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What is the Weak Side in Basketball?

What is the Weak Side in Basketball?

As you begin to get more advanced in your understanding of fundamental and technical basketball analysis, you’ll begin to come across terms that you may not immediately recognize or understand.  One such term is the weak side.  Below, we are going to discuss what is the weak side in basketball and we are going to explain how you can attack, defend, and exploit it.

Fundamentals of the Weak Side

In basketball, the weak side simply refers to the side of the court opposite of wherever the ball is located.  To put it even more simply, it is the side of the court where the ball is not present at a given time.  The weak side in basketball is used to convey both strategies and drills that can be performed by the team on offense.

Offensive Attacks from the Weak Side

In order to effectively attack from the weak side, it is paramount that you and your team are able to identify a weak side position.  Typically, within an offensive motion, the majority of players will be stationed and positioned near the ball.

As the offensive scheme develops, defenders will naturally migrate towards the ball and the majority of players.  Similarly, defensive players on the weak side will naturally follow the path of the ball, whether visually or physically, leaving one or two open offensive players.

This breakdown of the defense can be exploited. 

Offensive players standing on the weak side should look for breaks in the defense and opportunities to exploit their incorrect positioning.  This can be done by either breaking quickly to the basket for an easy layup or receiving a cross-court pass for an open shot.

However, these exploits can only work if the offensive team is aware of the defense’s vulnerabilities.  If a defensive team is playing strict man-to-man, exploiting the weak side can be a difficult endeavor.

Whether playing or coaching, it is important to be aware of what the defense is doing.  Opportunities arise naturally that can be exploited and keeping your eyes open on the weak side will enable you to score more easily and efficiently.

Defensive Stops from the Weak Side Exploit

As a defensive player, it is important to always be aware of not only where the ball is, but also where your defender is.  That is why, one of the most important ways to defend against the weak side is to always remain present within the weak side zone.

Although it may feel natural to shift towards the ball, doing so may leave your opponent open, enabling them to have an opportunity at an open shot.  Unless otherwise instructed, double-teaming an offensive player should not be utilized as an effective defensive tactic.

Another great way to defend against the weak side is to play a strong defense on the player with the ball and the players on the strong side.  Similar in vein to the weak side, the strong side is simply the side of the court where the ball resides at a given time.

Playing strong defense where the ball is, particularly against the player with the ball, can force errors and errant passes.  This not only includes defending in a man-to-man manner but also “trapping” the player with the ball in the corner or once they pick-up their dribble.

Where is the Weak Side Exactly?

Contrary to popular belief, the weak side is not static. 

Rather, the weak side is always moving based on the movement of the ball.  If the ball is on the right-side of the court, the weak side falls naturally to the left-side.  Similarly, if the ball is on the left-side of the court, the weak side falls naturally to the right-side. 

Whether you are playing on offense or defense, it is important to always keep track of the ball and where the weak side is.  Playing against the weak side and looking to exploit the breakdown of either side will not only lead to more points scored but those points will come easily.

However, remember that the basketball, not the offensive team, that determines the weak side.  If the ball is lost or loose on the court, the weak side will naturally change to where it is eventually picked-up.  Keep track of the ball and the weak side and you will find offensive and defensive schemes become easier.