We review key concepts regularly with our players. After all, the girls are only twelve and thirteen, but they always go all out and want to learn. They’re improving all the time, and during the shooting segment of the practice, they sank half a dozen elbow jumpers in a row (rotating) three or four times.
But we want them to understand the importance of what it takes not just to play consistent defense but to ALLOW NO EASY BASKETS.
Just a reminder, ladies: (there will always be a quiz on this)
- Defensive rebounding, allow NO SECOND SHOTS
- Transition defense, NO BREAKAWAY LAYUPS
- Closeouts, do not run at the play, attack with CHOPPY STEPS and a HAND UP (Hand down, man down)
- No easy entry into the post (this requires ball pressure, post defense, and help from the weak side)
- Do not commit STUPID FOULS…giving players free throws.
- With INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT defense (man-to-man) know who you are covering
- TALK on defense. Don’t get caught by the pick-and-roll.
- STAY HOME on inbounds plays.
With excellent defensive play, man-to-man features ZONE PRINCIPLES (help away from the ball) and zone defenses feature AGGRESSIVE MAN-to-MAN on players in your area.
There is a symmetry to approaching the game; a good defensive player knows how to take away something from the offensive player. That should allow the defender insight into playing better offensive basketball.
