Switching Defense

Definition

Switching defense exchanges assignments on screens to eliminate rotation, accepting matchup mismatches in exchange.

Why it matters

Modern offenses are built to bend rotations. Switching denies that game, but creates new problems: mismatches, ORs, and post-ups.

Examples

• Pre-switching to avoid the screen entirely.
• Late switch with a peel-and-recover to deny the mismatch.

Practical application

• Audit your switching team for post-up defense and box-out reliability.
• Drill mismatch hunt counters — show, scram switch, post-double rules.

Common mistakes

• Switching with size deltas you can't survive in the post.
• Slow communication — switches must be called early.