One of the most important situations when it comes to defense is getting back in transition and stopping the ball.

Transition defense is one of those situations that was so important we would work on it everyday. Sometimes the drills may have only lasted 5 minutes but it was not about the time we spent doing it.

We did it because it was important to the long term success of our team and the foundation for building our defense. Many teams today use 4 guards and play at a high pace. To become a team that is great in transition when on offense, the team has to limit turnovers, take good shots and sprint back with 5 defenders below the ball.

5 Defenders Below the Ball

By limiting turnovers it will help stop the 2 on 1 or any other situations where the team gets easy chances to score. When a team takes good shots on offense it allows for the other players to get in position to get an offensive rebound or get back. The point guard and the shooting guard usually get back when the shot is taken to half court.

When they drive for a layup or shoot a shot in the corner, another player should get back. Taking a bad shot leads to easy transition baskets because other players are not in a position to do their job. When the offensive player has the ball, all 5 defenders should be in front of the ball and in position to help. Stopping the ball in transition gives you a chance to set up your half-court defense.

The goal of a good defense is to make a team work and score in half court. Depending on the team or player that you play, there will be certain situations that you will have to look to defend in transition.

In transition, the player may have to guard a player that they were not originally guarding. Some teams have players that are very good at running the wing in transition. At times the point guard has to take this player to keep the ball from being passed ahead. The other players should find the open man and be in a position to help. When the defensive player gets a chance, they can switch back to their original player or someone of the same size.

When the team has an offensive player that is good in transition the defense may want to use another defender as extra help in the transition. Usually, the player guarding the offensive player behind the ball should be the player in position to help on the driver. The goal of this is to show the offensive player that there is help and no clear driving lanes to the basket.

It is always important for post players to sprint back on defense in transition. They are usually the players that are used to help early on the offensive players who like to attack in transition. Offensive teams may also have post players that sprint the middle in transition. The longer it takes the post defender to get back in transition, the more pressure it puts on the guards. The guards will have to defend the bigger player and create an advantage for the offense.

In the next blog, we will go over some of these situations. In the meantime, grab a copy of the book, FROM AMATEURS TO PROS which explains these situations and what defensive teams or players may face. Players will learn how to defend these situations as individuals and as a team. The book also includes the fundamental principles of offense that will help players and teams develop a higher IQ.