Mandate: No easy shots. That means we must limit transition, layups, free throws, put backs, and open threes from competent shooters.
Core defensive principles:
- Ball pressure
- No lane penetration (direct drives/passes)
- Deny cutters
- Challenge all shots without fouling
- Toughness and positioning to maximize defensive rebounds
Monitoring:
Is the offense scoring in transition, on rebounds, on penetration, uncontested shots, or free throws? Have we taken away their best option? If not, how do we do so?
Kevin Eastman would remind us: do it better, do it harder, change personnel, and if all else fails, change the plan. "#$%& it ain't working," are the four operative words.