Some common strategies used in wheelchair basketball include:
Offensive Strategies:
- Fast Break: Players quickly move the ball up the court to score before the defense can set up.
- Spacing: Players spread out across the court to create passing lanes and open opportunities for scoring.
- Pick and Roll: One player sets a screen (pick) for the ball handler, then rolls to the basket for a pass and a scoring opportunity.
- Isolation: Clearing out one side of the court for a player with a mismatch to take advantage and score.
- Ball Movement: Constant passing and cutting to keep the defense off balance and create scoring chances.
Defensive Strategies:
- Man-to-Man Defense: Each player guards a specific opponent, making it harder for the offense to score.
- Zone Defense: Players guard specific areas of the court instead of specific opponents, clogging passing lanes and protecting the basket.
- Help Defense: Players provide support to teammates in guarding the ball handler or helping with a mismatch.
- Press Defense: Applying full-court pressure to force turnovers and disrupt the offense’s flow.
- Rebounding: Box out opponents to secure the ball after a missed shot and prevent second-chance points.
Transition Strategies:
- Defensive Transition: Quickly getting back on defense after a turnover or missed shot to prevent easy baskets.
- Offensive Transition: Pushing the ball up the court after a steal or defensive rebound to catch the defense off guard.
- Balance: Ensuring a mix of players are back on defense and others are attacking on offense to prevent fast breaks by the opponent.
Special Situations:
- Out of Bounds Plays: Designed plays for scoring opportunities when the ball is inbounded from the sideline or baseline.
- Last-Second Shots: Strategies for scoring in crucial moments, whether it’s an inbound pass or a half-court heave.
- End-of-Game Situations: Knowing when to foul, when to go for a steal, and how to manage the clock in close games.
- Adjustments: Being able to adapt to the opponent’s strategies and make changes on the fly to stay competitive.