Helena Frye
In basketball, the term drop is used to refer to two different concepts: drop coverage and the drop step. Drop coverage is a defensive strategy used to counter pick-and-roll situations, where the defender guarding the screener moves to a predetermined depth and then backpedals vertically to the rim, remaining between the ball and the basket. The goal is to force the offence to take tough mid-range shots while protecting the rim and limiting kick-out threes. On the other hand, the drop step is an offensive move where a player gets their defender sealed off and on their back or hip, and then pivots around them to create an open lane to the basket. While these two techniques have different purposes, they are both fundamental aspects of basketball strategy and can be extremely effective when executed correctly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of move | Defensive |
| Difficulty level | Basic |
| Strategy | Drop coverage |
| Objective | Prevent the roller from getting easy scores and force the ball-handler into difficult mid-range shots |
| Execution | The defender guarding the screener drops to a certain level in the paint |
| Communication | The defender must communicate the direction of the screen to their teammate, e.g., "drop right" or "drop left" |
| Positioning | The defender must position themselves to prevent the ball-handler from turning the corner and getting an easy shot |
| Recovery | The defender must attempt to get back in front of their opponent as quickly as possible |
| Effectiveness | Situational |
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What You'll Learn
- Drop coverage: a defensive strategy used to counter pick-and-roll situations
- The defender guarding the screener drops to a certain level in the paint
- The defender must prevent the roller from getting under for a lob
- The drop step: a move to create an open layup for a player trying to score
- The drop step is about getting one foot past/around the defender, then pivoting
Drop coverage: a defensive strategy used to counter pick-and-roll situations
Drop coverage is a defensive strategy used in basketball to counter pick-and-roll situations. In a pick-and-roll, an offensive player sets a screen (a 'pick') for a teammate (usually the ball-handler) who is dribbling the ball.
The pick-and-roll is a common offensive tactic in basketball, and drop coverage is a popular way to defend against it. When the screener's defender anticipates a pick-and-roll, they communicate this to their teammate guarding the ball handler. As the ball handler uses the screen, the screener's defender drops back toward the basket to a predetermined position, usually near the free-throw line or slightly deeper. The depth of the drop depends on the offensive players' tendencies and the coach's strategy.
The key principle of drop coverage is that the screener's defender stays below the screen to prevent or challenge shots near the rim. They have two primary objectives: first, to prevent the ball handler from getting close to the hoop for an easy shot; and second, to stop the roller from getting deeper, which could result in a lob being thrown.
Drop coverage is particularly effective when the offensive players involved in the pick-and-roll have below-average jump shots. By implementing drop coverage, the defense aims to limit or prevent easy scoring opportunities near the basket, such as layups or dunks. However, this strategy can backfire if the screener is a good mid-range or three-point shooter, as drop coverage leaves them open for these shots.
To counter drop coverage, offensive teams may employ strategies such as "pick-and-pop," where the screener pops out to the perimeter for an open shot instead of rolling towards the basket. Drop coverage should not be used against players who favour this strategy. Additionally, offensive players can use complex plays like the "Spain Pick-and-Roll," which uses a second back screen to confuse the defense and create open scoring opportunities.
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The defender guarding the screener drops to a certain level in the paint
Drop coverage is a strategy used in basketball to defend against pick-and-roll plays. It is a tactic often employed to guard against pick-and-roll plays, a staple offensive manoeuvre in the sport. In drop coverage, the defender guarding the screener drops to a certain level in the paint, aiming to prevent shots near the rim.
The defender guarding the screener has two primary responsibilities: first, to not allow the ball-handler to get close to the hoop and take an easy shot; and second, to not allow the roller to get deeper than they are, or risk a lob being thrown. The defender must know where to position themselves to prevent the ball-handler from turning the corner, but also to prevent the roller from getting under for a lob. The offensive ability of both the ball-handler and the screener will dictate how far the defender should "drop" when using drop coverage.
Communication is vital to the success of drop coverage. When the defender guarding the screener notices they are going to set a ball screen, they must immediately let their teammate know a screen is coming to give them time to prepare. It also helps to communicate which side the screen will be set on. The defender guarding the ball-handler goes over the screen, attempting to guide the ball-handler to the drop defender while trying to get back in front. Going over the top of the screen prevents the ball-handler from being able to shoot an uncontested pull-up or three-point shot.
Drop coverage is most effective when playing against a "big" player who scores a lot in the roll action on a pick-and-roll. The defender dropping into the paint puts themselves in the path of the roller, taking away quick scoring opportunities and making the pass extremely difficult. However, drop coverage should not be used against elite shooters or great mid-range shooters.
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The defender must prevent the roller from getting under for a lob
Drop coverage is a defensive strategy used in basketball to counter pick-and-roll situations. In a pick-and-roll, an offensive player sets a screen (a 'pick') for a teammate (usually the ball-handler) who is dribbling the ball. The defender guarding the screener must prevent the roller from getting under for a lob.
The defender guarding the screener has two primary responsibilities: prevent the ball-handler from getting close to the hoop and taking an easy shot, and don't allow the roller to get deeper than they are, or risk a lob being thrown. The screener's defender dropping into the paint puts themselves in the path of the roller, taking away quick scoring opportunities and making the pass extremely difficult.
The defender guarding the ball-handler goes over the screen, attempting to guide the ball-handler to the drop defender while trying to get back in front. Going over the top of the screen prevents the ball-handler from shooting an uncontested pull-up or three-point shot. The defender guarding the screener will work hard to position themselves correctly based on the ball-handler using the screen.
The first and most important aspect of drop coverage is communication. All five players on the floor need to know what ball screen coverage to execute. When the defender guarding the screener notices they're going to set a ball screen, they must immediately let their teammate know a screen is coming to give them time to prepare. They must also communicate which side the screen will be set on.
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The drop step: a move to create an open layup for a player trying to score
The drop step is a fundamental move in basketball, and every player should be familiar with it, regardless of their position or experience level. It is a simple yet highly effective way to create an open layup for a player looking to score.
The drop step is a powerful move that starts and ends on two feet. It begins with the player getting into an athletic stance, with their arms out wide to give the passer a large target and to prevent the defender from stealing the entry pass. The player should aim to catch the ball with both feet on the ground, with their top foot becoming the pivot foot. The player then takes a big step towards the baseline with their bottom foot, sealing their defender on their high side, which creates space for an open layup. The speed and size of this step are crucial to the move's success.
If the defender is still close by, the player should use one power dribble and step through with their top leg, getting their shoulders parallel to the backboard. The player should aim to square up to the hoop and jump off both feet, exploding up toward the rim. The drop step should finish with a shot off the backboard. Even if the player's shoulders are not completely square, they should still have an angle that allows them to use the backboard for a finish.
The drop step is a highly effective way to score around the basket, and it is a great first move for young players to learn. It is a basic move that doesn't stand out but can be perfected over time, becoming a powerful tool for any player.
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The drop step is about getting one foot past/around the defender, then pivoting
The drop step is a fundamental move in basketball that every player should master. It is a simple yet highly effective way to score around the basket. The key to a successful drop step is to get one foot past or around the defender and then pivot, leaving the defender behind. This move requires strength and quickness in execution.
To perform the drop step, begin by positioning yourself with your defender on your back. Your arms should be outstretched to receive the pass and prevent the defender from stealing it. Catch the ball with both feet on the ground, and then take a large step towards the baseline with your bottom foot. This step should be quick and powerful, sealing the defender on your high side.
The foot you used to step towards the baseline now becomes your pivot foot. You can use a power dribble and step through with your top leg to get your shoulders parallel to the backboard. This movement may require some finesse, depending on the effectiveness of your initial drop step. The goal is to get your shoulders squared with the backboard for a better shot.
If your defender is still close, use your body to protect the ball and get as close to square as possible. The drop step should finish with a shot off the backboard. It is important to note that the drop step usually takes you towards the baseline, so creating the illusion of moving towards the middle can enhance the effectiveness of the move.
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Frequently asked questions
Drop coverage is a defensive strategy used to counter pick-and-roll situations. In a pick-and-roll, an offensive player sets a screen (a 'pick') for a teammate (typically the ball-handler) who is dribbling the ball. The defender guarding the screener does not follow the screener to the level of the screen but instead drops back to a predetermined position to prevent the roller from getting easy scores and force the ball-handler into difficult mid-range shots.
The drop defender's primary responsibility is to contain the ball handler as they come off the screen and protect the rim. They must position themselves with enough depth so as not to get beaten off the dribble and stay between the ball and the rim to eliminate straight-line drives. The drop defender must also keep the screener in front of them as they roll to the rim.
The drop step is a basic move where a player catches the ball, takes a step towards the basket, and shoots a layup. The player should get into an athletic position with their arms out wide to receive the pass and prevent the defender from stealing it. After catching the ball, the player steps towards the baseline with their bottom foot and pivots with their top foot, sealing the defender on their high side.
