Basketball: Offensive and Defensive Systems

Basketball tactics where students learn man-to-man defense and the 2-3 zone, plus the give-and-go and the pick and roll on offense. Teams apply their chosen system in games, working on team tactics and decision-making.

How to play

1. Use a whiteboard to explain man-to-man (each player guards one opponent) and the 2-3 zone (two defenders up top and three down low covering areas) (4 min).
2. Give-and-go 3v0 and then 3v2 at each basket: pass, cut to the hoop and receive the return pass to shoot (7 min).
3. Pick and roll 2v2: a player sets a stationary screen next to the ball handler's defender to free them up, with no pushing (7 min).
4. Form 4 teams of 6 (5 on the court and 1 sub) in pinnies; each team chooses its defense and one offensive action (2 min).
5. 6-minute games on half or full court, with subs every 2 minutes (12 min).
6. Debrief: which system worked best and why (3 min).

Rules

• No dangerous contact: the screener stays still when setting a pick.
• Basic adapted rules: traveling, double dribble and personal fouls; three fouls means a mandatory sub.
• Everyone must touch the ball before a shot on each possession.
• Safety: clear space around the baskets and extra balls kept off the court.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: coach who calls the system and subs, or a player with a lower hoop and a protected zone.
• Shy students: captain or whiteboard analyst role, joining the game at their own pace.
• Skill level: teams grouped by ability on separate courts so everyone gets touches.

Learning goals

• Understand offensive and defensive team tactics.
• Apply a team system in real game situations.
• Make decisions as a team.

Equipment for a class of 25

• basketball hoops: 2
• basketballs: 12
• pinnies: 12

Teacher tip

Call "Freeze!" to stop play briefly and point out the zone's areas right on the court. The pick and roll leads to contact, so keep stressing that the screener stays still.

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