3-2 Defense
"Spot-Elbow-Block"
[A Coach Reggie Production, 2005]
Often the posts are on the bottom blocks, the 3 is in the middle, and the guards are on the elbows, but depending on players' abilities, heights, and speed - any number can play anywhere. The person in middle needs to do the most thinking. The "spot" is considered the middle of the foul line. The middle person should be on the spot when the ball is at the top. The middle person should be on the elbow when the ball is on the wing. The middle person should be on the block when the ball gets to the corner. Hence the descriptive name, "spot-elbow-block."
When playing 3-2 this way, it is critical that the block defensive player gets out to the corner because the spot-elbow-block player will get to the block to recover for the player who goes out to the corner. However, when playing 3-2 another way, it is critical that the defensive players on the blocks do not go out to the corner:
3-2 Defense
"5-Foot-Rope"
[A Coach Reggie Production, 2005]
The 3 defensive players at the top pretend they are attached by a 5-foot rope.
If the ball gets swung to the corner, the defensive player from the corner must sprint to get there. The post on the block cannot leave that area because if he/she does, it will leave the basket wide open for a cut or a post-up from the other team.
