TUBBY SMITH: DEFENSIVE PRINCIPLES

The following are defensive principles utilized by Tubby Smith...I partcularly like HUA philosophy of communicating:
1. Wherever the ball is, be on the ball.

2. Contest every shot.

3. Apply Constant Pressure.

4. Quickly retreat to the ball line.

5. Overplay/Deny penetrating passes.

6. Allow non-penetration passes.

7. Always see ball and man.

8. Play up the court as close to the ball as possible.

9. Attempt to intercept all lobs and bounce passes. Go for a steal with hand closest to the defender.

10. Say Ball and always pressure the ball. Pressuring the ball means to be one arms length away. Communicate with the correct terminology.

11. Drives must always be stopped

12. Defending the ball off a pass: when in the passing lane go for a steal with hand closest to the receiver—it leads to less grabbing. Passes away are defended with one foot in the paint, sprint to the ball, sprint to the help. On pass from top—wing, get butt to baseline.

“Talk to communicate. Remember HUA: Hear, Understand, Acknowledge.”