Basic Systems of Play PDF

All coaches will face the question of what system they are going to play. When we talk about systems we basically mean how we are going to position our players on the court to get the best results.

There are many different systems, but the main systems used are 1-3-1, 1-2-2, 12-1-1, and 1-1-3.

When deciding on the system for your team there will be other fundamental questions to ask yourself, “Do I play a system to meet the players’ attributes, or do the players’ attributes have to meet the system?” 

I believe the best way to answer this question is to ask yourself honestly, “What is the best system for my players taking into account their attributes defensively and in attack?”

Therefore you can only come to a decision to what system you will play if you have good knowledge of your players and knowledge of the different systems strengths and weaknesses.

Also we as coaches need to decide what our strategy for defense will be, are we going to play a zone, man to man or a mixed defensive strategy. We must also decide how, where and when we will apply pressure on the opponents.