Basketball Off Vs. On Ball

The Difference Between Off and On Ball

Off ball and on ball are terms used to describe which players are guarding the ball. Off ball is used to describe a defensive player guarding an offensive player without the ball. Meanwhile, on ball is used to describe any player guarding a player who is currently handling the ball.

On Ball Offense and Defense

An offensive player who is on the ball or the primary ball handler has a few simple options: shoot, pass, or dribble. Besides this, there are more complicated elements including calling plays or creating motion; however, the basics involve those three basic parts of basketball.

On the defensive side, on ball defense requires a lot of attention to keeping the offensive player in front and limiting shots, drives, or passing lanes when possible. Good on ball defenders can stay in front while also preventing perimeter shots too.

Off Ball Offense and Defense

An offensive player who is off the ball has a couple of different options that involve them in the offense. They can cut to the rim, use screens to get open shots, or move around creating opportunities for other players to fill space. Good off ball offensive players are usually good shooters and can create great shooting opportunities for themselves by using space and the players around them.

On the defensive side, off ball defenders must stay in passing lanes while staying close enough to their primary assignment to prevent open shots. The best off ball defender can cover lots of space on the court while maintaining discipline within the defense as a whole. When the ball is passed to a defender who was previously off ball, they now become an on ball defender and must remain close to their matchup.

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