Playing in Traffic, Mama Said There'd Be Days Like This

"Win in space...don't play in the traffic." Our parents taught us that for good reason. Basketball is a game of separation and players execute best in space. Teach players to anticipate how and where traffic arises. 

Outcomes of playing in traffic: 

• fumbles
• strips/steals
• forced shots
• blocked shots
• traveling
• charges

Let's examine video where players violate this principle. 

Even great players wind up in traffic sometimes. 

Consider what coaches teach defense, starting with protect the basket:

• No direct drives
• Cover 1.5 (cover yours and half of another)
• Load to the ball 
• Talk to intimidate
• Help the helper/help and rotate

Passing into traffic poses similar risks. 

The issues are the same from the highest levels to high school. 

How do players avoid traffic? Some examples:

• Spacing 
• Avoid frequently initiating offense from the outer third 
• See the help defenders
• Create space with cutting

• Open gaps

• Occupy help side defenders
• Deception 
• 

Lagniappe. A key "commandment" is to make players around you better to impact winning.

 

Setting up behind the zone makes you "invisible" and available.