4 Solid Team Defense Goals
I’m asked a lot about defensive strategies and I thought that i could come up with a list of 5 things that I believe are the basis for all strong Man to Man defenses. These 5 things are really what all defensive principles should be based on.
1. Stop Dribble Penetration: Good defensive teams understand that you have to eliminate dribble penetration to be a good defense. When a ball handler gets into the key it causes all sorts of problems. Other players are forced to help and they get out of position. Control the ball handler.
2. Contest Passing Lanes: Don’t allow any easy pass anywhere unless it forces the other team further away from the basket. This is especially true when dealing with post players. Never allow a post pass to be made without making it very difficult on the passer. Force tough passes every chance possible.
3. Contest Every Shot: Shooters that aren’t guarded or contested have a much easier time and this is pretty obvious to all of us. Get a hand up or run at the player, anything really to show that the player doesn’t have all day to set up and shoot the ball. Never allow an easy shot.
4. Rebound: Play physical and go after the ball. Players aren’t taught rebounding like they used to be. Now it seems that each team has some designated rebounders. It should be a core of a good defensive team.
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