Two types of defensive options when trailing the ball
what's the deal with all this scissor stuff
When defending in basketball, particularly when trailing an offensive player, it is crucial to maintain proper defensive positioning and footwork. There are different techniques to accomplish this, and two common methods are "slide the feet" and "scissor running." Both techniques aim to keep the defender in an optimal position to contest shots and prevent the offensive player from gaining an advantage.
Slide the feet: In this defensive technique, the defender maintains a low, athletic stance and slides their feet laterally to keep up with the offensive player. The defender moves by pushing off the back foot and sliding the lead foot in the desired direction, ensuring that their feet do not cross. This technique helps maintain balance, quickness, and agility while staying between the offensive player and the basket.
Scissor running: Scissor running, also known as "drop step" or "crossover step," is a defensive technique used when the offensive player has gained a step on the defender, and the defender needs to quickly recover their position. The defender starts by pivoting on their front foot while swinging their back foot around and in front of the front foot (in a scissor-like motion). This allows the defender to change directions and accelerate quickly to catch up to the offensive player.
Both techniques are effective when used correctly and can be utilized based on the game situation and the defender's positioning relative to the offensive player. Good defenders will master both techniques and switch between them as needed to maintain a strong defensive presence on the court.
Is there an age when ‘scissor running’ should be taught?
The appropriate age to start teaching the scissor run as a defensive technique depends on the child's physical development, coordination, and overall basketball skill level. Generally, the scissor run can be introduced to young players around the age of 10-12 years old, when they have developed basic basketball skills and have a good understanding of the game.
At younger ages, it's important to focus on teaching fundamental skills, such as dribbling, shooting, passing, and basic defensive positioning. As players become more comfortable with these skills and develop better agility and coordination, introducing more advanced techniques like the scissor run becomes appropriate.
There are also other options:
Drop and recover: This technique is used when the offensive player has made a move to get past the defender. The defender quickly drops their back foot and pivots on their front foot to change directions and recover their defensive position. This is similar to the scissor run but involves a more straightforward drop-step motion.
Hedge and recover: This technique is often used in pick-and-roll situations, where the defender momentarily helps their teammate guard the ball handler before quickly recovering to their original defensive assignment. The defender steps out to "hedge" against the ball handler, impeding their progress, and then quickly returns to their assignment once their teammate has fought through the screen.
However, it's important to remember that every child develops at their own pace. Some players may be ready to learn the scissor run earlier, while others may need more time to develop basic skills before advancing to more complex techniques. Coaches and parents should closely monitor the progress and development of young athletes and adapt their teaching methods to best suit the individual needs of each player.