defense
Two defenders each follow a selected scorer. The other three guard areas in a triangle. Gels starts one farther from the basket and two nearer it; against two guards at the top, he may turn the triangle around.
X1 follows scorer 2, and X2 follows scorer 3. The other three form a triangle: one high and two near the basket. Some teams turn that triangle the other way up.
1–5 are players on offense. X1–X5 are defenders. Each number stays with the same player in every step; it does not lock that player into a position.
Diagram 1 of 3
Three guard space; two follow scorers
1 passes to 4 in the corner. X5 moves from the lower right to guard 4. X3 starts high and moves toward the space X5 leaves beside the paint.
Diagram key
Use Previous and Next beside the court, or choose a numbered step. Arrows on the court show where players or the ball move. CoachAssist drew this example; it does not show every way to run the scheme.
This triangle-and-two selects two perimeter targets. Three remaining defenders share the zone jobs. It is not box-and-one with an extra chaser, and the high-post response is different.
X1 and X2 follow the chosen targets; X3 starts high, X4 and X5 lower. For other attackers, X3 covers catches above the free-throw line and a near lower defender covers catches below it. The opposite lower defender protects the inside receiver and basket.
Source-backed summary; versions may differ.
Run the triangle group first against three attackers while the two chaser-target pairs remain visible at the side. Ask the triangle defenders which two threats cannot be covered by the same person. Then add the moving target pairs without changing their jobs. Let the offense attack where the triangle is thinnest. Review whether the first closeout leaves a lower receiver free rather than assuming a three-point shape automatically protects the paint.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
When: X3 takes the middle catch.
Do this: The two lower defenders protect beneath.
Then: Do not copy the box-and-one two-high-defender double.
Source-backed summary; versions may differ.
When: The near lower defender takes the ball.
Do this: The far lower defender protects the basket and X3 helps cover the lower threats.
Then: Chasers remain responsible for their targets.
Source-backed summary; versions may differ.
Problem: A chaser or lower defender joins X3 without an agreed coverage and exposes another target.
Try this correction: Walk the middle entry with all five named jobs visible. Compare it directly with the box formation on a separate repetition.
Check: Players can explain which defender no longer exists in the high line.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
Problem: Both lower defenders follow the first catch and nobody identifies the far attacker.
Try this correction: Finish a short segment with deliberately varied shot locations. Ask the lower pair to name different opponents before the shot goes up.
Check: The target-chasing jobs do not excuse the triangle from rebounding.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
Changes: setup, coverage.
When to use it: An inverted version is a written-only lead, not a fully verified alternate rotation sequence on this page.
Written variant · this option does not have its own walkthrough here.
Source-backed summary; versions may differ.
Choose the level that matches what your players can do now. These steps work for boys and girls. Start simpler if players need more practice.
Set it up: Use one guided attacker, one defender and an adult passer.
Add more when: Tracking works without staring at only one object.
CoachAssist suggestion—not the source’s exact practice.
CoachAssist wrote these teaching steps. They are not an exact copy of any coach’s practice plan.
We have not confirmed a specific coach or team using this version. Teams may use the same name for different plays.
The level selector changes the teaching steps above. It does not change these drills. Check the number of players, equipment and difficulty before using a drill.
Builds a skill used in this scheme: Develops following cuts for each defender assigned to one of the two designated scorers. The drill has only one attacker-defender pairing and does not install either triangle orientation.
A defender tracks a controlled backcut and re-establishes denial when the receiver returns.
3–12 players · 4–8 minutes · basketballs
A defender tracks a controlled backcut and re-establishes denial when the receiver returns.
At least three players rotating through attacker, defender and waiting roles, plus a coach passer. One ball and one cutting route at a time. Spare balls and waiting players stay outside the active routes.
Optional: within a short coach-chosen timed interval, count sound decisions, controlled catches or completed defensive possessions. Stop at the planned time or sooner; no required makes, winning streak or exercise penalty. Rotate roles and allow rest regardless of the score.
Builds a skill used in this scheme: Supports zone defenders communicating rebounding assignments; it does not supply the coverage changes for three zone defenders and two defenders assigned to scorers.
Two defenders communicate which of five numbered attackers to account for on a shot.
7–12 players · 6–10 minutes · basketballs
Two defenders communicate which of five numbered attackers to account for on a shot.
Seven players: five numbered perimeter attackers and two lane defenders, plus a coach shooter. Begin with a held or gently tossed ball and controlled, non-contact positioning before live rebounds. Spare balls and waiting players stay outside the active routes.
Optional: within a short coach-chosen timed interval, count sound decisions, controlled catches or completed defensive possessions. Stop at the planned time or sooner; no required makes, winning streak or exercise penalty. Rotate roles and allow rest regardless of the score.
The sources support the system guide. CoachAssist created the practice steps and checks; they are suggestions, not tested programs or a coach’s full playbook. The linked drills practice parts of the system.
The main ideas are supported by the sources below. These sources do not cover every possible version.
James A. Gels · Coach's Clipboard · publication date not listed
Public written coaching reference; undated unless specified. No linked paid video reviewed.
Basketball For Coaches · Basketball For Coaches · publication date not listed
Public written two-chaser and middle-entry responsibilities reviewed. Organization credited; no individual byline or publication date established. Geometry is original.
