Line defense
Line defense is a strategy used in basketball. It is referred to as the "line defense" because of its formation on the court, which consists of two lines of defense. Three players at the front of the defense and two players behind. The line was the first zone concept to be used in basketball. The line defense was developed to counter the fast break plays that were being developed, and adopted, at the time. The line defense was the catalyst of the future 3-2 zone defense.
How to play
After the team has made a basket, or has turned over the ball, they will sprint back across the center line and turn around to pick up their checks. They form two lines of defense; the first line is made of three forwards and the second line is made of the two remaining guards. The first line allows the first two players to pass through the line and then the forwards will challenge the remaining checks coming across the line. The plan was to make the other team lose the dribble or make a bad pass. The play was not a true zone as the players realigned themselves with their checks as they approached the center line, making the play a man-to-man defense.Strengths
- Helps turn the ball over before the opposing team has a chance to take a shot on basket.
- Helps cover up potentially weak defensive players on the team.
Weaknesses
- Undefended basket – because the defensive line was so far up from the defending key, any offensive player that got behind the line would have an easy time scoring a basket without a challenge.