WE WANT TO TAKE AWAY THE PAINT AT ALL TIMES
When the ball gets to the paint it creates easy shot opportunities in the paint
When the ball gets to the paint it creates easy perimeter shots
When the ball gets to the paint it creates help and recover situations
When the ball gets to the paint it creates closeout situations
When the ball gets to the paint it creates fouling situations
...taking away the paint starts with transition defense
...stance, head, eyes and footwork are critically important
…team defense — having the ability to help early — is a necessity
WE WANT A HAND ON THE BALL
When the ball handler has the ball and has not dribbled…
...we want to have a hand on the ball — constantly mirroring the ball!
When the ball handler is dribbling…
...we want the defender to have a hand on the ball as it is dribbled!
When the ball handler is attempting to pass…
...we want a hand on the ball as it is passed with the goal of deflecting it!
When the ball handler is attempting to shoot…
...we want a hand on the ball to block or alter the shot!
WE WANT TO TAKE AWAY THE OPPONENT’S STRENGTH
This will come from scouting and game preparation
WE WANT TO HAVE A COMMUNICATIVE DEFENSE
We want to be constantly talking at all times
This will increase out concentration and execution
WE WANT TO DO ALL THE ABOVE WITHOUT FOULING
Do not give your opponent’s easy scores and free throws are easy scores
Don’t bail out bad shots or bad plays
Make our opponent’s make plays
WE WANT TO FINISH WITH A BLOCKOUT AND A REBOUND
Grabbing the rebound is like picking up your paycheck at the end of the work week.
