What is the perimeter in basketball
The perimeter in basketball is any general area that is inside of the three-point line but outside of the key or lane, which is also typically associated with perimeter offensive players or perimeter defenders and contrasted with interior offensive players or interior defenders.
What is a perimeter shot in basketball
A perimeter shot, also known as a mid-range shot, is a jump shot or general field goal attempt that an offensive player can take inside of the three-point line but outside of the key, which is also typically 10 feet to 16 feet from the basket.
It should also be noted though, that if an offensive player attempts to take a three-point shot but that same player’s foot (or toe) is on the three-point line, then the field goal attempt will be considered a perimeter shot as well.
Furthermore, that type of shot (with the foot/toe on the line) would typically be worth two points and would only be worth three points if both feet of the player was behind the three-point line.
Moreover, if a player attempts a perimeter shot inside of the three-point line but outside of the 16 foot range, then that type of shot is sometimes referred to as a long two-pointer, especially in reference to the modern NBA.
What is a perimeter player in basketball
Perimeter players, as the name implies, are players that are normally located near the perimeter areas of the court such as the top, wings, or corners.
Also, in terms of standard basketball positions, perimeter players will typically play the role of point guard, shooting guard, or small forward.
Offensive perimeter players are typically adept at shooting jump shots from the mid-range perimeter areas as well as beyond the perimeter at the three-point line.
Furthermore, offensive perimeter players are also usually skilled at utilizing one or more dribble moves to attack the rim via dribble penetration between the gaps of the defense.
On the other hand, perimeter defenders will typically seek to hinder scoring opportunities of offensive perimeter players by contesting jump shot attempts near the perimeter and/or by limiting dribble penetration through the use of various defensive systems, strategies or tactics.
What are the common basketball cuts to get open near the perimeter
The common basketball cuts to get open near the perimeter are generally known as the baseline cut, the deep cut, the drift cut, the fade cut, the Iverson cut, the L-cut, the shallow cut, the V-cut, and the zipper cut.
With the baseline cut, an offensive player will run alongside the baseline to the opposite end of the baseline.
To execute the deep cut, an offensive player will typically start near the wing area of the court and run the baseline to the opposite short corner or deep corner behind the three-point line.
The drift cut is typically associated with the drift pass and to perform it, a player will usually start near the weak side wing area and then cut down (or drift) to the weak side corner on that same side of the court.
The fade cut is typically utilized as a counter to a perimeter defender’s tactic known as shooting the gap. It occurs when an offensive player initially cuts toward a perimeter area such as the wing, but then, that same offensive player will cut away towards another adjacent area near the perimeter such as the corner.
The Iverson cut, popularized by NBA Hall of Famer, Allen Iverson, occurs when a perimeter player begins near a wing area and cuts across the adjacent high post areas to the opposite wing area.
The L-cut occurs when an offensive player begins near the low post block, cuts up to the adjacent mid-post or high post elbow, and then pops out to the wing area on the same side in the shape of an L on the court.
The shallow cut occurs when an offensive player starts near the slot or the wing. From there, that same player cuts to the high post and then to the top or opposite slot area.
The V-cut occurs when a perimeter player cuts toward the basket area but then pops back towards the perimeter, in the shape of a V on the court.
To execute the zipper cut, a perimeter player will initially begin near a corner or low post area. Afterwards, that same player will cut to the top, usually through the lane, to receive the ball.
What are the fundamental passes that could be used by perimeter players
The fundamental passes that could be used by perimeter players or near the perimeter in general are known as the chest pass, bounce pass, and overhead pass.
Chest pass
The chest pass is the most common pass in basketball and it is usually the easiest one to learn and execute. This type of pass could also be used in various situations provided the target of the pass (i.e. another teammate) is open to receive it.
Generally speaking, to execute the basic chest pass, the perimeter player should grip the ball near their chest area with both hands on the side of the ball.
Following that, the perimeter player could take one step toward their target, usually with a leading foot. Next, the perimeter player can extend their arms, snap their wrists, and release the ball towards the target’s chest area.
After that, the perimeter player can follow through with their fingers spread towards the target and their thumbs pointing in a downward direction.
Bounce pass
The bounce pass is another common pass in basketball that could be used by perimeter players.
This type of pass is typically good for situations in which a target is open to receive the ball but it is too risky to throw the standard chest pass.
As an example scenario, let’s say a perimeter player with the ball would like to throw a chest pass to an open teammate.
However, the perimeter defender that is guarding the perimeter player with the ball has high, active hands in the passing lanes which means it is too risky to throw the chest pass because that could lead to a deflection and/or turnover.
So, the perimeter player with the ball could throw the bounce pass below the hands of the perimeter defender to the open teammate with minimal or no risk that would result in a deflection or turnover.
In general, to execute the basic bounce pass, the perimeter player should grip the ball near the chest/stomach area with both hands on the side of the ball.
Next, the perimeter player could take one step toward the target, usually with their dominant foot as the lead.
Afterwards, the perimeter player could extend their arms, snap their wrists, and release the ball at an angle with enough strength towards a spot on the floor between themselves and the target.
Fourth, the perimeter player should follow through with their fingers spread towards the target and their thumbs pointing in a downward direction.
Moreover, if the perimeter player bounces the ball with the proper amount of strength, then the ball should bounce upward towards the target’s chest/stomach area.
Conversely though, if the perimeter player bounces the ball on the floor without enough strength, then the ball will most likely be too low and the target would have to bend down to receive it.
Furthermore, if the perimeter player bounces the ball on the floor with too much strength, then the ball will most likely bounce too high and the target might have to reach higher than the chest/stomach area to receive it.
Therefore, if necessary, the perimeter player should consider practicing the bounce pass a number of times to determine the right amount of strength needed for the ball to bounce up towards the target’s chest/stomach area.
Overhead pass
The overhead pass is typically used to move the ball faster than the standard chest pass or bounce pass. Additionally, the overhead pass is generally executed when the passer is far away from the target.
For example, in the half court setting, the overhead pass could be used by a perimeter player to quickly skip the ball from one side of the floor to the opposite side.
Also, the overhead pass could be used in certain instances when the passer is not too far from the target but a perimeter defender implements much on-ball pressure in which it is not feasible to execute the chest pass or bounce pass.
For example, if the perimeter defender pressures up on the perimeter player with their hands covering the passer’s chest/stomach area. In that case, the perimeter player could simply execute the overhead pass over the head (no pun intended) of the perimeter defender to the target.
To execute the overhead pass, the perimeter player should grip the ball slightly over (or above) their head with both hands on the side of the ball.
Also, the perimeter player should not place the ball behind the head when attempting the overhead pass as the perimeter defender could knock the ball loose and cause a turnover.
Next, the perimeter player should take one step toward the target, usually with the dominant foot. After that, the perimeter player should extend their arms, snap the wrists, and release the ball towards the direction of the target.
This could be directly to the target’s chest area or ahead of the target such as a situation where the target could be cutting towards the basket. From there, the perimeter player should follow through with their fingers and thumbs pointing downward.
What are basic basketball moves that could be used by perimeter players
Basic basketball moves that could be used by perimeter players to create separation from defenders and potentially lead to scoring opportunities include the pump fake, jab step, the sweep, the crossover dribble, between the legs dribble, and the behind the back dribble among others.
Pump fake
The pump fake, also known as the shot fake or ball fake, is possibly the easiest of the basketball moves to learn, particularly for beginners.
An offensive perimeter player can quickly use the pump fake immediately after receiving the ball before dribbling as well as after the completion of the dribble, in certain situations.
Additionally, the pump fake could be highly effective as a counter to a defensive closeout, especially if the defender has inefficient closeout techniques.
Generally speaking, to execute the pump fake, the offensive perimeter player will usually hold the ball with both hands, bend the knees with proper shooting mechanics, and then quickly raise the ball slightly above the head without actually releasing the ball from the hands.
If a defender bites on the fake, then it could cause them to jump into the air as a way to contest the pseudo-shot that did not occur.
Afterwards, the perimeter player could use the current separation to potentially take an open perimeter shot or possibly drive to the basket and score at the rim.
Furthermore, it is also viable to use a variation of the shot fake known as the pass fake to create separation from defenders near the perimeter.
To execute a basic pass fake, the perimeter player will receive the ball at one location of the court and simply fake a pass to another location without actually releasing the ball from the hands.
For example, if a perimeter player receives the ball near the wing area of the court, that same player could pass fake to the top or corner.
When that occurs, a defender might bite on that particular fake by jumping to the ball, which then leaves a possible gap in which the perimeter player could dribble into for a possible jump shot or drive to the basket.
Related : The Pass Fake and Drive Drill – YouTube
Jab step
The jab step is a simple basketball move in which an offensive player with the ball, particularly near the perimeter, quickly steps to the side or towards a defender with a leading foot to create separation for a jump shot or driving opportunity.
Generally speaking, to execute a jab step, an offensive perimeter player will first receive the ball and get into the triple threat position.
That is to say, the offensive player will hold the ball near the front of the hip area while having the knees bent, the back straight, and the feet about shoulder width apart with eyes on the rim.
From that point, the offensive player is in a good position to pass, drive or shoot.
Next, the perimeter player will establish a pivot foot and then use the other foot to jab step to the side of the pivot foot or slightly ahead of the pivot foot.
After executing the jab step, the perimeter player could pass, drive, or shoot, depending on the reaction of the defense.
Moreover, the jab step could also be combined with other basketball moves such as the sweep or the crossover dribble.
Related : Fundamentals Of The Jab Step – YouTube
Sweep
The sweep is a basketball move in which a perimeter player will shift the ball from one side of their body to the other side in an effort to create space from the defender which could then lead to scoring opportunities near the perimeter or around the basket.
The sweep move could be an effective counter to on-ball pressure by the perimeter defender, especially if that defender uses high hands to discourage a jump shot.
In general, to execute the basic sweep move, a perimeter player will first get into the triple threat position. Following that, the perimeter player will keep the ball below the knees.
Afterwards, the perimeter player will sweep the ball across their own ankles as well as the ankles of the defender.
Also, at the same time, the perimeter player will pick up their non-pivot foot and sweep it across the body of the defender into the open gap space between themselves and the defender.
From there, the perimeter player could dribble towards the rim or perhaps use another basketball move to create additional separation from the defender.
Crossover dribble
The crossover dribble is a basketball move in which a perimeter player will cross the ball in front from one hand to the other, typically in an effort create space from a defender and/or drive towards the basket.
To execute a basic stationary crossover, the perimeter player should first get into the triple threat stance with bent knees and a straight back while holding the basketball.
Next, the perimeter player should bring the ball towards one side of their body and then dribble it with one hand at an angle towards the center of their own space directly in front of them.
As a result of that dribble, the ball should bounce on the floor and then upwards at an opposite angle. From there, the perimeter player can catch the ball with their opposite hand to complete the crossover dribble.
As an analogy, the completed crossover dribble should resemble, the letter V in terms of the actual angle.
In other words, when the perimeter player executes the crossover dribble, that same player could imagine the letter V in front of them. From there, the perimeter player could then trace that V with the dribble action.
To execute a basic crossover followed by a drive to the basket, the perimeter player should first hold the ball with one hand near one side of their body while staying low with their knees bent.
It should also be noted that the perimeter player should hold the ball near its side and not palm it as that would be a carrying violation, at least most of the time.
As that occurs, the perimeter player should also move the foot that is on the same side of the ball outward and away from the other foot.
The main purpose of this footwork is to misdirect the defender into thinking the drive will be towards that same side. Furthermore, it is also important that the defender does not move the opposite foot as that would be a traveling violation.
Next, the perimeter player should dribble the ball with one hand at an angle towards the center of their own space directly in front of them. As a result, the ball should bounce on the floor and then upwards at an opposite angle.
At the same time as the ball bounces at the opposite angle, the perimeter player should retract the outward foot, catch the ball with the opposite hand, and then lead with the opposite foot to drive the ball towards the basket.
To demonstrate this with an example, let’s say the perimeter player wants to crossover and drive to the left side of the court. To do this, the perimeter player should hold the ball with the right hand (remembering not to carry the ball) while staying low with bent knees.
Next, as that happens, the perimeter player should move their right foot outward and away from the left foot to misdirect the defender into thinking the drive will be to the right side.
From there, the perimeter player should dribble the ball with the right hand at an angle towards the center of their own space directly in front of them.
As the ball bounces upwards at an angle, the perimeter player should retract the right foot, catch the ball with the left hand, and then lead with the left foot to drive towards the basket.
Between the legs dribble
Between the legs dribble is a basketball move in which the perimeter player will dribble the ball between their legs, primarily utilized as a general tactic to set the defender up for another dribbling move or as a way to create separation from the defender.
To execute the basic stationary between the legs dribble, the perimeter player should first bend the knees and have the feet about shoulder width apart to establish a solid base while holding the basketball.
Next, the perimeter player should move one foot ahead of the other similar to a jab step. Following that, the perimeter player dribble the ball with the hand that is opposite of the leading foot (i.e. the foot that moved) in the space between their legs.
From there, the perimeter player could catch the ball with the opposite hand and repeat the process continuously.
To illustrate this with a more detailed example, a perimeter player could lead with their left foot, then dribble the ball with their right hand in the space between their legs, and then catch the ball with their left hand.
Afterwards, holding the same stance, the perimeter player could then quickly dribble the ball again, this time, with their left hand between their legs and catch it with their right hand.
Behind the back dribble
Behind the back dribble is a basketball move in which the perimeter player will dribble the ball behind their back as a general method to create separation from the defender, and/or to attack the basket.
The general techniques of an efficient behind the back dribble are very similar to the crossover dribble, with the clear exception of the dribble action occurring behind the perimeter player as opposed to in front of them.
To execute the basic stationary behind the back dribble, the perimeter player should first get into the triple threat stance with bent knees and a straight back while holding the basketball.
After that, the perimeter player should bring the ball towards one side of their body and then dribble it with one hand at an angle towards the center of their own space directly behind them.
As a result, the ball should bounce on the floor and then upwards at an opposite angle. From there, the perimeter player should catch the ball with their opposite hand to complete the crossover dribble.
As an analogy, similar to the crossover dribble, the finished stationary behind the back dribble should resemble, the letter V in terms of the angle.
That is to say, when the perimeter player executes the behind the back dribble, that same player could imagine the letter V directly behind them. From there, the perimeter player would then attempt to trace that letter V with the dribble itself.
Step back
The step back is a basketball move in which a perimeter player will generally dribble and step away from a defender as a tactic of creating separation for a potential jump shot near the perimeter.
To execute a very basic step back, the perimeter player should first take at least one dribble towards the basket. This dribble action influences the defender to slide laterally and shift their weight so that they can stay in front of the ball.
Next, while the defender is sliding and shifting, the perimeter player should execute a jab step with the foot that is opposite the ball and closest to the defender while maintaining the dribble.
This jab step action will typically cause the defender to hop back and open up their stance to a small degree.
Following the jab step, the perimeter player can retract that same foot (i.e. the foot which executed the jab step) and at this point, there should be enough separation for the perimeter player to take an open shot against the defender.
What is perimeter defense in basketball
Perimeter defense is a basketball defensive concept associated with systems, strategies, or tactics that are designed to limit or prevent offensive plans of actions, particularly near the perimeter areas of the court, which could lead to reduced offensive scoring production and/or turnovers.
In general, the offensive team’s perimeter players will attempt to exploit the gaps within defensive schemes by creating dribble penetration between those gaps.
Therefore, if the offensive team is able to penetrate into the gaps of the defense, particularly near the middle of the lane, then they would be able to potentially create scoring opportunities at the rim, near the perimeter, or beyond the three-point line by way of the kick pass to other possible perimeter players.
However, perimeter defenders can mitigate or prevent offensive dribble penetration, simply by using the basic defensive stance and the defensive slide.
Furthermore, perimeter defenders can utilize other defensive tactics such as jumping to the ball, protecting the nail, or stunting at the ball to mitigate dribble penetration as well.
Moreover, offensive teams may also attempt to create dribble penetration by utilizing the on-ball screen, also known as a pick, which is typically followed by a roll to the basket.
Fortunately though, perimeter defenders as well as post defenders can utilize ball screen defense tactics such as the hedge, ice defense, or drop coverage to mitigate the effectiveness of the offensive ball screen action.
In addition to that, the offensive team will also usually attempt to create high percentage, uncontested perimeter jump shots by using offensive tactics such as ball reversals or basketball screens.
However, perimeter defenders can counter those offensive tactics with defensive tactics of their own such as by way of switch defense or via a defensive closeout.
It should also be stated that if the offensive team relies on one or two perimeter players to contribute to most of the team’s scoring efforts, then a junk defense could be implemented, in which one or two perimeter defenders will try to take away those scoring options.
Defensive stance
To execute a proper defensive stance, each perimeter defender should have their feet slightly wider than shoulder width apart, their knees bent, and their back straight while maintaining balance.
Also, perimeter defenders should try to remain on the balls of the feet and not stand flat-footed. Moreover, perimeter defenders should have their hands up with their arms extended away from their sides.
Additionally, perimeter defenders that are directly guarding the offensive player with the ball should have their hands mirror the ball.
That is to say, if the ball is high near the offensive player’s chest or above the shoulders, then the hands of the perimeter defender should be high as well.
By having active hands, the perimeter defender may be able to deflect the ball if the offensive player attempts to pass it to another teammate.
Conversely, if the ball is low near the offensive player’s waist or below the waist, then the hands of the defender should be low as well.
Also, in that particular instance, if the offensive player is a good perimeter shooter, then the perimeter defender guarding that same offensive player could place one hand near the face of the potential shooter while the other hand is near the ball.
By doing that, the perimeter defender could potentially take away the possible jump shot and at the same time, the perimeter defender is in a position to completely stop or at least, slow down any feasible dribble penetration by the offensive player.
In addition to that, it is important to note that the perimeter defender guarding the ball not reach in aggressively in an attempt to steal the basketball from the offensive player.
If that occurs, then the perimeter defender could possibly get called for an unnecessary foul by the referee.
Defensive slide
The perimeter defender can use the defensive slide alongside the proper defensive stance to stay in front of a player with the ball or it could be used within certain off-ball tactics such as the defensive stunt.
To execute the defensive slide, the perimeter defender should move their feet laterally from side to side with one foot leading the other.
For example, if the perimeter defender wants to move to their right, then the perimeter defender should move laterally (from side to side) with the right foot leading first followed by the left foot after that.
On the other hand, if the perimeter defender desires to move to their left, then the defender should move laterally (from side to side) with the left foot leading first followed by the right foot afterwards.
Also, it is important to note that the perimeter defender should try to keep their feet as close to shoulder width apart as possible while executing the lateral slide.
In other words, the perimeter defender’s feet should never be too close together as that would take away the defender’s lateral quickness.
Furthermore, it is also important to mention that the perimeter defender should not cross their feet when executing the lateral slide.
If that were to occur, not only does this eliminate the defender’s ability to effectively slide laterally, but it also could cause the defender to lose balance.
Jump to the ball
If a perimeter defender is guarding an offensive player with the ball, particularly within man to man defense, and that same offensive player passes the ball to another teammate near the perimeter, then the perimeter defender can jump to the ball after the pass.
The main focus of jumping to the ball is to hinder immediate middle dribble penetration by the offensive player that receives the ball and prevention of a potential face cut to the basket by the player that executed the pass.
To jump to the ball, the perimeter defender will execute a side jump, typically into the gap space between the perimeter defender’s assignment and the offensive player that received the ball one pass away.
The side jump is essential as opposed to a typical defensive slide because it helps the perimeter defender move from one area to the next swiftly and efficiently.
Also, the perimeter defender that jumps to the ball should maintain vision of both the offensive player that executed the pass as well as the offensive player that receives the ball.
To accomplish this, the perimeter defender could jump to the ball and then use their pointer fingers on both hands to point to both the offensive player with the ball and the offensive player that they are currently guarding.
In other words, the perimeter defender should not jump to the ball with their back towards the offensive player that executed the pass.
If that were to happen, then the offensive player that executed the initial pass could easily backdoor cut to the basket and receive the ball once again for a possible scoring opportunity at the rim.
Protect the nail
In certain instances, when the ball is one or two passes away from the top, a perimeter defender near the top can drop back towards the center of the free throw line, which is also known as the nail.
The main emphasis of this nail defense is to limit or prevent dribble penetration, particularly from the wings.
Basically, perimeter defenders can protect the nail to diminish the offensive team’s ability to drive the ball towards the middle of the lane, thus decreasing potential offensive scoring options from both sides of the floor.
Stunt at the ball
If an offensive perimeter player attempts to dribble the ball between one of the gaps near the top, wings, or corners, an adjacent perimeter defender that is one pass away can stunt at the ball as a tactic for mitigating that possible dribble penetration.
To execute the defensive stunt, the perimeter defender would momentarily take a step towards the player that is trying to penetrate into the adjacent gap, for about a half-second and then recover to the offensive player that they were originally guarding.
Hedge
An offensive player may also try to create dribble penetration by utilizing an on-ball screen set by another teammate against the perimeter defender.
However, the perimeter defender as well as the screener’s defender can counter this action with the defensive hedge.
To execute the defensive hedge, the perimeter defender will fight over the top or go under the on-ball screen while the screener’s defender attempts to get above the screen to obstruct the dribbling pathway of the offensive player with the ball that initially received the screen.
If the hedge is successful, then the offensive player with the ball will not be able to easily penetrate into the gaps of the defense and at the same time, the perimeter defender that is guarding that same offensive player can recover.
Ice defense
A perimeter defender can implement ice defense as another counter tactic to neutralize the effects of the offensive team’s ball screen action near a sideline.
To execute the ice defense, the perimeter defender will jump above the on-ball screen while facing the adjacent sideline.
This will not only take away the on-ball screening action but it will also influence the offensive perimeter player with the ball towards the baseline as opposed to the middle of the lane.
From that point, the screener’s defender can maintain the player with the ball for about a second while the perimeter defender recovers to get back in front of the ball.
Drop coverage
Somewhat similar to the ice defense, a perimeter defender as well as the screener’s defender could also use the drop coverage, particularly near the top, to decrease the effectiveness of on-ball screens by the offensive team.
To execute the drop coverage, the perimeter defender will usually fight over the top of the ball screen while the screener’s defender stays below the screen near the free throw or high post area.
Next, the screener’s defender will try to contain the offensive player with the ball and mitigate a roll to the basket if that occurs as well.
Following that, the perimeter defender can recover to get back in front of the offensive player with the ball and/or contest a potential jump shot if necessary.
Closeout
In many situations, the offensive team will more than likely use ball reversal and/or the offensive team might be able to get initial dribble penetration, which would cause the defensive team to counter with help defense, particularly from the weak side.
If that were to occur, then perimeter defenders could be initially too far from offensive players near the perimeter, which could lead to uncontested perimeter/three-point shots.
Therefore, to fully prevent or at least mitigate uncontested open jump shots, perimeter defenders can execute a defensive closeout to shut the space between themselves and nearby perimeter offensive players who could potentially shoot from mid-range or three-point range.
Generally speaking, to execute a defensive closeout, perimeter defenders will sprint towards the offensive player with the ball, particularly with long steps, while maintaining a good defensive stance.
Furthermore, the perimeter defender should use short choppy steps upon completely closing the space between themselves and the offensive player with the ball.
The choppy steps allow the defender to slow down their sprinting speed in an effort to not make unnecessary contact with the offensive player with the ball which could lead to an unnecessary foul.
Additionally, at the same time, this also helps the perimeter defender properly read and react to any potential actions of the offensive player, whether those actions be a jump shot, dribble penetration, or a possible pass to another offensive player.
Switch defense
The offensive team may also try to use a variety of off-ball screens such as down screens or flare screens as well as the previously mentioned on-ball to create separation between perimeter offensive players and perimeter defenders.
Afterwards, if the screening action is successful, then the offensive perimeter player could have an opportunity to take a mid-range or three-point shot.
However, perimeter defenders can counter and mitigate those offensive actions by switching with another perimeter defender or a mobile post defender that is near the perimeter.
To execute the defensive switch, the player being screened (for this case, the perimeter defender) and the screener’s defender (i.e. another perimeter or post defender) will simply exchange defensive assignments during the course of the screening action.
Junk defense
In some instances, the offensive team might only have one or two perimeter players as the main scoring options, particularly from mid-range or three point range.
Also, at the same time, the other offensive players might have less than ideal scoring capabilities especially near the basket or around the perimeter.
If that is the case, then the defensive team could possibly implement a junk defense strategy in which one or two perimeter defenders will guard the offensive team’s main perimeter scorers, particularly with denial defense to take away those scoring options.
Furthermore, the other defenders will set up in a zone defense, which would resemble a box, diamond, or triangle on the court.
The common types of junk defense are the box and 1 defense, the diamond and 1 defense, and the triangle and 2 defense.
The primary objective of the box and 1 defense is for the defensive team to utilize their best perimeter defender to disrupt or neutralize the scoring and/or playmaking abilities of the offensive team’s best player with man to man defense.
The diamond and 1 defense is a variation of the box and 1 defense and similarly, its main focus is to let the best perimeter defender execute man to man defense against the offensive team’s best perimeter player to limit or prevent the scoring and/or playmaking abilities of the same offensive player.
However, one notable difference between the diamond and 1 defense and its box and 1 counterpart is that it could be useful against teams with more than one player that has the ability to shoot from the perimeter, particularly from three-point range.
The primary emphasis of the triangle and 2 defense is for the defensive team to use their best two perimeter defenders to disrupt or neutralize the scoring and/or playmaking abilities of the offensive team’s best two perimeter players, particularly with man to man defense.
Having said that, a potential disadvantage of the triangle and 2 defense is that it is not as beneficial against offensive teams that prefer to get most of their scoring output from one or more low post players.