Initial Set-up (diagram A)
Two defenders are at the half court line (X1 and X2). X3 and X4 are positioned near the three-point arc. X5 is positioned in the middle near the free throw line. We like to have someone at this position at all times to cut off the center pass.
Our guards (X1 and X2) meet the ball at half-court and force it to one side. As the ball moves to the side, the defenders shift also toward that side (see diagram A).
In this example, the ball is dribbled toward the right sideline. X4 comes up and stops the sideline penetration, completing the trap with X1. X2 has dropped down toward the three-point line and X5 moves out a little toward the corner, while X3 moves to the middle (diagram B). Notice that we still have a 2-2-1 configuration at this point.
X2 and X5 position themselves in the gap between two offensive players, looking to intercept. X3 fronts any offensive player that moves into the high post at the free throw line, and denies that pass.
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