What is a general definition of 5 on 5 in basketball
5 on 5, also known as 5 versus 5, occurs when five players of one particular team compete on a basketball court against another five players from a different team, ultimately to win a game by scoring more points than their respective opposition.
What are the standard basketball positions for 5 on 5 action
The standard basketball positions for 5 on 5 action include the point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, and center.
Point Guard
The point guard has the main role of initiating the offense as well as dribbling and passing the ball to other teammates, ultimately to create scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter areas of the court.
The primary types of point guards are generally referred to as a facilitator point guard and a scoring point guard.
The facilitator point guard can typically see the offensive action on the court develop beforehand. This allows them to quickly pass the basketball to teammates at the moment those same teammates are open for scoring opportunities.
Conversely, the scoring point guard can generate points, typically by utilizing their speed, quickness, and/or perimeter shooting abilities.
Additionally, the point guard is usually adept at executing crafty dribbling moves such as the crossover dribble, behind the back dribble or between the legs dribble.
The point guard could also use those dribbling skills to break down on-ball pressure defense, which could then result in potential scoring opportunities as well.
On the defensive side of the ball, the point guard is typically one of the team’s best perimeter defenders. This allows the point guard to inhibit possible scoring opportunities that could be produced by the opposing point guard or other offensive perimeter players.
Shooting Guard
The primary role for the shooting guard is to score points, typically near the perimeter areas of the court as well as near the basket.
The shooting guard typically scores points by way of mid-range or three-point jump shots. However, the shooting guard could also score by attacking the rim, which could lead to close-range shots or in certain instances, via low post moves such as a post fadeaway shot.
Moreover, if the shooting guard does not have possession of the ball, particularly while filling one of the perimeter areas of the court, it is still possible to score by simply cutting to the basket, especially with the backdoor cut, when the opportunity presents itself.
Small Forward
The small forward is usually able to do a bit of everything in terms of scoring, rebounding, playmaking, and defending near the basket or around the perimeter areas of the court.
The small forward is typically able to generate points by attacking the rim to inevitably score around the basket with a layup, dunk, or floater in the lane.
Additionally, the small forward generally has the capability to score from mid-range or three-point range as well.
Furthermore, the small forward could score points by cutting to the basket, especially from the weak side, before the defense is able to swiftly react.
Also, the small forward is usually adept at utilizing their arm length and overall height to collect several offensive rebounds or defensive rebounds.
What’s more, the small forward typically has an adequate playmaking ability, which could lead to scoring opportunities and/or assists.
It should be noted as well that the small forward is an effective defender who can usually cover opposing small forwards in addition to other perimeter/low post positions in the event of a defensive switch.
Power Forward
The power forward is mainly responsible for rebounding as well as scoring points and playing defense near the basket or near the perimeter areas of the court.
Moreover, the power forward is typically one of the team’s best players in terms of setting good on-ball screens as well as off-ball screens.
In addition to that, the power forward could be one of the team’s best passers, particularly by way of high low action near the high post areas.
It should be mentioned as well that the power forward typically scores points by executing low post moves, taking open perimeter jump shots, rolling to the basket, or by popping to an open perimeter area after setting an on-ball screen.
Center
The center is primarily responsible for offensive/defensive rebounding, defensive rim protection, particularly blocking shots, and scoring points, especially near the basket.
It should also be mentioned that the center could possess the ability to score points away from the basket, mostly by way of mid-range shots near the high post or the short corner as well as from three-point range in certain instances.
What are the various types of offense that could be implemented within 5 on 5 basketball
Set Offense
A set offense features specific plays, also known as set plays, offensive strategies, or quick hitters that are typically designed to create scoring opportunities for the team’s best players.
Additionally, a set offense usually implements a certain offensive formation during the initial phase of the offense.
For example, the box offense strategy, which is also a set offense, starts with one player at the top and four additional players near the low posts and high posts elbows.
When each of the four players near the various posts fill those areas, the formation looks similar to a box, hence its name.
Furthermore, a set offense usually consists of a predetermined path (e.g. get the ball to the best three-point shooters or low post players) but if that path is unsuccessful for whatever reason, then the set generally has to start over again or the team has to execute another set.
Zone Offense
A zone offense consists of one or more offensive strategies formulated to beat one or more types of zone defense.
As an example, the short corner zone offense could be implemented against the 2-3 zone defense by attacking its weak spots, which of course, are the short corners.
Press Offense
A press offense, also referred to as a press break, includes specific plays and formations that are designed to counter against one or more press defenses, particularly in the full court.
Transition Offense
A transition offense, also generally referred to as a fast break, comprises special offensive strategies known as primary break, secondary break, or the numbered fast break.
The main objective of transition offense is to score points quickly and efficiently, particularly during the transition from defense to offense and before the opposing team can protect their own basket, adequately match up, or implement complete defensive formations.
Continuity Offense
A continuity offense incorporates specific patterns of cuts, screens, passes, or dribble actions that are then executed in a continuous manner on both sides of the floor until the offensive team procures the best available shot near the basket or near the perimeter.
Motion Offense
A motion offense is devised of unique offensive strategies that typically consist of certain rules or principles that players should follow to generate scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter areas of the court.
Additionally, many motion offenses can utilize elements of set offenses to produce scoring options for the team’s best players.
However, unlike set offenses, which are generally more rigid, the players involved in a motion offense can usually read the defense and react accordingly.
Furthermore, most motion offenses provide enough versatility to perform similar to continuity offenses as well.
Therefore, if the offensive team is not able to score with the initial actions of the motion offense, then that same team could potentially execute the offensive action once more as a continuity pattern.
Inbound Plays
Inbound plays occur when an offensive player is able to execute a throw-in while standing behind a sideline or baseline.
Moreover, inbound plays typically occur after stoppage of play and they are usually ran for the team’s best players, similar to set offenses. Therefore, inbound plays could be thought of as a sub-type of set play.
What are offensive strategies associated with 5 on 5 basketball
1-4 High Offense
The 1-4 high offense is a basketball offensive strategy that primarily utilizes the high post as well as the wing areas to create scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter, typically with a variety of basketball cuts and/or basketball screens.
The initial formation of the 1-4 high offense consists of an offensive player with the ball at the top, two players near the wing areas, and two players near the high post elbow areas.
1-4 Press Break
The 1-4 press break is a basketball offensive strategy that can be used as a counter against press defenses such as the 1-2-1-1 diamond press, the 2-2-1 press, the 1-2-2 press or a full court man to man press.
2 Out 3 In Motion Offense
The 2 out 3 in motion offense is a basketball offensive strategy that emphasizes ball movement, post split action, and continuity patterns to create scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter.
The formation of the 2 out 3 in motion offense includes two players above (or outside) the free throw line extended area and three players below (or inside) the free throw line extended area.
3 Out 2 In Motion Offense
The 3 out 2 in motion offense is a basketball offensive strategy that seeks to create multiple scoring opportunities through the use of set plays as well as offensive actions such as basketball screens, basketball cuts, continuity patterns and pick and roll options among others.
The formation of the 3 out 2 in motion offense begins with three perimeter players near the tops and wings as well as two players near the low post blocks.
4 Out 1 In Motion Offense
The 4 out 1 in motion offense is a basketball offensive strategy that creates scoring opportunities via a variety of sequences such as basketball cuts, basketball screens, and dribble drive action.
Also, the typical formation of the 4 out 1 in motion offense starts with two players in the slot areas near the top, two players on the wings (or the corners in some instances), and another player near the strong side low post.
5 Out Motion Offense
The 5 out motion offense is a basketball offensive strategy that utilizes the fundamental skills of passing, cutting, and screening as well as continuity patterns to create scoring opportunities, typically near the basket or near the perimeter.
Within the 5 out motion offense, each player should fill one of the perimeter areas of the top, wings, or corners.
Attack and React Offense
The Attack and React offense is a basketball offensive strategy, developed by Andrew Grantz that utilizes the fundamental principles of dribble drive, read and react, and motion offense to create scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter.
The initial formation begins in a wide 4 out 1 in configuration. Two players should fill the slots at the top, two players should fill the corners, and one additional player should fill the low post block on the same side of the ball.
Blocker Mover Offense
The Blocker Mover offense is a basketball offensive strategy developed by Dick Bennett and was utilized in recent years by his son, Tony Bennett, during his time as the head coach for the University of Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball team.
It typically begins in a 3 out 2 in formation and features two players known as blockers and three players referred to as movers.
The blockers will set screens while the movers will use those screens. The primary screens that are set by the blockers include the pin down screen, flare screen, and sometimes, the on-ball screen.
If the various screening actions are successful, then scoring opportunities could be produced near the perimeter or near the basket.
Box Offense
The box offense is a basketball offensive strategy that utilizes a variety of off-ball and on-ball screens to create scoring opportunities, particularly for the team’s best scorers.
The formation of the box offense is a player at the top, two players near the high posts, and two more players near the low posts.
Circle Offense
The circle offense is a basketball offensive strategy that utilizes cuts and continuity patterns to create scoring opportunities near the basket.
Additionally, the circle offense features five players that should fill the perimeter spots near the top, the wings, and the corners, similar to the standard 5 out motion offense.
Dribble Drive Motion Offense
The Dribble Drive Motion offense is a basketball offensive strategy developed by Vance Walberg that emphasizes spreading the floor and aggressively dribbling into the gaps of the defense to create scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter, particularly behind the three-point line.
Flex Offense
The flex offense is a basketball offensive strategy that creates scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter by way of two types of basketball screens known as the flex screen and the down screen.
Hawk Offense
The Hawk offense is a basketball offensive strategy that utilizes various basketball screens such as a high post screen and stagger screens to create scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter.
Horns Offense
The Horns offense is a basketball offensive strategy that emphasizes spacing to create scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter by way of various actions such as basketball screens and dribble handoffs.
The initial formation of the Horns offense begins with a primary ball handler at the top, two players near the high posts, and two additional players in the corners.
Princeton Offense
The Princeton offense is a basketball offensive strategy that utilizes the fundamental skills of cutting, dribbling, passing, screening, and shooting as well as three unique series of actions known as Chin, Low and Point to create scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter.
Additionally, the Princeton offense typically begins with two guards near the slot areas, two wing players, and one additional player near the high post or low post.
Shuffle Offense
The shuffle offense is a basketball offensive strategy that utilizes the shuffle cut, certain types of basketball screens, and a possible continuity pattern to create scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter.
Stack Offense
The Stack offense is a basketball offensive strategy that begins with a stack formation that also includes a variety of basketball screens to produce multiple scoring options for the offensive team’s best players.
Swing Offense
The Swing offense is a basketball offensive strategy developed and popularized by Bo Ryan during his time as the head men’s basketball coach at the University of Wisconsin.
Additionally, the Swing offense begins with a 4 out 1 in formation and it incorporates basketball screens, ball reversal, and continuity patterns to generate various scoring options.
Triangle Offense
The triangle offense is a basketball offensive strategy that utilizes three players to assemble a sideline triangle on one side of the court while emphasizing a two-man game between two additional players on the opposite side to create scoring opportunities by way of various offensive actions.
UCLA Offense
The UCLA offense is a basketball offensive strategy created and popularized by John Wooden during his time as the head coach of the UCLA Bruins men’s basketball team that focuses on the fundamentals of passing, screening, and cutting to create various scoring opportunities.
Wheel Offense
The Wheel offense is a basketball offensive strategy developed by Garland Pinholster during his time as the head coach at Oglethorpe University that features cutting and screening actions as well as continuity patterns to produce scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter.
Primary Break
The primary break is a basketball offensive strategy that occurs as soon as one particular team transitions from defense to offense by gaining possession of the ball, either by way of a live-ball turnover, a missed shot, or a made basket by the opposing team.
Additionally, the primary break emphasizes scoring as quickly as possible, especially near the basket, before the defense is able to completely match up with their respective assignments.
Secondary Break
The secondary break is a basketball offensive strategy that occurs after the defensive team is able to prevent primary break.
Additionally, all five defenders have not entered into the frontcourt or all five defenders in the frontcourt are not evenly matched up with proper assignments.
As a result of that inadequate defensive formation, the offensive team could counter with the secondary break to generate scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter.
Numbered Fast Break
The numbered fast break is a basketball offensive strategy that seeks to create quick scoring opportunities via transition offense principles and by designating certain numbers and specific roles to each of the five players.
What are offensive tactics utilized within 5 on 5 basketball
Pick and Roll
The pick and roll is one of the most common offensive tactics utilized in the game of basketball and it occurs when a player without the ball gets close to a player with the ball to set a pick.
Afterwards, the player without the ball that set the pick follows up by rolling to the basket.
Afterwards, the player with the ball could use the screen and then pass the ball to the player that rolled to the basket. From that point, the player that rolled to the basket could receive the ball if open and score near the rim.
Pick and Pop
The pick and pop is a variation of the pick and roll and it could be implemented as an alternative tactic to create additional scoring options within 5 on 5 basketball offense.
In the pick and pop sequence, instead of rolling to the basket, the player that set the screen should pop out to an area on the perimeter, usually near the top or the wings.
Pass and Cut
The pass and cut action is a simple tactic that could be used in any particular 5 on 5 basketball offensive strategy or set offense.
As the name implies, an offensive player with the ball simply passes it to a teammate and then cuts to the basket or to another open area of the court.
One basic advantage of passing and cutting is that it keeps the offensive players in constant motion. This, in turn, could lead to potential defensive breakdowns and subsequent scoring opportunities.
Pass and Screen Away
The pass and screen away action is another basic tactic that could be implemented within a number of 5 on 5 offensive strategies or set offenses.
As the name implies, an offensive player with the ball simply passes it to a teammate and afterwards, that same passing player sets a screen away from the ball for another teammate.
High Low
The high low action is a basketball tactic that can be used by offensive teams to create easy scoring opportunities near the basket.
To execute the high low action, one offensive player fills the top or high post while another player fills the low post block.
Following that, the player in the high post or at the top receives the ball and then the other player near the low post block quickly cuts into the lane around the basket.
Afterwards, the player near the basket receives the ball from the player at the top or high post and can quickly score at the rim with a layup or dunk.
Dribble Handoff
The dribble handoff is a basketball offensive tactic that occurs when a player in possession of the ball dribbles toward a teammate, followed by a handoff for that same teammate.
The dribble handoff could be utilized to release defensive pressure or as a way to create scoring opportunities for the player receiving the ball, either at the rim or near the perimeter.
Ball Reversal
Ball reversal is a common basketball offensive tactic that occurs when the ball gets passed from one side of the court to the other side, typically from the wings to the top or via skip passes.
Screen the Screener
Screen the screener is a basketball offensive tactic that occurs when one player receives a screen after setting a screen for another teammate.
This simple screening action could cause defensive breakdowns, which, in turn, could lead to multiple scoring options for the offense.
What are typical offensive skills performed within 5 on 5 basketball
Cutting
Cutting is an offensive skill that occurs when a player without possession of the ball uses a specific action to move from one location on the court to another with the primary purpose of creating space and getting open from a defender.
Cutting is generally beneficial and important to consider because it would be much easier for a defender to guard and contain a stationary offensive player if that same player were to stand in only one spot during an offensive possession.
Types of basketball cuts include the backdoor cut, curl cut, dive cut, face cut, Iverson cut, Laker cut, shallow cut, and V-cut among others.
Dribbling
Dribbling is a fundamental skill that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the basketball bounces it to the floor at least one time before grasping it with both hands or palming it, especially underneath one hand, which would indicate the completion of the dribbling sequence.
Dribbling is generally important because it can be utilized to produce scoring opportunities, primarily by advancing the basketball towards the rim and/or by creating separation between the offensive player in possession of the ball and the on-ball defender.
Additionally, offensive players can utilize various dribble moves such as the crossover dribble, between the legs dribble, and behind the back dribble to break down the defense and/or create potential scoring opportunities.
Passing
Passing is a fundamental skill that occurs when a player in current possession of the ball throws it to a teammate with the typical objective of creating scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter areas of the court.
Passing is important in basketball because it promotes good teamwork, it can improve team chemistry, it could potentially help with overall skill development, and it could possibly increase the chance of defensive breakdowns.
Types of common passes include the chest pass, bounce pass, overhead pass, skip pass, and lob pass among others.
Screening
Screening is a fundamental skill that occurs when at least one offensive player attempts to block or delay a defender, primarily to create space as well as separation for another offensive player who could use the screen to get open for scoring or playmaking opportunities.
Common types of screens include back screen, cross screen, down screen, elevator screen, flare screen, and stagger screen among others.
Shooting
Shooting is a fundamental skill that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the basketball releases it in a certain manner so that it would pass through the center of the rim, ultimately to score more points than the opposition and win the game.
Shooting is important because if players cannot shoot the basketball, then it would most likely be very challenging to score points consistently.
What are the various types of defense that could be implemented within 5 on 5 basketball
Man to man defense
Man to man defense is a type of basketball defense that utilizes various defenders to guard assigned offensive players, typically based on their respective basketball positions.
For example, defensive point guards will usually cover offensive point guards on offense. At the same time, defensive shooting guards will generally defend against offensive shooting guards, and so forth.
One notable advantage of man to man defense is that it could be beneficial against offensive players with inadequate dribbling skills and/or offensive teams that prefer to score from the perimeter, particularly with three-point jump shots.
However, one particular disadvantage of man to man defense is that it might become a liability if the defensive team has one or more defenders with less than ideal speed or lateral quickness.
Zone defense
Zone defense is a type of basketball defense that uses multiple defenders to cover specified areas of the court. This is essentially the opposite of man to man defense where each defender covers a certain offensive player.
The primary purpose of zone defense is to limit or prevent dribble penetration, restrict low post scoring opportunities, and influence jump shots, particularly from offensive teams with below average perimeter shooting abilities.
Junk defense
Junk defense, also referred to as a hybrid defense or a combination defense is a type of basketball defense that integrates certain elements of man to man defense alongside certain elements of zone defense.
Press defense
Press defense, also generally known as a full court press, is a type of basketball defense that implements backcourt and/or frontcourt defensive pressure against the offensive team, typically accompanied by traps near the sidelines.
The primary goal of the press defense is to generally disrupt the flow of the offense and/or to cause turnovers.
Moreover, if a defensive team executes pressure only extended near the half court line as opposed to the backcourt, it is generally known as a half court press.
What are defensive strategies associated with 5 on 5 basketball
1-1-2-1 press defense
The 1-1-2-1 press defense is a basketball defensive strategy that emphasizes backcourt ball pressure and frontcourt sideline traps to disrupt offensive flow, which could reduce scoring opportunities and create turnovers.
1-1-3 press defense
The 1-1-3 press defense is a basketball defensive strategy that uses on-ball pressure and sideline traps to disrupt offensive flow, which in turn, limits scoring opportunities and generates turnovers.
One particular advantage of the 1-1-3 press defense is that it features a defender that always covers the middle area of the press.
1-1-3 zone defense
The 1-1-3 zone defense is a basketball defensive strategy that seeks to prevent low post scoring opportunities while influencing contested field goal attempts and limiting dribble penetration with on-ball pressure, particularly near the perimeter at the top.
One notable advantage of the 1-1-3 zone defense is that it could be beneficial against offensive teams that prefer to score around the basket with one or more skilled low post players.
1-2-1-1 press defense
The 1-2-1-1 press defense, also known as the diamond press, is a basketball defensive strategy that features full court pressure and sideline traps, particularly in the backcourt, which could lead to limited scoring opportunities as well as possible turnovers for the offensive team.
One particular advantage of the 1-2-1-1 press defense is that it could be favorable for teams that have speed, quickness, great conditioning, but less than ideal individual offensive skill sets.
1-2-2 press defense
The 1-2-2 press defense is a basketball defensive strategy that features sideline traps, particularly in the backcourt or frontcourt, which in turn, could limit offensive scoring opportunities.
Also, the 1-2-2 press defense is more or less a containment-type press that seeks to disrupt the rhythm and flow of the offensive team and force them to execute several passes as they attempt to break the press.
1-2-2 zone defense
The 1-2-2 zone defense is a basketball defensive strategy that seeks to limit low post scoring opportunities, restrict dribble penetration, and influence inadequate perimeter shot selection while executing on-ball pressure, particularly near the perimeter.
Moreover, the 1-2-2 zone defense could be advantageous for the defensive team because it disrupts the offensive team’s ability to take uncontested jump shots, particularly from the wings and it also could create turnovers by way of traps that could be set near the corners.
1-3-1 press defense
The 1-3-1 press defense is a type of basketball defensive strategy that utilizes on-ball pressure and implements traps near the sidelines in the frontcourt to limit or prevent offensive scoring opportunities.
One notable advantage of the 1-3-1 press defense is that it has the capability of creating defensive pressure but at the same time, the defensive team does not necessarily have to completely focus on generating offense from defense, primarily via live-ball turnovers unlike a few other types of press defenses.
1-3-1 zone defense
The 1-3-1 zone defense is a basketball defensive strategy that seeks to disrupt offensive scoring opportunities by influencing contested perimeter jump shots and limiting dribble penetration, while executing solid on-ball defense.
2-1-2 press defense
The 2-1-2 press defense is a basketball defensive strategy that implements traps near the sidelines to disrupt the scoring effectiveness of the offensive team with the additional possibility of creating turnovers.
One noteworthy advantage of the 2-1-2 press defense is that there is a defender in the middle of the press who fills the gap. This means that theoretically, it would very challenging for the offensive team to simply pass the ball into the middle of the press as that could lead to turnovers.
2-1-2 zone defense
The 2-1-2 zone defense is a basketball defensive strategy that seeks to limit dribble penetration, influence contested perimeter jump shots, and reduce offensive scoring opportunities, particularly from the low post areas, while executing sufficient on-ball defense.
2-2-1 press defense
The 2-2-1 press defense is a basketball defensive strategy that seeks to limit offensive scoring opportunities with the possibility of creating turnovers by way of sideline traps in the backcourt or frontcourt.
One particular advantage of the 2-2-1 press defense is that it can disrupt the flow of the offensive team and influence them to execute multiple passes, which could then lead to turnovers.
2-3 zone defense
The 2-3 zone defense is a basketball defensive strategy that seeks to limit dribble penetration, influence contested perimeter jump shots, and decrease offensive scoring opportunities, particularly from the low post areas, while executing adequate on-ball defense.
One notable advantage of the 2-3 zone defense is that it could be very beneficial against offensive teams with less than average perimeter shooting skills.
3-2 zone defense
The 3-2 zone defense is a basketball defensive strategy that emphasizes the prevention of low post scoring opportunities while restricting dribble penetration with adequate on-ball defense and influencing poor shot selection, particularly from the perimeter.
Amoeba defense
The Amoeba defense is a basketball defensive strategy that seeks to limit scoring opportunities for the offensive team by implementing on-ball pressure as well as sideline traps while preventing dribble penetration from the perimeter and restricting entry passes into the high or low post areas.
Ball line defense
The ball line defense is a basketball defensive strategy, developed by Coach Tubby Smith that implements on-ball defensive pressure and off-ball help defense principles to limit scoring opportunities near the basket while influencing contested perimeter jump shots.
Box and 1 defense
The box and 1 defense is a basketball defensive strategy and a type of junk defense that seeks to limit scoring opportunities, especially for the opposing team’s best player, by implementing a combination of man to man and zone defense principles.
The primary objective of the box and 1 defense is for the defensive team to utilize their best defender to disrupt or neutralize the scoring and/or playmaking abilities of the offensive team’s best player.
Also, at the same time, the additional four defenders play a zone defense in the form of a box, hence the name of box and 1.
Diamond and 1 defense
The diamond and 1 defense is a basketball defensive strategy, a type of junk defense, and a variation of the box and 1 defense that seeks to limit scoring opportunities, particularly for the opposing team’s best player, by implementing a combination of man to man and zone defense principles.
Havoc press defense
The havoc press defense is a basketball defensive strategy, developed by Coach Shaka Smart, that utilizes on-ball pressure and defensive traps, particularly in the backcourt, with a main objective of influencing the offensive team to play at a faster pace than usual, which could then lead to turnovers by that same offensive team.
Pack line defense
The pack line defense is a basketball defensive strategy developed by Dick Bennett that implements a combination of on-ball defensive pressure, help defense, and denial defense to limit or prevent offensive scoring opportunities, primarily by hindering low post touches and influencing contested perimeter jump shots.
Point zone defense
The point zone defense is a basketball defensive strategy that emphasizes on-ball defensive pressure as well as off-ball zone defensive principles to ultimately limit or completely eliminate offensive scoring opportunities.
Run and jump defense
The run and jump defense is a basketball defensive strategy utilizes man to man principles, defensive traps near the sidelines, and the switch defensive tactic, particularly in the backcourt, to disrupt offensive flow and limit scoring opportunities near the basket or from the perimeter.
Transition defense
Transition defense is a basketball defensive strategy that gets initiated when a certain team will convert from an offensive focus to a defensive-minded one and quickly sprint into the frontcourt to protect their own basket.
The primary intent in doing so is to not give the offensive team easy scoring opportunities particularly at the rim by way of transition offensive strategies generally known as primary break, numbered fast break, or secondary break.
Triangle and 2 defense
The triangle and 2 defense is a basketball defensive strategy and a type of junk defense that seeks to limit scoring opportunities, primarily for the opposing team’s two best perimeter players, by implementing a combination of man to man and zone defense concepts.
What are defensive tactics utilized within 5 on 5 basketball
Closeout
A closeout is a basketball defensive tactic that occurs when an on-ball defender will quickly close the open space on the court between themselves and an adjacent offensive player with the ball in an effort to limit or prevent an uncontested jump shot or dribble penetration towards the basket.
Denial defense
Denial defense, sometimes referred to as denying the pass or denying the ball, is a basketball defensive tactic that occurs when an off-ball defender, typically one pass away adjacent to the player with the ball, prevents the offensive player that they are currently guarding from receiving the ball.
Double Team
The double team is a basketball defensive tactic that occurs when an offensive player with the ball receives simultaneous defensive pressure from a primary defender and a secondary defender, with the ultimate objective of limiting scoring opportunities, particularly near the basket or from the perimeter.
Drop Coverage
Drop coverage is a basketball defensive tactic that occurs when a screener’s defender drops below the screener, typically slightly above or below the free throw line area during a ball screen or pick and roll action by the offensive team.
The main purpose of the drop coverage is to restrict the roll action of the screener after setting the screen while influencing perimeter jump shots by the screen receiver.
Therefore, the drop coverage could be useful if the screener prefers to roll to the basket after setting screens and the offensive player with the ball (i.e. the screen receiver) has less than average perimeter shooting skills.
Hedge
The hedge, also known as hedge and recover, is a basketball defensive tactic that occurs when a screener’s defender obstructs the intended dribbling route of the screen receiver, generally by lifting above the on-ball screen, and afterwards, that same defender typically recovers to the screener.
Help defense
Help defense is a basketball defensive tactic that occurs when off-ball defenders support the on-ball defender to ultimately limit or prevent potential scoring opportunities of the offensive team.
Ice defense
Ice defense is a basketball defensive tactic that focuses on limiting scoring options from the side pick and roll action of the player with the ball as well as the screener who would typically roll to the basket after setting the screen.
Nail defense
Nail defense, also known as protecting the nail, is a basketball defensive tactic that occurs when a certain defender covers the area near the center of the free throw line (i.e. the nail) to limit or prevent dribble penetration, particularly from the wings.
Essentially, the nail protection hinders the offensive team’s ability to drive the ball towards the middle of the lane, thus diminishing multiple scoring options from both sides of the floor.
Shoot the gap
Shoot the gap is a basketball defensive tactic that occurs when an off-ball defender, typically adjacent to the baseline, will evade certain types of screens by going under them with the primary purpose of hindering a screen receiver’s opportunity to catch the ball while wide open.
Stunt
A stunt is a basketball defensive tactic that occurs when an off-ball defender, usually one pass away from the ball, will temporarily take a step towards the player with the ball, particularly during dribble penetration, for about a half-second and then recover to the offensive player that they were originally guarding.
The stunting action is mainly used to restrict dribble penetration but it can also be used to disrupt low post scoring opportunities, thus protecting the basket.
Switch defense
Switch defense is a basketball defensive tactic that occurs when two defenders exchange the offensive players that they are currently guarding to ultimately hinder or prevent offensive scoring opportunities near the basket or from the perimeter.
Essentially, the switch can be used to take away perimeter jump shots or even opportunities near the basket such as scoring options created from a cross screen.
In addition to that, defenders can switch assignments as a method of limiting dribble penetration, particularly after an on-ball screen occurs.
Trap defense
Trap defense is a basketball defensive tactic that occurs when two defenders effectively double team an offensive player with the ball, typically near a sideline and/or corner of the court with the main objectives of disrupting the offensive flow and/or causing turnovers.
One advantage of trap defense is that it can cause the offensive team in general, and more specifically, the player with the ball to make quicker decisions than usual. This could lead to turnovers such as defensive interceptions via bad passes.