Avoid dangerous passes. The most commonly stolen passes are wing to top and top to post. At every level, you see this over and over. Get the right passing angles and pass away from defenders AND help defenders.
Minimize inefficient offense. When the break isn't there, players need early offense options (especially with the shot clock). Play with purpose and don't habitually run offense from either side or the corners.
Jump to the ball. "Don't let the passer become the next catcher." As coaches, we preach fundamental basketball actions - give and go, pass and screen, pick and roll. Defenders must be aware, alert, and react EVERY possession.
Don't let the ball die. The ball is alive. When the ball dies, offense dies. Move the ball.
Are you playing Deadman's Defense? Defenders playing six-feet under the ballhandler are. When there is no ball pressure, the offense is free to make whatever passes they can execute.
Are you lost? Where did you catch the ball? Even in the NBA players catch and rebound the ball out of bounds. First time in the gym, study the geography of the court. Are there asymmetrical boundaries to the stands/walls? When there are, invariably you will see careless players catch or dribble out of bounds.
See traffic jams. GPS. Great players play in space.Anticipate and avoid traffic.
Do yo see Totem poles in your gym?
Finish your cuts. When you cut and stop and passes go awry, it's on you...not the passer.
Silence screams.
Protect your teammates. See screens early and announce them...early, loud, and often.
