Contents > 2. Defense > 2.1. Player-to-Player, 1/4 Court Defense > 2.1.1. On-Ball Defense
2.1.1.3. Phase 3 (After Dribbling)
(1) Q: What happens in phase 3, when the ball-handler picks up the ball after dribbling?
A: Once the ball-handler picks up their dribble, they only have two options: to shoot or to pass. We want to contest both.
(2) Q: How do I contest a pass after a dribble?
A: After the ball-handler has picked up their dribble, you may now come very close to them, since they can no longer dribble past you. Put your hands in the passing lane, mirroring the ball, making it difficult for the ball-handler to have a clear pass. You can even yell out “dead!” to add pressure to the ball-handler, and let your teammates know a dribble drive is no longer possible. Do not foul.
(3) Q: How do I contest a shot after a dribble?
A: Contesting the shot after a dribble is similar to contesting a shot before the dribble: Put your inside hand up on the shot (it’s best if your hand mirrors the ball; the next best is having your hand in the shooter’s line-of-vision), do not foul, and do not jump. However this time, you can come higher out of your stance to contest (since the offense can no longer drive), but still be in a position to rebound (which we will talk about next).
Example 1: you can come a bit higher out of your defensive stance to contest the shot.
Example 2: hand mirroring the ball on the shot.
Example 3: hand in the line of vision on the shot.
SKILLS DRILLS
Skills Drill #1: ZigZag Defensive Slides (with offense, full-court, with pass contest)
This is a similar drill as the previous section, however at each cone the offensive player will pick up their dribble for 3 seconds. The defense must then mirror the ball, contesting the pass, and yell out “dead!”. After 3 seconds the offensive player then continues to dribble to the next cone.
