Communication Gap

Communication, especially defensively, differentiates excellent from good teams. In this video from Coach Randy Brown via Coach Pintar, he discusses communication exercises. Above all, we all agree about the importance of both verbal and non-verbal communication. I don't agree about verbally calling for the ball. We've all seen too many players "throw to a voice" and I've seen some defenders deceptively and successfully call for the ball.

I've discussed some simple hand signals before, but I want specifically to address verbal communication. 

I don't remember defensive talk being a problem "back in the day." The coach told us to "talk on defense" and we talked. Times have changed. 

Kevin Eastman has shared some of his thoughts about defensive talk:

• "Silent teams lose."
• "Communication intimidates."
• "Early, loud, and often." 
• Trust comes from communication.
• Defenders in the back have to make the calls. 

Eastman's mental aspects of defense are here, simply:

FOCUS, DISCIPLINE, RESOLVE = Concentrate, No Matter What, Every Time