Switching from Zone to Man to Man

[MsProudSooner]

I've read that Louisville sometimes switches from Zone to Man to Man within a possession. How do they do that? How do they know when to switch and do they have to find a specific player or do they just start guarding the one they are closest to? I think that would be very difficult.

 

[SoonerNorm]

I've read that Louisville sometimes switches from Zone to Man to Man within a possession. How do they do that? How do they know when to switch and do they have to find a specific player or do they just start guarding the one they are closest to? I think that would be very difficult.

The coach could give a hand signal or call out the defense in various ways. I would think each player would guard their position.

 

[MsProudSooner]

The coach could give a hand signal or call out the defense in various ways. I would think each player would guard their position.

Makes sense. If the coach sees the offense is resetting their offense, that would be a good time to switch.

 

[KCRuf/Nek]

They may just pick up whoever is in their area. I'm sure it takes quite a bit of practice.

 

[O-State2009]

I remember hearing on the broadcast against Cal that Walz made the team think on defense. They changed defenses after a certain # of passes on some possessions, after a certain time left on the shot clock, and sometimes just when the ball was reversed.

This probably confuses offenses, but likely results in some missed assignments. This would take a great deal of practice to be able to switch mid-possession.