• “Wolf” Defensive Recovery
• Loose Ball Save
• Offensive Charge
• Offensive Rebound on 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.

To learn more about 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.

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

Learn more “Gaining Possession of Loose Balls & Deflections – Click Here

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).

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.   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.

To learn more about taking charges – Click Here

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.

To learn more about offensive rebounding skills & techniques – 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.

To learn more about Defending Out of Bounds Plays – Click Here

Quick Tip: Teaching & Learning

To be successful players must gain a working knowledge of the game. What, when and why should be very clear and specific. Learning is best when it includes activities using as many senses as possible. Learners remember 10% of what is read, 20% of what is heard (75% is forgotten after 2 days), 30% of what is seen (majority of learning), and 50% of what is heard and seen. Different players learn in different ways and rates. Encourage players to learn individually, in pairs and in teams. Learning is further enhanced when it is relevant and fully understood by the learner, such as the importance of boxing out on rebounds. Learn More – Click Here

Coaching: Knowledge of the Rules

Do not assume players know the rules. Many of games and championships, on all levels including professional, are lost each year simply because players do know the rules. On all levels of the game, including professional, rules and rule changes must be taught and reviewed. To learn more – Click Here

Featured Play: “Horns” or “V” Offense

The Horns offensive set is designed to better utilize basic Mid Screen/Roll action.  By deploying a second high post screener, it provides the ball handler the option of driving off a screen in either direction. Since screens are available on both sides, unlike it’s cousins the Mid Screen and Side Screen, the Horns offense cannot be disrupted by simply influencing the ball handler away from the screen. With both screeners high, all off-ball defenders are in first pass denials making it very difficult to help out against dribble penetration. When the defense does try to help, it creates open shot opportunities for the spot up shooters. View details – Click Here

Coaching: “Defensive Stops”

A tenacious defensive player will never let up during the entire game. He is a workaholic. He challenges every shot, pass, dribble, and cut. A team with this attitude will win the “big” games, and championships.

This is the foundation on which Disruptive Pressure Defense is built. Preventing the other team from scoring is just as important as points scored. Every blocked shot, every bad pass, every rushed shot, every turnover, and every disrupted offensive pattern are vital to the outcome of the game. To learn about Defensive Stops – Click Here

“Defensive Stoppers” a vital part to any championship hopes.

A vital, but often overlook, position on a team is that of a Defensive Stopper. Having an outstanding defensive player, one who not only can deny or disrupt great offensive players from receiving the ball and are masters of one-on-one defense is essential to any championship hopes. A Defensive Stopper’s role is entirely defense.  Since a Defensive Stopper’s role is primarily that of a defensive specialist, any offensive output is a bonus. Their main job is to Stop not score.

Like shooters, stoppers aren’t born and just don’t happen. They must be development and supported. Successful Defensive Stoppers are a result of having solid on and off ball defensive fundamentals along with a strong attitude and relentless determination. They are highly challenged and motivated when it comes to stopping and frustrating the opponent’s leading scorer. They thrive on the responsibility and opportunity of denying a good shooter a last second shot opportunity. However, this attitude and self-confidence must be created, fostered and supported by the coaching staff throughout the season.

To learn more about player roles – Click Here

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What I would really like for Christmas is a copy of:

Print and give to Santa

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Available @ https://hooptactics.net & Amazon Books

Looking for a Gift for the basketball enthusiast on your list?

How about giving them a Advanced Basketball Defense? A perfect gift that will last for years to come. Click Here

Quick Tip: Teaching – The Key to Satisfaction and Success

Unfortunately, along with this increased importance being placed on winning, there has been a significant slippage in coaches’ teaching skills and abilities.  However, winning is short term. The real success in coaching comes with teaching and assisting players to become the best they are capable of becoming “on” and “off” the court.

Coaching Tips: Sixth Person Role

The importance of the sixth person(s) role in basketball cannot be over emphasized. It is one thing all excellent teams have in common. Establishing and utilizing the sixth person role in many ways is a much more important coach’s decision than determining the starters. To be successful, the sixth person(s) must possess better skills and leadership than some of the starters. In addition, the sixth person usually can play multiple positions. Without exception, when they enter the game, their role is to energize and make the team stronger. As a result, if the game is tied, it will provide the necessary boost to give the team the lead. If a team is already ahead, it will increase the lead, and if the team should be behind, it will afford them a chance to catch up.

In most cases the sixth person role is filled by a single player. However, it can be multiple players and on rare occasions even five players. Determining and getting a player to accept the sixth person role can be a challenge since player’s and parents’ ego’s can be involved. However, by communicating the vital importance of this unselfish team role, they should be more than likely to understand and accept the role as a real honor rather than a demotion. To learn more – Click Here

Featured Play: Baseline Out of Bounds – “Pick the Picker”

The out of bounds plays presented by HoopTactics have been proven, over time, to create a high percentage shot with two to three options. If a high percentage shot is not available, then each play flows directly into a predetermined continuity which eliminates any rushed shots or need to back the ball out and call a set play. This “Pick the Picker” baseline out of bounds play is a quick hitting screening play. It is sure to produce an easy layup shot against any team that is not prepared to defend it. Learn More – Click Here

Defensive Tips: Attacking On-Ball Screens

Seven effective ways to attack On-Ball screens include: Prevention, Show & Recover, Switching, Trapping, Trapping Early, Jamming and Shadow (zone). Fortunately, players will not be expected to execute all the different ways to disrupt On Ball screens during a game. In fact, normally only one or two of the options will be deployed during a single game based on the opponent’s ballhandler and screener specific strengths and weaknesses. However, these options are subject to change during the course of a game. Therefore, to be successful in attacking and disrupting On-Ball screens, they must be constantly analyzed during the game as to why and how they are being set. Once analyzed, the defense can take the initiative, and readily attack it. Learn More – Click Here

Player Tips: “RBP” (Really Big Play): Loose Ball Recovery

Coaches love to see players go to the floor for loose balls. However, like taking an offensive charge, players must be taught how properly dive for loose balls without sacrificing their bodies or risk of injury. Diving for the ball should be graceful and the body should land softly like a gymnast. Loose ball dives can be tricky. For this reason players should have a working knowledge of the correct techniques and plenty of practice repetitions before diving for a loose ball during a game.

In diving for loose balls, players should first lower their center of gravity close to the floor by bending their knees. Then push forward extending arms and legs straight out parallel to the floor and landing on their hip flexors. Players should never fall on the knees. Falling on a knee is a good way to end up with a torn ACL or a worse injury.

Whenever possible, seek the assistance of a volleyball coach when teaching players to dive for loose balls. Once players learn how to properly dive for loose balls, the more apt they are to go after loose balls during a game without hesitation. To learn more – Click Here

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