KNIGHTSWOOD SECONDARY SCHOOL
Incorporating the Dance School of Scotland
Physical Education
Department
Structures and Strategies
Basketball
Man to Man Defence Support Material
Team Defence
To perform effectively in a basketball game the team must prevent the
opposition from scoring baskets and winning the game. Scoring baskets is not
enough if you continually allow the other team to score. As individual players
each team member must know their individual role and what their
responsibilities are within the chosen structure/strategy. Selecting an
appropriate defensive strategy will predominantly depend on individual
players strengths and weaknesses. Physical, Technical and Mental qualities
must be considered.
A good defensive team will continually analyse their opponent’s strengths,
weaknesses, strategies and change or adapt their defence accordingly.
There are two basic types of defence: man to man and zone.
Man to Man Defence
Man to Man defence is a simple defensive strategy in Basketball. Each one of
your five defenders matches up against one of your five opponents and is
responsible for guarding that player. Players are matched with opponents who
have similar physical, technical and mental qualities. In other words, the point
guards defend each other, the centres defend each other and the forwards
defend each other.
Each player must try very hard to stop there opponent. If 1 or 2 players don’t
fulfil their role effectively then the defence will fail. Offensive players will be
able to overload defensive players (2v1, 3v2 etc.) and they will have the
opportunity to drive to the basket and perform high percentage lay ups.
The aim of man to man is to continually pressurise the offence and set
“traps” which enable you to create turnovers and steal the ball.
Trapping
Trapping requires the defensive player to force their opponent to the baseline
away from the basket and attempt to force them into the “trapping zones” and
stop the dribble. Once the offensive player is in this area and has stopped
dribbling a second defender “helps” his teammate and “double teams” the ball
carrier. Both players obscure the ball handlers view, keep close together and
have their hands at the height of the ball. This prevents the bounce pass or a
throw over the top. In this situation the attacker is at a serious disadvantage,
therefore, it is crucial defenders do not “reach in” and give away an easy foul.
This will pressurise the ball handler and hopefully force a time violation or
weak pass that can be intercepted by the remaining defensive players.
The following diagram highlights the “trapping zones”
 attacking
X
Z
Y
X
X
Z
Y
X

Zone X- catches the player in the corners

Zone Y- the offence have to worry about the 8 sec violation

Zone Z- the offence have to worry about back court violation.
Advantages of Man to Man
1. Each player may be assigned to an opponent whom they can best
handle, physically, technically and mentally.
2. Defensive responsibility can be defined to each player.
3. Helps to create turnovers and steals as you are continually
pressurising your opponent and trying to force poor decisions.
4. Can physically “wear down” a less well-conditioned opponent and force
them to make mistakes.
5. You can influence the tempo of the game.
6. Can be used effectively when you are several points down.
7. Permits those assigned to weaker opponents to double up on the
opposition’s best player.
Disadvantages of Man to Man
1. It is very physically demanding, therefore, players may become
fatigued quicker. It only suits a well-conditioned team.
2. Players are more likely to foul and get into foul trouble. You require
depth on your bench.
3. Vulnerable to screens and blocking defence.
4. Players must be comfortable defending from all areas of the court.
5. When switching players can become mismatched physically and
technically.
6. It creates 1v1 situations, therefore, you have to accept your opponents
will drive to the basket and score high percentage lay ups.
7. It exposes weaker teammates.
8. It is more difficult to establish a good rebound position to win defensive
rebounds.
Important points to remember when defending in man to man
1. Defensive stance and focus- Your weight should be on the balls of your
feet and shoulder width apart. Knees bent and back straight. Keep your
head up, eyes forward with arms out and palms up.
2. Defensive slides- Slide your feet sideways using quick, short steps and
don’t get your feet crossed! If your opponent dribbles past you, sprint
back and once you get in front again get into your defensive stance.
3. On the ball defence- Over guard towards the defensive players strong
side. If they are right handed, over guard that side and make them go
left. Always direct them towards the baseline and try to set the “trap”.
Keep the palm of your lead hand facing up to get the ball from below as
slapping down will cause a foul. Use your other hand to block the
passing lane. Stay with your opponent and try to stop the dribble so
you can close in and apply pressure.
4. Don’t reach in! This causes you to lose your balance and defensive
stance and your opponent will find it easy to dribble around you. It also
causes fouls and free throws being awarded. Move your feet quickly
and get into your defensive stance.
5. Denial- When your opponent is one pass away from the ball “deny” the
pass by blocking the passing lane. Use your body and hand to prevent
the pass reaching your opponent. Try and get between your opponent
and the ball.
6. Post Players- You can move directly in front of the post player to deny
the pass. This can be difficult if the post player is taller than the
defender or you can straddle the post player with one foot in front and
one foot back, standing sideways to the offensive player with one hand
in the passing lane.
7. Know your opponents S and W- Guards can play back of their
opponent a little if they are very quick or out with their shooting range.
This gives you time to react so the offensive player will not get around
you. If they are good shooters you must play tighter.
Considerations

Good shooters- stay close

Does not dribble well- stay close and keep up the pressure

Quick and a good dribbler- stay back a couple of steps giving
you time to react.

Right handed- over guard the right side and force them to the
left.

Rebounding- when a shot is taken shout “shot!” to alert your
teammates to box out their opponent and win the defensive
rebound.
Types of man to man

Half Court Press- Half court man to man starts at, or just beyond, the
half way line. This is less of a gamble than full court as all 5 defenders
are in the defending half. This is less physically demanding than full
court.

Full Court Press- Simply man to man extended over the full court.

Deny Press- this can be done full court or half court. This is when
defenders play in the passing lane between their opponent and the
ball. It is used to deny an inbound pass, hopefully resulting in either
intercepting the ball or getting a 5 second call. This is crucial in a close
game when you need the ball back. It is usually set up when your
opponent is in bounding the ball or after you have scored a basket.
This can help to force the other team into taking a time out if you catch
them by surprise.
Adapting man to man
Like all structures and strategies each man to man strategy has its
advantages and disadvantages. A good team responds to their opponents
success against their chosen strategy i.e. baskets scored. Adapting the
strategy to prevent opponents utilising their strengths is crucial. This can be
done in a variety of ways.

Adapting from one man to man strategy to another.

Switching the opponent you are responsible for. Each time the
opponent crosses over or a guard loses their man you mark that
offensive player.

Double team the opposition’s best player.
Principles of Play
Width in defence- Evident in half court man to man when you are setting up at
the half way line waiting on the offence to attack. When your opponent enters
into your defending half and moves to find space for a pass then width will be
evident some times but not always as you are responding to your opponents
movements.
Depth in Defence- If your opponent is able to move past you at any stage in
the game then there will often be players behind you who can attempt to
intercept the ball. However, this requires them to be very aware and they must
sacrifice marking their own player to try and make the steal/block/
interception. This often creates overload situations (2v1, 3v2 etc.) and is a
disadvantage for the defensive player. If your opponent is close to the basket
and is able to drive then there may not be support and any attempt to stop the
offensive player could result in a foul.
Mobility- In man to man defence players will often interchange positions.
Switching offensive players and double teaming occur regularly, however, this
can be a disadvantage for defensive players as they may find themselves
marking a player with better physical and technical qualities than their own.
Roles and Responsibilities
Your role and responsibilities are straightforward in man to man defencemark the player in the opposite team who has similar qualities to your own
and prevent them from scoring baskets.
Every defensive player must be comfortable defending in all areas of the
court, therefore, several qualities are required to fulfil their role effectively.
Physical Qualities

CRE- required supporting in offence and defence over 4 quarters whilst
maintaining a high skill level throughout. Consistently remaining with
your opponent and pressurising them over 4 quarters requires
excellent CRE.

Speed- quick transition from offence to defence is vital so you get into
position ready to mark your opponent. Crucial in 1v1 situations if your
opponent gets past you. You need to sprint back and quickly get into a
strong defensive stance again.

Power- crucial when rebounding. Explosive power when jumping is
required to win rebounds over offence.

Strength- required to block out and ensure defensive rebounds are
won.

Muscular Endurance- effectively winning defensive rebounds over 4
quarters requires good ME in the leg muscles. Maintaining a strong
defensive stance and sliding your feet for the duration of the game
requires good ME in the quadriceps, hamstrings and calves.
Physical Qualities- Skill Related

Balance- required when defending to quickly change direction when
moving. Maintaining a good defensive, balanced stance will make it
difficult for your opponent to get past you and create a scoring
opportunity. This will allow you to pressure the ball and prevents you
from getting into foul trouble. A balanced position is crucial when
preparing to jump for the rebound.

Agility- required when quickly responding to your opponents
movements and getting into position to prevent a pass, steal the ball or
block a shot. Required when jumping to win the defensive rebound.

Reaction Time- required to quickly respond to your opponents
movements, particularly in 1v1 situations when you are being attacked
at speed. Crucial when attempting to steal and for reacting to the flight
of the ball to win the defensive rebound.

Movement
Anticipation-
required
when
anticipating
attackers
movements and position they will take to prevent drives to the basket,
block the passing lanes and steal. Crucial when blocking out the
offence and anticipating which direction the rebound will travel.

Timing- required when attempting to steal, block shots and jumping
when rebounding. Crucial when attempting to steal the ball during the
dribble. Good timing will enable you to make contact with the ball. Poor
timing will result in contact with the player and a foul or free throw.
Mental Qualities

Managing
your emotions- remaining disciplined, patient and
sustaining concentration will ensure your opponent is continually under
pressure and it will frustrate them. This will prevent you from getting
into foul trouble which is very important later in the game. You are
exposed in man to man and susceptible to getting into foul trouble,
therefore, it is important you remain focused throughout and stay on
task.
Team Relationships
Being an organised defensive team who have outstanding individuals that
perform their role effectively is not enough to be a successful defending team.
Strong relationships and good group dynamics are an essential part of
ensuring you defend successfully in any sport.
Co-operation

Required to support and stimulate each other. A motivated, confident
team is much harder to defeat.

Decisions must be made in relation to the ball and your opponents
movements. It is vital each player stays with their man to prevent a
teammate becoming exposed in an overload situation.

Players must work together.
Vital when switching offensive players and double teaming opponents.
Communication
Effective communication is very important to ensure players are supported in
difficult situations.

Verbal Communication- essential when you are feeling under pressure
and need “help”. It is crucial when a shot is taken by the offence to alert
teammates to block out their opponent.

Visual signals- can be used to instruct teammates of an adaptation to
man to man without informing opponents. This should be decided
beforehand so everyone is familiar with all visual signals that could be
used.
Group Dynamics
In team games the interaction between team members is very important to the
success of the team, particularly in tight competitive matches. Having a wide
range of personal qualities throughout the team, coupled with excellent
defending skills makes your team a formidable opponent.
Good teams will have the following personalities:

Motivators

Enthusiasts

Communicators

Leaders

Self-believers
They will also display the following qualities:

Determination

Supportive

Confidence

Tolerance

Self-discipline
REMEMBER YOUR GAME PLAN