VCU Defense — all about pressure
1. Must be unselfish — on both ends
2. Want players to play so hard that
they HAVE to come out
3. Style of offense/defense all about
putting pressure on opponent
Why
Pressure?
1. It’s fun to play
2. Creates offense
3. Play a lot of players
4. Morale
Secret
to success is morale
Smart
has his players pick up full-court in pick up games
Goal:
make opponent uncomfortable when they take the ball out of the net.
They
will press at times with no trapping
VCU
wants it to be uncomfortable to get the ball in, but they don’t deny the ball
in — want to force it to be inbounded close to the baseline.
Man
on Inbounder is referred to as “Mad Man.”
Toes on baseline...goal is 3 to 5 deflections on inbounds pass.
Unbelievable
what other teams will do against pressure.
Ball
inbounded — never get beat on sideline rip...1 man trapping.
Off
of the ball — you are one-third off your man.
Allow
no passes forward — NONE
VCU
Zig Zags everyday — keep score
“Stunting”
the ball (our “sting” — Knight’s fake trap) — VCU wants the ball to see the
help and worry they might get trapped.
Utilize
our 3/3 2 Bounce Drill
Video
is important in teaching — always show the 3 best stunts from last
practice/game
Over
exert on trap — Rule: if you are not sure, trap!
Don’t
trap behind the foul line...trap at the top of the key.
VCU
doesn’t like sideline trap.
Help
defender: read the eyes and should of offensive player with the ball
In
the summer, VCU works on offense
In
September, VCU works on defensive trapping
First
3 steps are key for all defenders in full court defense
Drills:
2/2
Heat — 2/2 full court w/no trapping...work ball and stunt
2/2
Trap — 2/2 full court w/trapping
VCU
opens practices because Smart appreciates the opportunities he has got.
Diamond
Press
1. Allow
man on ball the freedom to stay or trap.
2. Backside defender must take backside
block
VCU
is big in teaching back tipping
Here is a great article in Sports Illustrated on VCU's Havoc Press Defense
