Why do our guards go out to meet the ball at 30 feet?

[DanHawkPella]

This annoys me to no end, because the further you extend the larger gaps there are between you and the help defenders on either side.

It's one thing if you are going out there to contest the ball, or to disrupt the play, but we never really contest the ball and in the case with the shot clock under 15 seconds, it's clearly going to be a 1 on 1 dribble penetration with or without a screen and I see no reason to go beyond 20-22 feet (assuming they can shoot the pull up 3, which isn't always true either). I don't believe going out to meet the ball at 25-30 feet helps avoid any picks when all is said and done, so it's unnecessary imo.

We are not great at keeping guys in front of us, and Minnesota getting into the paint was their primary offense last night.

Anyone have a different perspective on that practice?

 

[EpenesaEpenesa]

Yeah I'm not sure why. Creates massive lanes. With this group, they'd probably be better off just packing in the defense and make teams beat you with jumpers, but I guess that isn't Fran's style. He likes changing defenses and going to the press should've won them the game.

 

[DutchyFunStar]

They want to burn the shot clock and keep teams from their typical offensive sets and flow. The offense is more prone to force shots and make mistakes. But if on ball D breaks down and help rotations fail it's a moot point.

 

[HoustonREDHawk]

If we had post defenders who can consistently challenge shots, it might make sense, but our best shot blocker is Baer, who consistently covers up a lot of deficiencies by his teammates.

 

[SotaHawk87]

NM

 

[DavenportHawk8]

I agree you want to press and get the teams in an uptempo feel. But when your guard are constantly getting beat off the dribble, what's the point. You can still press, but once it breaks down, just sag off. I realize you have to worry about ball screens and what not, but just sag off. Give the guy the 3pt shot, if he hits it, then get out on him. But make him earn it, don't just go meet him 30ft from the basket, because its takes 2-3 dribbles and they are past you.

 

[MepoDawg#]

The guard getting beat off the dribble isn't the worst part. Nobody helps or challenges, they clear the lane and watch an easy layup.

 

[papabeef]

The guard getting beat off the dribble isn't the worst part. Nobody helps or challenges, they clear the lane and watch an easy layup.

and when guards get beat and someone helps someone is open for a 3, pick your poison.

 

[AZmess]

Typically you want to get the ball stopped at half court. We always sent two guards back as soon as we shot the ball. One would have basket and the other would have ball with the priority of getting the ball stopped at half court so they don't have momentum getting into their offense.