How to Execute a Blitz-Switch Defense in Basketball

A Blitz-Switch is an effective defensive maneuver that can lead to turnovers and easy baskets. When executed correctly, a Blitz-Switch can rattle even the best ball handlers and cause them to travel, double-dribble, or throw the ball away.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Good foundation of defensive skills
• Good team communication

1. FORCE THE DRIBBLER TOWARDS A TEAMMATE. Favor one side of the dribblers body to make him/her dribble in the direction of a teammate. The idea is to get the dribbler and his/her teammate is close proximity to each other.
2. THE BLITZER TIMES THE BLITZ PROPERLY. Once the dribbler is within 7-10 feet of a teammate(this person will be known as the "Blitzer"), the Blitzer yells "BLITZ" and moves quickly to double-team the dribbler. The objective is to get the dribbler to pick up the dribble while the open opponent(the player that the Blitzer was guarding)
3. THE SWITCHER TIMES THE SWITCH PROPERLY. Once the Blitzer arrives to trap, the Switcher(person originally guarding the ball) tries to anticipate when the opponent will pick up the dribble. When the dribbler picks up the dribble (or just before if you can anticipate well), the Switcher jumps towards the player that the Blitzer was originally guarding and into the passing lane. This is probably the first place that the dribbler will look to pass to and it can allow for an easy steal.
4. TEAM IS IN FULL DENIAL. Once the Blitzer yells "Blitz", the other 3 teammates not involved in the Blitz-Switch get in position to deny a pass to the person they are guarding. This will only be effective if the other defenders make it difficult for the ball handler to make a pass.
5. AGGRESSIVELY PURSUE THE BALL. Every defender must have a hunger for the ball and try to steal any soft passes or loose balls that result from the pressure defense.

Tips & Warnings

• The Blitz-Switch is most effective when used sparingly throughout the game as a surprise tactic. If it is used with every possession, the offense can make adjustments to minimize its effectiveness.
• The Blitz-Switch can be very effective when used in conjunction with a trapping defense that keeps 2 players on a "Dead" ball. The dribbler will have become aware that the Blitzer person is unguarded and will almost certainly try to make that pass...this gives the opportunity to the Switcher to jump in the passing lane and steal the ball.
• Ideally, the "Blitzer" is guarding the weakest offensive opponent which would minimize the scoring opportunities that could be presented to the opponent.