defending the shooter who keeps stepping in

defending the shooter who keeps stepping in

What is the best way to defend the shooter who after faking a shot turns to WA or c on circle edge, passes out, takes a step nearer to the post and receives return pass either once or several times?

Alison HallCoach, England
ANSWERS
Simon ThomasonCoach, Australia

Hi Alison,

The only real way is the defender needs fast feet. As soon as the pass leaves the shooter`s hand they need to be able to get around them to be between the shooter and the midcourt player, or at very least far enough alongside to reach around with their outside hand to try and deflect the return pass. Not sure how much help that is...

Regards,

Simon

Lorinda DanielParent, Australia

If the fast feet above isnt working, you could try having your defender step forward into the available space as soon as the shooter passes off the ball, thus the only way for the shooter to step forward will be to contact the defence.

Also, defending this move (especially if it is the shooters go to move) shouldnt be left to only the defender. Your WD and C need to get involved to make passing out a bad option, they need to be on top of the WA and C on the circle, not close enough for a contact call but close enough that the WA and C cannot move about the circle. If they leave the circle, then you players need to use footwork to keep them busy and stop them from getting back on the circle edge.

I know its not always easy on the circle to defend the passout, but sometimes just playing a tight game will add enough pressure to make passing out a riskier option than taking the shot.

Janet Coach, Australia

Read the situation & delay the getting distance in the first fake shot phase as this gives the shooter the space to move into if not closed up quickly enough on the turn to double play with C or WA. Shooter wants to make you move away to take up the space closer to the ring. There is no need to be 3ft too soon as long as you are not actively defending and do not interfere with the shooters action. Block from square on behind to prevent the step in towards the circle as not being square on can lead to a pass & step in being made to the unprotected side. Sometimes you have to decide to either block or attempt an intercept depending on what is most effective in the game and how fast you are able to react to the shooters moves.

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