On Trapping

Trapping, doubling, two-timing (older term) requires risk-reward analysis.

Why trap? In an earlier "Jordan Rules" post, we saw the Detroit Pistons relentlessly double team Michael Jordan en route to beating the Chicago Bulls in the 1989 NBA playoffs. Here are some general thoughts:

• Trap to take the ball from the star or pressure the weaker ballhandler. Think "animal kingdom" where the predator seeks out the weakest to attack.
• Trap (in the backcourt) to force time violations.
• Trap in the post to harass quality post players.
• Trap to establish defensive tempo.
• Trap in time-limited situations to force poor quality shots (e.g. shot clock, end-of-period).
• Trap to defend the pick-and-roll.
• Trap to disrupt an offense.
• Trap when you have athletic players, especially if you have length making passing out of traps even tougher.

Where to trap? Primary trap zones occur at intersecting boundaries (page 2). Within primary trap zones, boundaries limit passer options. By trapping in a primary trap zone, you 'shrink the court' (near the ball), limiting the passer's options.

Timing the trap? When to establish the trap varies according to coaching philosophy. Coaches may decide to trap on the catch or after one or two dribbles. Coaches may leave the decision to defenders. For example, in the backcourt, a coach may teach, "trap when you see the ballhandler out of control or turn her back." When you decide to trap, "sprint to the spot." Basketball is not a running game, it is a sprinting game. Be decisive. The most vulnerable defenses 'open up' the floor because of failed ball pressure.

Trapping mechanics. I want players to attack the ball handler, yet use hand discipline. "Put them in a glass box." Sprinting to the trap can draw offensive charges. The trapper's inside feet should be nearly together with active hands up. You must 1) deny the gut pass (pass through the middle of the trap) and 2) force passes over your outside shoulder.

On sideline traps, deny the sideline dribble. Some coaches teach players to have one foot OUT OF BOUNDS if necessary. Do not foul when trapping. Allow the "pressure cooker" to cook the passer and force errors. If a trapper can straddle the ballhandler's pivot foot, you eliminate pivoting out of trouble.

Off the ball. When you trap, you theoretically 'open up' the court (at a distance). Off the ball defenders must defend the BASKET first, the MIDDLE second, and the SIDELINE third. If you've trapped over half court above the hash, then you've severely limited passing the ball backwards. Think trap, help, and rotate. For example, when you trap in the low post, normally the weak side perimeter high (opposite wing extended) is open as the high defender 'zones' two offensive players.

LA Clippers VP of Basketball Ops Kevin Eastman says you must "know your NOS." Players must have goals of NO LAYUPS, NO MIDDLE, NO PAINT, and NO UNCHALLENGED THREES.

CARE. Defenders have to read where the passer is most likely to 'get out of jail'.

• Concentrate
• Anticipate
• React
• Execute

Learning how to trap effectively is part of every player's development. After learning this skill, more advanced players can progress to other aggressive defenses such as the "run and jump" with trapping and switching defenses that can wreak havoc at the high school level.

When should you NOT trap? If my teams struggle against the trap, opponents are helping us by teaching us how to cope with trapping. But in blowouts or against clearly weaker opposition, 'call off the dogs.' If you're controlling the game without trapping, consider whether trapping and changing the pace of the game improves or worsens your situation. Don't overcoach.