98 percent graduation rate. Three National Championships. One National Championship as a player. Eleven Big Ten Championships. Olympic Gold. That's the pedigree earning Bob Knight respect.
The man knows defense. What lessons can we borrow or steal? Let's focus on five big picture items.
1. "Basketball is a game of mistakes." Knight taught elimination of mistakes. Limit mistakes by getting everyone on the same page and through constant communication. Prioritize and verify with feedback.
2. Take away what the offense wants.
- Make the offense uncomfortable.
- Challenge the passing lanes.
- Contest shots with the hand on the ball (not the face)
- Deny second shots.
3. Pressure the ball.
- Reach out and touch someone.
- Head on the ball.
- Palms up; hand opposite ball protects against the crossover.
4. Force.
- Force sideline and baseline, the impenetrable defenders.
- Knight called it "force to the corner."
- Kevin Eastman teaches force to tape (below).
5. See the ball.
- See the ball and your man (that implies some head turning)- Help AND recover.