The “Perfect Wall”: Close-Outs on Shooters

With the European season getting underway, the Supercups offered an early look at what top teams have been working on. One detail caught my eye during Valencia Basket’s game against Barça.

In a timeout in the final minute, Xavi Albert asked for a “perfect wall” on a possible last shot. It was a reminder of something Valencia had been doing throughout the game: closing out on shooters with a wide base, feet on the floor and both hands high.

As three-point volume and efficiency continue to shape the game, how teams defend those attempts deserves a closer look. Valencia’s approach aims to contest the shot without jumping or fouling, while making it harder for the shooter to follow their own rebound.

By my count, Barça made 3 of 10 three-pointers against these close-outs, compared with 7 of 16 on their other attempts. Far too small a sample to draw conclusions, but an interesting detail to follow.

I broke it down in the short video below. Watch until the end: the same “perfect wall” Albert asks for in the timeout was already taking shape on the practice floor.

I’ll be analysing how other top teams approach these close-outs as the season unfolds. More breakdowns to come — I’ll keep you posted.