Chapter 09 - Alternating Defenses

One of the soundest defensive innovations is alternating defenses on signal or cue. The rotation may be from zone to man-to-man or it may be from man-to-man to zone. Alternating defenses will also work using various types of man-for-man defensive play.

In recent years offensive attacks have created more and more pattern type play. These patterns or continuities employ cuts and moves that are developed into team play that is almost mechanical. They are based primarily on the assumption that the opponent will use a regular zone or a regular man-to-man defense. They are sometimes cued by the reaction of the defensive players. When these reactions are inconsistent, the offensive patterns are thrown into a state of hesitancy that breeds inefficiency. The simplest and possibly the most effective type of alternating play would result in the use of one man-for-man and one zone defense by signal. If the two formations were nearly alike in floor balance, they would be more effective. For instance, if your opponent uses a 1-3-1 offensive attack, a rotation between 1-3-1 zone and 1-3-1 man-for-man would be effective.

Fig. 134

Fig. 135

If your opponent utilizes a 2-1-2 offense, single post formation, a rotation between 2-1-2 zone and man-for-man would be effective. You could rotate from a 2-1-2 zone to a combination defense. The main idea is that both defenses should look alike if only for a brief period of time (See also Figure 139).

Fig. 136

Various signals and cues may be utilized. At Oglethorpe we have used a bugle system very effectively on various occasions. A basic defense is established, usually a hard-nosed, aggressive man-for-man. The players understand fully that their defense is the man-for-man unless they hear a blaring bugle note prior to the time the offensive ball handler crosses center court. On the bugle note each man continues to play man-for-man with the opponent in his area.  He gives ground and gradually backs into a 2-1-2 zone if the opponent is using a 2-1-2 offensive formation. Each man continues to give the illusion that man-for-man defense is being played. They do this by using verbal man-for-man signals such as "switch," "keep," "play the cutter," etc. They understand fully, however, that they are to take 2-1-2 zone slides and play 2-1-2 zone defense until possession of the ball is gained.

Fig. 137

After that particular play is completed, the entire team goes right back to man-for-man defense until they hear the bugle signal again. Obviously, the opposition is not stupid. If they were, such defensive tactics would never be required in the first place. To use such tactics is really a compliment to your opponent for this defensive maneuver will not work well against a dumb team. You must rely on the opponent's catching on to your tactics. When they do catch on, that is your signal to call time out and tell the players to ignore the bugle call in the future. Your opponents are now prepared to attack a zone on the bugle call.

As a coach, you should give the signal by hand movement to the bugler each time it is used. If your school has a band, the bugle system would be more subtle than otherwise. Another switch you can make when you call time out is to reverse your procedure completely. Have your team go to a zone at all times unless they hear the bugle. The bugle system will now be a cue for them to switch to man-for-man for that particular play.

Other signals and other defensive formations may be used. The score board can serve as a change signal. You might use one type of defense as long as your score is an even number on the score board, and change to a given defense when your score becomes odd. You can readily see that the only time the score can change from even to odd, or vice-versa, is after a free throw. During a free throw the ball is dead. Each player has time to collect his thoughts, prepare mentally and physically for the defensive change of plans. No words should be spoken between players since the opposition can hear, too.

Some teams have used successfully as many as four distinct defenses in alternating sequence without calling a time out and without using verbal signals. The team observed using these four defenses was a high school team. High school teams are prone to believe that this type of defensive tactic is strictly reserved for college play. The truth of the matter is that some high school teams are way ahead of the colleges in this regard.

If you prefer to use a verbal signal, here is one possibility. Let all numbers called above 20 represent a zone defense and all numbers below 20 represent man-for-man defense. Verbal signals are dangerous because crowd noises may muffle them. To lessen the danger, let a team member call the signals. The signals should be called in plenty of time for the defensive team to react before the ball crosses center line. Let your captain consistently call odd numbers above 20, indicating the zone, and even numbers below 20, indicating the man-for-man. Your opponents will decide that odd numbers represent zone defense and even numbers represent man-for-man. About the time they have your plan diagnosed, let your captain begin calling random numbers above or below the figure of 20.
If you decide to use various types of zones, a front man is the ideal one to give the signals. Since the majority of the team will line up behind him they can cue their defensive assignments by (1) his position on the floor, or (2) finger signals held behind his back. In this way you rotate from 1-2-2 to 1-3-1 to 2-1-2 to 2-3, etc. Obviously, your team must be well drilled in the use of all defenses used. It would be far better to learn two defenses well and execute these two efficiently instead of haphazard weaving of defensive formations with the resultant mass confusion.

Another way of alternating defenses is to let your offense tell you what your defenses are to be. If they have a point attack, your defense might well be of the point variety. If they have a balanced two-man front, your defense will probably be some two-man front type.

Some coaches may consider most of these plans too complicated. Winning coaches are prone to look for the sound, tried and true method that leaves no room for confusion. This policy will pay off over the long run and they know this. It is far better to have a procedure that is simple but well understood and well executed than to have one that is too complex and creates confusion in the minds of the players. However, there is no reason why these methods, with sound drilling, can't be used without creating confusion.

Here is one way to use the fairly novel and intricate idea of alternating defense without the danger of confusion. Play one defense until your opponent scores a field goal. Then change to a pre-arranged defense. This might mean you would not actually get into your first defense if the opponent gets the tap and goes in for the score. It might mean you would be in the first defense for several minutes. Challenge your team to see how long it can go without allowing the opponent to score a field goal. Once the field goal is scored, this is the cue to change to the second defense.

A free throw by the opponent may be used, but it could be tricky. If the opposition had a two-shot free throw situation, made the first and missed the second, your defense would go into its second stage unless you get the rebound. It is better to let your opponents' score indicate the change because your men have an opportunity to play out that defensive play, go down court for one offensive play, and then return to defense before changing defenses. They are able to think about the change and go smoothly into it. This procedure may be used at the beginning of any period of play. There will be no danger of missed signals. The opposition has one extra problem. They must check your defense regularly since you have proved that you will alternate. A team that sets up in one defense and stays in it all evening allows the offense the opportunity to relax. Relaxation brings better shooting. Teams that alternate will cause the offense to tighten up. The very fact that they are unsure just what the defense is going to do keeps them tense.

Some of the ideas expressed here may be more complex and extensive than you care to cope with. Still, the idea of showing more than one defense is excellent. If the simplest procedure is used, the danger of confusion is eliminated.  The alternating idea should be used in some form. Some teams are rapidly approaching the fulfillment of the multipurpose defense idea.... a defense that flexes into several shapes and takes care of all situations. An all-purpose defense would take precedence over alternation of defenses since the former would change its appearance several times anyway.

Teaching Hints

1. Give team members explicit reasons for alternating defenses.

2. Rehearse your plan so well that there is absolute confidence in it—by players and coach.

3. Start with a simple method before trying the more complex systems.

4. When possible, blend your change with the opponents' offensive formation.

5. Try  to develop cues for changes that are subtle. Eliminate verbal signals if possible.

6. Don't give your opponent any worthwhile information after the game.  Create more doubt in his mind if you can.

7. Sell your boys on the idea they are doing something that takes extra work and brain power.

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