Contents > 2. Defense > 2.2. Transition Defense > 2.2.2. Transition Defense: Disadvantage >
2.2.2.3. Disadvantage Transition Defense: 4-on-3/5-on-4
(1) Q: How do we defend 4-on-3 or 5-on-4 in transition?
A: After running back, we believe it is best to always have an on-ball defender, one (if 4-on-3) or two (if 5-on-4) defenders in deny defense (but sagging to help more), and one in help defense defending two offensive players (the player in help is usually the one who has to travel the least distance between the player farthest from the ball and the next closest off-ball player). Once a pass is made, defenders will need to rotate quickly, and communicate to each other.
4-on-3:
(X3 is in help since they have to travel the least distance between the farthest player from the ball O4 and the next closest off-ball player O3. X2 is in deny defense on O2, but sagging to help more.)
(X1 is in help since they have to travel the least distance between the farthest player from the ball O2 and the next closest off-ball player O1).
5-on-4:
(X4 is in help since they have to travel the least distance between the two players farthest from the ball O4 and O5).
(X2 is in help since they have to travel the least distance between the two players farthest from the ball O2 and O4).
SKILLS DRILLS
Skills Drill #1: 4-on-3/5-on-4 (Half Court)
Four/Five offensive players will line up evenly near half-court. Each possession a different offensive player will start with the ball. Three/Four defensive players will start in the key in any position.
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 defending team stays on for ~5 possessions, then rotates. The defending team with the most stops wins.
Skills Drill #2: 4-on-3/5-on-4 (Full Court)
Four/Five offensive players will line up along the baseline. Three/Four 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 (if not enough players, keep the same offense). The defending team stays on for ~5 possessions, then rotates. The defending team with the most stops wins.
Skills Drills #3: 4-on-4/5-on-5 with temporary Disadvantage (Full Court)
Same as Skills Drill #2, however an equal number of defensive players as offensive players will start on the free-throw line. Once the coach passes the ball, the defender opposite the offensive player who catches the ball must touch the baseline before running back. This creates a temporary disadvantage. Offense has the normal 24 seconds to score.
