What is blitz defense in basketball
Blitz defense is a defensive tactic, particularly utilized against ball screens, that occurs when the on-ball defender and the screener’s defender attempt to limit the effectiveness of the ball screen by implementing a certain amount of defensive pressure on the offensive player in possession of the basketball.
Essentially, the on-ball defender alongside the screener’s defender would effectively double team the offensive player with the ball immediately following the on-ball screen.
So, the main advantage of the blitz defense is that it could disrupt the offensive team’s overall flow, especially pick and roll action, which could also lead to limited scoring opportunities near the basket or near the perimeter areas of the court as well as potential turnovers.
However, it should also be noted that the blitz defense is not without its potential drawbacks as well.
For example, because the blitz involves two defenders on the ball, this effectively means that at least one offensive player would be open at some point during the blitzing tactic.
Therefore, to alleviate this issue, the defensive team as a whole should be adept at switching/rotating to different offensive players if necessary.
What this also means is that the blitz defense is generally most practical for versatile teams with speed that can guard multiple basketball positions.
Also, the blitz defense could be disadvantageous if the offensive team and more specifically, the offensive screener counters with a short roll.
Basically, since there are two defenders on the ball, the screener can mitigate the blitz by short rolling into the adjacent open space between those same two defenders, as opposed to rolling all the way towards the basket.
When that occurs, the offensive player in possession of the ball that is being blitzed could release the defensive pressure by executing a pocket pass between the two defenders.
Following that, the screener who executed the short roll could then shoot the ball, attack the rim, or pass the ball to another open teammate.
Also, unlike the defensive hedge, the screener’s defender does not necessarily recover back to the original assignment.
This makes it more crucial for all defenders to properly rotate, especially if the player in possession of the ball is able to pass out of the blitz.
Therefore, as mentioned previously, the blitz defense is more suitable for teams with versatile/agile defenders that can guard multiple positions.
What are basic examples of blitz defense
Example 1
This is an example of simple blitz defense within 2-on-2 action. To begin, 1 utilizes the on-ball screen set by 5 in an attempt to attack the rim and create a scoring opportunity.
However, as that occurs, X5 should stay parallel to or slightly below the screening action and then, X5 should try to remain in front of 1 to contain the ball.
Also, as that happens, X1 fights over the top of the screen and continues to put defensive pressure on 1, particularly near the side/hip area of 1.
From there, if 1 ends the dribble, especially to pass the ball, then X1 as well as X5 should have high and active hands, which could result in a defensive deflection and possible turnover.
Additionally, even if X1 or X5 are not able to deflect the pass, the high and active hands alongside the defensive pressure of X1 as well as X5 could cause 1 to throw an inaccurate pass, which could also lead to a potential turnover.
Example 2
This is an example of basic blitz defense within standard 5-on-5 play. To start, 1 utilizes the on-ball screen set by 5 and begins to dribble towards the right side of the court.
Following that, 1 attempts to attack the rim but that potential dribble penetration gets prevented by the on-ball defensive containment of X5.
Essentially, X5 initially stayed below the screening action but when 1 tries to attack with the dribble, X5 converges to cut off the dribble action slightly above the three-point line.
Also, while that occurs, X1 fights over the top of the screen. From there, X1 and X5 would continue to put pressure on 1 who currently has possession of the ball.
Moreover, at the same time, X4 splits the difference between 4 (which is their original assignment) as well as 5. That is to say, X4 initially stays near 4, particularly by sliding into the lane to protect the basket.
From that point, if 5 rolls to the basket (as demonstrated on the diagram), then 4 could temporarily be the tag defender in the event that 5 receives the ball from 1.
Nonetheless, it is not likely that 5 would be able to swiftly receive the ball from 1 as within typical pick and roll action.
This is primarily because of the blitz defense implemented by X1 and X5 alongside the degree of difficulty for 1 to accurately make the pass out of that same blitz.
It should also be noted that for this particular example, when X1 and X5 execute the blitz defense, X2 could play denial defense so that 2 cannot easily receive the ball from 1 without extra effort involved.
What’s more, if 3 decides to lift from the left side corner, specifically with shake action, then X3 could simply follow and move towards the left side high post elbow area as with standard help defense on the weak side of the court.
Example 3
This is yet another example of blitz defense that could be especially useful when the defensive team wants to get the ball out of the hands of the other team’s point guard and at the same time, the other players have inadequate dribbling and/or decision making skills.
Essentially, this variation of blitz defense is more aggressive in terms of defensive pressure against the play initiator, which could also result in potential turnovers from the primary ball handler or other offensive players as well.
In addition, this variant is most effective when the offensive team tries to set the ball screen early such as immediately once the player in possession of the ball crosses the half court line.
To start, 1 utilizes the screen set by 5 with dribble action towards the right side of the court. However, once that dribble action happens, X5 steps in front of the intended dribbling pathway and attempts to contain the ball while pushing 1 towards the adjacent sideline on the right side.
Furthermore, X1 fights over the ball screen and influences 1 towards the adjacent sideline as well, ultimately to implement trap defense.
Next, X1 and X5 utilize high hands to obscure the vision of 1 so that it is more difficult to pass the ball, especially if 1 picks up the ball, thus ending their dribble.
Moreover, as that defensive action occurs, X2 plays denial defense near the adjacent wing while X5 continues to protect the rim.
Also, X3 splits the difference between 3 and 4. Basically, if 4 rolls away from the blitz but 1 is able to pass in that direction, then X3 could either go for the risky steal in the nearby passing lane or simply defend against 4 as with standard man to man defense.
Similarly, if 3 were to somehow receive the ball from 1 out of the blitz/trap such as via a cross court skip pass, then X3 would execute a defensive closeout to prevent a wide open jump shot opportunity and as that happens, other defenders would rotate accordingly.