AGGIE DEFENSIVE NON-NEGOTIABLES

We held a team meeting to discuss where we finished up defensively last year and where we wanted to go this season. We spoke both in terms of concepts as well as utilizing statistics to measure.  We spoke about "why" we did or didn't do things well last year and mapped out "how" we will improve this year.  To start with, we selected our non-negotiables.  There will be areas that we simply won't tolerate.  And by not tolerating, we are talking about in drills, scrimmages and games.  I think as a team, you should have some non-negotiables in all areas of your program.  I believe strongly in the mantra that you get what you tolerate.  Here are the non-negotiables that we have set forth for this season:

NO PAINT TOUCHES
Starts with transition defense
Proper positioning by ball defender and helping teammates
Excellent post and flash defense

HAND ON THE BALL

Every held ball...every dribble...every pass...every shot
We are looking for deflections

DO NOT FOUL A SHOOTER

Aggressively challenge and contest every shot WITHOUT fouling
Don't bail out a bad shot or bad play

CONTEST EVERY SHOT

This is a team concept and team objective
Aggressively challenge and contest every shot

BLOCKOUT & REBOUND

Blockout every player near or moving to the glass
ALL 5 on the defensive board on EVERY shot -- attack the glass mode

COMMUNICATION

Echo Yells...ELO (Early, Loud, Often)
Constructive -- help teach your teammates
Supportive -- help motivate your teammates
Whether you are in the game, drill or not