Stance – Denial or Open

Players need to be instructed in the two types of stance that may be utilized in defence. A “denial” stance is where the defender’s back is to the ball and they are very actively stopping a pass being made to their opponent. A “floating” or “open” stance is where the defender’s back generally faces the baseline. Players must be able to play both techniques.

Defending One Pass Away

Coaches need to make a decision as to which technique they wish to use and in what circumstances. Players must be able to both deny an opponent and to play from a more open stance.

Denial – 1 pass away

Adopting a denial stance defenders X3 and X2 are close to their opponents and would have their backs to Player 1.

Both defenders would have the arm closest to the ball extended, so that they can knock away any pass.

In this diagram, x2 would extend their right arm, x3 would extend their left arm.

If the defender has their thumb pointing to the ground, they will have the palm of their hand facing the passer. This will provide them with better control if they can get a hand on the pass.

The defender looks down at their arm, which enables them to see both their direct opponent and the player that has the ball.”opponent and the player with the ball within their peripheral vision.

Floating (or Sagging) – 1 pass away

Here defenders X3 and X2 step away from their opponents and have their backs facing the baseline. This “floating” or “sagging” defence allows Player 1 to pass, but allows the defender to place more pressure on the dribble.

On any defensive possession, it is likely that some defenders will be in a denial stance while others use an open stance.

Denial – on strong side

X3 is guarding a player that is on the same side of the floor as the player with the ball – accordingly X3 uses the denial technique. X2 is guarding an opponent on the opposite side of the floor so may adopt a floating or sagging technique.

This is one tactic that a coach may employ and one that players should be given the opportunity to adopt at practice, using both techniques in contested situations.

Denying the Return Pass
Sagging / Floating Defence

Denying the Pass back to the Guard

When the ball is below the extended free throw line, coaches may choose to either deny the pass back to the guard or to allow it, by adopting a floating or sagging technique. By adopting an “open stance”, the team creates more pressure on the offensive player dribbling.

When first introducing team defence, coaches should be careful not to confuse the players by introducing too many options. The players do need to know both denial and open techniques but it is recommended that initially one technique is used for “one pass away” (e.g. denial) and the other technique is used when opponents are further away from the ball.