Northfield Academy Higher Still Physical Education
STRUCTURES and STRATEGIES Part 1
Strengths and Weaknesses
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Finding out your strengths and weaknesses in the area of Structures and Strategies is similar to
the two other areas covered. It falls specifically under Key Concept 2 in which the following
features are examined:
Roles and
Relationships
Formations
Tactical
Elements
The methods used to gather information about these could be collected using similar methods
as before:
Observation
Schedules
Video
When you use these methods remember you must describe them clearly, and in detail, and you
must explain the reasons for using them. That means you must be clear in your mind what each
area is about and how it affects basketball.
Northfield Academy – Higher Still Physical Education
Basketball can be very fast and dynamic which can make it difficult to observe from the side of
the court. Therefore, it is much better to have the game videoed from a good vantage point so
that you are able to watch yourself in greater detail.
What would be looked at to find out your strengths and weaknesses.
Roles and
Relationships
Each player has individual responsibilities and must know how these fit into and relate to the
team. You now need to be working together with others if the team are to be effective and
successful. Remember the saying,
“A chain is only strong as its weakest link.”
The team needs to work as a cohesive unit with everyone carrying out their role to the best of
their ability.
A coach may design a structure or strategy around a player because of their height or a specific
skill, e.g. 3 – point shooting or good decision-making qualities
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Formations
When adopting formations the following principles of team play are important considerations:
WIDTH
DEPTH
BALANCE
MOBILITY
It must also be remembered that teams are having to constantly adapt their game because of
the mere nature of basketball. Changing from offence to Defence and back again happens
very rapidly (known as Transition). Players have to respond to these changes within their own
team and to the opposition, when it is in offence. This requires players to co-operate with
each other, support each other and therefore more importantly effectively communicate with
each other.
Northfield Academy – Higher Still Physical Education
TACTICS
A tactic is a specific way of carrying out a particular strategy you are using. The aim of the tactic
Is to play to the team’s strengths and exploit the opponent’s weaknesses.
During a game teams will make tactical decisions based on their opponents and what they do in
particular situations.
An example of a tactic in basketball is the fast break.
Describe in detail the fast break and what your specific role was within this strategy.
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There are 5 standard positions in basketball. These are:
Point Guard
Shooting
Guard
Centre
Small Forward
Power
Forward
The responsibilities of each player can differ from team to team but some responsibilities are typical
for each basketball team.
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Point Guard
One of the most important positions in basketball. This player calls the plays
and directs the offence. The point guard is the main ball handler and is
normally the best dribbler and passer on the team. This person is considered
a “coach on the floor”.
Shooting
Guard
Has similar characteristics to the point guard but does not bring the ball up
the court. In most cases the shooting guard is the teams best scorer and will
take most of the shots. The best shooting guards can make outside and
inside shots in addition to playing the point guard if required.
Centre
The tallest player on the court. This player is responsible for blocking shots
and has a big responsibility for rebounding. This player scores a lot around
the baskets and shoots a lot of lay-ups.
Small Forward
Is not small-this player is taller than the shooting guard but is not as tall than
the Power Forward. A well balanced player with solid skills at shooting,
passing, defending and rebounding. Because of this versatility this player can
defend more than one position well.
Power
Forward
Sometimes called the ‘big forward’. This is typically the team’s most persistent
defender and rebounder. This is one of two positions responsible for guarding
the basket. This player does not take many long shots but stays close to the
basket for lay-ups.
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Using a simple Observation Schedule below and videoing the game, you can record whether
are effective or not. This will highlight the area that you should focus on.
Team Position:
Role
Are you effective?
Yes
No
Yes
Support
Responsibility
Co- operation
Decision making
No
Communication
Attacking Strategy:
Yes
No
Defensive Strategy:
Fast Break
Man-to-man
Motion Play
Zone
Horseshoe Offence
Shell Defence
Yes No
Northfield Academy – Higher Still Physical Education
Now a more detailed analysis of the strategy or tactic can take place, e.g. the Fast Break.
FAST BREAK
Position: #1 Point Guard
At inbound ball move out wide
Shout “Ball” for fast attack
Move, indicating direction of pass
Receive ball moving into centre lane
Shoot the ball on lay-up
*If the shot is not ‘on’
Look for passing options
Use correct passing option
‘Hold the ball up’ awaiting support