An alley-oop pass can be a tough thing for a transition defender to guard… especially when it’s well-timed/on target to an NBA level athlete who can go up & get it

This pass is especially deadly in a 2 on 1/3 on 2 situation where the defense is at a numbers disadvantage.

The number 1 rule of transition defense is to “STOP THE BALL”… not only to avoid giving the ball handler a wide open lay up or pull up 3, but to buy more time for the rest of your defense to get back & recover.

However, this number 1 rule can set up the alley oop. If the ball handler is aggressive & he makes the defender make a decision - step up & stop the ball, but be susceptible to the lob behind him OR stay back to cover the lob & let the ball handler attack the rim/pull up for 3

There’s also a clear size/athleticism limiting factor here for some defenders. Obviously it’s harder for a smaller point guard like Kyle Lowry to guard this alley oop pass than someone long & athletic like Giannis.

#nba #basketball #giannisantetokounmpo