What is aggressiveness for a basketball player
Aggressiveness for a basketball player generally comprises various actions based on attributes such as confidence, competitiveness, fortitude, hustle, as well as determination to ultimately defeat the competition and obtain victory.
What are actions that an offensive player could consider to show aggressiveness
Exploit opponent’s weaknesses as much as possible
One of the ways an offensive basketball player could show aggressiveness is by finding one or more weaknesses or limitations of the opposition and attempt to exploit those particular drawbacks as much as possible.
For example, if an offensive post player such as a power forward or center has a height and/or size advantage over their defender, then that same offensive player could potentially receive the ball near the low post area and score via a low post move if possible.
Similarly, if offensive perimeter players also possess low post skills and at the same time, those same players possess a significant amount of height and/or size when compared to their defensive opposition, then it is possible for them to score near the basket with low post moves as well.
Additionally, an offensive player located near one of the perimeter areas of the court could possibly raise up and shoot over a defender, provided that same offensive player has a height advantage and possesses a decent or perhaps, above average mid-range or three-point shot.
Also, if the offensive player possesses more speed than the defensive opposition, then that same offensive player could take advantage of that factor, which could possibly lead to scoring or playmaking opportunities.
For example, let’s say that an offensive point guard receives the ball in the backcourt during transition offense.
From there, if the offensive point guard in possession of the ball knows or perceives that the opposing players are not immediately ready to implement proper transition defense, then the offensive point guard could execute a one man fast break.
Essentially, when that occurs, the offensive point guard could use speed dribble action to move quickly from the backcourt to the frontcourt and then score with a layup or dunk before the defense has time to react.
As another example, let’s say that an offensive shooting guard has possession of the ball near the right side wing and an on-ball defender is guarding them via man to man defense.
Following that, if the offensive shooting guard knows or perceives that the defensive opposition is slower than them, then that same offensive shooting guard could potentially utilize a quick first step or a dribbling move such as a crossover dribble to blow by the defender and attack the rim.
Moreover, to give yet another brief example, let’s say that one of the team’s best shooters such as a 3-and-D small forward would like to get open for a potential jump shot near the perimeter areas of the court.
Let’s also say that this potential shooter also possesses a more than sufficient amount of speed in relation to their defensive opposition.
As a result, that 3-and-D player could feasibly utilize their speed to get open, especially by way of certain types of basketball cuts and/or basketball screens while the slower opponent chases behind them.
Afterwards, if the 3-and-D player is able to create enough space between themselves and the chasing defender, then that same player could receive the ball and take the open jump shot before the defender has the time to execute a proper defensive closeout.
Perform hustle plays
Another simple way an offensive basketball player could display aggressiveness is by performing hustle plays, which mainly only require energy, determination, and grit.
Hustle plays include actions such as boxing out for rebounds, especially offensive rebounds, as well as getting loose balls without committing fouls, particularly by diving on the floor if necessary.
Furthermore, as a side note, what is very interesting about performing hustle plays is that any particular player can hustle with enough will, even if that same player does not have a lot of skill.
In other words, hustle plays can be very beneficial for less skilled players, which is also why they are a great way to show aggressiveness too.
Related: The Best Hustle Plays of the Year – YouTube
Don’t be indecisive
An offensive player could also show aggressiveness by not being indecisive, particularly in reference to taking jump shots.
Essentially, when an offensive player receives the ball and has an opportunity to take a jump shot, that same player should shoot the ball with a high degree of confidence.
The offensive player should not be hesitant to shoot the ball, especially if it is a high percentage shot within the offensive player’s shooting range.
Basically, this is important to understand because if the offensive player does hesitate to shoot, this could potentially give a defender enough time to execute a defensive closeout, which more or less eliminates the opportunity to score quickly and effectively.
Also, in certain instances, an offensive player in possession of the ball should pass it to an open teammate with decisiveness if it is feasible to do so.
In other words, if a teammate is wide open near the basket or near the perimeter, the player in possession of the ball should swiftly pass the ball, which could lead to a scoring opportunity for the teammate and a potential assist for the player that passed the ball.
Nevertheless, it should be noted that being indecisive is not the same as being in a rush.
As an example, let’s say that an offensive player has possession of the basketball but that same player is being heavily guarded by an on-ball defender.
When that occurs, the offensive player does not need to hurry up and take a jump shot, simply for the sake of shooting.
That would be more of an unintelligent action as opposed to an indecisive one. The main exception to that rule could be instances such as a potential shot clock violation or the last seconds of a quarter.
In that case, it would be generally better to take a jump shot that is of a lower percentage, than to receive a violation or simply not have enough time to score at the end of a quarter.
Similarly as it relates to passing, let’s say that an offensive player has possession of the ball near the perimeter and an off-ball teammate executes a backdoor cut to the basket.
However, let’s also say that the defensive team is currently implementing a 2-3 zone defense so that there are three defenders adjacent to the basket.
In that instance, it would probably be much smarter for the offensive player in possession of the ball to not pass it to the cutting teammate, even if that off-ball player appears to be open, at least momentarily.
The player with the ball should consider not passing in that specific case because it is usually difficult to throw the ball between the gaps of the defensive traffic, which is sometimes referred to as threading the needle, without highly risking a potential turnover.
In other words, if the offensive player that has the ball attempts to pass it to the cutting teammate in this particular instance, then there is a high likelihood that one of the three defenders would steal the ball via a deflection or interception, which would result in a turnover.
Again, that type of pass would be an example of being in a rush or hurry to score points as opposed to being indecisive.
What are actions that an defensive player could consider to show aggressiveness
Implement on-ball defensive pressure
A defensive player could display aggressiveness by simply using on-ball pressure, which could include fundamentals such as the proper defensive stance, defensive sliding, and active hands.
As a result, the defensive pressure could diminish the opposition’s ability to execute offensive actions in terms of dribbling, passing, or shooting.
Put another way, an adequate amount of on-ball defensive pressure would make it much more challenging for an offensive player in possession of the basketball to get into the gaps of the overall defense, particularly with dribble penetration.
Moreover, taking high quality mid-range or three-point jump shots could be an arduous task for the offensive player against on-ball defensive pressure as well.
Furthermore, executing certain passes, especially towards the basket could be difficult for the offensive player because the on-ball defender could potentially deflect the ball with active hands.
Utilize off-ball defensive tactics
Off-ball defenders can also show levels of aggressiveness by utilizing various forms of defensive tactics when it is necessary to do so.
For example, if an offensive player has possession of the ball near the wing areas of the court, then an adjacent off-ball defender could drop to the free throw line area to protect the nail, which mitigates dribble penetration towards the middle of the court.
Additionally, if an offensive player has possession of the ball near the perimeter areas of the court, then an adjacent off-ball defender could execute denial defense if necessary, which could discourage the offensive player from passing to the nearest teammate that is only one pass away.
As another example, if an offensive player has the ball at the top and that same player desires to dribble towards the basket via an on-ball screen, then the off-ball screener’s defender could execute switch defense with the on-ball defender that would be the target of the ball screen.
When that occurs, the off-ball screener’s defender would then become the current on-ball defender and this defensive action could possibly thwart the offensive team’s plan to score, especially by way of dribble penetration.
Perform hustle plays
Similar to offensive players, defenders could show aggressiveness by performing various hustle plays throughout the basketball game.
Essentially, defensive players could box out for defensive rebounds, retrieve loose balls without committing fouls, and take charges by moving to a spot while in a legal guarding position before an offensive player moves to that same spot.