Flattening the defense is a simple transition concept - when we catch the ball on the wing in transition (and we don’t a layup from the primary break), the wing player should take 1 or 2 dribbles towards the baseline before looking to pass (although we will always pass to an open player in the paint, dribble or no dribble) that relatively few teams use - but can be a very effective tool for teams looking to develop an effective secondary fast break.
When Utilized properly, the benefits are as clear as day, because it facilitates the two most most critical components of a great secondary break, Post-Ups and Ball Reversals
- Flattening the defense gives the post player more time to establish low-post position. By dribbling toward the baseline, the wing player is also improving his/her passing anlge, should the post player be open. The post feed is always the first look if we don’t score off of the primary break - Points in the paint!
- All defenses are extremely ball-oriented in transition - Flattening the defense draws defenders towards the baseline as they follow the ball. Once the defense has gone “flat” on the basleine, we will find that we have improvedf passing angles to help us reverse the ball to our shooters.
I think this technique is very underutilized. Why don’t more teams use it?
Probably because:
- it contradicts the general offensve princiople that offenses should keep the ball out from the corners.
- To the untrained eye, the wing appears to be driblbling without purpose.
In principle, there is nothing wrong with this type of thinking. But coaches might benefit from considering the benefits versus the costs of implement this simple maneuver. In many cases, the change could very well be worth it.
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