Fast Five: Paint Job - Defending the Paint

"The main thing is the main thing." Defensively, we have to decide what we most want to take away...the paint or the perimeter. And whatever we prioritize, our team must understand and adhere to that philosophy. 

1. We value "No easy baskets." Restate that as "one bad shot" or "hard 2s". "Repetition makes reputation." 

2. "Know your nos." The Zen mantra is "the obstacle is the path." That doesn't apply in basketball. The path must become the obstacle. NO penetration. 

3. "Force to tape." Drill. Tape off areas of the court (X) at practice. Contain the dribbler by 'forcing' to tape. 

4. "Get numbers." The weak side (help side) defense protects the paint. 

                            

5. "Transition...not tradition." 

One of the most important "paint jobs" is defeating transition. Some teams give specific assignments for transition D (e.g. the 1 and 2 must get back) with everyone else expected to "sprint don't run" back.