is free. If the guard is marked tightly the centre can dribble
the ball forward. Therefore we see that decision making on the part of the
centre is vital.
When the centre (X1) has gained possession of the ball from the rebound the
guard (X2) moves into the wide right lane to receive the outlet pass. They
should communicate when they want the pass by shouting ‘ball’ this lets the
centre know when to release the pass but it also communicates to the rest of
the team that the fast break is on. This communication is vital as everybody in
the team needs to know what is happening so they can assume their role in
the tactic. Without good communication there can be uncertainty which
causes hesitation and the fast break will be slowed down which means it will
probably be unsuccessful as the tactic relies on speed of thought and action.
Once the guard has received the ball they ‘dribble to the middle’ lane at pace.
By going down the middle that means that options are opened up down both
sides of the court. As soon as the centre has made the outlet pass they sprint
as fast as they can to fill the wide right lane and get ahead of the ball as fast
as is possible. At the same time the forward (X3) sprints as fast as they can to
fill the wide left lane and get ahead of the ball as fast as is possible. By
‘filling the lanes’ the centre and forward are providing width in attack. This
creates space by spreading out the defenders who manage to get back causing
gaps. This also provides the guard with passing options on both the left and
the right. It is important that the forward and the centre get ahead of the
guard to create depth in the attack by moving up quickly they are able to
penetrate the defence and create overload situations where the attack
outnumber the defence.
The guard continues to dibble at pace until they reach the top of the key, the
guard should arrive at the top of the key as the centre and forward reach the
extended free throw line. When the centre and forward reach the extended
free throw line they cut towards the basket looking for a pass from the guard
to go in for an uncontested lay up. The player who does not receive the ball
should continue towards the basket to provide an attacking rebound option if
the shot is missed.
When the guard reaches the top of the key decision-making is vital. The first
option should be to pass the ball to the cutting centre if they are unmarked for
an uncontested lay up; the second is to pass to the cutting forward, the third is
to drive towards the basket themselves for a lay up the fourth is a jump shot
from the free throw line. If the guard selects the option to pass to either the
centre or the forward then they must remain at the top of the key to receive a
pass back or if the centre or forward makes a shot the guard must offer a
rebound option.
Diagram 1
Extended
free
throw
line
(imaginar
It is important that the fast break is flexible and as such there are many
variations. These will be discussed in the fastbreak options section.
y line)
METHODS OF GATHERING DATA AND WHY THEY ARE APPROPRIATE
Thoughts and feelings The simplest method of gathering data within the
activity is through the performers thoughts, feelings and reflections. This is
useful as a starting point and can indicate where weaknesses may lie. It is
particularly useful for assessing the mental aspects. However it is not totally
reliable as it could be biased and is an opinion of the performer not
necessarily an actual fact. To gather quality data more scientific procedures
need to be adopted.
Coach’s opinions This tends to be more accurate as the coach has an
expert opinion, which tends to be objective. The coach is comparing your
performance to his/her criteria of a good performance drawn from their own
experience. Yet again this is an opinion and not a fact and it is governed by
the coach’s level of experience but can be a good starting point from which
to gather more in depth data.
Video this is a particularly good method of gathering data in any activity but
is especially good for team games or fast moving games where something
could be missed. Video is particularly useful in these situations as it can be
paused or played in slow motion or rewound and replayed as often as the
viewer requires. This allows a very accurate and detailed observation to
be carried out. Video provides the performer with visual evidence of their
performance. Video is also a permanent record that can be compared to a
later video to see if there are any changes to the performance after a fitness
training programme of improvement has been carried out. However video
assessment is only as effective as the criteria that are used to assess it,
simply filming your performance and watching it will be of limited value. The
most common and easiest way is to analyse the video in relation to criteria
on an observation schedule or comparing to a video of a model
performance.
Observation Schedule. This is a sheet, which is made up before
participation in the activity. It can take various formats from a simple tally
sheet e.g. an observation schedule can be tailored to meet the
requirements of the activity and the data to be collected. It can gather a
lot of general data or much more focussed specific data depending on the
criteria used. In order for an observation schedule to be effective there needs
to be some time spent considering its design and research to ensure that the
criteria it contains are relevant and actually measure what it is intended to.
The Schedule is only as effective as the person who completes it. This means
that to complete a schedule the observer requires an understanding of the
activity. The more complex and detailed the data required the more expertise
the observer should have. For simple observation schedules it would be
appropriate to use a classmate but for more in depth analysis a teacher or
coach would be better. The observation schedule can be completed whilst
watching the activity or afterwards from a video of the activity. An
observation schedule is an appropriate method as it provides a permanent
record, it can identify strengths and weaknesses, it has specific criteria
to compare your performance to, it can be made specific to your needs, it
is simple to use, can allow a before and after training comparison to
check for improvements.
INITIAL DATA COLLECTION SHEET 1
While playing in a full sided game get a partner to observe you.
NAME____________________________________
Skill
Done well
Acceptable
DATE_______________
Weakness
Comment
Passing
Dribbling
Shooting
Rebounding
Moving into
space in attack
Getting back
quickly to
defend
Put a tick in the box each time you see your partner performing one of the
skills.
Describe what you are good at and what you need to improve.
INITIAL DATA COLLECTION SHEET 2
Analyse how effective your team is at executing the fast break strategy in a
3v3 game of basketball against a similar standard of opposition. This data
could also be collected during a practice session without any opponents
Name: ______________________________________ Date________________
3 Man Fast
Break
Defensive
Phase
Transition
Phase
Attacking
Phase
Comments
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Key:
 = Done well
X = Needs improvement
Criteria
Defensive Phase - Rebound
- Fast, accurate outlet pass played to the Guard
Transition Phase - Dribble the middle
- Accurate pass played to the Forward
Attacking Phase - Pass collected, Forward just in front of Guard
- Lay up shot
FOCUS OBSERVATION
ANALYSING THE FAST BREAK
Evaluating the effectiveness of your fastbreak
DATE OF OBSERVATION:
OBSERVER:
KEY
 = SUCCESSFUL
X = UNSUCCESSFUL (intercepted)
Homeworkdouble-dribble,
Question 1 etc)
E = ERROR (travelling,
Roles and Responsibilities
Fill in the observation schedule below, using the key above, for each time a team
performs a fastbreak in a 3v3 game.
Fastbreak
Rebound
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
MAIN STRENGTHS
MAIN WEAKNESSES
Outlet
pass
Dribble
down the
middle
Pass
ahead
Basket
scored
Comments
FOCUS OBSERVATION
ANALYSING THE FAST BREAK
Roles and responsibilities within the fast break strategy
Watch the group and complete the task sheet to help you to
evaluate the player’s performance in the fast break.
Aspect of offence
√ X
evaluation
Centre / forward rebound ball
Guard / forward move wide early
quickly
Guard receives the fast outlet pass
in space
Guard dribbles quickly to middle
Wide lanes filled quickly by forward
and centre
Guard / forward indicates where he
wants pass
Guard makes accurate pass wide to
opposite side to other forward
Centre times cut to basket
Ball passed diagonally to centre
accurately
Performs lay up shot
forward follows in for rebound
KEY
√ successful
X unsuccessful
Team ___________________________
Date_____________________________
FOCUSED DATA COLLECTION
Structures and Strategies
3 Man Fast Break Attacking phase
Attacking Phase
Unsuccessful –
incorrect decisions
and actions made
Needs Improvement
– mostly correct
decisions and
actions
Successful – correct
decisions and
actions
Point Guard:
Stops in opponents
half, just over half
way line.
Ready to play pass
Centre and forward
Are in front of point
guard
Are in wide positions
Signal for pass
Point Guard:
Selects correct pass
Passes to a player
who is signalling for
pass
Centre or forward:
Receives pass
Drive towards basket
Performs lay-up shot
TEAM________________________________
DATE__________________
ROLES AND RELATIONSHIPS
An attractive feature of basketball is that there are no positional
restrictions, each player can move anywhere and do everything. However
there are three distinct roles that can be identified; the centre, guards and
forwards. Centres are often known as ‘post’ players as they operate close to
the basket. Guards are sometimes referred to as ‘playmakers’ as they often
initiate the attack. Forwards are highly mobile players who operate mainly
in the outside lanes of the court.
In every group or team it is essential to understand what your individual
responsibilities are and how your role relates to your team-mates. Refer to
the following information when analysing your role within the fast break.
Responsibilities - Centre
 Collect the rebound from under the basket
 Make a quick outlet pass to the point guard in the outside lane
 The pass should always be made on the same side as the rebound
 The centre should then fill the lane the guard has left empty
 Move quickly up the court slightly in front of the guard as they are the
second option of attack
 Read the game and watch for the pass to be made to the forward
 Once pass is made, cut into the basket ready to receive the rebound if
lay-up is unsuccessful
 If centre receives the pass, move into the key and finish with a lay-up
Responsibilities - Guard
 At the start of the strategy the point guard should be positioned at the
elbow, this is because up to this point he has been actively defending
 Read the situation as the ‘playmaker’ and receive a quick outlet pass
from the centre in the outside lane
 Correct decision is important as of when to play pass out to forward
 Should stop after he dribbles the middle and pass early to the forward (or
centre if forward is being closely marked). He only penetrates to the
basket if the defence sags (drops back).
 After the pass the point guard should remain at the top of the key,
because in this position further offensive options can be set up if the
opponents defence is already set up. In addition if the forward and
centre cannot drive to the basket for the lay-up the point guard should
be ready to shoot from outside the key
Responsibilities - Forward
 Should be out in the outside lane in front of the point guard. Hand out
signalling for the pass to be made
 Once forward is inline with the foul line (extended) they should cut in
towards basket at a 45 degree angle
 Pass should be received in a shooting position ready to drive towards the
basket with a lay-up shot
TECHNICAL QUALITIES
Players assigned to each of the roles within the fast break must have certain
technical, physical and personal qualities in order for them to carry out
their role effectively.
Technical Qualities
Physical Qualities
Centre
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Rebounding
Passing
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Height
Strength
Guard
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Dribbling
Passing
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Speed
Agility
Forward
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Shooting
Passing
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Power
Speed
Personal Qualities
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Confidence
Determination
Decision Making
Leadership
Court Awareness
Decision Making
Decision Making
Focus
Technical Qualities
Players have to have good techniques in particular skills to carry out the
fast break effectively. The 3-man fast break puts added pressure on players,
as it is carried out at high tempo, so players must have a grasp of the
fundamental actions in order for their strategy to be effective.
Centre
 Good at rebounding
 Good at passing and dribbling
 Reliable close range shooting as they are second option of attack
Guard
 Specialists at long distance shots
 Good ball handler - Able to drive to the basket
 Accurate passers to all areas
 Able to read game situations to ensure successful play, good awareness
of space.
Forward
 Good shooters from the edge and inside of the key
 Good at dribbling and able to use a variety of passes
 Skilled at cutting moves, moving past a defender quickly towards the ball
PERSONAL AND PHYSICAL QUALITIES
Physical Qualities
Within the 3 man fast break the differing roles require different physical
qualities.
Centre
 Tall player – advantage when rebounding
 Strength – upper body strength required when rebounding
 Power in the legs when jumping for rebound
Guard
 Strong on the ball
 Speed and agility– fast dribble down middle committing defenders
 Stamina – to last whole game as captain
Forward
 Strength – may have to lay-up under pressure from opposition
 Speed – when making fast, angled run to the basket
 Quite tall
Personal Qualities
Players must be mentally strong and remain focussed on their role within
the fast break. Every player has a particular role to play and must fully
concentrate and be alert in order to enable the strategy to be carried out.
Each player also requires good communication and decision making when
performing an effective fast break.
Centre
 Confident when communicating:
 Shout to initiate fast break.
 Decision Making:
 Whether or not to initiate fast break.
 Decide to shoot or pass in the final phase if required.
Guard
 Confident when communicating:
 Shout to other players to initiate adaptations if required.
 Decision making:
 Choosing the correct pass to play.
 Awareness of apace.
 Leadership
Forward
 Communication skills:
 When to signal for the ball.
 Decision Making:
 When to drive and when to pass.
 May stay out of the attack if marked tightly.
 Determination to complete a successful lay up as they may be under
pressure and final success of the strategy depends on them scoring
What Role Should I Play?
The role played by you depends on a number of factors:
Strengths and Weaknesses of your performance.
Your Physical Build and levels of fitness.
Your Personality.
The Strengths of the other members in your team.
Performance Profile
Skill
Lay-ups
Outside Shots
Close Shots
Rebounding
Dribbling
Passing
Strength
Position
Guard/ Forward
Guard/ Forward
Centre
Centre
Guard/ Forward
Guard/ Forward
Physical Characteristics
Characteristic
Height
Strong
Fast
Agile
CV Endurance
Agile
Qualities
Leadership
Determination
Awareness
Strength
Personal Qualities
Strength
Position
Centre
Centre
Forward
Forward
Guard
Guard
Position
Guard
Centre/ Forward
Guard/ Forward
From the information above, and taking into consideration the other members
of your team, what role best suits you as a player.
Role: ____________________
TEAM PRINCIPLES OF PLAY
When designing and implementing a structure, strategy or tactic there are a
number of principles of play that have to be taken into consideration to ensure
that it is effective. We are going to look at these in terms of attack and defense.
ATTACK
As soon as a team/person is in possession, they are able to attack the
opposition. The longer that possession is retained the more scoring
opportunities can be created. The purpose of any attack is to create scoring
opportunities and ultimately to actually score.
Width: This is the space between players across the pitch or court. When
players create width in attack: they have more space and time in which to work
and execute skills; it puts pressure on the defence by stretching them and
creating holes in the defence called space; space provides more and easier one
on one situations and gaps for players to run through and finally the defenders
have to work much harder, as they have to cover more space.
Depth: This is the space between players along the length of the pitch or court.
When players create depth in attack: they offer support options ahead of and
behind the ball carrier, they have more space and time in which to work and
execute skills; it puts pressure on the defence by stretching them and creating
holes in the defence called space; space provides more and easier one on one
situations and gaps for players to run through and finally the defenders have
to work much harder, as they have to cover more space.
Support: This is the availability of options created by players of the ball.
Players who are not in possession of the ball must be creating space and/or in
a position to receive a pass at either side or in front and behind the ball
carrier. When players support well in attack: there are numerous options
available to ensure the attack continues, overload situations occur where
attackers outnumber defenders, close marking defences can be broken down
and uncertainty is created within the defence.
Penetration: This is the ability to break through and or get in behind a
defence. This achieved by: players taking on the defenders and beating them in
1v1 situations though overload situations (2v1 for example) are best, fast
counter attacks to catch the defence off guard, runs off the ball to get in
behind the defence and passes played over the top of the defence for players to
move onto.
Speed: This is the ability to create attacking opportunities through pace and
speed of thought and action. This can be as an individual or an attacking unit.
By using pace the defence has less time to organise and set up their structure
and players can be caught out of position leading to gaps and overload
situations.
Overload: This is creating situations where the attackers outnumber the
defenders.
Mobility: This is movement on and off the ball it is the ability to change
direction at pace move into space. An attack that is static is easy to defend,
therefore players on and off the ball need to constantly be moving and
changing direction to get free from the defenders, create space, offer support
options and try to penetrate the defence.
Communication: This is required to make players aware of the attacking
tactic; aware of support options, when and where they are in space etc. It can
be verbal (a shout) or a visual (a hand signal)
Organisation: Players have specific roles and responsibilities (we will talk
about this later). There are set plays to organise, the attacking formation and
the tactics in open play.
Balance: Players must be spread round the key not all in one area of the
attacking zone.
DEFENCE
As soon as a team/individual loses possession they are in defence. When in
defence the objective is to stop and break down the opposition attack and
regain possession.
Delay: This is the first priority slow down/delay the attack so the defence
can get organised and consolidate their position. This can be done by
reducing the time and space an attacker has you can force them to slow
down: By forcing or channelling the player away form the danger areas or
into an area that is well defended is difficult to attack from or has limited
options: By hustling and jockeying the attacker without diving in an
committing yourself.
Marking: This is ability of a player to stick with and close down the space
and time available for the opposition this can be done when their assigned
attacker is in possession or not depending on the type of defence being
played. The marker may not have the responsibility for a specific player but
rather an area of the court or pitch (zone) and is responsible for marking
whichever player enters the zone.
Width: This is the space between players across the pitch or court. In
defence it is important that there is a spread across the area so as to cover
attacks through the middle or the wide areas.
Depth: This is the space between players along the length of the pitch or
court. The defenders should never be in a flat line across the pitch or court.
A defender must be able to move forward to close down the ball carrier.
Depth is also important behind as well. The defensive formation must have
an initial line of defence then at least 1 other line of defence to provide cover
in behind. This prevents the initial line being by passed with a ball over the
top and provides cover if the initial line is breached.
Balance: It is vital to maintain a balanced defence. The defence has to have
a blend of width and depth and players should not all be drawn towards the
ball the defence needs to maintain its shape. By ensuring this, the defence
can cover wide attacks and prevent the attack exposing gaps when they
switch the point of attack.
Communication: This is required to make players aware of the type of
defence; aware of marking responsibilities, calling for help etc. It can be
verbal (a shout) or a visual (a hand signal)
Organisation: Players have specific roles and responsibilities (we will talk
about this later). There are set marking responsibilities, the defensive
formation and defending set pieces.
TACTICS
A tactic is a system of play which you apply in a game. Before selecting your
tactic, you must take into account 4 points. These are:
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Our
Our
Our
Our
strengths
weaknesses
opponents strengths
opponents weaknesses
Listed below are examples of strengths and weaknesses. Which of these
apply to your team and are there any others that you can add to the
list?
Our Strengths
 Quick Players
 Centre was a strong rebounder
 Guard was confident, fast dribbler
 Forward was excellent at lay – ups
 Players could cope with skills at a fast pace
Our Weaknesses
 Breaking down defences
Our Opponents Strengths
 Strong zone defence
Our Opponents Weaknesses
 Slow to set up their zone defence
 Slow to get back in their own half
 Poor outside shooters
 Poor rebounders
STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF A FAST BREAK
There are many benefits and limitations that teams must consider before
applying the fast break strategy.
Strengths of a fast break:
 Fast break creates the easiest way to score
 Attack can take place before the opponents are set to play defence or
rebound
 Works well against zone defence due to the time restriction the
opponents have for setting up zone
 Creates an easy opportunity to break through the defence (2v1 or 3v2)
 A fast breaking team are better prepared to inbound the ball quickly
before a press is set up
 A fast break can cause mismatches against player to player defence
 A fast break team discourages opponents from sending to many players
to the offensive board to rebound for fear of not having players to defend
 It motivates a team to play good defence and rebound
Weaknesses of a fast break:
 Could get caught in the opponents half, if the ball is intercepted
 Speed of attack puts pressure on players
 Might not be as effective against man-to-man defence
 Ability levels of players must be high
 Could create a mis-match in opponents favour
TASK
From the data you have gathered and your own feelings and thoughts
discuss with your group your strengths and weaknesses and list them
below.
DEVELOPING PERFORMANCE
To develop our performance in the fast break we need to plan and carry out
a programme of work to improve the weaknesses we have found from our
data collection and our group discussions. The programme must be
progressive and contain various drills which become more games like as we
improve. The points to consider are:
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Skill practice in isolation
Fast break 3v0 unopposed
Fast break drills
Introducing defenders to the drills
In each of the practices you should be able to identify which
weaknesses are being worked on. At the end of each session you need
to note down the practices in your jotter and say what they are
working on
Skill in isolation
1 Centre rebounds the ball and makes quick pass out to point guard
who shouts ball.
2 Lay up from dribble improving footwork
3 Lay up from pass.
Unopposed
1
To begin with so that everyone knew exactly their role and
responsibility, we walked through the fast break a few times. We
then performed it faster and finally performed it at games pace but
with no opposition
Fast break drills
1
2
3
4
5
Saltire
Poldo
3 man weave
basic 4 corner drill. How can you develop this?
cross passing in square
Introducing defenders
These drills include virtually every element of basketball but are slightly
favoured to the offence to give the players a real chance to practice their
offensive fast break moves. These defenders can be passive or active. In the
initial stages the defender will be passive. As the players improve the
defender will become increasingly more active making the practice more
games like. In the unopposed practice we play 3v0. As we introduce the
defenders we start with 3v1 then as we improve we move onto 3v2 where the
offence is under much more pressure.
Task
1
2
Devise a practice using a passive defender
Develop this practice to make the defender active
ADAPTING STRATEGIES
When playing matches there will be a need to adapt play in response to
performance demands. The need to change or adapt current strategy will
depend on the following types of offensive and defensive considerations:
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the strategy is working or not
adjusting defense rhythm to upset the offence
to catch up or to exert even more pressure
whether the individual / team is in foul trouble
to suit individuals in key positions who can affect an advantage
to pressurise key players in the opposition
the physical demand of the adopted strategy
the time is running out
you are being beaten
you are winning.
Points to consider
The players must be able to respond to changing situations by adapting
team strategies. To be able to adapt, the team must:
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know the alternatives
have practiced playing against varying offensive/defensive structures
have practiced changing from one strategy to another
all be able to react on court.
As a result of adapting our strategy:
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We had more options in attack in terms of passing and shooting to
ensure that our attack remained mobile.
We could surprise the opposition and catch them off guard.
We could put the defenders under pressure.
We could take advantage of the overload.
We could retain possession of the ball and not get caught out in attack.
Fastbreak options
During any team game, it is important that the attacking team is versatile and
able to change their attacking strategy to help create as many easy scoring
opportunities as possible. This in turn will also make it difficult for the
defending team to know what they are doing.
On the diagrams on the next few pages, draw and explain the different 3-man
fastbreak options that we have worked on in class.
To make it easier to understand, use different coloured pencils or pens for
each player, and explain the role of each player, highlighting YOUR roles and
responsibilities within the option.
DIAGRAM KEY:
OPTION 1
DESCRIPTION
OPTION 2
DESCRIPTION
OPTION 3
DESCRIPTION
5 - Man Fastbreak
Now draw and explain the 5-man fastbreak that we have worked on in class.
Remember to include a description of the roles fulfilled by each player in the
strategy.
5 – Man Fastbreak.
DESCRIPTION
ALTERNATIVES TO A FAST BREAK
If the fast break is not on or it breaks down or the defence are back in
position then an alternative offence/attack has to be run.
The main offensive aim in basketball is to get to your attacking basket
before the other teams’ defence is set therefore you are trying to gain
numerical advantage. Through trying to engage in this fast type of offence it
would result in various scoring opportunities.
Hence your first option is, if your transition from defence to offence is fast
and successful, is to fast break but what happens when the fast break is
not on or if it breaks down?
Well as with every offence it depends on the defence that the opposing team
adopts. Another way of setting up an attack is to use motion offence.
MOTION OFFENCE
Motion offence is basically an endless type of offence where certain rules are
set by the coach that players have to follow until they can achieve an easy
basket. Motion Offence is run against a zone defence this happen from a set
formation such as a 1-2-2 or a 1-3-1 see diagram below are the most
common.
1-2-2 set
1-3-1 set
Within the following strategies attacking team adopts a 1-3-1 formation to
combat the zone defence of the opposition and from the outset it also means
that the offence has width and depth. The guard is positioned at the “point” (1),
the forwards (2+3) are positioned on the free throw line extended outside the
three point line, one centre (5) is in the low post area just outside the key with
the remaining centre (4) just above the free throw line in line with the two
forwards.
The key to breaking down a zone is to make the ball do the work whilst
keeping the defence on their toes with people cutting through the zone.
MONITORING AND EVALUATING
Evaluating performance following a programme of work will ensure the
strategy is being performed effectively. When adapting our strategy to meet
the new demands placed on us by the opposition, it is also vital to our
development that we continually monitor the adaptations made.
Methods used when Monitoring
 Video used with verbal feedback from teacher or coach.
 Knowledge of results – counting the number of baskets scored from a fast
break during practice.
 Monitoring the reaction of the defence. If they are coping with the
adaptations or adapt their defensive strategy to counter act our new
strategy then further changes may be necessary.
Why these methods are appropriate
 Monitoring performance ensures that the adaptations put in
remain effective throughout programme (correct decisions are
made and roles are understood).
 Monitoring performance ensures that players roles are now suited
adaptations. If not then the players may have to change their role
attack.
 Can highlight any weaknesses in the adaptations and rectify any
problems.
place
being
to the
in the
Method used when Evaluating
 Compare performance at start with present.
 Video analysis and the completion of data collection sheets.
 Verbal feedback from teacher or coach.
 Knowledge of results – counting the number of baskets scored from a fast
break before and after programme of work/adaptations made.
Why these methods are appropriate
 Repeating the same methods of analysis used before the course of action
was carried out allows a comparison of results to be made.
 As the fast break is carried out at a fast tempo, video is useful when
completing data sheets as slow motion allows individual players and
phases to be observed easily.
 Data collection is an objective and reliable method for monitoring
practice as it provides statistical evidence/results on performance. If
results are improving, practice is working.
 Knowledge of results allows a quick and easy measurement of our
success rate.
DEFENCE
A team's success depends on defence. Good defence inhibits your opponents by limiting
uncontested open shots. Good team defence not only reduces scoring opportunities for your
opponent but opens them to your team. More often than not, steals, interceptions and missed
shots lead to high percentage shots at the other end through fast breaks.
ZONE DEFENCE
Zone defence is the most energy efficient method of defending in Basketball. Within the
"Zone" players can be assigned positions according to their physical attributes and defensive
capabilities. Unlike "man to man" defence players are responsible for a specific area of the
court which can change at any time depending on factors such as team mates, ball position
and opposition.
In order for the zone defence to operate effectively a great deal of cooperation and
anticipation of team-mates movements is necessary. In this respect it is not just any team that
can turn their hand to defending effectively through use of a "Zone".
BASIC PRINCIPLES
These are some basic principles employed when playing zone defence:
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Pick your personnel carefully i.e. tall players for rebounding, small quick players on the
outside for ball pressure.
All players should face the ball. They should always know where the ball is and the
approximate position of the other players. It is important that the back players
communicate and tell the front players the game situation.
Block the passing lanes, by occupying them or anticipating passes in that area. KEEP
HANDS UP AT ALL TIMES TO INTERCEPT STRAY/ POOR PASSES.
Stop all driving in shots by clogging middle and baseline positions.
Make sure you always have your rebounding triangle ready to collect missed shots or for
interceptions.
Always look for the fast break as you can always have your outside players (forwards)
break away for an outlet pass as soon as the rebound is collected.
Be sure to get back fast on defence to set yourself up for your zone. ONE PLAYER
LAGGING CAN SPOIL YOUR WHOLE DEFENCE AND COST YOU THE GAME.
An Effective Zone Defence –
 Always maintains good shape (stay together).
 Does not get broken down easily.
 "Help and Recover" is provided - zone will momentarily break shape in order for one
player to help another team-mate and prevent a potentially penetrating pass or aggressive
dribble and then recover back to their correct position within the zone.
 Force shots from outside the zone near the 3 point line that will have lower success rate
than lay up shots.
 Will wear teams down, in extreme cases meaning no shot at all from the offensive team.
(Remember no shot within 24 seconds means your team loses the ball).
 As well as the above, a zone defence must also have players in the correct positions,
according to the type of zone you are playing.
Positioning
Within a zone defence players can be assigned positions according to one or more of the
following: Physical Qualities/Attributes - Height or Speed.
 Personal Qualities - Good leadership skills, good communicator, organises well.
 Technical Qualities - Defensive Capabilities (Good rebounding ability)
STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES
Every zone defence has its own strengths and weaknesses. Common to all are the
following:
Strengths
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Protects the inside of the Key against a team with good drivers and fast players and poor
outside shooters.
Defensive players can be assigned positions according to their height and defensive
capabilities I.e. taller players can be assigned to areas inside the key for rebounding and
for trying to block shots at the basket. Smaller, quicker players can be assigned to outside
areas for putting pressure on the ball and covering the lanes.
Players are in a tactically more structured and balanced initial position for starting a fast
break than they would be if they were playing man to man. Therefore as well as being a
sound defensive strategy the zone defence also has positive implications for a teams
offensive game.
The "Zone" is more effective than man to man defence against teams with good "cutting
and screening" offensive manoeuvres. For instance, within man to man defence, players
are more easily manipulated and dragged into areas of the court they would not normally
be in. This in turn can create space for the offensive team. This does not occur as often
when a team plays a "zone" defence as players are responsible for an area of the
court/space and not an opposing player.
The zone defence is fairly easy to learn and may overcome an individual's weakness in
basic defensive skills.
Players who are in danger of being "fouled out" can be protected within a zone defence.
I.e. A defensive players' position can be changed if an offensive player is giving him/her
a lot of problems and inviting/enticing a lot of fouls.
A team’s ability to change to a zone defence during a game can disrupt any positive
rhythm that the opposing team may have built up.
Weaknesses
Zone Defence can be ineffective when:
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If the opposing team have strong shooters and are successful from outside the key.
If the opposing team have a good fast break the Zone won't have time to set up.
Quick passing moves the ball quicker than Zone defenders can shift.
The opposing team are ahead so they can 'stall' more easily against the Zone by passing
round it. This may have a tendency for the Zone to 'break up' as individual players try to
move to get the ball.
2-1-2 ZONE DEFENCE FORMATION
The 2-1-2 defence is one of the most frequently used zones in basketball.
Consider the following roles of players within a 2-1-2 zone defence.
Key:
F - Forward
C - Centre
G - Guard
G
G
C
F
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F
In a 2-1-2 zone defence, each player has responsibility to mark a particular area within
the zone.
The zone defends the area close to the basket and makes it difficult for opponents to take
a shot inside the key.
Shots tend to come from outside the key.
Three players have formed a defensive triangle closest to the basket. If a shot is missed
the defence should be in a good position to collect the rebound.
When the ball is played from one side of the court to the other side the zone must shift
position.
Players within the zone should put opponent closest to them under pressure.
Roles and Relationships
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Guards, playing at the front of the zone, use their quickness and mobility to pressure the
ball at the top and sides of the key. Guards are also in an ideal position to break quickly
into offence.
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Forwards, playing on the baseline at the edge of the key, pressure shooters from the side
and rebound after a shot.
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The centre, playing in the middle of the key, uses height to prevent a drive to the basket
and act as the main defensive rebounder.
TEAM PRINCPLES – 2-1-2 ZONE DEFENCE
Zone defence will require the team principles of width, depth, mobility, support and pressure.
Team principles will change depending on the type of strategy played. Within zone defence a
variety of different tactical elements can be used.
1.
2-1-2 Zone
2.
1-2-2 Zone
3.
1-3-1 Zone
4.
2-3 Zone
Again we will look at the 2-1-2 zone.
Team principles
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The offence is allowed to come into our half, just outside the three point line, before any
pressure is applied. It gives us the opportunity to re-group at half way after our
opponents have regained the ball.
Guards at the front of the zone need to move quickly to put the outside shooters under
pressure. They need to react to quick passes across the zone.
We reduce the width of the court we are defending and if we make a mistake another
player is not too far away to help.
The zone needs mobility to shift from one side of the key to the other.
When a shot is taken players at the basket can support each other by forming a defensive
triangle.
Strengths of a 2-1-2 zone
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Good starting position for a fast break when the ball is intercepted
Area around the basket is closely defended
Good positioning for rebound
Weaknesses of a 2-1-2 zone
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The strategy allows some outside shots. If the opposition have high percentage outside
shooters the zone will be limited in its effectiveness.
A tall team may still be able to rebound against us.
If the zone is too slow to shift as a unit, the opposition will be able to create space both
inside and outside the key.
The zone does not put players bringing the ball up the court under pressure. The offence
has time to set up their strategy.
ADAPTING DEFENSIVE STRATEGIES
There are times during your game that your defensive strategy is not
working well enough and you need to change it. Maybe you are losing too
many baskets
MAN TO MAN DEFENCE
In any man-to-man defence each player is assigned a specific player from
the opposition to mark. Each defender is responsible for getting between the
offensive player they have been assigned and the basket. The defender who
is marking the player with the ball is in the “ball position” any defender who
is marking a player who is one pass away is in the “deny position” and any
defender who is marking a player who is two or more passes away is in the
“help position”. It is important that the defenders communicate this to their
team mates through a loud shout of “ball, deny or help”. This also helps to
focus the defenders mind on their task.
In the ball position the defender should be putting maximum pressure on
the ball carrier to slow them down, limit their space and time, prevent them
from shooting passing or dribbling without fouling them and ultimately to
try to steal the ball or force a turnover.
In the deny position the defender is also working hard to deny space and
time for their opponent. They are trying to prevent them form being a
passing option for the ball carrier and close down any cut they make to
receive passes and they will look to intercept passes made to their
opponent.
In the help position the defender does not work as hard trying to close down
the attacker they are assigned to mark. They tend to sag off their opponent
to plug gaps in the centre of the key or fill in behind a team mate who has
been dragged out wide. However they must be aware of where their
opponent is at all times to pick them up if the move into a more threatening
position or the ball is moved so that they are now one pass away.
Some “rules/considerations” of man-to-man defence –
1. Never let your player between you and the basket
2. You should always be in a ready state so your knees should never be
straight
3. Never be beyond the ball, you should always be able to see the ball and
your player
4. Defend with your chest (be between 2 sheets of glass) if you use your
hands you will be called for a foul
5. Never be straight on to your defender always have an angle to work with
What to do when your player –
 Has the ball - your aim is to keep yourself
between the ball and the basket. Try to force
your opponent on to their weakest hand e.g. if
they’re right handed defend their right side and
force them on to their left. Remember they can
fake with the ball and their eyes the only thing
they can’t fake with is around their centre of
gravity so try to focus on that.
 Has not got the ball adopt
a
position
which is known as “help side”. They should be
in a good defensive position where they can see
the ball and their player pointing at both
(defensive triangle). From this stance you are in
a position to see the whole area. If a pass were
made to your player there would be more than
enough time to reach your player and put them
under pressure. You are also in a position to
anticipate the pass and intercept it if it is high
and loopy.
REQUIREMENTS FOR MAN-TO-MAN
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Physical and mental toughness
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High level of Cardio-vascular endurance
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Focus – only have 5 fouls to play with
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Concentration and control – it can be very frustrating especially when
fatigue is setting in and you can’t chase back you could vent your
irritation by fouling when not needed to.
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Communication is vital – all players have to alert team mates to dangers
e.g. screens etc.
Strengths Of Man- To-Man Defence
1) Simple to understand - you are given a player to mark and basically you
have to stay between your allocated attacker and your basket wherever he
goes.
2) This defence is very flexible - in that it can be effectively played full
court, three quarter court, half court and in the back court areas.
3) This defence allows players to be well matched up - tall players can be
matched up, fast players can be matched with fast players etc.
4) This defence allows maximum pressure to be applied - unlike zone
defence, man-to-man defence allows you to contest every dribble, every
pass, every inbound and every shot. Ultimately this pressure can lead to
turn-overs and bad decision making.
5) Players tend to find man-to-man defence more exciting to play- unlike
zone defence where there is restricted movement; man-to-man defence is far
more active as your movements depends on the movements of the attackers
wherever they are on court. This defence dictates that the game will be
played at a much faster tempo and this keeps defenders both physically and
mentally alert and players like this.
Weakness Of Man- To-Man Defence
1) Miss-matches can occur in man-to-man defence - if the opposition are
unknown to you miss-matches may occur in terms of speed, strength and
experience, which could be exploited by the opposition.
2) Defenders who are not well coached in the individual fundamentals of
man-to-man defence can be exploited - upon receiving the ball good
attackers square up and immediately "read the defence ", and if the
defender is in a poor position the attacker will immediately take him on.
3) Because of its aggressive nature foul trouble can occur - because good
man-to-man defence contests every pass, dribble and shot and because the
pace of the game tends to be fast, defenders are often called for reaching
and blocking fouls.
4) Players who are in trouble can be exploited - players who are in foul
trouble, injured or tired are not able to defend effectively, and experienced
players will exploit this ruthlessly by driving at the hampered defender.
5) Man-to-man defence is more physically demanding – for poorly
conditioned players and small squads of players (5/6) man-to-man can be
very tiring, and this can result in lapses in concentration and poor decision
making.
6) Key players can be dragged out of position - the player dictates the
defenders’ position he is marking, and for example, if an attacking centre
deliberately stations their self high away from the basket, this drags the
defensive centre away from the key rebounding area.
Variations on man to man defence
Man to man defence can be played full court, half court or in the final
attacking third of the court. This would be depending upon the score line
the stage of the game and what the opposition strengths and weaknesses
were. For example your team may be trailing with little time left to play so
you need to get the ball quickly therefore you may play a full court man to
man to apply pressure and force turnovers as soon as you lose possession.
Another variation is a pressure man-to-man defence where the marker
shifts from basket side to ball side of the defender placing themselves
between the attacker and the ball carrier. This cuts out the passing options
and put even more pressure on the ball carrier and is designed to force
turnovers. Yet again this can be run as full, half court or in the last
attacking third.