Basketball isn't so different. Unifying themes emerge to be freely distributed. Coach Starkey shares principles from the A&M defense...
Of course, success follows creative capacity and economics, the study of the use of limited resources. In Strategy Concepts of Bill Belichick, the authors note Belichick's willingness to avoid or neutralize conventional defenses. In a cornerback heavy league, he use tight ends, slot receivers, and running backs to create mismatches.
Our job as coaches and teachers is to find solutions that will help us score or defend better in the context of the people we have. As a middle school coach, I have no luxury in getting more size, athleticism, or experience. But I have no constraints by conventional wisdom.
Here are a few excerpts from HoopThoughts:
Therefore, teams that shot at a high percentage and take care of the basketball tend to be at the least good defensive teams because they have given their defensive an advantage in terms of conversion.
Consider offensive floor balance the first element of defense.
As much as I admire and follow Coach Brown, that's true to a point. Good teams live defensive balance, capture more than 75 percent of defensive rebounds, and foul intelligently.
Against the best teams and in playoff competition (even younger players), transition is less available and you need to succeed in the half court. If it were ONLY about transition, racehorse basketball would unfailingly win. But the overarching point is to eliminate EASY baskets.
TALK & POINT UNTIL EVERYONE IS MATCHED UP
To be successful on a consistent basis, all five players must be engaged in talking and pointing...there will be times when we have to defend someone other than are original assignment but there should never be a situation where we have two players on one offensive player and another player wide open.
Communication intimidates, engages teammates, and fosters a winning environment.