The on-ball defender takes away the middle of the floor with his stance and his position, so the dribbler can only go one way. The help behind him is then set up on that one side, because everybody knows in advance where the drive has to end up.
It is the opposite instruction to forcing middle, where the defense invites the drive into its own help.
Why coaches use it
Two reasons. Baseline is a dead end: the sideline and the baseline are two extra defenders who never foul and never get tired, and the low man is waiting there. And a defense that always sends the ball the same way can be rehearsed. Every rotation behind the ball is known before the possession starts.
It suits a team with a rim protector and a disciplined low man. It does not suit a team whose big cannot step up, because a baseline drive with no help at the block is a layup.
Be careful with the words. In most gyms “no middle” and “force baseline” are the same instruction. But some staffs use “no middle” to mean keep the ball out of the middle of the floor generally, which in the half court means forcing the dribbler toward the nearest sideline instead of down the baseline. Those are two different rotations. Ask which one is meant before you install it, and say it plainly to your own players.
ICE on a side ball screen is the same idea applied to a screen: refuse it, and push the ball down the sideline.
How to attack it
- Screen the force. A ball screen on the side he is forcing to makes him choose between his rule and the screen.
- Drive baseline on purpose. If the low man is not there, take the layup. If he is, the corner he came from is open.
- Get to the middle with a pass, not a dribble. A high-post catch puts the ball where the defense refused to let it go.
- Change sides early. A defense with a force rule has to flip its whole shape on every reversal. Make it flip twice in one possession.