Let’s say you have a great defensive team, especially in the half-court. Even the great offensive teams will have a hard time matching up against you. This is when they will try and create some opportunities to run on you. Most coaches don’t practice the fast break because it’s an open-court style of play and you don’t really have a particular 1st, 2nd, or 3rd option. This makes it hard for defenders to guard the fast break. It can be very hard to stop because it is so unpredictable and because your players aren’t set. As a coach, you should always practice drills on how to play good transition defense. Here are a few tips.

1. Don’t relax when the opposing team takes possession of the ball

Keep in mind that every time the opposing team gets a rebound, there’s a tendency for them to try and run the break. To anticipate this, don’t give-up easy rebounds. Don’t think that every time your team shoots the ball, it’s always going in. Try to fight for every possession. In cases when you don’t get the rebound, you should be pressuring the opposing player that did get the rebound so it’s difficult for them to make a quick outlet pass. Teach your post players to go after the ball as if there life depended and it and teach your perimeter players to begin getting set as quickly as possible when they notice the opposing team gaining possession of the ball.

2. Anticipate the first pass

Every time the opposing player got the rebound, always look for the possible player to receive the first pass. Try to go for a steal or make him work hard to have full control of the ball. Try to trap him on one side of the court to take away his court vision. That disrupts their plan on running the break or, even getting another possession for your team.

3. Use your body to slow down their quickness

When the opponent throws an outlet pass, the recipient is frequently the quickest player on their team. If it’s too late to anticipate the pass, just stay in front of the opponent and make it hard for him to get around you. Body up on him to make him work hard in trying to elude your defense. Don’t’ be afraid to give up a hard foul, but be careful not to give a clear path foul or a flagrant. Send a message to the opposing team that you aren’t about to let them run all over the court at will against you.

4. Pay special attention to players that loves the open-court

Every time a team attempts a transition play, a certain player always receives the first pass. He’s an open court type of player that loves to run the floor. He’s the first guy you need to watch out for. Just read his every move, know his favorite spots, and don’t give him much space to operate and don’t allow him to start a transition play.

Remember, giving easy shots is giving them chance to get their game going. Playing good transition defense helps slow down the pace of the game and prevents opposing teams establishing their rhythm.

Author Bio: Ewald Basio is a writer for www.hoopskills.com. Check out the site for more basketball coaching tips.

Category: Sports
Keywords: basketball, fast break, transition, defense