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2.2.2.2. Disadvantage Transition Defense: 3-on-2
(1) Q: How do we defend 3-on-2 in transition?
A: After sprinting back and identifying offensive players to defend, remember it is best to defend the two largest threats: the ball-handler and those closest to the hoop. We believe it is best to always have one of the defenders assigned to the ball-handler, and the other defender in help defense on the other two offensive players. In this situation, we can break down the transition into two sequences: initial positioning (before a pass) and secondary positioning (after a pass):
Initial Positioning: we believe it is best to have your initial positioning with your top player beginning around the top of the key, stopping the ball-handler from getting close to the hoop and forcing them to make a pass. The bottom player is in help defense near the hoop, shading more to the offensive player who is a greater threat to score (usually the offensive player closer to the hoop).
Secondary positioning; once the pass is made, the bottom defender in help defense will now be the on-ball defender, and the top defender will drop into a help position defending the two other offensive players, again shading more to the player who is a greater threat to score.
With each subsequent pass, this sequence repeats: on-ball defender stopping penetration and ready to drop into help on the next pass, and help defender ready to defend on-ball the next pass. Hopefully this will buy your entire defense more time to run back and force an equalized ¼-court offense.
SKILLS DRILLS
Skills Drill #1: 3-on-2 (Halfcourt)
Three offensive players will line up near half-court; one in the middle with the ball, and two wings on opposite sides. Two defensive players will start in the key; one towards the top of the key (ready to play on-ball defense) and one closer to the hoop (ready to play help defense).
The offense will start their transition offense from half-court, and the defenders will try to stop them. Offense has 5 seconds to score. New offensive players will rotate on afterwards. The defender pair stays on for ~5 possessions, then rotates. The defender pair with the most stops wins.
Skills Drill #2: 3-on-2 (Full Court)
Three offensive players will line up along the baseline. 2 defensive players will start on the free-throw line.
The coach will pass the ball to an offensive player. Once the coach passes the ball, offense will begin their transition offense, and defense will begin their defensive transition. Offense has 8 seconds to score. New offensive players will be in line at the opposite end of the floor, and will rotate on afterwards. The defender pair stays on for ~5 possessions, then rotates. The defender pair with the most stops wins.
