Helena Frye
Creating driving lanes in basketball is a crucial aspect of both offensive and defensive strategies. Off-ball defenders should focus on attacking passing lanes, anticipating passes, and disrupting offensive spacing and timing. On the offensive end, creating a double gap within your offense can increase the likelihood of scoring by giving defenders a larger area to cover. Additionally, ball screen actions, dribble handoff actions, and transition pin-down strategies can be employed to create driving lanes and gain a strategic advantage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of players | 5 |
| Distance covered | 94 feet |
| Ball security | Vital |
| Ball movement | Quick |
| Player movement | Sprint |
| Player positioning | Wide |
| Player knowledge | Lanes |
| Player skills | Catching, passing, dribbling |
| Offensive strategy | Penetration |
| Defensive strategy | Attack passing lanes, focus on obtaining the basketball |
| Training | On-court, online courses |
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What You'll Learn
Creating driving lanes
Firstly, understand the concept of a single and double gap. A single gap is formed when two offensive players are positioned within 12 to 15 feet of each other on the perimeter. By creating a double gap, an open spot is generated between two offensive players, providing a larger area for the on-ball defender to cover. This not only increases the likelihood of a hand-check foul but also creates more space for your offence, making it easier to score.
To create a double gap, consider using a dribble handoff action. This involves employing a DHO (dribble handoff) around the top of the key, with the initial ball handler filling the opposite side of the handoff, thus creating the desired gap. Another tactic is the Transition Pin Down, where the PG (point guard) reverses the ball to an athletic trailer, then sets a down screen, allowing the trailer to drive through the double gap.
Additionally, focus on dribble-drive opportunities. Start with all five players outside the 3-point line, then move the ball to the right elbow, opening the middle of the floor for a dribble-drive. This can create a driving attempt and also generate scoring chances for opposite-side cutting players.
Furthermore, it is essential to develop off-ball defensive skills. Defending players should focus on obtaining the basketball rather than just protecting the basket. They should constantly attack passing lanes, disrupt offensive spacing and timing, and force offensive players away from the basket, increasing their drive distance.
Finally, when guarding drives, it is crucial to funnel them to desired locations. Teach players to eliminate straight-line drives and blow-bys, instead directing drives to specific areas where they can be more effectively contested. This balance between allowing dribble drives and controlling their direction is key to good defence.
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Ball screen actions
Ball screens are an offensive basketball play that creates space for teammates to shoot, attack the basket, or pass the ball without defensive intrusion. They are the most common offensive play in NBA basketball, with screens occurring in nearly every play.
There are several types of ball screens, each with a different purpose and outcome:
Cross Screens
The screener sets the pick in a driving lane, allowing an interior player room to post up, receive an entry pass, and attack the hoop for a dunk or layup.
Down Screens
The screener sets the pick near the baseline, giving a teammate an open jump shot, often from behind the three-point line.
Flare Screens
The screener sets a pick near the top of the key, creating space for an open jump shot. This is the most significant type of ball screen as it directly involves the ball handler in a pick and roll.
Back Screens
An off-ball player sets a screen behind a teammate's defender, allowing the offensive player to cut towards the basket and receive an open layup.
Double Screens
Two players set a screen side-by-side for a teammate.
Flat Screens
A player sets a screen for the player with the basketball while their back is facing the basket. This is difficult for the defender to avoid, especially if the ball-handler is moving quickly towards the rim.
Flex Screens
This screen is set on the weak side of the floor, allowing the offensive player to cut along the baseline and into the paint.
Ram Screens
An off-ball screen that leads immediately into an on-ball screen. This is effective because it is difficult for the defender to recover quickly and provide good help on the ball-handler.
Staggered Screens
Two players set a screen for a teammate, but they are not side-by-side. Instead, one player is in front, while the other is a step or two behind.
When setting up a ball screen, the ball-handler should direct their teammate to a specific location on the court. They should also stay level with the screener's position to prevent the defender from shooting the gap. As the ball-handler initiates the screen, they should stay tight to the screener and keep their eyes up to decide whether to pass or drive to the basket.
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Dribble handoff actions
Dribble handoffs, also known as DHOs, are a cornerstone of modern basketball, and a highly effective way of creating driving lanes. This is how they work: one player dribbles towards a teammate and hands off the ball. This action closes the gap between the two players, and the player with the ball becomes an instant screener, making it difficult for the defender to stay attached to the receiver. This can lead to open shots, driving lanes, and chaos for the opposing team.
There are many variations of the standard dribble handoff. For example, if the defender guarding the receiver tries to anticipate the handoff by getting in the passing lane, the receiver can quickly cut backdoor towards the basket, giving the passer an easy pass.
Another example of a dribble handoff action is as follows: 1 dribbles towards 2 to execute the handoff. 2 then dribbles toward the middle of the lane via the on-ball screen set by 5. 5 then rolls to the basket while 1 fills the vacated right corner previously occupied by 2. 2 can then take an open mid-range jump shot or drive and score at the basket.
A third example: 3 dribbles towards 2 to execute a handoff. 2 then drives toward the basket via the on-ball screen set by 4. 5 steps into the lane, receives a short pass from 2, and scores at the rim. 1 can then receive a drift pass from 2 and take an open jump shot.
Dribble handoffs can also be used to combat pressure defences that deny perimeter passes. They can be used in conjunction with other dribble entry actions, such as backdoor cuts and shallow cuts, to create a progression of dribble entry combinations.
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Off-ball defence
Understanding the Ball Line
The ball line is an imaginary line from the basketball to the offensive player you are guarding. When this offensive player is one pass away from receiving the ball, position yourself strategically along this ball line. Specifically, you should be one-third to one-half of the distance between your opponent and the ball. This positioning allows you to maintain an athletic stance while keeping an eye on both the player and the ball.
Attacking the Passing Lanes
Off-ball defenders must focus on disrupting passing lanes to prevent the opponent from receiving the ball. This involves constantly anticipating and attacking the lanes by deflecting passes rather than trying to catch them. Watch the passer's eyes as they often telegraph their passes. By disrupting passing lanes, you can force offensive players away from the basket, increasing their shot and drive distance.
Denying the First Pass
To deny the first pass effectively, the defender must play "'UP'" the passing lane, positioning themselves between the ball handler and their opponent. This requires effort, determination, and a working knowledge of pass denial techniques. By denying the first pass, you make it harder for the offence to establish their rhythm and execute their plays.
Defending Cutters
Off-ball defenders must be able to defend against basic cuts and also anticipate and prevent them. This involves understanding the offensive player's movement and ensuring you are in the right position to disrupt their path. Defending against cutters requires quick reactions and a good read of the opponent's intentions.
Communication and Teamwork
Effective off-ball defence also relies on communication and teamwork. Defenders must communicate with each other to avoid leaving offensive players open. They should call out screens, switches, and any other relevant information to ensure that their teammates are aware of potential threats and can adjust their positioning accordingly.
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Fast breaks
One of the most important aspects of a successful fast break is speed. The faster the transition from defence to offence, the more likely the break will be a success. The key is getting the ball inbounds quickly, looking up the court, filling your lane, and sprinting at all times. The point guard must be able to receive the ball quickly and pass ahead to the open man, only dribbling if they are defended. The other players must sprint their lanes, staying wide and knowing their positions.
Drills such as the 3-on-2 full-court drill teach players to break the press, get out of traps, and capitalise on fast-break opportunities. The 1v1 attack with narrow cones is another useful drill, working on players' ability to finish at the basket in a break situation.
The Loyola Marymount Fast Break, developed by Paul Westhead, is a great example of a successful fast-break strategy. His 1990 team averaged over 122 points per game with a 45-second shot clock, demonstrating the effectiveness of his system.
The Navy Transition drill is another useful exercise to teach players about fast breaks. It begins with the coach slamming the ball down, with both teams pursuing it. Once a team gains possession, they attack in transition. This drill can be played 2 on 1 or 3 on 2, with the latter being more suitable for youth teams.
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Frequently asked questions
Passing lanes are the paths that basketball players use to pass the ball to their teammates without it being intercepted by the opposing team.
Creating passing lanes in basketball involves disrupting the offensive team's spacing and timing by constantly anticipating and attacking their passes. This can be achieved by off-ball defenders who focus on obtaining the basketball rather than just protecting the basket.
There are several strategies for creating driving lanes in basketball, including ball screen actions, "push" actions, and transition pin downs. For example, in a ball screen action, a wing player can set a screen for the point guard, creating a double gap that provides more space for the offence to work with.
A double gap is a spacing concept in basketball where two offensive players are positioned 12 to 15 feet apart on the perimeter, creating an open spot between them. This larger gap can provide advantages for the offence by giving the defence more area to cover, increasing the likelihood of a hand-check foul and creating uncontested shot opportunities.
