Tips & Strategies – January 2013

HoopTactics Newsletter

“RBP’s” – Really Big Plays
Defensive Recovery (“Wolf”)
Loose Ball Save or Recovery
Taking an Offensive Charge
Offensive Rebound on a Missed Free Throw
Inbounds Pass Interception

RBP’s – “Really Big Plays”

When teams are evenly matched, the outcome of the game can be determined on a single big play. “RBP’s” (Really Big Plays) are the result of just plain determination and hustle. Really Big Plays include: a successful “Wolf” (defensive recovery), taking a charge, a loose ball recovery, and an offensive rebound off a missed free throw. All of these extra effort actions will ignite and inspire teammates, and, as a result, change the momentum and outcome of the game. The nice thing about RBP’s is that they do not require any special abilities or talent on the part of the players. Anyone can make them. However, RBP’s cannot be taken for granted and must be practiced and refined.

“Wolf” – Defensive Recovery

“Wolf” is a term used to describe the action of a defensive player on a break away pursues the dribbler from behind preventing or disrupting a sure lay-up shot. Catching a dribbler from behind to block or disrupt a shot is a RBP. When wolfing and catching a dribbler from behind, players should attempt to block the shot low using the hand closest to the ballhandler. Low blocks not only disrupt the shot, but usually cause the ball to be deflected off the shooter resulting in a turnover. Blocking the ball high can result in contact and a foul being called. Also, when successful high blocks usually go directly out of bounds allowing the opponents to retain ball possession.

When wolfing, the defender should stop and NEVER go under or beyond the backboard. Nothing good ever happens to a defensive player behind the backboard. By exerting strong pressure from behind (wolf), it will force the ballhandler into taking a rushed or hurried shot increasing the chance of a missed shot. Therefore, it is imperative for the defender to assume that the shot will be missed and rebound. Securing a defensive rebound will trigger a counter break and an outnumbered situation going back the other way.

Premium Members learn more: Defending Out Numbered Situations Click Here >>>

Loose Ball Save or  Recovery

Going to the floor or out of bounds to recover a loose ball always sets the tone of game. Making a save or recovery that ordinarily would not be made is a RBP. When going to the floor for after a loose ball, players should use a “Volleyball” dive tipping or deflecting the ball to teammate. Always save to a teammate. When ball goes out of bounds, teammates instead of watching should create passing lanes by forming a semi-circle. NEVER save ball directly under the opponent’s basket. Throw the ball out to the sideline or near mid court. That way, if the ball is intercepted defenders are in place. When a ball intercepted directly under basket it will result in an easy basket for opponent.

In teaching players to properly go to the floor for loose balls, seek the the advice and expertise of a volleyball coach. Note: Coaches can be held legally liable if the proper techniques are not taught.

Premium Members learn more: Gaining Possession of Loose Balls & Deflections >>>

Taking an Offensive Charge

Anticipating and taking an offensive charge is a “Really Big Play” (RBP) in basketball. It not only takes away a potential basket and creates an offensive turnover but it also assesses the offensive player with an additional penalty of a personal foul. When taking a charge, it is important to try to establish good defensive position by squaring up before the ball handler can get into a shooting motion, preferably outside the three second area. Officials have a tendency to call blocks rather than offensive charges inside the 3 second area. If a blocking foul is called when the defender is outside the free throw lane, it will be a non-shooting foul (unless in the bonus).

CAUTION: When taking a charge, players should always tuck their chins in and never roll on their neck or head.

In taking a charge it is very important to eliminate injuries. Defenders must be taught and trained in the correct way to absorb the contact.  This includes tucking their chins into their neck to prevent their head from hitting the floor, and falling  backwards, lowering their center of gravity by sitting down keeping their arms tucked in close to their body. Reaching backwards with an arm to break the fall can result in a serious arm or wrist injury. Also, if the defender remains rigid and does not give on contact, injuries to one or both players are likely to occur. 

By knowing how to properly take a charge not only prevents injuries; but, more importantly, players are more likely to take charges during a game.

Offensive Rebound on Missed Free Throw

Obtaining an offensive rebound off a missed free throw is a RBP. Rather than size and strength that is required for defensive rebounding, offensive rebounding requires anticipation, determination, and hustle. Offensive rebounds on free throw situations really become paramount at the end of the game. If behind, an offensive rebound will provide a team with another chance to catch up. If ahead, they will allow a team to run off additional clock, denying the opponents any opportunity to catch up.

Offensive rebounding requires that the offensive players be active and box out the defensive players. In most situations, since players and teams watch the flight of the ball and do a poor job of boxing out, all the offensive players have to do is simply step around the defender to establish inside rebounding position. However, in cases, where defenders do block out, offensive players need to know how to use arm over and spin techniques to get inside. In addition, on free throw situations, players can use stunts and teamwork such as “Duck” or “Cross.”

Premium Members learn more: Offensive Rebounding Techniques & Second Efforts – Click Here >>>

Interception of Inbounds Pass

Intercepting an inbounds pass, especially late in the game, is a really big play. When an opponent takes a time out to set up a game winning out of bounds play, it can all go for naught ifan alert defensive player anticipates and steals the inbounds pass. In most cases, the steal of a sideline inbounds pass will result in an easy layup since the opponent will have no one back to defend the basket.

Defending out of bounds plays, cannot be left up to chance. Coaches spend considerable amounts of practice time working on offensive baseline out of bounds plays, but spend little or no time on ways to defend them. As a result, too many easy baskets are given up during the course of the game on out of bounds plays simply because teams are not prepared to stop them. If you analyze “Out of Bound” situations, they are unique in that it is the only time during the game of basketball where the defense actually has an advantage. Coaches should exploit this numerical player advantage to its fullest. Since the vast majority of out of bounds plays revolve around screens, the various techniques used to defend against screens can be incorporated into an effective out of bounds defensive attack.

Four Effective Ways to Combat the Baseline Out of Bounds. Premium Member’s Click Here >>>

Related HoopTactics’ Newsletter:

February 2011: 15 Nightmares to Avoid That Will Upset Your Championship Dreams and Haunt You the Rest of Your Life.

 

---

 

 

Join the HoopTactics’ Premium Team and Gain a Competitive Advantage

“Quit wasting your time searching the net for ideas and answers.”

HoopTactics is a comprehensive resource designed to greatly enhance your basketball knowledge and expertise. It is comprised of a multitude of in-depth, easy to understand, graphical presentations that take you through the inner-workings of hundreds of proven strategies in great detail. Whether you are looking for new ideas or just looking to refresh your memory, you will not find a better and faster basketball resource. Guaranteed! Learn more about Premium Membership – Click here to visit HoopTactics

HoopTactics Online Store

 

 

Basketball Staff and HoopTactics gear. Visit the HoopTactics online store to see what is available that will meet your basketball needs. Free shipping on orders over $60.

Click Here to visit HoopTactics’ Online Store

 

Advanced Basketball Defense