3-on-2 Breaks and 2-on-1 Breaks

Basketball, as I have been taught, is a game of runs and numbers. The team with the more runs, is usually the winning squad. If you can maximize the number of fast break opportunities you have and the amount of times you "have numbers" on your opponent scoring becomes more likely.
So what does "having numbers" really mean? "Having numbers" means that on a possession the offensive team has more players heading down court than the recovering defense. Fast breaks thrive off of the uneven numbers an offense is presented with if they can race the ball down court. Just because the offense team has more players down court doesn't mean that they are guaranteed an easy hoop. By  following these easy steps, a good shot is more probable your players just have to hit the shots!

3 on 2 Breaks
Off a missed shot an offensive team can get an easy fast break opportunity off a solid rebound, a peek at the rim (to check for open players down court) and then a quick outlet pass to the nearest guard. It is likely that the team that just missed the shot already sent back one or two of their guards to defend against an uncontested layup. The rebound is where our 3 on 2 break the other way begins, here are our easy steps following the rebound:

• the rebounder, who is securing the ball in a athletic stance with the ball touching three points of contact -their chest, and both hands (what is called "Power Position"), takes a peek down court to see if there are any open players for an outlet
• once the ball is passed out the ball handler takes the ball to the center and two other offensive players get wide on both sides of the ball (creating the 3 of the 3-on-2)
• racing the ball to the other arc the ball handler is likely to be met by one of the two defenders, once stopped the ball handler passes to a side and goes TO THE BALL SIDE ELBOW

Okay pump the brakes. Why the ball side elbow you ask? Simple, check it out:

What we have here is the ball handler stopped by the top defender, then passing it off to the right side and cutting to the right elbow. By passing right the two defenders have to shift, the one in back goes to guard the first pass and then the top player sinks.

Now from there the back defender is forced to guard two players. If the player with the ball beats their defender that back defender has to guard three players. If the player with the ball passes right back to the player at the elbow and the defender helps up, there is your easy layup. If the player doesn't help up, a quick one dribble jump shot is your's for the taking.

2-on-1 Breaks

Now lets say your team is on defense and one of your quickest defenders gets a steal on the wing. Now your team is heading the other way on a 2-on-1 fast break. How on earth does one decide when to pass the ball up when there is that one defender constantly in the way?

Here are the steps:

• make sure both players stay wide, it allows for better angles to the rim
• the ball should be in the hands of the best dribbler/attacking player of the two running down court
• the ball handler DOES NOT  pass the ball until the defender stops them.
• Once the defender stops them, they fake and pass or shoot if they're open

Think of this: the closer the two players get to the rim the easier it is for one player to guard two (the space between them is shrinking). But if the one defender gets preoccupied with only stopping one, and shifts themselves completely towards the ball, the second offensive player has an easy shot off of a quick, smart pass. If the defender has a lapse of consciousness and neglects the player attacking the rim with the ball then get ready for two more points.

One player attacking the rim hard occupies the defender, who is forced to make a decision of who to guard, and gives the other offensive player an opportunity for an open layup. Fakes and smart passes are necessary to take full advantage of this 2-on-1 situation.

What About the Defensive Tips?

One of the worst things to happen to a defense in a basketball game is for them to be outnumbered by the offense. Though unfortunate, these situations are likely and occur often which means that strategies should be put in place to try and minimize the amount of buckets scored on your team.

So what do we do?

3-on-2 Break Defensive Points

• Make sure the two back defenders communicate, the top player usually gets the ball and the back player guards the first pass. 
• It is important to rotate quickly and jump to the ball on passes
• Keep in mind that these two defenders have the odds against them. It is considered a successful stop if they can prevent a layup or a shot, giving their teammates enough time to recover.
• NEVER, EVER help up. This goes for the player in the middle after the first pass has been made. An open jump shot has a lower percentage chance of going in than an open lay up, think about it. 

2-on-1 Break Defensive Points

• make sure you sprint back to the paint, not too close to the rim but right in the center of the lane 
• Do not fully commit to any one player. Remember it is a 2-on-1, if you only guard one player that leaves the other one wide open
• Your strategy is called: Skirmish (PGC) or Fence & Recover. Think of a fencer, they jab and then step back, jab and step back. You will do the same with your hands. By jabbing at the offensive player you make them think you are committing but then by recovering you limit their passing option. There is also the chance that jabbing at them will freeze them (buying you more time) or make them pick up their dribble.

Charges are always against players who are moving quickly and out of control. Just remember that if you are moving, you will be called for a block. You might be better off just fencing.

Summary

These are just a few things I have learned over my playing/coaching career about the 3-on-2 and 2-on-1 breaks. I have used these tips and been relatively successful on both the offensive and defensive end. Do keep in mind that you are outnumbered in these situations, so no basket is considered a good job as is slowing the offense. On offense you are looking for easy shots, preferably layups but certainly open looks. These breaks work best when the offense moves quickly, because you won't have your numbers advantage forever. 

Over and out for today.

thirteen.