What is the chase down block in basketball
The chase down block in basketball occurs when an offensive player is initially ahead of most (if not all) of the defenders but afterwards, one particular defender is able to chase down that same player, as the name implies, to ultimately block the scoring attempt, which is usually a layup or a dunk at the basket.
Essentially, a chase down block opportunity commonly happens when one particular team quickly executes their transition offense, especially their primary break, but at the same time, the opposing team is not able to implement sufficient transition defense tactics.
In other words, during the transition sequence, the defensive team would not be able to get back in time to protect their basket, stop the ball, or match-up against appropriate offensive players, usually near the perimeter areas of the court.
Therefore, the chase down block gives the defensive team an opportunity to prevent the offensive team from scoring, especially when other options are not feasible.
What are the key components to potentially increase the chance of a chase down block
Generally speaking, the main key components to potentially increase the chance of a chase down block are speed and vertical jumping ability.
Furthermore, it could be possible for certain secondary help defenders to generate chase down blocks as well.
Speed
Initially, the defense would typically be behind the offensive player that is trying to score. Therefore, speed would be a necessary element to possess for a defensive player that desires to stop the offensive scoring opportunity via a chase down block.
In other words, if the defensive player is not fast enough to at least catch up and get as close as possible to the offensive player that would be initially ahead of them, then a chase down block would more than likely not be possible.
As a side note, a basketball player, particularly a defensive player in this instance, could consider increasing their speed with certain exercises such as wind sprints or plyometrics, which generally target fast twitch muscles.
Vertical Jump
An adequate vertical jumping ability is usually needed for a defensive player to successfully execute a chase down block. Otherwise, it could be very challenging for a defender to block a field goal attempt, especially when the offensive player is already ahead of the defense.
Moreover, if the offensive player possesses an average or even above average vertical jumping ability themselves, then it would be more or less required for a defensive player to at least match that vertical jumping ability.
In other words, if an athletic offensive player with a high vertical jump is attempting to score during transition offense, particularly via a layup or dunk, then a defender would need to jump just as high if not higher to prevent that offensive player from scoring, especially by way of a chase down block.
As a side note, a basketball player, particularly a defensive player in this instance, could consider increasing their vertical jumping ability with weight training exercises such as squats and the deadlift as well as performing various plyometrics.
Help defense
In certain instances, a helping defender can execute a chase down block, particularly when an offensive player’s speed and vertical jumping ability is hindered by an on-ball defender.
As a brief example, if an offensive player is attempting to attack the basket and score during transition offense, an on-ball defender could try to contain the ball.
When that occurs, it would almost certainly cause the offensive player to slow down their dribble penetration and at the same time, the offensive player would usually not be able to jump as high as they normally could otherwise.
Afterwards, if the offensive player tries to score over the primary on-ball defender, specifically by way of a layup or dunk, then a secondary help defender could stop that scoring opportunity with a chase down block.
This particular situation could be very favorable for defenders such as certain post players who could have more than enough height and wingspan but not enough speed and/or vertical jumping ability.
Which basketball positions could execute the chase down block
In terms of basketball positions, chase down blocks can be executed by any particular player, provided that player has the capability to cleanly block the offensive attempt.
Nevertheless, it should be noted that in the majority of cases, players in the position of small forward, power forward, or center would be more than likely to execute a chase down block as opposed to players in the position of point guard or shooting guard.
In general, small forwards, power forwards, and centers are usually more adept at shot blocking than point guards and shooting guards, mainly due to physical advantages in terms of height and/or strength.
Also, as a side note, if a point guard or shooting guard does happen to get a chase down block, then that player is probably very athletic with an above average amount of explosiveness in terms of vertical jumping ability.
What is a simple chase down block demonstration
To start, let’s say that the offensive team is set up in a 3 out 2 in alignment, which could feature an offensive point guard at the top, an offensive shooting guard near the left side wing and an offensive small forward near the right side wing.
Let’s also say that an offensive power forward is near the left side low post block and an offensive center is stationed near the right side low post block.
Furthermore, let’s say that the defensive team is implementing standard man to man defense and therefore, each defender covers a respective offensive player.
Following that, the offensive point guard decides to throw a basic chest pass to the small forward near the right side wing.
However, the defensive small forward is able to initially deflect that pass and eventually steal the ball, which results in a live-ball turnover.
When that occurs, the former defensive team would then transition to the current offensive team and at the same time, the former offensive team would transition to the current defensive team.
Moreover, while that transition happens, the current defensive point guard that turned over the ball attempts to sprint into the backcourt to protect the basket but the current offensive small forward who stole the ball is too far ahead.
Moreover, the current offensive small forward continues to dribble the ball down the court with the intention of executing a layup at the other basket.
However, the current defensive small forward is able to utilize their speed to catch up to the current offensive small forward and as that same player jumps in the air to make a layup, the current defensive small forward is able to prevent the layup attempt with a chase down block.