On-ball Defender, Jump-to-the-Ball

The oldest basketball play in the offensive playbook is the give-and-go! As the offensive player passes the ball, (s)he cuts to the basket. If open, the recipient of the pass passes ball to the cutter for a layup.

If you’re on offense, great! If you’re on defense, not-so-great! As the defender, this play can be stopped. How? Jump-to-the-ball.

When the ball is passed, the on-ball defender should “shuffle” and “slide” their feet in the direction of pass, jump-to-the-ball. This forces the offensive player to cut behind them, which nullifies the give-and-go or front cut pass.


>