The Zone
The Philosophy of Championship Basketball
by
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THE LAW OF BALANCED MOVEMENT
The determined and direct attack cannot be defended. This concept defines The Law of Balanced Movement. Timing is the cornerstone of this law because movement is only effective when the player is in controlled balance. The offensive player has the greatest opportunity to keep constant balance if he or she fully commits to the desired move. The defender, on the other hand, is trapped within a constant guessing game to keep the offense from scoring and attempt to guard the player without fouling.
In order for a defender to react and recover completely from an offensive movement, the defender will use up at least 1-second. The Recognition time of .25 seconds is the time needed to see what the offensive action is taking place. The Reaction time of .4 seconds is the actual response to guard against the offense, such as: jumping to block a shot or shuffling to the side to keep the offense from driving to the basket. The Reset time of .35 seconds is the time needed to return back to a state of balance to guard the next move.
In terms of offensive timing, here are some averages of important movements:
Jump Shot .3 seconds Shot Fake .2 seconds
Jump Hook .5 seconds Jab Dribble .5 seconds
These numbers are vital because it shows that the defender is ALWAYS at a disadvantage because of constantly guessing what the offense will do next. For example, if a player is driving to the basket and stops to Shot Fake, if the defender jumps into the air, the offense is in complete control of that scenario’s outcome. The offense can lean into the defender slightly and get the foul or as the defender returns to the ground, the player can rise up for the jump shot. Clearly, 1-second makes all of the difference for a player to position one’s self to attack the basket and score or at least get fouled.
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About the Book
THE ZONE
The Philosophy of Championship Basketball
There are three phases of THE ZONE. Phase One teaches the fundamentals of basketball with the General Rules of the Game. Once a player knows the Basic Moves, the next chapter explains Feints, such as the Shot Fake and the Jab Step. The Advanced Moves finish out the phase to give the player a strong foundation for the game.
Phase Two discusses the Laws of Basketball that govern movements for in-game situations. The Law of Rotation shows how circular footwork creates more space for the offense to attack the basket. The Law of Balanced Movement proves the natural disadvantage of a defender. The Law of the Backboard Geometry shows how to maximize the use of the backboard anywhere on the court. The Law of Recognition states that for every defense, there is an exact offensive attack to score the basketball.
Phase Three examines the live-action techniques to maximize a player’s offensive and defensive efforts. The phase begins with the General Psychology of Defense which explains why an offense can manipulate the defender. The next two chapters explain the proven offensive attacks, step by step, to expose the defender’s weaknesses. Also included, are the minor adjustments to be made IF a defender is guarding the offense well. The last chapter in this phase explains the techniques used to overcome the defender disadvantage to play lockdown defense.
All players achieve their greatness when they are in THE ZONE!
About the Author
WALTER LEE PRATER
The greatest athlete is not the fastest or the strongest, but rather the one that is a Master of skill and timing. As a basketball consultant for the
The author, who is also a math teacher, explains the strategies and techniques throughout the book using mathematical sciences, such as geometry and physics. Each procedure is broken down to teach players the skills that they need to perform at a high level and how to recognize what to do to be successful in any situation.
The player development does not end there. Walter Lee Prater also includes original quotes for each chapter and the Four Pillars of Leadership to develop focused and determined individuals, not only for the court, but also in the game of life. Basketball is a phenomenon that reaches across many nations and unites various cultures under one common thread: the joy of the winning. THE ZONE is truly a must-have for those that love the game of basketball.