Zot * Coach Amol “Red” Auerbach has never had a Jos- ing season. Now and for the first time he reveals the thousands of practical hints and techniques that have made his teams and players outstand- ing. Here are invaluable tips for: © THE PLAYER—Fundamentals and game tactics without which no player can ever be a top per former. THE FAN—The subtlest and simplest aspects of this lightning game are explained accurately and clearly, * THE COACH—No coach (from the playground instructor to the high-salaried coach) can afford to be without this book, It explains in detail how to build and handle winning teams. 5 | j } | For mote information about this book and the man who wrote it, turn to the foreword by Marty Glick- ‘man, famous radio and TV sports announcer.BASKETBALL FOR THE PLAYER, THE FAN AND THE GOACH ARNOLD “Red” AUERBACH Are there paper-bound books you want ot cannot ft at your real street You cn got any {isin print in thte famous series, POCKET BOOKS, ’ CARDINAL EDITIONS, POCKET LIDRARY end J Poste Booka Inert Wert Shih Sty Now York 1,8 ee Pocket Books nes 1 West 90th Sty New York 1, Enclose retail price plus 5¢ per book for mailing ¢¢ POCKET BOOKS, INC. « NEW YORK ca thas ce money oter—do ot pend en FREE CATALOGUE SENT ON REQUESTI wish to dedicate this book to my wife, Dorothy, and to my two daughters Nancy and Randy—who I hope will never be basketball players, ‘Pocesr Book edition published January, 1953 noo eon pubisted December, 1957 co October, 1961 ‘This original Caroneat edition is printed trom brand ‘pew plates made from newly se, clear, ety-o-read pe ‘Canons editions are distibuted in the U.S. by Aflisted Publishes ‘8 division of Pocket Books, Inc, 630 Fifth Avenue, New York 20, N.Y Novice: Caxoves.eitions are published by Pocket Books, Inc. ‘Trademark registred inthe United States and other countries, ‘Copyright, 1952, ©, 1957, ©, 1961, by Armold Averbach. All rights reserved. Published by Pocket Books, Ine, New York, and on the fame day ia Canada by Pocket Books of Canada, Lid, Montreal, ‘aiNTaD IN THB USA,ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ‘Ts book could not have been written without the help} and assistance of Mr. Walter A. Brown, President of the Bos, ton Garden; Mr. Louis Pieri, President of the Providenc Auditorium; Mr. Maurice Podoloff, President of the National Basketball Association, and its members who so kindly al Towed me to use photographs of their players; Mr. William] J, Reinhart, Basketball Coach of George Washington Unive Washington University; Mr. Max Farrington, Director of Men's Activities at George Washington University; the late ‘Mr. Gordon Ridings of Columbia University; Mr. Edward J. Powers, Vice President of the Boston Garden; Mr. William’ Mokray, Director of College Basketball at the Boston Garden; Mr, Haskell Cohen, Publicity Direetor of The National Basket- ball Association; Mr. Ralph Shaughnessey of the Touchdown’ Club of Washington, D.C.; Mr. Wally Lord, Editor of the Converse Yearbook; Mr, Howie McHugh, Publicity Director of the Boston Celtics; Mr. and Mrs. Don Mittleman; Mr. Dan Murphy of The Boston Herald, who took many of the photo- graphs from which the drawings in this book were made; andl ‘f course, the members of The Boston Celtics, who posed ‘many of these photographs. I wish to thank them all. Taz Aurion FOREWORD Onoixamtty, a book by a coach is written for other coaches, ori plays, aad srmetones fr tho fan Arasngy ths wile ale. ‘The spectator who ade will Sat he has scquired far greater appreciation of the once lo wil ow’ not only what his tam i ying 10 do, eto and why i doing He will know what to look for, the sigs of strength and wees, te denen of Play, fic acts ployed tbe overall sate He wl Know Wh is oeking a tod ell know what to iok fr. He wl be Jo iy cig» al mes” ® ployer ll immediately find hineal applying te prin ep l” Auouc cee, ery cape dd wh i for top figat performance. How 0 Busrd a pivot ma hts ints th pet, how to get posto fr rebound, po the fundamental of doting pasing and defense, Every mungst paying baseball who wants 1 excel wil be & rarer payer meray by reading the book. be applica at Averbuch tates he wil bea beter player. 'A on ofthe mest sucursul coaches inthe tory of a= ston basketball, “Red Auerbach has had to develop the Ewer to the varied problems of coaching. His chapter on batts alone Ina sevelaton, His fundamentals on ofense Sel dofnse ate the bass for wining basketball games. He fs crystallized the vagaries of tack no clearcut, well-de cd ccton Hs tcachngs apply to al levels of conching rom th payground instructor tothe high-saared coach Rol” Averbach himself was alvays a. good. basketball player From the schonlyards and ght wont of New York viEastern District High in Brooklyn and then to c0 ball at George Washington, “Red” was always th play-maker. He had a good outside shot, was a fine driver and was the spark plug of the club. Above all, be was “the qu terback” of his teams. After professional basketball and hitch in the Navy in World War ll, “Red” stated his prd ‘coaching career with the Washington Capitols. For three com secutive years he led them to the division championship the Basketball Assocation of America, now the National B etball Association, At Tri-Cities he took a last place club i ‘mid-season and drove it to thd place in the division and play-off berth. In two years at Boston he has converted Celtics from a chronic last place outit to one of the NBA‘ powerhouses. He has never had a losing season! Basketball is both a simple and a complex game. Certainly the object is simple enough—put the ball through the hoop, The procedure, however, is complex—bewilderingly. quick} and driving, yet well designed and calculating. This book ‘uch the same. Iti written straight and simply. Yet it cover the most complex problems of the game uneringly. From tha simple two-handed set shot to the intricacies of a well ex cuted freeze, the book does the job When you've finished reading Basketball by Amold “Red Auerbach you will enjoy the game of basketball so much mo because you will know so much more about it. You'll be better player and a better coach for having read it. “Red ‘Auerbach has written the bible of basketball. In my opinio “Auerbach says” precedes the elinching argument in any de bate on court procedure, Marry Guicxsean CONTENTS® Ee a vil 1 8 63 3 79 88 - 132 189 145, 181 189 194 207 au Foreword. 6 ss + Preparing to Make aTeam. . 5 + Fundamentals «6 ss = How to Get Possession of the Ball « The Jump Ball. 2... + How to Play the Pivot... Offensive Systems of Play. The Foul Shot... + + + Freezing the Bal. . . . Delete. ee Substitutions and Time Out . Individual and Team Strategy Coaching Suggestions . . . ‘The Time-Limit Rule. .(CHAPTER ONE PREPARING TO MAKE A TEAM@ Every Fatt thousands of boys try out for high school, col- lege, industrial, or professional basketball teams. Each of these prospective players is asking himself the same question: “How Ean I make the team?" Of course, natural athletic ability will be a key factor in making any team, but there are many things ‘a player can do to improve his chances. One thing he ean do is to concentrate all his athletic time and effort on basketball. Jn high school some of these boys engage in more than one sport. These prospective players in order to help their school fare at a distinct disadvantage personally because athletic sea- sons overlap too much and different muscles and skills are ‘employed in each sport, The most notable example is for @ ‘oy to play football and basketball. Football is not completed. until the end of November (on the college level, middle of December). By the time the boy can readjust his thinking and. set into condition for basketball it would take him at least ‘another six weeks. As a result, both sports do not receive the ‘necessary concentration and the player is not performing up 10 ‘his potential in either one. As the football season comes fist, the player will be alfected less than in basketball. Ta most large universities athletic scholarships for football ‘and basketball are distinct and separate. Very rarely does @ coach in one sport allow the boy to play the other. "The question then arises—what should a basketball player 4o in the months that basketball is not played? The answer is ‘obvious—unless a basketball player possesses unusual ability fn another sport he would be wise to confine all of his efforts in the off season to getting prepared for the coming basketball 12 Phyleal Condition A player reportn sce PORINg 0 conch at the begining of the rowing ei the best posible physical Sodio er —— oe 5. The player's af 2 Pisce wa ss psa cr heen ane he will then try all the harder, od oe re A pce be 7. He ‘varion : Poe wa ter a osc ee during the off ses a Se es urng theft week of practice PU ating tn Jet ce ot reporting ‘He can worry about leveli i atct a : ae ~ no Player to the Coach preceraeS eer nag ma og increases his opini ‘whole eam, 2. Be impressive "sharp at all times. with hustle and interest and try to look Pon’ lat just because you think the coach isnot lo ‘not looking Preparing to Make a Team . If the coach sees this he may think you are a phony and un- dependable. If you are tired and can't “put out,” say 80, but don't be the first player to ask for time out all the time. 3. You can impress the coach with continuous chatter. But don't be obnoxious by constant talk unless some of the other players go along with you. “4. Use the fundamentals that your coach teaches. Show ‘your ability to follow instructions during scrimmages or under game conditions. 'S. Impress the coach with your simplicity in passing the ball accurately. Don't be a “Fancy Dan.” Coaches will not ‘be impressed. In 99 cases out of 100 a simple pass is more accurate than a fancy one and there is less danger of losing the ball. Fancy passes often fall off the receivers’ hands, hit them in the face or even bounce off their chest. Why? Be- cause the passer who tries to fool the defensive man with a trick pass often fools his own feammate too. Certainly fancy passes are pleasing to fans and nice to watch, but remember Your teammates who do not expect the pass will not enjoy looking bad. Attitude of Player to his Teammates 1. You must think about getting along with your team~ mates, because if you are not well liked it is easy for them to “freeze you out.” 12. Show a desire to block or screen for your teammates so that they will do the same for you. 3. Show your teammates that you take the good shots. Don't appear too “hungry.” '4. Don’t hold the ball too long. Look for men cutting. ‘5, Dribble with a purpose. Don't just stand there hugging the ball or dribbling aimlessly while your teammates contin- wally cut. 6. Help your teammates on defense. Switch whenever ‘necessary. 7. Don't chide a teammate whose man happens to score, Often it’s the fault of your whole team.Basketball Preparing to Make a Team 5 It is important that shoes fit correctly. Get good shoes make absolutely certain they are not (00 large. e. Avoid heavy shoes. Use a shoe that has a good arch The shoe should have heavy. obvious cliques, 9. Don’t discuss the faults of any teammate with the other members of your team. ¢ impression that you are always hanging Pl th and discussing your teammates with him, P unless, of course, you are the captain and the coach asks your | opinion. 11. When scrimmaging don't loaf or take it easy. This will beneral Hints keep the high respect of your teammates, Remember, “There [rn fare no friends on the other team even in practice.” 8. Don’t be too chummy with one or two players oe fort and covers the whole ankle. fod friction on the soles, but it should not b 7. Don't play when injur pe sidelines than playing under a handicap, You are better off resting on be careful how smuch advice and in- playing with ao Orzan- Scciensl Proparetions fed high school or coll ays a tendency Fe ia eaomlve plenty of se advice. Usually these mea am einiont of thet ality to coach. ‘They lke to Eee player is to be ne and stl know ow seh advice to aceept and from whom. It does not hurt 10 Then you mien to advice and when you are alone digest it. n Keep only those bits of advice which apply to yourself player. Avoid being 1. The player shou! jruction he takes from outsiders ¥ 1, Follow a practice schedule in the offseason as well as during the season. If posible, use heavier basketball shoes in the off seazon so that when the regular season stats you will fee lighter and springier when you use lighter shoe 2. See as many the competition 3. Lara to pick out the god points of good payers and mes as possible no matter where or what then try to imitate them, But try to imitate those skills which are best suited to your own build 4, Watch referees work. You can often learn important Phases of offensive and defensive plays by what stress . , The coach should welcome the alumni as an aid to se the game get too complicated. But it is a good policy to read es it he should reserve the right to pass final enough so that you get an idea of the various skills that most ment on the prospect's ability Former player 0 5. Avoid reading too much about bask a. You may brush tincture of benzoin compound on your ses should study the officials during practice so that feet to toughen the skin. : ean adjust their play accordingly. For example, if an b. Use two pairs of socks. This wil avoid friction and S's particularly strict about blocks, avoid them. The prevent blisters ng applic to any other violation. : €. Tape the socks around the bottom of your leg. This | 6 lo not nepect shooting, Remember, “points prevents the socks from slipping a cat” Many coaches Keep charts which include positions z ry ohich shots are taken, the aumber of shots, and a box6 Basketball score. Right or wrong, a coach puts a lot of emphasis on tt Points a player scores and continually refers back to ps ‘cores when measuring up a player.* 7. The player should study his own teammates as he ‘often play the same man in practice serimmages over again. If the player takes the time to study moves he will be in a better posi thus look better himself. 8. The player while studying his opponents for also find it most advisable to study the men on his own tea In this way he may be in a better position to know wh they will shoot or when they will pass, He will find studyig his teammates to b sive and defensi rebounding, 9. Know the rules, especially new ones, 10. Play basketball in any playground, boys' club or rec ational group which is supervised. In most eases you will fa established coaches who are working to supplement their in comes. On many occasions these coaches will be acquainte ‘with your regular coach. They will tell him of your abilities As a matter of fact, many coaches rely on these off-seaso places for their material 11, Potential players should try to play organized ball i the summer. I have had great players while at Kutsher’s Cound try Club, the most famous for basketball in the Catskill are ‘Of New York State. A few of the great players there have beeaf Frank Ramsey, Clif Hagen, Ritchie Regan, Wilt Chamberlain] and Sihugo Green. During the summer Kutsher’s usualy brings in the Harlem Globetrotters and an all-star professional ‘game. College coaches are in and out looking for material andl Seeing how their own players are pro 12. The player should know his own limitations and decide for which position he would like to try out. By that I meaay that if you happen to be the right height for either the comer OF the back court you should then decide which position you Preparing to Make a Team should not designate definite positions, heir men in spots best suited to their physi ut their men in spots best men designated for the back court (be sional play the corner) ‘play the corner spot © particularly strong in jump shots and weak in prevalent in high school where hei to be most effective, be- shots. This is mor : ayers are approximately the same size. should not limit his practice out his ay particular spot unless, of course, he is extremely t, He should therefore practice shooting from all pes of shots as well as re- high school who is the pivot and he court and utilize allt In many, many cases a boy in ely 63" or 64 sensational scoring record pivot is occupied by men 6'5 He then goes to college ‘and taller. He f lost and cannot make the team, because he can- basketball “facing the basket.” The same situation sat 0 . inte records, have found the pivot taken by G9" to 7 tall And they, t00, ae lost, There It players who could not get into of Many players after making the team think they who do not have to study. Before you know it s who do not bi nn ies. Pve seen many potentially great lege because of neligible. In the racing world there isa say ; oda dead horse oats.” It has a parallel in col athletic scholarships to boys who can’t pl: stayi es fee sees a boy is poing to have lots of troub joing to try to use someone else. Coc and organize without additional Shes E along he won't aches. If a problem child co:CHAPTER TWO FUNDAM THe WoRD “FUNDAMENTALS” is tossed around recklessly all sports by coaches and players. Everyone talks about “fu damentals,” but strange as it may seem very few teams spea the time they should on learning the basic principles of play In basketball the how, why and when of skills are most im Portant in developing the confidence and ability of players. Tadmit that many teams have achieved mod. oes i winning games despite their lack of emphasis on fundame tals. But I can only attribute this to luck or inferior compet tion, Many coaches, because of the pressure to win at once, com entrate on offensive systems of play and use a zone defcns This type of coaching hurts the players. They do not ma the progress they should which results in their inability tJ make a team of higher caliber iggested that the fundamentals be taugh lower school grades. Then when the player grows uf ally and mentally he will have mastered the basic pri Giples and can develop quickly into an outstanding player Although this is an excellent theory, it rarely works out be cause of the large school classes and lack of time. Jn some instances the coaches of a junior high and high hool who played under a nearby college coach will use th same system employed in the college. The players will have good basic background provided they attend that same col lege. However, on many occasions the boys go to a differen school, and they may find themselves sadly lacking in certa 8 Fundamentals 9 skills and unable to make the necessary adjust- player is taught the fundamentals properly simple matter to fit into any offensive or defen- a of play. For example if a player moves to a di a of the country he can very easily adjust his style used in that region. The boy who is excep- high school and plays the pivot may not be big ough to play the pivot in college. But be s fundamental training in other positions he can djustment to play the comer or the back cour. ies to a man jumping from collegiate to profes can also happen in the case of a young pla played the back court and then grew rapidly taller. fundamental background will now enable him ume that every pl jmentals. How will he fer realizes the need and value the proper A boy must play wherever and whenever pos- possible, he should seek to play for an organ- pervised group. I am aware that he will be subj s well as to proper instruction. But by contia best p cond nature to him al layers he will begin to think for himself. It fo ask why certain moves ber, as long thinks about funda- will get the proper training somehow. It is just a ntl he is able to separate the good from the sion but also because he has ly because of super ink for himself er will learn why certain fundamental moves are tant than others. He will realize the value of his potentialities. For example, if a player is fast and should know more about the fundamentals of drib- than th g pivot play. I don’t should neglect the basic moves of other but he should spend the greatest amount of time fundamentals which are most valuable to him. smentals should always be backed by reason and logic. shootinFor example is told how to fake he sh © told not only how to do it Uses a zone defen does not help teach f ge of fundament bility can only take © goes beyond th vund fundamental te nae il ed he game should be siz fel have tundane The players should kn bp drill the player shou! d t ik rhe Player should be told what foot he should jump. In the profesional feldT have had and stl have p Tam in urgent need of a good sound fing fal paser and defensive man 1 homa A&M, coached by Hank iho, so, naturally, a good sound fundame inclined to see if Ob be other players in other sl types of fundamentals. This at ns Oe a short cut which) Period. People have often a rye Taare Fundamentals u stars and have played at least four years of collegiate ball 3° answer is simple. Many coaches stress only pattern while rs adjust the style of play after teaching the basic funda- and rightly so, that their players can fit use is not a ntals. They feel, nny system, Remember that the syste ite or stable one. It must not only fit my material, but it be adjustable so it can meet our competition. There ore, when practice is called the players themselves, the time spent on faking, ball handling, footwork, dri ing, shooting, and passing. They soon realize that their col- e records may have been good simply because of the com. tion they played against. I have seen many All-Americans to make the pro ranks simply because they knew surpris- ely little about passing or screening, and nothing about the fundamentals of defense Fundamentals can do a lot to develop a player’s natural However, there are many instances when the pla ould be left alone and just given an occasional tip, For ex- if a player is a tional shooter, don't try and ample, Jebange the way he shoots, ttle tip on how to hot away faster m: g difference between his be ing a great shoot competition or just a man who poks good in practice The object of the game is to put the ball in the basket mor Therefore, shooting is the most im- portant single phase of the game, Shooting is A player sees the hoop and his knack of judgment and coor- ination will determine how he should throw the ball in. You will find extreme variations in shooting simply because of the ormal differences between one player's thought and physical ake-up and another's. There may be an additional variation his shooting while standing around and while shoot during an actual game. The player must take into consider ion his teammates, his opponents, and how tired he may b fou are a coach be wary of the boy who ean continuslly win shooting contests, but cannot shoot well when guardedBasketball closely a ability ‘That player has the to develop this natura Some players hi ind it's up to you a or while others must practi continually to develop into good shooters. But whether or a h natural talent a knowledge of the fund mentals of how to shoot is invaluable. If T had to choose be taug ‘cult to feach something like shoot natural ski But all ween a team composed of all shot s and ball handlers I must A shooter a he game easier. It is more di ing which is so largely jou have at least some natural skill. Most pe e ill. Most p ealize to what extent. With proper training and gu brought out é General Hints on Shooting A follow-through is important no matter what type 2. Concentrate whe to use the b outed 3. A player should favor in certain reas on the court. peed in releasi 1M as many types of shots as you can, arn to use the type of shot best suited to your pod Develop the ability to shoot with either hand. the proper arch Shoot softy. 10, Use a litle spin because if the ball rests on the rim d spin may help it to fall through 11, Lear the value of your body play for proper balang 2, Develop special shots best suited to make-up. 13, Learn to adjust your shooting according to how tir you may jour physic cry (See Fundamentals 4. Decide on how you will shoot your foul shot ter Seven.) Tt is smart to listen for sound suggestions to shoot, but fe confidenc ment, the uses of the backboard and try to appreciate nee of resiliency between dif Learn may be a diff speaking, angle shots should be banked off oard and all ot 8. When you a ers should try to clear the rim. ¢ a little tired it is advisable to shoot a der bec miss your team may still have @ 9. It is advisabl + to practice every shot pos- ot with the idea of learning crazy shots but of discov- shooting. When you miss a hing may be throwing ¢ what shots he c When shooti Jot on follo confidence in you! ing up Yo Have ast stop and decide what lit When running towards the basket always look before shoot, especially in a lay-up. ach should not add other mi will like to shoot the shot ry to change a style. He should thods of shooting. He will find that TYPES OF SHOTS Hand Shot ayers today are overlooking a very important phase minating the two-hand set shot. Here are some of sons why the two-hand shot is important It can be shot from a further distance with more ac- 2, As the shot is started with both feet on the ground, itis ple to drive because proper balance is maintained.4 Basketball 3. It gives the player anoth: 4. Is very effective 5. It helps a player bee (Players the two-b inst zone de S and Dick MeGuite always i nd set al through highschool Coun sited tothe one-handed syle but MeGuire dd not) asser and playmal ike Bob Cousy who use the two-handed ae t shot with great success Such Adolph Twyman, Gene Larry Costello, Guiren, Carl Frank Ramsey boski, Ed Conlin, Si Jones. With such an array alent the players sho stock players hayes, and. real Nevertheless, there sons why play won't use the tworh A. player can’ shoot just with one hand, 2. Many not stress itso the pl that its not ig portant 3. The extra distan a two-hand shooter g 4. Players. just doa want to be different. The two-hond set or chest shot Fundamentals 15 1c players feel itis old-fashioned because their fathers t way. 1 or Chest Shot ball should be held on the side by the finger tips. ld not be held too tightly. touch the ball with your palms. ld be spi 4% The knees should be bent. The amount of bend depends stance from where the shot is taken. The further out, more bend. Maintain good balance. fi should feel comfortable. It helps to have The shoo slightly forward. t look at the ball. Concentrate oa wh re you want bring the ball below the chest 8. Shooting should be a rhythmic movem« In starting the shot don , this may be necessary on extraordin The elbows should not be t00 wide. Don't push the ball. There should be a little spin by the wrist and finger action ve ly long shots. The ball should be about ten to twelve inches from body. Players may use different methods of jumping after ting, ‘The amount they jump depends on the distance of hot and the amount of pressure of the fingers and wrists. rch, Remember thi 15. Don't move for the rebound until the ball hits. It is advisable to rebound your own shots unless you are ain that you wil 16, On the follow-throug! Singers wide, as if you were 7. Be certain that your wrists are relaxed '8. The two-hand set shot is best behind a good screen as akes a little more time than most other types. h keep your hands still, with the ing to hang on16 Basketball 19, It can be shot ater distance. 20. This shot is prevalent all over the country. 21. In getting set for this shot one is in good position {J fake a shot and then drive ot pass Lay-Up This is considered the most fundame basi for a lay-up shot. Nevertheless, this relatively simple shot is missed all too often, especi is moving fast. ly when a playet 1. The ball should be held by th finger tips of both hands stretched high above the head until the ball is released, 2. The fingers should be in b of the ball 3. The ball should be in front of the body slightly to one sie 4. The arm should be at its highest Point when the ball is released. The other arm should be out to the side, The ly-op. Fundamentals a |AND SET SHOT. yt level ond in When using the right hand the player should take off left foot no matter on which side of the basket he sey be. If he uses the loft hand he should take off with the from the side the backboard should be used. e backboard from the front. Z should be laid gently against the backboard. d body in relation to the basket elimi- necessity of spinning the ball Throw your head up and have your eyes pot before releasing the ball Jump as high as you possibly can. Use a high jump not road jump. Iued on a18 Basketball 10. Learn to stop after you take the shot so as to com ack quickly on defense 11. Go towards the basket. Don't draw away. This drawin ‘away habit usually results from playing on playgrounds whergl the backboard is held up by a pole, ‘The One-Hand Set Shot This shot was popularized by Hank Luisetti, the great Stan ford University forward, who played in the middle 30's. Sines then it has become, along with the jump shot, the most of fective and widely ‘used method of shooting. Its value Greases after a distance of 19 to 20 feet. However, it can be sed more quickly, while moving. It is hard to block and. easier to rebound because of the play. I 4 team uses a fast break offense. There have been some great ‘One-handed shooters in recent years, such as Bill Sharman : Paul Arizin Bob Pettit Terry West Oscar Robertson Cyde Lovelette Bob Cous Adolph Schayes Elgin Baylor Hal Greer Chuck Noble Jim Krebs George Yardley Sam Jones Tom Stith Jack Foley Willy Naulls sds (2) Boll ot heod level and at ‘There is a tendency for most players to rely on the one-hand Set and jump shot almost entirely and that is a mistake. In today’s type of game, with its various defenses, itis advisable Fundamentals » tm utilize the two-handed set sot s0 as to bring the defense out and spread it. Two hands should be 3d until the ball is released. The finger tips held up to- rds the basket are most im- a the follow-through. 3. It is necessary that the wrist be flexible. This shot is primarily with the hand and there tte need to give too much ght to balance. The player ld just feel comfortable. and shooters use Great one- sifferent balanc ample, Adolph Carl Braun put their left foot rvard when shooting a one hand set; others like Bill Shar an, Bob Petit and Paul Arizin use the same foot for- the hand which takes N) t. There are many dif t rhythmic movements of ae ‘THE JUMP SHOT. m, Bob Feerick shot from the side of his body in a wide (1) The twe-honded jump shot Note the feet bent backward g stances, For payes and ward tre while lite Fred. Scola fet th ballin font of Bi deal of back spin from the snap of his wrist. Bob Pettit holds ball vey high and seb the exaggerated follow-through. Bil Sharman holds th ball about chin high and emphasizes rnset se onerbaad eet shot is valuable because a player canget the shot off fast and b3 ast an outstretched hand 6. It is not very accur position, The Jump Shot The four gre ers I have ever seen were Joe Fulks, Paul Arizin, Bill Sharman and Bob Pettit. These exceptionally skillful shooters, use different fundamental prin les. But Fulks, Sharman and Pettit have one trick in com- ‘mon, They often fake me Financ ly to make a defen sive man rise on his toes. When down to proper balance, they np as high as is comfortable e the shot. They hi to great hands and shoot at any Point that they shot off. Paul Arizin, who is also blessed with excellent hands and good deception, has in a dition an uncanny natural abil= ity and timing. Not only jump 2h, but somehow he can stay in the air a jump longer tha fever seen. In fact, I have seen him hold his shot until his de © opponent is on the way he top of his 20 Basketball ‘merely moving his body can gel © 20 fi This shot can be made either on the move or from a se Fundamentale a at jump shooter was 6'S” Jim Poll inneapolis Lakers. Jim could jump higher and was man of his size I have ever seen. He could et or more from the basket fot his jump shot by simply outjumping his oppo- was also smart enough to use fakes, which en- member, a variety of shots may be taken from a jump= is advisable to use the method that Fulks us ight fake and then the jump. fh hands should be on the ball which should be pro- the elbows and the body. 4 Don’t release the ball uatil you have reached your high- Whether yo with the fingers a should not be taken from more than fifteen one or two hands, the shot should be The shi 7. Your arm or arms should be fully extended. Don’t start your jump unless you have every intention King a shot, because once you leave your feet you must 1 pass before coming down, ‘The shot may be taken with a jump straight up while or even a step and jump backwards. A good jump shooter is the most difficult shooter to 1. Study your defensive man’s susceptibility to fakes and | » notice how high he can jump. 2 By continually jump shooting you will get a carry-over ning on how to improve rebounding, Good timing is essential |4. The player should have good hands to control the ball, while in the air. The head should be up, eyes on basket 2) The one-hand jmp shot (6. Don’t be discouraged if a shot is occasionally bloc Note the left hand cidig in Mit it is blocked the first time it will be simple to fake that controling the bal fensive man in the future.23 22 Basketball 17. For some reason most jump shooters find it di to guard other jump shooters. Fundamentals I, Concentrate on the spot you desire he hook from the side, aim and concen- the backboard. If the hook is taken from a mic one. Immediately after the fake 18. Continuous practice is important, 19. When you are in the to take the shot and ir ready to shoot, itis advisa not look for a pass receiver, ‘The Hook Shot The hook shot is taken primarily f to the basket. The most notable exceptions were Tony Lav . i the former All-American from Yale University and Bob He member the hook shot isa dificult shot becau bregs of the Detroit entry in the N. B. A. who shot their hod Iy out of vison and must be released by feel. from a distanc De AS ERae ‘There is litle question that the greatest hook shooter in cir bodies a0 as to rebound if the shot 1s past was George. Mikan. His’ tremendous Some hookers like Lavel hardly eave tele fet, T 250 Ibs., stood him in good stead when he wanted to get to a making the shot. certain spot on the floor, But equally as important was Remember that when the shot is take ability to concentrate on where he wanted to shoot. The pi take-off foot should be the left. Howeve he took in his pivot play was reflected in the number of ho e hand bec hhe practiced on this fundamental move, He had the savvy a ability to shoot the hook shot with either hand from any 9 sition around the basket. Lh shooting ‘hat at slow and some a fast motion from a pivot position cl neir control of the ball, their concentration, and a of the defensive man. 2 Some hookers like Mikan | sigue, 6 with the right this left nen the shot is ten with the Teft hand the right or the take of : oe : ch hand is used to shoot the hook the Show should be high so a8 fo protect the bal ws of sucessful hook shooter i his ability ee get set in the pro; (See Chapter Five.) ee ‘ est 3. Ths Dall sul be at shoul hook, If it is it a different level part of the fake shou i one be used to bring the ball to the desired position. = ee 4. All parts of the body may be used in faking, The H aii Tyrael the head to one side and then quick a the other way ff the hand and the angle of the shot. The at feed ee cmember, if pivot man suseeode in geting the de ‘hand should face upward with the ball in coniol c the ball will be protected by the body and extended 6. In releasing the ball tbe ager tps snd Nexo wie should guide the ball while the payers Real nce ‘cidom fas a shot blocked if he fs ntrates on th ars all and cone e the type of hook to plsenne ting t sry in actual execution. Some hookers e natural spin of the ith two hands for perfect co is attained the shooting arm shoul4 Basketball : Overhead Shot This shot is extremely dificult to stop be man has tobe of balance to and b McKinney was most eff ‘ learned 10 fake or drive wh se the defen n in the shooting. posit realized even a good defensive m te off balance. That is of cours, if he tie 10 sap a Two-hond orerheod shot. Fundamentals 25 ot is similar to a regular two-handed chest shot tion that the ball is held over the head prac- ands are used ber tained, le more under the ball is more effective when ontrol of the ball is ma oter’s hands are just a Ii ‘gular set shot $0 as to maintain th ter should con s off the ball. It should d that whe the player doesn't ‘down for possession fingers should be nd the wrists should et flexible when tip- ne ball is mo- yy on the tips of the ‘and then pushed, not pwards toward the A tipi2 [ * Basketball ; lay-up and has to use M Fundamentals 29 reverse spin to make the is not necessary to have large hands to be a good ball vanded underhand shot from nds should be flexible and move quickly wi ecasionally it also fools Bi or Primarily to dle ai of good wrist movement Bal Handing hing the Bal Good ball handling means tt : of the bal Ialvo ent losing possession se dling may be less, of course, ger the ball wig catch a ball. Fundamental principles all-important to mentals of ball handling is very important toa oat tioned about the value of proper ball keine Co Then « player lame tea een ome he proper pass Proper passing and cate Watch the ball and remember that it is a moving object. 2. The hands should be relaxed. Don't try to grab the ball the idea of sticking your fingers through it coordinated a tant play and practi the ball and can innecessary 10 look ot Maa e+ Watch for spin on the ball, especialy in a long pass or ‘When catching the ball hold it with your fingers and bs. Don't keep your palms on it catch the ba in such a manner that very little ing or juggling is necessary before you make a move. A high pass is caught with the-palms up. A low pass with the fingers and palms down. 8. Try to be moving toward the ball when re You should signal your teammates when ball should be throvn (0. After receiving a pass keep your hands moving to pre- tthe ball from being knocked out of your hand and also ot the feel of the bal 1. When possible try to catch the ball around the chest ea with your elbows out. 12. When you are forced to catch a ball with one hand the other hand in contact with the ball as soon a8 possible. Use your body to protect the ball. 13, Know where the ball is at all times, Try to anticipate jorthodox passes from your teammates but caution them, against using this type of passing. Learn t \d where the Undarhand drvng-in shot. Two bonds.30 Basketball Fundamentals a1 i 14, Study the various techniques that when throwing the ball : 15. Try to eatch the ball 40 that Move, especially if you are using ti 16, Alvays tse your body a8d fast ‘the ball. ae a 17, You wil fod the on when you ae break ‘They are wrong. There is a great need for fun- Your teammates asses to be used unde! aining in the types of jph your passes. Use split vision. (The h split vision apparently does not look in the di- 2 is throwing the ball, But in reality he can see out te Whether te ay Esaord Geet e most simple pass possible to complete the play. "assing is the founda he : Passing the Ball é A coach can tel tell whether the pl e P e's ball handling cy passes m ‘when certain types of passes are most valuable. head snap pass when nal to your teammate when you are going to pass, jour receiver's signal when and where to pass iver desires. This ry and pass to the height the re s0 be ha careful about curving the ball, especially when ng. pas. jon't show how hard you can throw the ball. Remem- when you throw a pass you want it to be caught. > pass should be quick er pass to a players back and don't use too many Remember that passing is the fastest method of ad- he ba [Leama to time your passes to a man in motion so that Cotching the poss i put the ball in play immediately Remember that most fumbles are the fault of the passer 6. Use your physical assets. For example, tall men should me many overhead snap passeBasketball 17. It is wise to fake before passing, but be certain Your teammate is not fooled. 5 18. Whenever possible use sho danger of interception rt passes because there is 19. Mix up your passes so you don't b¢ /Our passes to your offensive pattern and to member to foll ood balance whi P the air to thn Your feet you must get rid of the bal Be certain that the ball is dry. If it on @ bounce pass it may skid or slip out of tt : 25. Don't throw cross opposing bask Will become automatic and fast movements, a TYPES OF PASSES Two-Handed Chest Pass 1 Similar tothe set shot with a teammate rather basket as the target. aa 2. AAs the pass is thrown be sure you snap your waists a follow through with the two hands and one foot, Use oh ever foot is comfortable 3. This pass is used primarily for short distances, more than 15 to 20 feet, Ca 4. The fingers should be spread and a little more to rear of the ball than when shooting the two-handed atest ey 5. This pass is excellent when faking a shot to aheor loop pass. J ise whial Fundamentals = rance Pass—Two-Handed s very similar to the two-handed chest pass. requires a little more effort than the chest pass. This of the wrists and by gotten by a more forceful sn: ‘the weight forward more dc The receiver should catch the ball od pass to use when the receiver is tly bout waist high. ping to or throw a flip pass to a cut It is very effective against a zone defense because they ontinually jumping in the air. The pass should be thrown without a spin for normal it is thrown further than 15 feet @ increase the speed of the ball. This spin can be ac- slished by placing the hands closer to the top of the ball napping the wrists harder. The palms should be facing. ot on the follow-through, Remember that the bounce pass is slower than the reg~ pass and should be used primarily for a change of pace four passing pattern. However, wh ‘wo-Handed Underhand Pass This shovel type of pass is used primarily for a man It must be timed to the runner's speed. ‘The pass should not be thrown too hard It should be thrown at a height according to whether 1 cutter will dribble or shoot. 6, It can also be used when screening. ‘The elbows should be out protecting the ball 8. The body should be in a crouched position. 9. Use a quick snap of the wrist and follow through. 10. It is advisable to Keep the ball low and moving before pass it I. It ean be thrown from either side of the body.} i i 34 Baskethall One-Hand Underhand Pass 1. The ball should be held wit tol 7 ball so held with both hands until just be 2. This pas shouldbe a shor Put your wei; i est You release the ball. - a he hands shouldbe extended on the fol 5. This pass has most of the advant: = of the two-handed} tunderhand pass. However, ntinue your body tis simpler to ‘6. Many players have is to hhand underhand pass, b 1 throw a long oned that they can get it jecause they fe | One-hand underhand poss. gS Fundamentals 85 ckly. This is one of the worst passes in the game of iso difficult Tt is not only hard to control, but itis a due to the amount of spin on the ball from wrist snap. ball Pass oF Long Pass is used mostly by fast-bresking teams timing with the speed of the cutter or breaker is The hands should be behind the ball, but slightly toward The nonthrowing hand should be in front of the ball For good balance, the opposite foot forward from the hhand should be used. in the process of thro sm the rear to the forward This pass is similar to a catcher’s throw in baseball in hen the ball is thrown the fingers and hand should face ‘on the follow-through The wrist must snap straight, If you permit a side snap- of the wrist, the ball will have a side spin and curve before you start to run. You serated follow-throu ng the ball the weight should Release the bal ‘This pass appears to be simple, but actually is the most cult of the common passes used This pass does not necessarily have to be thrown hard. nould be adjusted by timing the speed of the runner. The Hook Past It is a good pass to use when a player is closely guarded. except that there is a litle It is thrown as a hook shot ownward snap to the wrists The feet ean be either on or off the floor. But remember at when a player jumps in the air be must make the pass before he comes down.36 Basketball Fundamentals a7 s 8 dificult pass to control for inexperienced players. the player's own discretion whether or not he ean ¢ ball with one hand. ne size of the player is not important for success with THE BASEBALL OR LONG PASS, © this pass is thrown from a height it is good for jE sstter and occasionally for a pivot man = The opposite elbow should protect the ball as in the (1 (right) The position, BE (nor) Tht. Nae he fag er hand can be used. is pass is good for a set play beca vase it is hard to There is a tendency to throw this pass too hard. Be jamp Pass All types of passes may be thrown from a jumping po- with the exception of the bounce pass. This pass is very effective for the middle man coming on a fast break The pass must be thrown before a player comes down ie floor. Therefore, it is not advisable to use too many 4. It can be @ good pass for a set play or when you feel uur jump shot may be blocked S. This pess can become a dangerous habit just because it spectacular and the spectators like it Roll Pass an be rolled with one or two hands. sept h because of its lowness and the spin 1. The bal Its easy to inte Its diffieult to ca '4. A coach would be wise to prohibit this pass except in an38 Behind-the-Back Passing Basketball Fundamentals 39 enced player, however, could use this pass 1, Big hands are essential 2. Be certain that the ball ean be well controlled with ach should be certain that when a play Ee Senind his back the player couldn't have completed the ey simpler way. Also, if the bal is lost the responsibility half turns backwards. This spin will help the ball fall apart with the toes pointed outward. Some coaches advocats igh the basket when it lies on the rim. ‘one foot forward. In any event be comfortable. Remember the attention during the entire procedure 3. Never put the palm of the band on the ball. Merely ust a the basket, not the ball or any part of the body. the dry finger tips 4, Balance the ball in your hands to get the feel. Each player should practice as much as he can under game 5. Take that deep breath, exhale and then shoot. editions. During a scrimmage the coach should have some- 6. The ball should be raised to about eye level while cons call fouls so that the players will shoot them when tired or centrating on the forward rim. (See Figure A.) fous, They will then learn that the foul shot is a free 7. The player should stoop smoothly with bended kneal fad they will learn how to relax. If a player is having until the ball nearly touches the floor. Don't lower your eyes le don't change his style quickly, The coach should try This will keep your back fairly straight. (Figure B.) ied WHat wrong with: la paeeht Eis 8. The weight should be forward on the toes when ready = : to let the ball go. 9. When the ball is released the arms should be extended] straight over the head to complete the follow-through. (Fig. Ci} 10. The thumbs and forefingers are the last to lose contact with the rising ball. Therefore, the ball spins about one andl ‘Tho underhard method, The thre postions of the underhand method.158 Basketball Lining up for the Foal Shot When lining up for the foul shot in high school and college the defensive man has a choice of sides unless the floor is marked. If the floor is not marked the tall man who will take fone of the spots under the basket should take the right side if his opponent is rightchanded or vice versa. He should do this because a right-handed player could tip the ball in much easier from his 7 ‘When the ball being forced unde PTER EIGHT ht side, FREEZING THE BALL@ ouches the rim the inside man should avoid the basket. He should lean a trifle backs wards and then jump with exte bound The outside defensive man should is offene 21x” oF stalling tactics are mainly used when protect- ifs opponcal, who is Closcr'to tho basket, docs ot oot 6 GM Tead, When a team gets a few points in front it should at the ball. He should do this by preventing a full leap and, reluctant to give up the ball without either a very good ereretice wits die copantct. om the floor or a free throw. The teams that are care- If either defensive man can only get one hand on the ball ad play the entire game in the same tempo, especially a hie should tap it back to one of his teammates in the corner break team, usually lose the close ball games. A. good He can do this because most teams when shooting a foul will e of failing to use freezing tactics was shown in the Ihave their two men back in the event the ball is rebounded 1-52 season when the Uni of Kentucky played St. cleanly and the team uses a fast break. Some teams often us6 s University at the Sugar Bowl. The Wildeats, leading by 4 simple play designed to keep the men back. oint with thirty seconds to go, elected to take a shot Tn the professional game defensive men are entitled to both r the basket rather than freeze the ball. The shot missed, fnside positions. They are concerned with ‘ound if the shot is missed. Naturally forced too far under the basket. ting” the a Louis took possession and won in the y not to be IM Kentucky leamed its lesson and in future If the free throw is made the nearest man to the ball should A team should learn how to kill time without being too ob- take it out and put it into play. It is not advisable to designate us. This can be done by using a definite freezing plan, by f particular man or men for that assignment. sing and faking plays, or by a combination of both. When Regardless of the type of basketball played a man should, ezing the ball remember that no shot is to be taken unless always be designated to take the shooter. When the ball hits player is unmolested beneath the basket and has about a the rim he should take a step and a jump and land directly e of making his shot fn front of the free-throw shooter. This is done because the’ e 1952-53 season a rule was passed eliminating the ball may be deflected back ing of the free throw in college ball. This rule hurt the Many a game h won due to defensive carelessness eze and deliberate play. Another rule, however, was in lining up for the foul shot. I’s the little things that often IM Put into effect allowing the person who was fouled two free save and win games, s0 use care, ws during 1 three minutes of play. This rule has ‘more than ever before to protect a team with a lead that Knows how to freeze the ball. All a team has to do 139140 Basketball leading is to freeze the ball the sure shot. No couch or pl fof the most important phi play for the two-shot foul should take stalling for granted, It s of the game and should given the attention it merits during the practice periods. Free ing the ball should be tion. It nearly always a team effort, but on occasions one m: Of the job successfully with a litle help, ‘method, but it can be used when some of too tired or e poor foul shooters. It can also the team has a player with have been many gam ies has frozen tb Today many pla Cousy that they elect hhave mastered the fundamental of heads while dribbling so that when they are “double-teamed” the ccan easily pass to the free man. Another individual method of freezing is for a player hold the ball very low and force the defensive close in an attempt to tie him up. As the ball is protected all times by the body, legs and arms, one det not tie him up. In tion the defensive ma stab at the ball and permitting th g0 around him. Sonny City and later a professional with the New York Knick the Washington Capitols, and Boston Celt Holzman of City College and more recently with the Roche ter Royals, was probably the game's greatest with the use of hardly any dribbling, The team method of freezing the ball is best. It must be pattern of play which has as its basis the most important pri ciple, never to go near the player who has just received a pa This will eliminate any possibility of two timing or doubl exceptional dribbling ability n Bob Cousy of the Bosion Calf himself for a few minutes ers have such contr to freeze the ball be off balance, Hertzberg, form ing as a result of switching. If the fone man will be free. Many fakes should be used whi lefense gambles on a swite meeting the pass. The ball should ly, and the passers should be positive befo ning, especially befor met defini Freezing the Ball MI ming the ball. There should be a minimum of dribbling the object is not to gamble on losing the ball, and gis one of the easiest ways to do this. When the men offensive team are moving to meet the ball after faking, play is to “pull the string.” “Pulling the string” means 2.man about to receive a pass cuts sharply away. Remem- en this cut is made the pass should not be thrown if ‘any doubt that the pass will not be successful. The team should bear in mind that on many occasions the ive team will let a rember at all times while in a freeze that the opponents ig to try all their tricks to steal the ball or tie your p for a jump. As the defensive team is going to use all to do this, itis advisable to employ the entire offen- m to freeze. There is one excepti se four men in a definite pattern freez nan cut, inviting the pass to him with the fifth Correct method. No. 1 cuts evey from his teommote who hos jont received the pass.142 Basketball ‘man in the comer. This is advisable when the defensive tearm hhas one exceptionally fast man who is adept at stealing balls His offensive man should the keep him out of the play Remember when freezing the ball you are not trying tof score, so avoid blocks, screens or any maneuver which could Possibly endanger your possession of the With too many fakes with th the ball thro call time out immediately a take bim to the comer and all. By fooling ball in your hands you may loge violation. If you are in trouble Regardless of the type or pattern u: remember to avoid the back lin in freezing the ball of your foot and cost the Joss of a game. It is never wise to turn your back to the base on this line could undo many hours of pract Wrong method. No. 1 stays near his teommats who hos just received the boll. This it wrong becouse in trying to sccen or block he may incur @ penalty ond his teom ‘il lose posse, sion. Alo, the defensive man con now cover Ivo man at once, Freezing the Ball 14s. in pivoting while on a freeze. The reason is that with 3 back to the basket you can't see much of the court and a simple maneuver for a defensive man to switch and tie up. This situation does not often happen when four or men aro used in a definite freeze. It happens most often ribbler gets stopped and turns his back to the near mid-court. That is perhaps the most dangerous of the individual freeze, Naturally, it is also dangerous team freeze, but not as dan n offensive man ring towards the player who just received the pass. tis essential to forget all personal scoring averages when e freeze is on. In many instances if a team boasts an out- nding scorer the coach would be considered smart to Te move him when the freeze is on. Of course, if this player has ability to adjust himself he may remain in the game to the stalling process, When the expression “semiffeeze" is used it usually means tat a team should play deliberate ball. At that stage of the game the team should take nothing but good shots or play for Don't turn your beck fo your basket or anothor defensive man will enock over to ie you upM4 Basket the foul. It should remember that its scope, regarding the ty of shots taken, is broader than when playing a definite freeaa The important point in the semifreeze is to control the ball for some time before making a definite move. For exampl if a team is ten points ahead with only six minutes to go thet should put on the semifreeze for about three minutes, andl then go nto a full reze, By tis stalling for time in the Sa DEFENSE @ three minutes it can either increase its lead or diminish it Bf APTER NINE only a few points, Nevertheless, it should not lose possession of the ball five times. This would Man-to-Man Defense chance to win. In a semifreeze the impression should bagge ™anto-Man P given that the players are not freezing the ball but attempting Man-to-man defense is the system in which each of the five to score. It is actually a maneuver to get the opponents 10 ensive men lines up with his opposing offensive man and think that your team is not smart, They will then relax, eX smpis to prevent him from scoring. The coach usually pecting you to take an outside shot makes definite assignments for the defensive men, but these When practicing any type of freeze the most important point to stress is to get the players to think. They should know the score and the time left to play at all times. With that in mind they should remember all the important pring ciples of freezing the ball. During the practice periods it is advisable to use officials and play under game situations. Vars ious hypothetical scores should be used. For example, a tea which has the ball is leading by three points with two min utes to play. Then allow the game to continue with an official timer and referee to see which team would win, Naturally, there are many different situations which can be used for ood practice. This type of practicing w uations will do a lot to make your team ball. They will learn the uselessness of pl ball for most of the game, only to lose in the last few minutes of play The shot is faked, but the defensive man hos elrecdy sorted to leap. us146 Baaskethall are not necessarily the same men whom they lined up against ‘The responsibilty for the offensive team scoring varies ace cording to a coach's theory regarding man-to-man defense. H@ may use the system whereby the defensive men switch only: when necessary and at all times seek to help each other out Or the coach may use the system whereby each defense man. is responsible for the one man he is assigned to. In the latter system the coach feels that he can tell how good the defene sive man is at any time by referring to the points scored against him. The trend today favors the theory that man-to-man defense Don't bo @ leper. The offensive ma will eosy get by you Defense uz five-man situation and that everyone must help everyone e out whenever possible. This system is by far the best to ssc. There are various factors and hints on man-to-man de- concerning the individual and the team which we will sider. General Hints Don't be a leaper, diver or jumper. Never let your offensive man get between you and the 3. Always have an idea where the ball is, so that you can just_your position at an instant. Watch out for dummy play. For example: if the ball is on the far side of the court, ¢ defense man should “sag” or drop off his opponent so as sme to the aid of anyone on his team who is blocked out who makes a defensive mistake. A defensive player should develop his “peripheral vision.” This means simply to look out of the comer of your eyes in any direction without turn ing your head. 4. Never tum your head or completely shift your eyes be- cause the offensive man can then take that first step ahead of ua while cutting for the basket. 5. Study your opponent's physical assets carefully. Find the answers to the following questions: Is he right or left-handed? Does he drive on both sides or does he favor a particular side? Does he favor driving or set shooting? Is he a base-line driver? (A base-line driver is rather eom= these days. It means an offensive player who drives to- ward the base line no matter which side of the basket he may be on. The reason for this is that the offensive man feels that if he can get by the one opposing defensive man, he will be in close to the basket, whereas if he were to drive toward the middle, he might be stopped by another defensive man.) 6. If your offensive man is a “hungry” ballplayer, make148 Basketball hhim take the bad shots by goading him, playing him close, and. Keeping him from getting good position 7. If your opponent is a good rebounder, concentrate on blocking him out on either side. “Dummy Play” The ball it lobbed from behind the defensive mon over his heod to a mon on the offensive. The offensive mon Fates the defensive mon, who dost not know the bell is con ing, by stonding motionless until the bal ir clmest i his hands Defense 19 8. Study his fakes and feints because most offensive men ry these very little during any one game, 9. When playing a rebounder do not let him force you -0 far under the basket. You may have the inside position, the ball will continually come out above your reach. 10. Never cross your feet. Learn to glide and slide. 11. When wat tely wheth ing the offensive man fake, decide im- 5 he fakes with the ball, his head, or other 12, Some offensive men di ion or fake, or cut without any hesita- 13. Don't be led into a fecling of security by an offensive man, He may be acting. Watch out for a change of pace. 14, When rebounding against a particular opponent be wary of your opponent touching your pants or any other un- ortsmanlike move, 5. Be alert. Be prepared to make the necessary switch in the event that someone screens or blocks you. 16. Keep up the chatter so as to get help or to help others when men are free. 17. Always hustle. Decide if you are faster or slower than your opponent. 18. One of the most important points: never rest or relax on defensive. If you are tired, rest on offensive merely by staying out of a particular play. 19. Always rush back to your defensive area. Take stock of what is in back of you, and then pick up your man. If any offensive man comes down first, you should take him and im= mediately yell to your teammates to pick up your man. 20, Don't be one of those defensive men who point out after a game that you outscored your man. The way the game is played today, this is meaningless. You may get offen- sive help added to his lack of defensive help, or he may lack offensive help while you get defensive help. So forget that nonsense! The coach will know if you are playing good de- fensive ball merely by noting your ability to switch, help out, rebound, pick up loose balls, intercept passes and prevent the ther team from scoring,150 Basketball 21, Keep calling out your opponent's number. It not only adds to the hustle, but alto lets your own teammates know. that you have your opponent. Watch your opponent's hips. He can’t go anywhere tne less they go along. Individual Hints 1, Although we have mentioned that the defensive man should always be between his man and the basket, there is ‘always one exception, and that is when guarding the pivot 2. The defensive man should be aggressive, and play about three or four feet from his man. 3, Maintain balance. The stance should be similar to that of boxer with the same hand and foot forward. The other Good defensive stance Defense 151 band is held loosely at the side.* The knees should be slightly tent and the abdomen and back straight. The weight should be back on the rear leg. Do not ever rock on the balls of the eet. Make sure you are comfortal Whenever the defensive man has to rush quickly to an Mfensive man with the ball, he should always glide with his ight back so as to Keep his balance and prevent the man from driving around him. Guarding under Game Conditions 1, The defensive man should adjust his stance according to he ‘side of the court he is on. He should put the foot and hand forward which are nearer to that side of the court. The ason for this is that it will enable the defensive man to have better vision of the rest of the court without turning, Guarding the Dribbler 1. Keep the weight back. 2. Force him to the outside if you feel that he is going t shoot. 3. If you need help, force him to the middle where yout eammates will be in a better position to assist you. 4, Don't lean forward. Don’t try to stab at the ball whil off balance. 5. Keep slapping around his knees to worry him. Give hin the impression that you may stab for the ball. This will ten to make him more cautious. 6. Try to make him stop the dribble. Don't straighten 1 even after he does stop, but merely go closer while still main ining the proper balance. Remember that he can still pas and cut 7, Remember, when the man is dribbling he must stop be fore he shoots, so stay away until he does stop. 8, Watch for a change-of-pace dribbler. This is a man wh152 Basketball Defense 153 pect who is quite tall, they should teach him how to play t Opposing pivot man and how to rebound as well as how pass and shoot hook shots. "2. When the defensive man plays in front of the pivot mi ‘When c lb poss ls thrown over the man guarding th he should be careful not to be fooled into playing too far o weer tke play should be broken up by No. 7, 50 that the opponents can throw a high loop pass over hi Soosing from the opposite corner.160 Defense—Two-on. ‘This situation usually occurs when ing a fast break and has maneuvered two men against the one defensive man near the basket. When caught on the defense as the sole man against two offensive men, the dew fensive man has but one thought, “How ket?” He may wonder, “Should I foul one of them? Should T let one shoot hoping he wi ? Should I try to make ong} pass or dribble or just hope he makes a mistake In this two-on-one situation, the man who of the ball on the right side in the vicinity will usually take the shot. He may fake passing or hesitate, will drive in. On occasion, he will pass to his but usually he cannot resist the easy two! ive man should keep his hands out and yell ag if his teammate were on his way to help him, 2. If possible, force the man with the ball to stop around) the foul line so that another defensive man may come and over the other man. At the same time, you should dare the ball holder to shoot by talking to him in hopes that he will take a quick shot. 3. After the shot is taken, the defensive man must re bound. 4. When the lone defensive man sees the two-on-one situae ion, he should try to recall if one of the two is the opposing} team’s high scorer. He could then gamble towards the other man, then go for the high scorer who will probably take the shot, 5. Although one of the two offensive men is in front of the defensive man, there is always a possib may be missed. Therefore, the de fast as he can to recover the sive man should run rebound. One of the best ex: Defense mnples occurred ia the Olympic playofls on April 1, 1952, between the Peoria Caterpillars and Kansas University. The center from the University of Kansas, Clyde Lovellete, inter- pted the ball with seconds remaining in the game. Rather shan pass to a faster teammate, he elected to dribble half the court and then missed the simple lay-up shot. The nearest defensive man for the Peoria Caterpillars, who was many feet behind the Kansas University ce either secure the rebound or ta b This onderfl pies of husting enabled the Peoria Caterpillars to win the game and represent thé lesson learned from that situation is that any man, hhas, or how tall he is, can miss cy to pass to ld make lots and close in on a man forcing him to make bad passes 7. When the two-on 3 foul circle, the defen: allow ¢ other man to dribble, Dribbling is slower, and it may give other defensive man the opportunity to hustle back and help out. 8, If one of the offensive men starts to dribble, allow him to do so, but force him to the side. Then when you judge that ne is going to stop, drop off with your arms outstretched in hopes of deflects or that he will shot from the side position This two-on-on should be set up and practiced as it occurs in a game situation, This may be done by starting court with the two offensive men split by one defen- e man. The ball is thrown to one of the offensive men with ore. As they start their moves and approach the foul circle, another man is sent down to help even ‘up the two-on-one situation. This is as close to a game situa- tion as possible, because the defensive man could try to stall th for the second defensive man to arrive with help. It will surprise the ballplayers that, even from a dis-162 Baskethell tance, a defensive man who hustles can help out. It will prove to them that it is not too late at any time to help out on de fense. Defenso—Three-on-Two This situation has many aspects similar to the two-on-ones ‘You may use the same general hints. However, there are addie tional factors which must be considered. 1. The two defensive men should “zone it,” which means to play an area concentrating on the ball. They can either play side by side, or one in back of the other. 2. If the offensive team has been scouted and their fast break is such that they all drive and run for the basket withe ut a definite pattern, I suggest that the defensive men should play side by side, These two men can best cover the areal lunder the basket in that position. 3. If the offensive team employs the organized fast brealy and has one of the offensive men stop on the foul line while the other two are on each side of the basket to form a trie angle, then it is advisable to have the defensive men play one in front of the other. That is, one man will be a little above the foul line, and the other will be half way from the foul line to the offensive basket. The duty of the front man is to stop the dribble, the duty of the back man is to play the pass. After the pass is made, the front man should drop back to help out “4. Remember, check your opponent’s high scorers. fist ‘And remember that the shot will in most instances take place! from the right side of the foul line. For drill, have the three offensive men placed with one i the middle and one on each side at about mid-court. The two defensive men must decide for themselves what type of dew fense to use. As the offensive men approach the edge of the! foul circle, send another defensive man to help out. Thi drill will definitely show the advantage of hustle, because the! two defensive men will have a good opportunity to stall while waiting for help. Defense 168. Defense—Four-on-Three 1e same general principles are applicable to the four-on- three as to the three-on-two and the two-on-one, but there are 2 few additional factors which should be particularly stressed. is situation. 1, ‘The single most important factor to remember is to try to stall the offense from a quick move until you can get help. 2. Make the offensive men do lots of passing as there is slways a chance for interception. 3. In the four-on-three situation, the three defensive men should call out “men,” but they should do it while in a def- nite defense zone, Also, they should get the easy shooting areas covered with the three men placed in the form of a tri- angle. Although the zones are to be covered, try to give the offense the impression that you are playing man-to-man. If the offense thinks this, they may hurry a pass to the man whom they consider a free man. 4, Remember that when the fourth defense man has hustled back, and you now have a four-on-four situation, it is advisable to pick the nearest man, and go into your regular man-to-man defense, Defense—Sagging Manto-Man ‘The major principle of this type of defense is to drop off your man when the ball is on the other side. This will en- able the defensive man to do lots of switching when anyone is coming through the center. The purpose of this defense is to clog the middle and force outside shooting, thereby playing the percentage to get the ball after shots are missed. ‘This defense is good against a team that does a great deal of passing and a team that uses plays which try to shake a man free under the basket. It is also effective against most set offenses or pattern types of play.164 Basketball Advantages 1, In high school, college, and even professional ball where there is a driving type of ball club which is not well balanced: with outside shooters, it will be very dificult to beat the sage ging man-to-man. 2. When you are playing this type of defense, the offen sive pivot man will rarely go to the middle, as he would be stopped by a sagging man who dropped off away from the ball 3. It makes the offensive team fecl that many men are free and they gamble on bad cross-court passes. 4, There will be a tendency to take many shots from the sides, which are the most difficult to sink. 'S. At times, the offensive men will think they are playing, against the zone defense, and become confused in their pate tem of play. Once the defensive man has sagged off his offensive man away from the ball, he should be extremely careful in the event that a successful cross-court pass is thrown to his man. He should avoid: (a) dropping off too far, so that he cannot ‘get back in, (b) being off balance so that his man can drive around him, This occurs when a sagging man attempts to hnustle back to cover his man and leans forward off balance to stop the shot. General Hints When the sagging man hustles to cover his offensive mam, ‘who has just received the ball, he should glide toward his man, Keeping his weight back, with one hand forward and the other! hand at his side. Don’t be off balance, That is the prime danger of a sagging, man-to-man defense, Let me repeat—don't let him go around ‘you. Let him take the quick shot. Defense 16s The F The full-court press is a type of defense developed primarily hharass the offensive team. The men on the offense are xd all over the playing area and given no chance to set any offensive pattern. When properly utilized, the press is great factor in demoralizing and disorganizing an opponent. is valuable in high school and college especially when the gensive units are slower, taller and poorer ball handlers. 1 trust the following explanation of its potential value will be of halp in winning ball games. court Press? 1, When to use it 1 The press should be used on and off, depending pri- marily on the score and playing time remaining. ». The time element is very important because it wil decide how close to play the offensive team, 2. Personnel needed ‘2. It is very advisable to use a press when your team is shorter and faster than the opponents. . If you have one slow man he can throw the entire press defense out of line, so I suggest the press not be used unless all five men are capable operators. 3. General value ‘a Its most valuable point is to enable a team using the full-court press to develop a “change of pace” type of basket- ball. I believe a team having the ability to play “change of pace” basketball will be more difficult to beat because it is hard to develop any pattern against it. ». It is a great conditioner and the men using a full-court press for a good part of the game will find themselves in ex- cellent shape. c. A big advantage i to force the other team to throw bad 4. The press will make opponents fall out of their pat tern of play and thereby upset them. They will then play into your hands. ‘he Genre 8 aha Yar Bek ori166. Basketball ¢. It stimulates a great deal of hustle and team 5 £. The press should be continued even after the ball is ‘brought over the ten-second line with corner men sagging tq wards the a. To play a full-court plete cooperation of all five men in talking to switching and helping each other out on all occasions. ballplay ue of complet defense the 1 definite carry-over to their offensiva play as far as cooperation is concerned. '. It teaches a man the value of good balance in all his defensive moves. . A ballplayer develops and yet k the knack of playing the mal ball is at all times. fa. Tt is of great value to a team using a fast break. '. You can use pattern system of play or a fas importance of “change of pa as I see it, is for a . (OF not, use fast or slow br pattern type of pla depends upon not only the time the score, but also the plac , employ a ining in the game and) I number of men out of the game on jer of oficial the game. f intercepting passes for quick baskets. The full-court press, if properly played, naturally is off ve in high school because of the inability of think quickly, adjust to various situations and any winning opposing c ffense and thus improve his chances of winning. Defense 167 . The material in college is usually good enough to work Se press properly. 8. Use in professional game From personal experience not only with the Boston jut with my Washington Capitols of 1948-49, which Eastern Division Championship, I advocate the press st of the season. The boys learn to adapt themselves and se their style of play at a moment's notice. ‘The values are the same as in college or high school g the full-court press is for a team op a lack of conf 3 get panick ‘opponents Suppose thi w baskets on. ase of a failure to switch? It is then up to he boys. He should point out their mis ging as the other team will defin- want them to. 1m to throw long passes A common danger in coach to reas kes but tell them to k Lup oF ich is much more difficult than it app. Play the men tight at all times all over the court, but be \dy to cover the center of the court after they get across which is the foul lane in this case. Try not to foul unnecessarily 4 switch mor ‘court than in the front. art press requires a lot of hard work and lots of coach should substitute quite often solely for ily been digging. When considering players in terms of their ability to play they should be divided into four class 3. Pivot or center met 4. Defensive rebounders.168. Basketball Defense 169 It is a good idea to study some of the great defensive MEN sat itis easy for all to see these great stars, as they play in playing today. You may then appreciate their abilities, or HNN 3 sections of the country. : Bil! You are playing you may imitate some of their outstanding kill. For the back-court men I should like to mention: Bor Cousy—Boston Celtics Gene SuvE—Detroit Pistons K. C. Jones—Boston Celtics The Zone Defense rectly opposed in theory and practice to the man-to-man defense is the zone defense. The basis of the zone is to play ‘Tom Go.a—Philadelphia Warriors ball and not the man. In the zone defense the defensive Larry CosreLuo—Syracuse Nationals concern themselves with intercepting the ball in desig~ Jounny McCanriy—St. Louis Hawks tated areas, while in the man-to-man type of defense the con~ Len Wixkens—St. Louis Hawks tration is on one offensive man or any free man. The area ARLEN BOCKRERN—Cinncinati Royals be covered in the zone defense depends on the type of zone Scuuco GReeN—St. Louis Hawks ssed. The types of zones are usually referred to as Jenny West—Los Angeles Lakers 1, Three-two shifting zone Hat GReER—Syracuse Nationals ‘This was one of the earliest types of zone defense used ‘Corner men, which includes rebounders: and it had three men out end two under the basket. Usually Bos Perrr—St. Louis Hawks fe two big men were in the back because of rebound power. Tos HEINsonN—Boston Celi With the three men in front this zone was used primarily 10 Jou GREEN—N. Y. Knickerbockers Biss toy thai fael Gees Rupy LaRusso—Los Angeles Lakers Fa ensawniftnbeore Exo BavLon—Los Angeies Lakers ‘This type of zone is similar to the three men out and (Abotem saavnsSyracute Natlonsls wo back except that the middle man drops back to about the Dave Gissaes—Syracuse Nationals oul line. This middle man roves from side to side and also a ee isin rebounding, Of the zones used today this type is most | eee alent. It compensates for the lack of that extra man on ee ees Se fost reak by aed rebound pores oh So pe eameraaratia This type of zone is similar to the two one two except Be ee aistepba Warrlon atthe center man drops beck to about ive fee from the ase Teray Lucas--Ohig State University tet, Agai the fast break possiblities are diminished with re eee Nats Sounding strength added, In addition, this type of defense is Warren Dues Detroit Pistons cially effective to stop side and comer shots, but is weak Watt Betiany—Chicago Packers seainst good outside shooting. 1. Onctwo-tvo zone Warne Entary—Cincinnati Royals ‘As the purpose of this book is to help the young basketball ‘This zone can be very effective against a dribbling and driving team. Its best value is on a small or narrow court. players, and future stars, they should have an_ opportunity 18 Prey ihe greats in all phases of the game. The author feel As most of the courts today are standard in size this type170 ‘of zone is not used a great deal. The front man in this type of zone is the ball chaser on the outside who leads the fast break. A good ball-handling team would wreck this zone very easily on a big court. 5. Two-two-one zone This zone is also advantageous on a narrow floor. Uste ally in this type of zone the front two men play a form off ‘man-to-man while the back three play zone. The team thal Uses this type of zone usually has a big, slow man who i probably a good rebounder, but very slow if he has to guard 2 particular man. men are spread out the court af approximately the foul line with one man, who is the chaser, up front and the big rebound man in the rear. This zone i effective against a driving type of ball club which has only e defense bee jen requires that some of the men exchange few scorers. Very few teams use this type c cause it very It must be remembered that in all the above types of zone} defense some coaches use an aggressive zone, while some use a stationary one. Having played the middle position of a two-one-two zone) for one year in Junior College and opposed it on numerous ‘occasions while a collegiate player, I agree with most coaches! that it is easy to beat a team playing a zone defense on a regue! lation court. When Pittsburgh was in the National Basketball Association they employed a zone on numerous occasions and were unmercifully The N.B.A. has barred all types of zone defense not use it Tacks spectator appeal, but also because teams using it would be beaten too often. The zone defense for a brief period in the early °30s ene joyed some popularity, but as soon as some of the teams pres pared against it and won, its popularity soon died down. One fof the biggest contributing factors was that all gyms built were of regulation size and the advantage of the narrow court The two great exponents of the zone defense were John} Defense Lawther when he coached at Penn State and Cam Hen of Marshall Col very successful largely responsi zone defenses al twenty years ago. Some high school zone, but mainly be or played under zone defer ates or because of a f material. They may also have that small, narrow cou Many coaching j 1d primarily on how many g: won in a particular year. It may therefore be secause of a lack of time or material, to valent today in certain high that it takes a few years rs with his system they would be more inclined to do a with many of the . This would elimi the use of many zone defenses which have resulted in h Shool players not getting the fundamental training son. ary to be successful as a player in the coll ranks, ‘This writer feels that in the proc mentals of basketball itis necessary to know the principle zone defense, but one should avoid using the zone if poss realize that the average small high school which emplo nse may win a few more 9f poor ball handling on the pa may also win some of th their opponents lack the necessary time to practice ag he zone d This lack of time exists be basketball players engage in f siods. However, the pros men making good in college or prof fore, although it is difficult to 1 coach who wins more than the boys when they go to or professi ortant practice of fundamental training in man-to- ypped them from making 1 fers who although they team. Howe id the zone def 3 becaus172 Basketball sptional skill or the ability to adjust themselves and learn ‘the new defense. Tt is 2 simple matter to check the records to find out how many boys have made good in college, although they played fa zone defense in high school. 1 believe the percentage would. all, For an example, in the N.B.A. out of one hun ‘playing I don't know of one player who came from: ‘2 college Which used the zone de therefore like to go on record as saying that as long as the tball stand, it is very bad to use a zone: because it will interfere with a possi fundamentals 0 to-man defense were taught first and w age player would find it easy to pl necessary. But the opposite is not true. "The writer must admit that the rule change in 1936 which barred 2 man from the offensive free-throw area for more than three second: sr without the ball was an aid tem ne defense. But the teams to beat it. The pros in the N.B.A. have throw lane from six to twelve feet, where a man can't (used in Olympic Il play) there may be a temporary move again to= wards popularizing the zone defense Remember, most of ther sports make an honest ate tempt to appeal to the spectators. Basketball must too. In the pro game, naturally, as the the freight they would protest immediately against a dull game where one or more feams was using the zone defense. Regardless of my per will present the good and bad point lose point of view. one defense, T from a win-and= Good Points of Zone D. 1. It fs especially effective against poor ball handlers 2. It is effective against a team that uses a set offensive) pattern, Defense 3, It is effective against a dangerous pivot man. 4, It is easy to teach, especially when material is lacking. A zone is advisable when there is a lack of reserve jective in high school than in college or pro- y little chance of the defensive players get ting screened or blocked. 8, It is simple to play because there is a lack of responsi- bility. Each player has to worry about the area and the ball 9. Tt is effective when the material is tall and slow. 10. It is effective when the home court is narrow or short 11, It is effective against a driving and cutting type of club, 12, Men are in good rebound position. 13. Men are in 14. Surprise element. Very d therefore other teams don’t practice much it 15, It is effective against poor outside shooters. 16. As most baliplayers hate to play against a zone it may ffect their hustling. ‘AS a pattern must be used to break a zone, the oppos- ars might ranxious and take bad shots. 18. When a zone is sprung without warning, it may make the opponents jittery and throw them off their game, 19, It is easy to change the types of zone defense played which would confuse the 20, It may reduce defensive fouling. 21. It develops an uncanny ability to intercept passes or K shots. >. It makes it easier to teach inexperien It is more natural to play than man- 24, When itis necessary to shift zones, it may develop good mwork 25. The offensive team will probably take chances on long, ss-court passes because a man appears to be free. These OF cross-court passes are easy 10 intercept or block be- use the defense is playing the ball and not the man, 26. It is effective when the zone-defense team is ahead.Basketball 174 27. It is effective against excess dribbling, 28. A team trained in man-to-man defense can learn the zone easily. ‘The above points showing the advantages of the zone dey fense can be compared with the points listed below—why the zone defense should not be played. The reader when thinking about a zone defense from a fan's, player's or coach's point ‘of view would be in a good position to compare the whys and! why nots of a zone defense. Weak Pois 1. Intelligent opponents can easily beat a team playing @ zone defense simply by tiring the men playing the zone. 2. Good set shooters can score very easily from definite positions. 3. When the offensive team can force the zone defense 19} spread out they will find it simple to split the defensive zones 4. A zone or area can easily be overloaded which puts to9} much of a job on one man, but confusion would result if other men left their zones. 5. It is more difficult to stop a high scorer provided they scorer takes his time and takes good shots. 6. The zone defense very readily leads to lack of considers ation for defensive fundamentals. 7. The zone defense is simple to break fast against 8. It is more difficult to play a zone defense on regulatiog courts 9. The offensive team can easily freeze the ball when it is leading, 10. The men playing a zone can easily become lackag aisical, especially if they don't play an aggressive zor 11. The offensive team can easily employ a strategy 19} simply tire the men playing the zone defense to the point where their fast break would be affected adversely 12. It is uninteresting to the point where the game is nof attractive to youngsters. 13. It is easy to fake or feint a man out of position, 1 of the Zone Defense Defense 18 14, The offensive team often figures that if a team is using 2 zone defense it is doing it for a surprise, but the offensive im might also decide that their opponents lack confidence and are not fundamentally sound. 15. The zone defense decreases in value the more a team practices against it 16. A team playing a zone defense which lacks the defen- sive fundamentals of balance and switching will not necessar- y know more about plunging against a zone defense. 17. A team playing a zone defense nearly always has most fits scoring done by the front men of its zone, They are usually the fast, little men. Therefore, a team playing against a zone defense can con- sentrate on stopping their two fast breakers and diminish its tration on the back men of the zone 18, It is often smart strategy to employ a full-court press against a zone defense, because usually a team which pla ;one doesn't have too many good ball handlers 19, It is easy to dribble around any one man because he will jump at every ball fake. 20. Players playing a zone defense find themselves at a definite loss when leaving to play for an advanced team, be- ause of a lack of basketball fundamentals. 21. Spectators shy away from attending zone defense. 22. Spectators will usually favor the team trying to break 1 zone defense which may help to inspire it 23. ‘The men playing the zone defense don't concentrate on blocking out under the basket. They form a triangle first and then try for the rebound. 24, Tt is a simple matter to place a man under the basket Where he wil be in a position to have the inside on rebounds, 25. Men playing the zone often relax because they can actually get bored when the offensive team holds the ball awaiting that percentage shot. 26. A high school or a college which is known to play the zone defense will not be likely to attract good material 27. The big men resent being in the game merely to stand umes involving @176 Basketball under the basket, get the rebound and throw the ball to the little men for the fast break with little chance of getting a pass back. '28. It is true there is less fouling but the fouls made are) ‘mostly reflex stabs which could probably be avoided. Basketball players today are faster, stronger, better drib- blers, taller and shoot better than those of twenty years ago. ‘The versatility of shooting plus rebounding largely accounts for the high scores which the players and fans both like. The zone-defense men have claimed that they keep the scores down and that therefore their defense is better. That is not so. ‘They don’t hold the score down because of better defense, but ‘because of an offensive team taking their time to break the zone. Also, once a team gets a few points ahead the score may be kept down because the team playing against the zone merely holds the ball. To substantiate the above statements showing low scoring games, but certainly not great defensive games, I will quote a few newspaper excerpts of the 1951-52 season: BOOMERANG! Team Controls Ball All But 1 Minute, Loses Game, 2-01 Northampton, Jan, 25 (AP)——Pousesson of the ball isn't the, key toa basketball victory. This was proved here tonight. ‘Smith's School—confronted with a zone defense—controlled the ball for all but one of the 82 minutes and dropped a 2-0 decision to St. Michacl’s in Hampshire League game ‘The score came carly in the fourth period when co-captains Bob Shea ‘and. John Sullivan combined on a floor length pass, with Shea woriag, The play came after Smith's Dickie LaMagdalaing attempted 2 foul shot, the only one tied in the game. ‘Sc Michael's took enly two shots from the Boor. The losers tried ‘Smith's School attempted four shots in the last two minutes, the only time it broke out of its freeze. Four fouls were called, with Sil but one being waived and the ball taken out of bounds. Defene wz AVES FANS COLD Pitt's Stall Doesn't Amuse Nor Does It Produce @ Win FREEZE State College, Pa, March 2 (AP)—"Disgusting,” snorted, Coach Elmer Gross of Penn State today of Pitts backfiring freeze which turned a basketball game into a cireus without stopping the Nittany Lions, Penn State won 24-9 and chalked up the season's record of 19 victories and four losses—best in the school’s history. itt emerged from last night's game without glory but with some new garnishing for Coach H.C. (Doc) Carlton's reputation fo a basketball eccentric. On Doe's orders, the Panthers clung to their deep freeze for three periods and half of the final period despite the lead which Penn State maintained throughout the game. The Pitt players tried to keep the ball in the back court until the lat ten seconds ‘of each period and then shoot. On his return to Pittburgh, Carlson defended his strategy, sxy- ing: It was sound tactice—not a stunt. My kids and T thought wwe didn't have the manpower to go against Penn State for 40 Minutes, So we thought we'd rest and splurge at the end. Tt was foo bad but it didn’t work out. But that was the way the Kids wanted it, I think Penn State deserved to win.” Bored Fant Carlton's freeze made the game a travesty of basketball, While the gymnasium organ played “Darling, I Am Growing Older,” fand "Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” coeds offered Pitt players their Knitting and Carlzon did a hootchie-hootchic dance on the tide lines. Two officals kept busy picking up pennies and paper tulle which were thrown on the playing floor by some of the 6000 bored spectators 1A Penn State student passed a dozen doughnuts out to officals, coaches and players. Carlson took three. ‘On several occasions Pitt players sat down on the floor and looked around at their ease, At one stage of the game 19 minutes fand 40 seconds passed without a field goal being scored by cither team. In the second period, three foul shots accounted for the only scoring. ‘Peon State's Gross was not amused. He said in a telephone come ball when we were ahead, we und to win. T really don’t know why he did it. Tt woul hhave been all right for a quarter, but when he kept it up it was dagusting. And what's more, it wasn't good for “He pulled the same thing against ux two years ag0 but we won then, too, He once said he did it as a pr ne ayrtem. But last night he used a zone system hi there's just no logic in it ‘a funny thing. He really has a pretty good team: 1 could ave beaten ur if he tried” trying to score only in the dying minutes only once. Penn State built up a 7-3 lead i the frst, made it $4 in the second and 9-6 at the end of the third, Waste of Time Penn State went scorelest in the third period and Pitt's Mike Zernich scored al for the only points made, Penn made tw final period a led off the freeze, Penn Stat showed then, with the Lions outscoring 12th los of the season against 10 victories, The id tried by Carlson in recent yeart, None of them rice before this past teaton, both om cores of 62-40 and 9245. Lact nights was the final game of the regular echedule for both teams, Defense against the Fast Break Henry Iba, the successful coach of Oklahoma A & M, ems ploys a possession style of play. This system has been very successful, especially against fast-breaking teams. His mane to-man defense has been consistently good year after year, Al” ‘though the Oklahoma A & M team is well versed in the fune damentals of man-to-man defense the secret of the low scores ‘their opponents make is to a large extent their deliberate ‘offense. This offense completely “throws” the timing of fast breaking teams. When the A & M team finally takes a shot ‘you can be assured it is a good one and has a fine percentage’ Defense 179 going in. Psychologically, this entire style of play is very aggravating to the fa because the oring averages drop, since it does nc the ball as much as in other games. Before the fast-breaking team realizes it, it often playing A & M's game by not taking poor shots or gambling on passes, because it realizes it is too hard to get ball back. Therefor Another consequence of this pi ball and its effect on th iam will take hurried shots when it finally gets the ball, Added to these quick shots there will be forcing of passes and he fast break. The players will be straining at the leash and ing to get the A & M team to play their breaking game, his usually does not work because Henry Iba trains his boys have the other team play A & M's game. If a team employs a fast-breaking offense itself and desires stop its opponents’ fast break the best method to use is sod strong offensive rebounding. The foul area should be ered at all times. Most teams which use some form of fast ak sometimes concern themselves too much with their ponents fast break. They hinder their own offense because always have one or two men back on defense. This lac of freedom on offense hinders the defense as well. For ex- ample, at times more than two men will be concerned with oping back and the entire offensive rebounding will be ally valueless lever & team gets a defensive rebound without inter nce and throws the pass out to start the fast-break pat- e defense will usually be in a position in which they The defense should realize that a breaking team does not break haphazardly or ust ly throw passes the length of the court and should adjust its nse should be prepared to stop th a It should realize that the ball ll get to the of basket nearly as quickly with less danger by using short passes and an occasional dribble. ‘When a team trying to combat a fast break attempts to re-