LEVEL 3Transitionall
Ball, Basket, Bodies
When the other team gets the ball and runs, your defense has three jobs in strict order. First: protect the basket — someone must sprint to the rim before the ball gets there. Second: stop the ball — slow the dribbler down anywhere you can, even for one second, so teammates can recover. Third: find bodies — match up with shooters and runners as they arrive. Notice what's not on the list: complaining to the referee, watching your shot, jogging. Transition defense is won in the first three steps after you lose the ball.
READ THIS
The instant your team's shot goes up or the ball is lost, read the floor behind you — who is deepest, where the ball is, which shooters are leaking.
DO THIS
Sprint to your job by geography: deepest defender to the rim, nearest defender turn the ball twice, everyone else below the ball line before matching up.
COACHING LINEAGE
Pat Riley
Transition aggression — push before the defense sets. The best offense happens in the first six seconds.
Tom Thibodeau
Help defense positioning: one pass away, always. Be early, not late.
IN THE SITUATION ROTATION
Your team's shot misses and the opponent pushes instantly. You are the only player back, facing the ball handler and a lane runner sprinting in a 2-on-1. Your teammates are several strides behind the play.
Appears as a Situation of the Day · all