| Outside Pass Denials | Dribble Penetrations | Picked Up Dribble |
Using a combination of person-to-person and zone defense can be very effective against the North Carolina Four Corner style offense and other spread offenses such as a "Drive and Kick" that rely on dribble penetration. In the "Combo" defense three outside players play an aggressive pass denial defense while the two inside players provide backside support by zoning.
Basic Alignment
On Ball defender X1 plays off protecting against any dribble penetration into the middle (Red Zone). X1 forces O1 to sideline pushpoint. Defenders X2 and X3 assume full contact pass denial positions on O2 and O3 while X4 and X5 zone on baseline.
Return Pass Denial
Once the dribbler gives up the ball, O1 assumes a tight pass denial position and does not allow a return pass. O2 and O3 continue their pass denials against O2 and O3. X5 assumes a loose on ball position against O5 pushing O5 to baseline pushpoint. X4 assumes a helpside I position.
Note: The Combo defense wants the non-ball handlers O4 and O5 handling the ball as much as possible.
Dribble Penetration Rotations & Trap
Dribble PenetrationIf/when O1 dribble penetrates into the middle, X5 steps up to take a charge or trap the ball handler with X1. X4 gives backside support ready to close out to either O4 or O5. Defenders X2 and X3 continue to deny their opponents the ball
Pass DenialOnce the dribbler gives up the ball, O1 assumes a tight pass denial position and does not allow a return pass to O1. Defender X4 closes out to ball pushing O5 to baseline pushpoint while X5 drops back into a baseline zone position. Defenders X2 and X3 continue their strong pass denials against O2 and O3.
Picked Up or Trap Dribble
If/when a dribble picks up the dribble, the on ball defender jams or smothers the ballhandler while defenders X4 and X5 close out assuming pass denial positions on O4 and O5 putting the ball handler in a severe disadvantage which usually results in a forced or difficult pass leading to an interception or closely guarded violation.
CAUTION: If x4 and X5 are good ball handlers and corner shooters, change to a quarter court 1-3-1 trap defense.
