Defense

Four Line Defense Fundamentals

How to run Four Line Defense Fundamentals — a defensive set you can teach frame by frame and take to your next practice.

Online Basketball Playbook · Published May 30, 2026 · 2 min read
Four Line Defense Fundamentals — frame 1 diagram
X1 passes to 1; X2 passes to 2; X3 passes to X4; X4 passes to 4
Four Line Defense Fundamentals — frame 2 diagram
Starting alignment (4 offense, 4 defense)
Four Line Defense Fundamentals — frame 3 diagram
X1 cuts to the left low post; X2 cuts to the left low post; X3 cuts to the right low post; X4 cuts to the right low post
Four Line Defense Fundamentals — frame 4 diagram
1 cuts to the left low post; 2 dribbles to the left wing; 3 dribbles to the right wing; 4 dribbles to the right low post
Four Line Defense Fundamentals — frame 5 diagram
X1 cuts to the left corner; X2 cuts to the left low post; X3 cuts to the right low post; X4 cuts to the right block
Four Line Defense Fundamentals — frame 6 diagram
Starting alignment (4 offense, 4 defense)

Run Four Line Defense Fundamentals to drill your defenders on mirroring ball movement simultaneously across four positions. While 2, 3, and 4 each dribble to their spots, your X defenders slide, close out, and rotate in sync to the corresponding positions. It builds the communication and footwork habits your defense needs before you ever see a live ball-handler.

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