With the Hedge and Plug defense, the importance is to stop the short roll. The 5 will hedge hard, while the X1 retreats to the 3 point line, cutting of the short roll.

When the X5 starts going back, X1’s job is to attack the ball handler and prevent an easy pass towards the paint. Preferably Player 1 will pass a lob pass so that X5 can recover.

Mastering the “Hedge and Plug” Defense: A Guide to Pick-and-Roll Coverage

In modern basketball, the pick-and-roll is the most common offensive action. To stop it, coaches are increasingly turning to the Hedge and Plug system. Unlike traditional “drop” coverage, the hedge and plug defense is an aggressive, high-activity strategy designed to take the ball out of the hands of elite playmakers.

What is a Hedge and Plug?

The Hedge and Plug is a defensive scheme where the screener’s defender “hedges” (shows) out on the ball handler, while the guard “plugs” (bumps) the rolling offensive player. It is a two-man dance that requires perfect timing to prevent both a direct drive and a pass to the rim.

1. The Hedge (The “Big” Role)

The Hedge is performed by the defender guarding the player setting the screen. Instead of staying back, they jump out into the path of the ball handler.

• Hard Hedge: Forcing the ball handler 2–3 steps toward the half-court line.
• Showing: Staying long with active hands to discourage a pass over the top.
• The Recovery: Once the guard recovers, the “Hedger” must sprint back to their original man.

2. The Plug (The “Guard” Role)

The Plug is the secret sauce of this defense. Usually, the on-ball defender tries to fight over the screen. In a “Plug” (or Veer) scheme, the guard recognizes the big man is hedging and instead focuses on “plugging” the path of the roll man.

• Denying the Pocket Pass: By putting a body on the roller, the guard prevents the ball handler from making an easy bounce pass.
• Creating a Wall: This creates a temporary 2-on-1 on the ball, forcing the offense into a lateral or backwards movement.

Why Use the Hedge and Plug Defense?

Key Fundamentals for Success

To run an effective hedge and plug, your players must master three things:

1. Communication: The big man must call “Hedge” early so the guard knows to “Plug” the roller.
2. Active Hands: The hedger must keep their hands high to take away the “lob” pass.
3. High-Level Conditioning: This is an exhausting defense. Players must sprint back into position after every rotation.

4. Coaching Tip: The “Plug” defender should try to stay “ball-side” of the roller. If they get pinned behind the roller, the defense will collapse.

1. Conclusion
2. The Hedge and Plug defense is one of the most effective ways to neutralize a dominant pick-and-roll duo. By combining aggressive ball pressure with a disciplined “plug” on the roller, you can turn an opponent’s strength into a source of turnovers.

A great explanation can be found in this Youtube Video:

Author Profile

Srdjan Solkotovic

I am an international basketball coach, working around the globe spreading the love of basketball one country at a time. So far I worked in Serbia, China, and Romania, working as a youth and senior coach, creating camps, working individually with players preparing them for senior teams or USA college, and trying to work my way to the top. Currently working on getting my FIBA coaching license, while I am in possession of a Serbian Blue Coaching License and a Romanian "A" Coaching license.

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