Our core defensive philosophy is NO EASY BASKETS. As the English might say, "theory and practice." Harder than it sounds.
Trapping is teamwork. It's more than two guys harassing one. Bad teams can't handle pressure and trapping. The best teams handle pressure so it's likely to be counterproductive if overused. Selective trapping against others to determine its effectiveness make sense.
Good teams take advantage against traps by moving the ball (e.g. short roll) and creating mismatches. They also trap selectively in the primary trap zones (above).
I've shared that I do not trap the post because of a bad experience (my daughters losing a sectional title via flawed execution of that tactic).
Our first decision is to decide when, where, and whom to trap. Do we trap the pick-and-roll? Do we trap the star to get the ball out of her hands or the weakest link looking to force turnovers? Do we trap on the pass or the first dribble? There's no 'set' answer. Pressure offense into making less efficient decisions. The math is the sum of winning individual possessions.
Principles:
- NO EASY BASKETS.
- Don't foul. Don't turn advantage into disadvantage.
- Don't get split.
- Don't get beaten up the sideline.
- Force the pass over the outside shoulder.
- "Put 'em in a glass box."
- Read the passer's eyes.
- To press and trap, you must be in great condition.
- Offense: avoid the trap when possible including backdribble crossovers
- Offense: if trapped, consider dropping low and passing around and under
Selected thoughts from Herb Brown's "Special Situations"
- When? "On the pass, on the dribble, from behind when their back is turned."
- Don't let weak side players flash to the ball.
- "Leave the farthest man away from the ball free."
- "Don't permitting a penetrating pass out of the trap."
- "MOVE ON THE PASS NOT ON THE CATCH."
- "Decide if you are going to trap once and retreat to man-to-man or again trap when they reach halfcourt."
- "Perhaps establish a rule that limits your trapping distance to six or eight feet."
- "Stay attached to the shooters." We can't allow shooters uncontested threes.
Adapted from Herb Brown, "Special Situations" - protect middle, sideline, basket
Trapping offers increased gain and risk. With long, athletic players who anticipate, the benefits may outweigh risks. Don't confuse beating bad teams with pressure with good defense.
Summary:
- Trapping offers risk and benefit.
- Know where, when, and whom you want to trap.
- It's not just about the trapper it's about the rotation.
- "Don't get split."
- "Put 'em in a glass box."
- Use the edge of "primary trap zones."
- Stay attached to shooters.
Lagniappe. "The 95" is Billy Donovan's term for the 95 percent of the time when you don't have the ball. We can also interpret '95' as "9 to 5" - a full day's work. Steph Curry is the modern day Rip Hamilton in getting open with change of direction, change of pace, unpredictability, and use of angles. A lightning quick shot ready and release helps, too. He embodies the Pete Newell triad of footwork, balance, and maneuvering speed.