Shadow Hold (Fake) Option
On the Hold option, the "Shadow" has to convince the ball handler that a double team is going to take place. After faking the double team, the Shadow sprint releases and back to the inbounder. The Hold option works extremely well when the ball handler O1 has a habit of picking up the dribble when double team. By mixing up the Trap and Hold (fake trap) options Shadow Pressure keeps the ball handler off balance and guessing.
Phase 1: Shadow Action.
The Hold option starts out the same as the Trap option. When the ball is inbounded to O1, X1 after initially assuming a SNUGGLE pass denial position on O1, moves to an aggressive ON position and pushes O1 to near side checkpoint. Defender X2 rotates from a SNUGGLE denial position on O2 to a high Helpside "I" position. X3 maintains a SNUGGLE pass denial position on O3. X4 rotates to a low Helpside "I" position denying any long pass. "Shadow" X5 shadows ball handler O1 moving into position to trap O1 with X1 on near sideline checkpoint.
Note: If ball is inbounded to O2, X2 assumes the ON position with X5 assuming a "Shadow" position behind X2. X4 maintains a pass denial SNUGGLE position on O4, and X1 and X3 rotate into Helpside "I" positions.
Phase 2: "Hold" (Fake Trap).
Defender X1 aggressive pressures O1 attempting to force O1 into changing directions and picking the ball up near . The "Shadow" X5 fakes the double team and at the mid court line releases back to a SNUGGLE pass denial position on the inbounder O5. X2, X3 and X4 form a Helpside Triangle "I". If the ball handler O1 picks up the dribble, defender X1 executes an aggressive SMOTHER while other defenders deny all passing lanes.
Phase 3: Pass Out of Smother
When O1 passes to O2, X2 closes out and pushes O2 to sideline checkpoint. X4 closes out to O4 and assumes a SNUGGLE pass denial position. X5 assumes a low Helpside "I" position against O5. X3 drops into a mid Helpside "I" position, and X1 takes a strong pass denial position against O1, preventing any return pass that would allow O1 to initiate the set offense.
Caution: It is extremely important that all close outs and rotations take place as the ball leaves the passer's hands.
If O2 passes ahead to O4, X4 assumes a SET position and pushes O4 to corner or baseline checkpoint. X5 FRONTS O5 in low post area. X2 creates "Box Pressure" by assuming a Snuggle pass denial position on O2. X1 and X3 take Helpside "I" positions. Anytime the ball is advanced on dribble or pass to an area below the free throw line extended, SOS Base Go I or at the coach's discretion Base Go Red rules are in effect. Anytime the ball is advanced on dribble or pass to an area below the free throw line extended, SOS Base Go I or at the coach's discretion Base Go Red rules are in effect.
Continue and learn all about the "Switch" option.
