Jeff Van Gundy builds his defense from transition and rebounding. He is also a big believe in Individual Responsibility which is why they don't switch. The following were he team defensive goals while coaching the Knicks
Field Goal Percentage - 42%
Free Throw Attempts = -25
3 Point Field Goal Percentage = 30%
Fast Break Attempts/Conversion Percentage = -12 @+50%
Defensive Rebounding Percentage = +74%
Deflections = +30
Momentum Changing Players (Blocked Shots/Charges) = +8
I thought these were very interesting. I think what's important is that he has measurable goals in areas of importance to his team in regard to his philosophy.
At Texas A&M, our defensive goals this year will be as follows:
Field Goal Percentage = 40%
3 Point Field Goal Percentage = 25%
Deflections = +45
Defensive Rebounding Percentage = +70%
Opponent's Points Per Possession = .65 or less
Opponent's FT Per Possession = .15 or less
Opponent's Turnovers Per Possession = .18 or more
Transition: Open 3's or Lay-Ups = 0
What you chart and what goals you have should be set by based on a variety of factors:
1. Your philosophy...a pressure defensive team should have a higher goal in forcing turnovers than a team that plays a pack style of defense.
2. Your team...the talent level and experience of your players will have something to do with the goals you set.
I once heard Roy Williams of North Carolina say that the most important statistic to him was opponent's field goal percentage and I think there is a lot of merit to that thought. I certainly think it is the most important stat in terms of defensive play.
Once you have set goals for your team, it is important that you share and implement. Your team needs to know the standard that is set and they need to be reminded on a daily basis. As Coach Don Meyer says, "It's not what you teach, it's what you emphasize."
Implement it with your practices. You must drill and teach in such a way that you our system is gears to reach those goals. Chart those goals in practice. If you can't do it daily, at least do it occasionally. Your team needs to see its progress in practice before they can reap the benefits on game day.
