Gap Spacing

Definition

Gap spacing is the principle that off-ball positioning should create driving lanes a defender cannot cover with one slide.

Why it matters

Closeout distance is a function of gap width. Wider gaps mean longer closeouts, more help confusion, and cleaner kick-outs.

Examples

• Corner pulled all the way down, not at the wing.
• Weak-side slot lifted to create a 15-18 foot gap to the corner.

Practical application

• Mark gap distances on film with a simple over/under-15-feet tag.
• Cue players: 'fill the gap behind the drive', not 'rotate'.

Common mistakes

• Two players sharing the same slot.
• Corner drifting up to ball-watch.