New - 2017 - FRIP L1 - Home - Study - Book - 3 - Basketball - v2.0
New - 2017 - FRIP L1 - Home - Study - Book - 3 - Basketball - v2.0
New - 2017 - FRIP L1 - Home - Study - Book - 3 - Basketball - v2.0
BASKETBALL KNOWLEDGE
- REFEREES (LEVEL 1)
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It has been obvious that basketball understanding is one of the key issues for successful officiating. Step by step the referee environment has started to talked about the
game instead of only the rules. This material has been created by World Association of Basketball Coaches (WABC) in close cooperation with FIBA Referee Department.
The part has been written in home study style, so that you can work through it in your own time and at your own pace through written material enriched with advanced more
comprehensive material at WABC’s on-line platform (http://wabc.fiba.com/).
The FRIP Basketball Knowledge includes 6 topic modules, with varying content in each 3 levels of the FRIP course:
1. Offensive Patterns of Play
2. Defensive Patterns of Play
3. Creating Contact
4. Game Tempo
5. Individual Offensive Skills
6. Coach-Referee Relationship and Player-Referee Relationship.
Example, a referees’ ability to adjudicate situations of contact will be greatly enhanced by them understanding how team coaches deliberately create situations of contact
both offensively (e.g. screening situations) and defensively (e.g. rebounding contest). However, it is not only situations of contact that are explained in the resource and the
curriculum also explains the tactics utilised by teams to affect the tempo of the game and the teaching points when exercising the various skills of the game.
Referee instructor’s task is not teaching referees how to coach or play basketball. However, by giving insight to referees on how the game is played, the referee instructors
will assist the referees to anticipate what might happen and therefore better prepare to analyse the play situations leading to high likely correct decisions.
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Individual Offensive Skills: as different skills evolve it assist referees to review and discuss the application of those skills in a game.
Coach-Referee and
Player-Referee Relationships: Players are the game and referees and coaches “service” the game. Each role is different but all are equally important. Understanding
the perspective of each other will help to form positive relationships and avoid situations of antagonism.
Next you will find some guidelines how to navigate at the WABC on-line platform to enrich your learning experience. At the end of some of the sections you will find links
to advanced studying material provided by WABC.
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Contents
Module B1 Introduction............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 79
Module B2 Offensive patterns of play........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 82
Module B3 Defensive patterns of play........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 99
Module B4 Creating Contact..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 109
Module B5 Game Tempo........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 126
Module B6 Individual offensive Skills....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 128
Module B7 Coach-Referee and Player-Referee Relationships.................................................................................................................................................................. 132
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Module B1 Introduction
B1.1. BASIC BASKETBALL TERMINOLOGY
Term Explanation ABBRV
2x1 Refers to a fast-break situation when the offence is outnumbering the defence. In this case 2 offensive players and 1 defensive 2x1
player.
3x2 Refers to a fast-break situation when offence is outnumbering the defence. In this case 3 offensive players and 2 defensive 3x2
players.
4x3 Refers to a fast-break situation when offence is outnumbering the defence. In this case 4 offensive players and 3 defensive 4x3
players.
Centre (Pivot) A team’s biggest, strongest player. Mainly plays in low post area near basket. Must be able to post up and be an offensive threat 5
inside. Must be able to set solid screens for teammates. Must be able to defend the post area. Has primary defensive rebounding
responsibilities. It is a definite advantage to have a dominate post player.
Action Area Action Area may involve players with or without the ball. Knowledge on various play situations (pick & roll, screening, post-ups, AA
rebounding) will help referees identify Action Areas in their primary, or when extending or expanding coverage.
Double Team When two (or more) defensive players take a close guarding position on the same offensive player (who normally has the ball). DT
Fast Break A quick change of the direction of the ball as the defensive team gains possession of the ball through a steal, rebound, violation FB
or made shot and quickly attacks to the other end of the court hoping to gain numerical or positional advantage over the other
team and a resultant high percentage shot.
Frontcourt A team’s frontcourt consists of the opponents’ basket, the inbounds part of the backboard and that part of the playing court li- FC
mited by the endline behind the opponents’ basket, the sidelines and the inner edge of the centre line nearest to the opponents’
basket.
Full-Court Press A form of extended defence where the defenders guard their men over the entire court area. This method of pressure defence FCP
can be either based on man-to-man or zone-guarding principles. The purpose of the press is to attack the ball with the hope of
causing a turnover before the offensive team can attempt a shot or to speed up the tempo of the game.
Jump Stop A legal method of ending a dribble or receiving a pass in which the player stops his momentum with a one count stop, landing on JS
two feet simultaneously. A player making a legal jump stop has the option of selecting either foot as his pivot foot.
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Loose Ball When a live ball is not in possession of a player but is rolling or bouncing on the floor as players from both sides seek to gain LOB
control or as in a rebounding situation. Team control does not change until the opposition gains control, meaning for example, a
shot clock violation can occur while the ball is loose.
Man-to-Man (defe- The defensive tactic of making each defensive player responsible for guarding a specific offensive player. MTM
nce)
Mid Court Line The centre line, which divides the court in half.
Offence The team in possession of the ball is said to be on “offence”. An offence refers to the pattern of play that the attacking team is OFF
using to beat the defence and get a good shot.
Pick An offensive screen. SC
Pick-n-Pop Action of a offensive screen in the high post of perimeter play and the continuation motion of the same player to receive the ball PNP
for an open shot.
Pick-n-Roll Action of a offensive screen in the high post or perimeter play and the continuation (roll) of the same player towards the basket PNR
in order to receive the ball for a lay up or shot.
Pivot (Player) Normally the tallest player(s) on the team who offensively operate(s) around the keyhole area in order to best take advantage of
their height.
Pivot Foot When a player is in possession of the ball and is not dribbling they are allowed to rotate around one foot providing that foot PF
remains on the same spot on the floor – thus a pivot foot.
Player During playing time, a team member is a player when he is on the playing court and is entitled to play.
Point The point is the area at the top of the key directly in line with the basket. A player is operating from that area may be known as
the point or point guard.
Point Guard (1) A team’s playmaker (coach on the floor). Usually the shortest player on the team. Must possess good passing and dribbling skills. 1
Must make good decisions taking advantage of each teammate’s strengths and capabilities. Must have good court vision taking
pride in passing and creating open shots for receivers. Rarely turns the ball over. Most shots will come off dribble penetration.
Also, must be able to recognize opponents’ defensive deployment and defensive mismatches along with being alert to the score,
time, team foul situation and timeout remaining. Is responsible for defensive balance on teammate’s shots.
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All players play on the perimeter, although players certainly will cut to the basket. The
precise alignment will differ, but the intent is to “stretch” the defence to have to cover
the court.
The “corner 3” is particularly important, as the shooting percentage from this position
is higher than at the wing or top of the key. This may be a result of the corner being
slightly closer, however it is more a reflection on this being the hardest area for the
defence to cover.
Most defensive teams, will have defenders move into the key and away from perime-
ter players that are on the side of the court opposite the ball.
Here x3 is on the “split line” (a position that is in line with the basket), which places
them in a good position to pressure any dribble penetration by 2.
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This “split line” positioning creates the opportunity for the offence to force a “long
close-out”, which is simply where x3 must move back to the perimeter to defend 3.
2 quickly passes to 3, who may catch and shoot or more likely will drive. Defensively
this is very difficult as the player must sprint to get to the perimeter and then be able
to move laterally.
Defensive players are taught to make this lateral movement by moving their feet,
however commonly players may “bump” the dribbler or make contact with the hands.
They may also reach in (even without making contact) to pressure the ball.
The shaded error shows the likely “contact point” – not where 3 catches the ball, but
after they have taken a dribble.
The offence can also create a “long close-out” situation for the defence from dribble
penetration.
As x3 moves into the keyway to stop 2 getting to the basket, a pass to 3 creates a very
difficult situation to defend. Often, another defender (here x1) will “help the helper”
and move to the perimeter. Again, the shaded area shows the likely contact area.
This “penetrate and pitch” is also more likely to create an open shot for 3, as defensive
players move toward the ball and then out to the perimeter.
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Dribble penetration also creates a likely contact point in the keyway, as a “helping”
defender moves to stop the dribbler. The defender may only be moving 1 or 2 steps but
may not be moving until relatively late, depending upon when their team mate was
beating by the dribbler.
Another characteristic of “5 Out” is the prevalence of screens being set by one perime-
ter player for another and this often take place on the side opposite the ball.
The screener (here 3) is instructed to “find” the defender that they are screening,
rather than simply screen at a particular spot on the floor. This increases the intensity
of contact.
The perimeter screens are often set for a player that is moving away from the ball and
then comes back to the ball. Often, a player will use more than one screen, creating
multiple areas of contact – all well away from the ball.
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Four players on the perimeter and one player in a post position, at the keyway. Players
may interchange during the offensive play, particularly after screening action.
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The post player may be in a high position, at the free throw line. This particularly crea-
tes space for players to cut to the basket.
The alignment of the perimeter players may change, particularly to take advantage of
the “weakside” (opposite to the ball) corner.
As with “5 Out”, the offence looks to create opportunities where a defender may have
a “long close-out” (if for example 1 passed to 4).
In this alignment, the offence often divides the court into a strong side (“2 man” game)
and the weakside (“3 man” game), with screens and interchange on the weakside.
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Screens on the ball are very common in 4 Out, 1 In, which creates a situation of
contact at the screen. This contact often continues as the screener moves after the
dribbler has gone.
This may be a movement toward the basket or may simply be to further interfere with
the defensive player.
With a high post player, perimeter players will often cut (or “back cut”) to the basket,
which is a relatively open space. This can create situations of contact near the basket
as defenders move across to help defend the cut.
The post player will often set a screen for a perimeter player to cut. Here the 1 cuts
toward the basket.
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Similarly, perimeter players may cut off the high post. Here, 4 cuts to the perimeter.
Here, 2 cuts toward the basket. In this play, 3 may also move toward the wing, to take
their defensive player away from the basket.
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Three players on the perimeter and two players in post positions, at the keyway. Both
post players may play in the “low post” or “block” or they may alternate with one post
low and one player at the high post player.
The high post player may play anywhere along the free throw line.
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The post players typically work together, so that when the ball is passed to the high
post, the low post will present to receive the ball.
The low post player (5) may step high or may seal behind their defender to receive a
lob pass, with the position of their defender determining which will be effective. If the
offensive player can step past the “high” foot (i.e. foot closest to free throw line), they
will usually step toward the ball.
With two post players, there is often a lot of screening action between the two of
them. This is usually in the confined area of the key way, resulting in a lot of contact.
As it is a “big to big” screen, many team defences will switch automatically which can
be effective to deny the cutter receiving a pass, but also gives the screener an advan-
tage to then “seal” and establish position.
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Also, common in the “3 Out, 2 In” alignment are the post players setting back screens
for the perimeter players to cut toward the baskets. These screens are usually set
behind the defensive player and as that player does not have vision of the screen, they
are also called “blind” screens.
Often the post player will attempt to set the screen quite close to the defender –
“headhunting” them and the amount of space is an important factor for referee
consideration.
The post player will usually set the screen facing the defender they are screening, but
may then reverse pivot to make further contact with the defender as they attempt to
move around the initial screen.
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A common tactic after an initial back screen (e.g. 5 screens for 3) is for the other post
player to then “screen the screener” (4 screening for 5).
This often results in contact on players moving as the defence attempt to negotiate the
first screen and then also deal with the second screen.
The first screen is typically on the “weakside” of the court (away from the ball) and
then the second screen is “behind” the play as the first cutter is moving to the basket
and the defence is moving to defend that cut.
The two post players will also set staggered screens for a shooter to attempt to get
open. Here the two screens are set from the low post, as the cutter (3) cuts to the
counter.
When the ball is on the wing, the posts may set staggered screens at both the low
post and the high post, aiming to free the cutter at the top of the key.
The second screener often moves at a relatively late stage, as the gauge how the
defenders have defended the initial screen.
As with most screens in a 3 Out, 2 In alignment, the contact areas are relatively close
to the key.
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The offence may also use an alignment with two players on one side of the court and
three players in a “triangle” on the other side. This is the basic alignment utilised by
both the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers under coach Phil Jackson.
There are numerous different options in this alignment, including setting screens on
both sides of the court.
Another screening alignment is where the post players set a double screen – standing
together to create a wide barrier for the defender to have to get past.
After a double screen, one of the post players will generally cut toward the ball and
whilst there may not be a screen between the two players there is likely to be a consi-
derable amount of contact on this play.
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“Close Outs” exist in both zone and man to man defences, as defenders move away
from their player to be able to put some pressure on the player that has the ball.
Here, both players x2 and x3 would need to “close out” if the ball was thrown to their
opponent. x3 has a short close-out and x2 would have a long close out.
The further the distance the more difficult to both defend a possible shot and any
dribble.
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The offensive team will attempt to “force” a close out situation by moving the ball
from one side of the court to the other.
Ball reversal can also be done by passing to a post player, who then passes to the
opposite side of the court. As with dribble penetration, x2 may initially help to defend
the post player which makes the close out more difficult.
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The ball reversal can also come after screening action, which again can be particularly
effective if x2 stays inside the key to help to defend the dribble and then must close
out “long”.
Some teams will use a “skip pass” which is to throw from one side of the court to the
other. This is often relatively a relatively slow pass, which may not be as effective in
creating the long “close out”.
“Ball reversal” can also be done with two passes, which will force a close out situati-
on. The quicker the second pass (from 4 to 2) the longer the close out for x2 is likely to
be.
Particularly against a zone defence, if 4 dribbles toward the key to “freeze” x2 (staying
in the key to help defend the dribble) this can be effective in creating a longer close
out.
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On a close out, there are typically three potential areas of contact. First, where the
player catches the ball is a potential contact area if they shoot the ball or if the defen-
der attempts to intercept the pass near the player.
The other potential contact areas are to the left or right, if the player dribbles after
catching the ball. This is a dynamic situation with players moving quickly and the defe-
nder often using their hands to an initial “bump” to slow the dribbler.
Level 1 – Team
1. Defensive Tactics and Strategies
1.1 Man to Man defence
1.1.8 Help Defence – help to defend dribble penetration
1.1.9 Help Defence – helping the helper / defensive rotation
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The “split line” is fundamental to most defensive schemes and divides the court into
two sides. The further a defender is away from the ball, the closer to the ball the
defender is.
In the first diagram x4 and x3 are in a “split line” position, because their players are on
the opposite side of the court to the ball. In the second diagram, x5 also has moved to
the split line.
Zone defences similarly usually have defenders move to the “split line” once the ball is
on one side.
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The purpose of the “split line” defender is to help should the defender on the ball be
beaten. The defender moves from the split line to stop the dribbler getting into the key.
This is a situation where contact is likely and it can be difficult to ascertain if the “rota-
ting” defender has established legal guarding position prior to any contact.
Many teams will not have the centre (x5) rotate (often because they are slower), which
means that the defender that does rotate (x4) may be in a less advantageous position.
This initial rotation leaves a player undefended and x1 is in a poor position to be able
to switch onto that player. x5 may be able to help defend 4 when 4 cuts into the key,
but it would be difficult for them to defend 5 and 4 whilst 4 remains on the perimeter.
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Most teams will have a “secondary” rotation, shown as x3 rotating to defend 4 (“hel-
ping the helper”) and x2 rotates to the top of the key and is responsible for both 3 and
2 (whichever player gets the ball).
To reduce the effectiveness of help defence, teams will often move players away from
the split.
Here 5 cuts to the high post and 4 cuts to the corner – threatening positions and as
their defenders move to defend them, there is now no low split line defenders to help
on dribble penetration.
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Another effective tactic used by offensive teams is “ball reversal” which can both
create a long “close out” (as x2 as a long distance to defend 2) and creates a situation
where there is limited help defence, as x1 has not been able to get to the split line
before 2 dribbles.
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“Trapping” is simply a situation where two defenders closely guard the player with the ball so that they cannot dribble. It can be particularly effective if the player has already
dribbled.
Teams may play a full court defence throughout a game, although “trapping” is often most effective:
(a) After a team takes a free throw (whether it is made), because players can be ready in position to institute the “trap”;
(b) After a team scores, because any delay in retrieving the ball and being ready to throw it in again gives the defence time to set up their “trap”;
(c) Any possession where the referee administers the throw in (e.g. after a foul or violation), because the delay again gives the defenders time to ready their “trap”.
Teams may switch to a full court defence after a time-out or may have a name to describe the defence and the coach may be able to make the change by calling for it from
the sideline (e.g. “34” may be full court man to man defence).
Full court defence can be played with a man to man alignment (where each defender is responsible for defending a particular player) or in a zone alignment (where each
defender is responsible for defending a particular area of the court).
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Trapping Areas
There are three typical trapping areas in a full court defence:
• Corners – shaded in yellow;
• Back court sideline – shaded in blue;
• Front court sideline, near half way – shaded in red
Trapping in the corners usually happens immediately after the first pass is made. The
defender will deny their opponent from moving toward the middle of the court, so that
they move toward the trapping area.
The defenders should stand close enough to each other so that the offensive player
cannot step between them and should have their hands high to make any pass difficult.
Players often though will try to grab the ball.
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Trapping on the side lines in the back court is typically down when the on-ball defen-
der “turns the dribbler” – forcing them to dribble toward the sideline and then change
direction.
As they attempt to change direction a second defender moves toward them to trap
or “double team”. This defender usually comes from the “split line” or middle of the
court. It is most effective if the dribbler turns without looking (using a reverse pivot).
The trap can also occur if the dribbler picks the ball up.
The reason for trapping on the sideline is because the sideline effectively acts as a
third defender. The 8 second count (to move the ball into the front court) will also put
additional pressure on the offensive player.
The third trapping area (front court sideline near half way) is perhaps the most effecti-
ve as the sideline and half way line act as additional defenders – effectively meaning
that the dribbler cannot move in any direction.
This trap often comes about by the on-ball defender “channelling” the dribbler
(keeping them dribbling along the sideline) and a defender moving up the sideline to
complete the trap.
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The middle of the court is not an effective position to trap the dribbler unless the stop
their dribbler.
Instead, the defence may “run and jump” or “switch” – in the diagram, x1 moves to de-
fend the dribbler (and most likely make them change direction) and x2 moves to defend
1 (and remain able to potentially trap the dribbler).
Although not being a “trapping” defence, “run and jump” can be effective at creating
an 8 second violation.
A particularly effective tactic for the offensive team against a full court man to man
defence, is for the four players that do not have the ball to move into their front court.
The result of this is that the dribbler is now 1v1 against their defender and there is no
defender able to be able to effectively “trap” the defender.
The offensive team may also have their centre move to set a screen for the dribbler, as
the centre’s defender may not have the athletic ability to be able to effectively trap the
dribbler.
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A full court zone defence negates the offence’s strategy of having players move into
the front court. In a zone defence, each defender is in a particular area of the court,
whether there is an offensive player in that area.
In the diagram, x2 is able to help to trap if the dribbler is “turned” at the sideline and
x4 is in position to trap if the dribbler is channelled along the sideline.
Offences will generally look to make longer passes against a zone defence, because it
will quickly move the ball past the defenders, putting them in an ineffective position.
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A full court trapping defence will generally increase the tempo of the game and referees must be particularly conscious of:
• 8 second violation in the back court;
• Having court coverage of where the offensive players (and any defenders) that have moved into the front court;
Any double team or trap is likely to have a lot of contact, particularly as the offensive player may pivot to pass and the defenders may move to attempt to close any space
that the dribbler has (particularly once they stop dribbling).
Level 2 – Team
1. Defensive Tactics and Strategies
1.3 Zone defences
1.3.1 Full court trapping zone (1-2-2)
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Potentially there will be 5 separate rebounding contests after each shot and although they are in a relatively small area of the court (usually in the keyway) the angles of each
contest are likely to be different. Accordingly, it can be difficult for referees to adjudicate all rebounding contests. There may also be contact with the shooter, particularly
after the shot has been released.
Having regard to how players are taught to “block out”, the referees need to consider:
• Was the initial contact by the defender made from within their “cylinder”;
• Was the offensive player in the air when contact is made;
• Does the defensive player attempt to move the offensive player after making contact (typically pushing into the player);
• Did the offensive player make any contact with the defender (particularly pushing into their back)? If contact was made, was it from within the offensive player’s
“cylinder”?
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B4.2. SCREENING
A “screen” is where an offensive player stands in the path of a defensive player to stop that defender from moving to defend a second offensive player. The purpose of
the screen is to create contact – sometimes that contact will be the defensive player running into the stationary screener, however at times there will be contact as both
screener and the defender are moving.
Down Screen
A Down Screen is set by a player that is moving toward the baseline and is usually set
on the side of the court opposite the ball.
After 3 cuts using the screener, the screener will then also present an option to receive
a pass (here 2 moves to the basket).
Typically, the screener has their back to the person with the ball when setting the
screen.
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A down screen can be used between post players or between perimeter players. This
perimeter screen differs from the previous one as it is set higher on the court.
The role of the screener is to move to wherever the defender is, not simply a spot on
the floor. For example, x3 may be on the split line, meaning that the screen will be set
in the key.
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There are many different movements that can be made off a screen, and they are
usually directed by what the defender does.
Here, 3 makes a straight cut as x3 also goes over the top of the screen. As 3 has cut to
high, 2 moves toward the basket.
However, if x3 is behind 3 as they make the cut off the screen, 3 will curl to the basket
and 2 will cut high.
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If x3 gets in front of 3 as they move to cut over the top of the screen, 3 will then chan-
ge direction and cut toward the basket (a “back door” cut).
2 will initially maintain their position, to remain in the way of x3, but will then cut high.
x3 may also cheat underneath the screen, anticipating that where the offensive player
will cut. In this instance, 3 moves toward then screen and then makes a “flare cut”
away from the screen. The screener, turns and steps toward x3
The screen is set from behind the defensive player who will usually not have vision of
the screener and accordingly the screener should give the defender more space to be
able to avoid contact.
A similar screen is an up screen, where the screener is stepping “up” the floor, in
contrast of a down screen.
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Typically, a back screen or up screen is set by a post player, for a perimeter player
that is moving toward the basket. However, it can also be used by a perimeter player
moving to the perimeter.
Ball Screen
A ball screen is simply where a player screens the defender who is guarding the player
with the ball. It may be set before the person has dribbled or can be set while they are
dribbling.
After the dribbler uses the screen, the screener will often “roll” and move to the bas-
ket. This creates a lot of contact, which continues for several steps.
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Ball screens are also commonly set in the middle of the court with the screener again
“rolling” to the basket.
This is often done with the dribbler moving toward their team mate and then coming
to a stop and holding the ball at their hip so that the team mate may grab it as they run
past.
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A hand off can also be done when the person with the ball is stationary (e.g. a post
player) and a team mate runs past them.
The defender will often push the cutter with an arm bar or their hip to help to make
room.
The screener’s defender may also step so that they are in the way of the cutter, which
is called “showing” (or “show your number”).
A second method is for x3 to go “under” moving behind both the screener and x2.
Again, x2 will “show” to help to delay the cutter.
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Similarly, x3 may go “through” where x2 steps away from the screener to create a gap
for x3 to move behind the screener but get to the cutter more quickly.
When “under” or “through” is used, the cutter may flare cut, and 2 may “re-screen”.
Finally, x3 and x2 may switch and change who they are defending. This can be very ef-
fective to put pressure on the cutter (as x2 is in good position to move into their path),
however 2 may “seal” x3 making it difficult for that defender to establish position.
Switching is mostly done when the two offensive players are of similar size otherwise
it can create a mismatch for the defenders. However, some teams will also do it auto-
matically when there is limited time left on the shot clock.
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x1 will also usually use an arm bar on the hip of the dribbler trying to force enough
room for both players to go “over” the screen.
x5 may “show” their numbers however will usually also keep some contact with the
screener.
x1 may also go “through” a gap created by x5 stepping away from the screener and
going behind the screener. This is usually only done when 1 is not a good perimeter
shooter.
x1 may also go “under” the screener, with x5 “showing” their number. Again, this is
unlikely to be done if 1 is a good perimeter shooter.
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Switching is used by some teams, particularly if the screener and dribbler are similarly
sized players. A switch can create two mismatches for the defence, with a “big” defe-
nding a dribbler and a guard defending the “big” (screener).
Particularly when there is limited time on the shot clock, a switch may be used to
prevent an easy shot.
Teams will also double team the dribbler, with x5 stepping onto their path and x1 move
over the top of the screen. This may be a “hard show” when x5 stays with the dribbler
for one or two dribbles or can be a double team where the two defenders pressure the
dribbler
On a ball screen, the screener often cuts hard to the basket, particularly when the
screener’s defender either “hard shows” or looks to double team.
To combat this, the defensive team will often rotate a third defender across to defend
the “big”, which can create a mismatch. This often creates significant contact in the
keyway.
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The defender often attempts to stop the offensive player from getting to the post area and may push with their hips, shoulders, an arm bar or with their hands. However, it
is wrong to assume that any contact that occurs has been initiated by the defender.
Offensive players will initiate contact to get position to receive the ball. Typically:
• Offensive player will attempt to step across the foot of the defender and then face the passer. They will “sit” on the leg of the defender and use their arms to create
an area for the passer to throw to. (need photo)
• If the offensive player cannot get a “front foot”, they will often step into the defender, contacting an arm bar to the chest, and then reverse pivot to again have the
defender on their back with arms high to clear a passing area. (need photos)
• The offensive player will use their arms to help to establish their position – often knocking their opponents arms out of the way. Typically, if the defender’s arm is
high (shoulder height) the offensive player will knock it up. Whilst if the defender’s arm is low (waist/chest height) the offensive player will “swim over” pushing the
arm down.
Contact in the low post is frequent and often both offence and defence are moving, which makes it important for the officials to see the “gap” between the two players so
that they can correctly adjudicate the contact situation. The position that an official will need to take to “see the gap” will be influenced by the position that the defender
adopts to defend the low post area:
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x5 may play “high” (closer to the free throw line) of the post player. Often, they will
keep one foot behind the post defender and one foot in front of them.
Alternatively, x5 may play on the low side (closer to the baseline) of the post player,
again usually with one foot behind and one foot in front of them.
In this situation, 1 will tend to move up the court to have a successful passing angle.
x5 may also play from behind the post player, which may concede a pass into them but
gives maximum 1 on 1 protection to defend any move to the basket.
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x5 may also deny the post player by standing in front of them, which they may do
facing the passer (“toes out”) or facing the post player (“toes in”). This defence is not
usually adopted unless there is a defender on the low split line to prevent any lob pass
over x5.
Many teams will also double team the low post player as they catch the ball. If x5 was
on the “high” side, the double team tends to come from the low split line (x2).
x3 then rotates down the key to “help the helper” and another player would rotate to
the top of the key (not shown).
If x5 defends the post player from the low side, the double team is likely to come from
the high split line, with x2 remaining in the low split line.
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Once the post player receives the ball, they have several options:
• Face the basket (either with a forward or reverse pivot), which is usually done if the defender has “stepped off” leaving space between the defender and the offensive
player.
• Use a drop step (either to the baseline or middle) – where the player will pivot on one foot and step past the defender (if the defender is playing high, the post player
will step with the foot closest to the baseline). The post player will often then use a power dribble, where the take one bounce and either bring their feet together or
jump further into the key. A drop step is usually used if the defender is playing to either the low or high side and is close enough that the post player can step past
them.
• Forward spin move, where the post player pivots 180 degrees to step past the defender and to be moving to the basket. This is most successful when the defender
is playing very close, but behind, the post player.
After their initial move, the post player may look to score (or pass). If they are inside the key, they may use a “counter move” where they will shot fake and then either forward
or reverse pivot to get past a defender. When using a forward pivot, the player will usually pivot on their heel (lifting their toes).
The post player may also “step off” the block to receive a pass and then either face the basket or they may “back in”, dribbling with their back to the basket. This move
involves a lot of contact as the dribbler will attempt to “hit” the defender to move them backwards. The defender will most successfully be able to “hold” their ground, if
they initiate the contact so it is a difficult situation for the referees to adjudicate.
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Level 2 – Player
1. Defensive Basketball Skills
1.1 Individual Defensive Movement and Positions
1.1.2 Off ball defence – fronting the post
Level 3 – Team
1. Defensive Tactics and Strategies
1.4 Advanced defensive techniques
1.4.2 Double team post players
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Most teams will have a preference for the tempo at which they game is played and tempo is related to speed but it is not the same as speed. Tempo can be affected by
factors such as:
• Whether a team “walks” the ball up the floor or attempts to quickly get from defence to offence;
• The type of defence a team plays – full court defence tends to quicken the tempo whilst a half court zone defence tends to slow the tempo. Teams often vary when
they will play full court defence, some using it for a limited time or in response to particular situations;
• Foul trouble will often lead a coach to slow the tempo of a game to reduce the number of possessions without a particular player;
• How quickly a team takes the ball from the basket (when the opponent scores), steps out of bounds and throws it back into play. When playing an opponent that
wishes to inbound quickly teams will attempt to interfere with the ball, by crowding into the player that is trying to take the ball from the net, particularly hoping that
the ball may hit them and bounce away;
• When a team tends to shoot within its 24-shot clock count and also the type of shots taken in their offence. For example, 3 point shots often quicken the tempo
because they result in “long rebounds” which can trigger an opponent’s fast break.
• The relative advantage that a team may have against an opponent. A team that is taller may prefer a slower tempo focusing on post play, while a team that is smaller
may prefer to “run the ball” looking to generate lay-ups against slower opponents. Similarly, a team may change their approach depending upon matchups between
individual players;
• Players on the floor at a given time – some combinations of players will tend to be better suited to a certain tempo.
The pre-game meeting between officials and the coach can be a good way to gain information on the likely tempo of the game. The coach is likely to know both the tempo
that their team prefers as well as what they expect the opposition to do. Referees should discuss the upcoming game with their partners, as one of them may have previously
officiated the team.
A team may have set rules as to when they will change defence or offence and these may be constant or may change from game to game depending upon their opponent.
The rules themselves may also change. For example, a team may slow the tempo of their offence if an opponent has scored three (for example) unanswered baskets.
During the game, the coach has three basic opportunities to change tactics and they will often use these to affect the tempo:
• Substitutions / changing “matchups” – for example, a coach may substitute a fast guard into the game to increase the tempo or may take “stars” out of the game
shortly before the end of a period to get an extra-long rest (the time left in the quarter and the time between periods). When doing this, they will often look to slow
the tempo to reduce the number of possessions;
• Time-outs – coaches often call a time-out to attempt to break an opponent’s “momentum” and there will often be a change of tactic when a time-out is called.
• Breaks between periods of play – these are the longer breaks and particularly present an opportunity to re-jig the rules to be applied for the rest of the game.
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A particular time that is likely to require a change of tempo is the last few minutes of the game. The team that has a lead may look to slow the tempo (and reduce the number
of possessions left) while a team that is behind may look to quicken the tempo (and increase the number of possessions).
Quickening the tempo will usually involve extending defence and increasing the pressure to attempt to create turnovers. Teams may also use fouls to reduce the time their
opponent spends in offence although that must be balanced with the increase in their score that may result from successful free throws.
Level 3 – Team
4. Game Coaching
4.1 Finishing the game
4.1.1 Defending a lead
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“Euro” Step
The “Euro” step is an example of “normal” lay-up footwork that does look a little diffe-
rent. It is used to get past a defender.
A dribbler first steps in one direction (blue dot) and then steps in the opposite direction
to step past the player. The steps (particularly the first step) are often slow and the
player may move the ball from one side of their body to the other in a high arc (to avoid
defensive hands).
If contact occurs on the first step it is in quite a different location on the floor than if
contact occurred on the second step.
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As they take their steps they move laterally toward the basket (blue dot representing
their first step and red dot the second). This quick change of direction can lead to
contact:
• With their own defender as they step across their path;
• With a help defender.
The player then takes a step forward (to move past a defender) and jumps off that foot (and lifts their pivot foot) to shoot a lay-up.
This is a legal movement, as the player may pick up their pivot foot if they either pass or shoot before that foot hits the ground.
Players that are proficient at this movement cover a significant distance (e.g. their last dribble may have been outside the 3-point
line), which may make it appear to be a travelling violation.
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Push Dribble
A “push” dribble is typically used when an offensive player faces a situation of moving past two defenders (e.g. their own defender and a help defender). Instead of attemp-
ting to dribble past in a controlled fashion, the offensive player pushes or throws the ball between the two defenders and then moves between them to continue their dribble.
Because they are not directly controlling the ball, they are able to move their body through more easily.
A “throw down” dribble is a similar move, but occurs at the start of the dribble. Typically:
• Offensive will fake to drive in one direction, by taking a small step in that direction (and keeping pivot foot grounded);
• The defender reacts to stop them moving in that direction;
• The offensive player throws the ball to the floor, across their body to change the ball to the other side;
• The offensive player lifts their pivot foot to step past the defender and commence dribbling.
Prior to the development of the throw down dribble, players were taught to move (or “rip”) the ball to the other side of their body and then make a cross-over step (i.e. move
with the foot that they took the initial step with when faking). This can be difficult when defenders close the space between them and the offensive player and particularly
“reach in” to knock the ball away.
Players are encouraged to pick up the ball at the end of the dribble while their feet are in the air and then they may use a:
• jump stop (both feet landing at the same time);
• stride stop (one foot lands and then the second foot lands).
With a jump stop it can be difficult for the player to stop their forward momentum and they will often jump forward as they shoot – referee need to determine whether the
defender was established in position prior to the player jumping to shoot and to then adjudicate any contact.
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The stride stop often allows the player to establish their balance better as the knee of the first leg bends to bring momentum down and then the player jumps as their second
foot touches the floor. Players will often pivot on their heel instead of their toe, which again assists with balance. This is permissible.
The offensive player should move the non-dribbling hand to the ball as they pick up the ball, however commonly the dribbler will move the ball across their body. Even a small
amount of contact on the arm as the player is picking up the ball can have a significant effect on the shot.
Jump shot
A jump shot may occur at the end of the dribble (discussed above) or on catching the ball. Coaches encourage players to catch the ball with “momentum” and to take a small
step as they receive it to create momentum. Some coaches prefer players to use a jump stop (jumping in the air as the ball is passed and landing on two feet), while others
prefer a stride stop.
If the player has feet on the floor when they catch the ball, this limits what they can do without dribbling.
Level 2 – Player
2. Offensive Basketball Skills
2.4 Dribbling
2.4.3 Advanced dribble – throw down dribble
2.4.6 Advanced dribble – push dribble
2.5 Shooting
2.5.1 Advanced lay-up techniques
2.5.2 Reverse lay-up
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The first two of these expectations form the oath taken by a judge/official (on behalf of all officials) in the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. The third expectation is
somewhat problematic and is often the basis upon which coaches criticise referees – “they don’t understand the game”. This may arise simply because the coach disagrees
with a call but can also arise when a literal interpretation of the rules may not necessarily be the best call (for example, calling travelling violation in the back court, when
there is no defensive pressure).
Indeed, having a “feel for the game” is an asset for any official both in terms of understanding how the game is played and the perspective of players and coaches and the
pressures that they are under.
Coaches will also complain when they believe that decisions are not “consistent” (e.g. significant contact being allowed at one end of the court but not at the other). Whilst
this perception may arise because of the different perspective the coaches have (they are closer to one end of the court than the other) it can also arise if the officials are
calling the game differently. This can be addressed by the officials having a productive pre-game meeting and having a high level of dialogue between themselves during
the game.
Coaches also expect to be able to communicate with referees – to question why a call was made or to ask referees to pay attention to a specific situation of concern. The
behaviour of some coaches in how they communicate with officials is inappropriate but officials should not fall into the trap of not communicating with coaches.
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Officials should also be precise when making calls, for example if illegal contact is made with the defender’s hip do not call it an “illegal hands” foul. Whilst the result is the
same regardless of which foul is called it is frustrating for the players if the wrong foul is called.
Preventative officiating is certainly encouraged (e.g. calling “hands out” to stop defenders from reaching) however many players will continue to do it for as long as the
referees continue to provide a warning. Accordingly, referees should warn but then be prepared to call if the behaviour persists.
Level 2 – Coach
1. Roles and Values
1.2 Working with officials
Level 3 – Coach
1. Roles and Values
1.2 Working with officials
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