getting back (almost)

[lrpalmer3]

In the trail, defender B1 steals a pass near the top of the key and dribbles toward his own basket. A1 chases and I am in full stride getting back.

I usually slow myself around the free throw line to see the space between B1 and A1 rather than run to the baseline where I might get straightlined. Call or no call, I finish runing all the way to the baseline but I deliberately hesitate for a good angle. Am I wrong?

[Mark Padgett]

No - this is called the "buttonhook". Whenever you are beat going back, you can angle in at about the top of the key (certainly no lower than the free throw line) so you can see any contact on the player making the layup from behind.

Of course, I have never had to use this because I've never been beaten back by the players. Yeah - right.

[blindzebra]

You have two options, you can "hook" behind the play moving onto the court, or treat it like you are the C in 3 person, and get wide.

If the play is on the opposite side of the lane the hook probably gives you a better look. If it's on the same side, you can get straight-lined, so wide opens it up better.

[refnrev]

I use button hooking a lot because it gives you a much better angle. It's always better than getting beat by young guns. Have you noticed the players never get any older but we do?