DEFENSIVE SITUATIONAL THEORY

Situational Theory basically supports the idea that there we should follow the approach, process, behavior, actions that are best suited to the needs of the situation.

Let's take 1 on 1 defense for example. How close should the defender be to the offensive player with the ball on the perimeter?  An arms length away?  Two arms lengths away? Inside an arms length away?

Where should the defenders hands be?  Both up?  Both down? Both by the sides of the defender? An integration of the hand positions mentioned?

Basically the question is, what is proper defensive position?  My answer is "it depends".  Defensive position depends on the needs of the situation.  Situational theory is an important theory for basketball coaches because the needs of the situation are so dynamic in the game of basketball, coaches and players must be prepared to adapt on the fly.

So how close should the defender be to the offensive player with the ball on the perimeter?  Well, where's is
the ball. In the caption on the right the ball is above the offensive players head.  The offensive player is out of stance and is not in a loaded position for them to quickly attack and beat the defender off the dribble.  In this situation, my answer would the defender should take a step inside of one arms length away (inside the bubble), crowding the offensive player and possible even forcing them out of their cylinder or off balance to affect the pass quality.



If the offensive player brings the ball into a triple threat position, then defender should move to at least an
arms length away (on the bubble).  Further to this point, if the offensive player has demonstrated an excellent first step then the defender may want to play more than one arms length away (outside the bubble).






The same rationale applies to hand position, there is no one hand position that makes sense for every situation.  Hands down leaves the defender susceptible to the shot.  Hands up reduces the possibility for steals on cross over and compromises balance.  One hand up and one hand down also compromises balance, so what's right?  Hands in relation to what the offensive player is doing.





Think of when you drive your car.  Do you drive with the right turn signal on all the time?  Do you drive with your foot on the brake all the time?  (Maybe some. LOL).  The point is that you us the correct action for the needs of the situation.

Help to create a tool belt for your players of different basketball skills (what and how).  Then help them to understand when to use each tool (when and why).

If you'd like to discuss situational theory as it relates to basketball with you or if you would like me to come to a practice to demonstrate, please connect with me at sealyja@gmail.com.