Contents > 1. Introduction > 1.1. Possessions
1.1.1. Defensive Possessions
(1) Q: How do you win a defensive possession?
A: There are many strategies to this! But in its most basic form, we believe the main goal for each defensive possession is to force your opponent to take a low percentage shot, then get the rebound.
(2) Q: What is shooting percentage?
A: Shooting percentage is the ratio of how many times a team (or individual) makes a shot, compared to how many times the team (or individual) attempts a shot. If a team shoots 10 times, and makes 6 baskets, their shooting percentage is 60% (6/10 or .600).
(3) Q: What are some common shooting percentages?
A: The average shooting percentage for individuals in the NBA for both 2-pointers and 3-pointers combined is about 45% (Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz shot the highest at 67% in 2019, since many of his shots are very close to the hoop). For 3-point shooting percentage only, the NBA average is about 35% (Joe Harris of the Brooklyn Nets shot the highest at 46% in 2019). For 2-point shooting percentage only, the NBA average is about 52% (Thomas Bryant of the Washington Wizards shot the highest at 68% in 2019). The average free throw shooting percentage in the NBA is about 75% (Malcolm Brogdon of the Milwaukee Bucks shot the highest at 93% in 2019).
(4) Q: What are the lowest percentage shots?
A: This depends on many factors, including the skills of the offensive players and the skills of the defensive players who are defending them. However, generally these will usually create low percentage shots:
A contested shot: the defender is between the offensive player and the basket, closely guarding the offensive player, with a hand in the offensive player’s face (but not fouling)
A shot farther from the basket: the defender is forcing the offense to shoot as far away from the basket as possible
(5) Q: What about steals and blocks? Aren’t they important?
A: Steals and blocks are great if done correctly since they prevent shots; however, if done incorrectly, you run a great risk of the offense getting past you which means getting an easier (higher percentage) shot, or fouling which gives the offense free throws (which are also usually higher percentage). There are ways to get a steal or a block that reduces the risk of a high percentage shot. We will discuss this more later.
(6) Q: Why is rebounding important on defense?
A: Rebounding is very important if you want to get the ball back! You worked very hard to make the offensive team miss and take a low percentage shot (which means there is a higher percentage chance of a rebound; for example, if you force the team to shoot a 30% shot, that means there is a 70% chance of a miss for a rebound!); now “finish” the possession by getting the rebound. More information on rebounding will be discussed later.
(7) Q: So, what should I be thinking about on each possession on defense?
A: Every time on defense, ask yourself, (i) am I doing everything I can to force my opponent to take a low percentage shot, then after the shot (ii) am I in the best position possible to get the rebound.
