Blitz/Trap Coverage

What it is

• Ball-screen defender (POA) fights through screen

How it works

• Mechanics: Ball-screen defender (POA) fights through screen
• Mechanics: Screen defender (the big) jumps out and aggressively traps the handler with the on-ball defender (double-team at screen)
• Mechanics: Back line and weak side rotate behind to cover the roller and shooters (paint is exposed)
• Mechanics: Offense must kick out to ball, but trapping intent is to force turnover or bad pass
• Roles Executing: Guard (POA): Stays attached and traps the handler with the big

Reads and counters

• The trapping big reads the handler's pickup; if he picks up his dribble, swarm tight because he can no longer split or attack the seam.
• The on-ball defender reads the pass angle and walls the splittable gap so the two trappers stay tight, not leaky.
• The low weak-side defender reads the short roll; if the roller flashes to the nail, tag and meet him before he catches in the pocket.
• The next rotator reads the skip; the offense swings ball-to-roller-to-corner, so X-out early to the most dangerous shooter, not the nearest.
• The trappers read the clock and sideline; trap harder when the ball is near a sideline or the handler is in his off-hand, since the trap shrinks his options.

Teaching cues

• Trap it, two on the ball
• Show your numbers, no splits
• Tag the roller, meet the short roll
• X-out behind, find the shooter
• Make him pick it up

Bilingual terms

Related concepts