Dr. James Gels presents an overview of Coach Jerry Tarkanian's Amoeba Defense. If we want to adapt it for our purposes, we must align with our purpose and personnel.
For example, on the pass to the corner, the wing trap resolves and the x5 closes out to the corner. This would greatly weaken our team defense which relies on rim protection from x5.
An alternative that could work for us would be 3 to trap and go to the corner, and x1 and x4 re-establishing the Helpside I while x5 is available for rim protection.
Offensively, we're not physical and rely more on cutting and passing than on more contact-heavy ball and off-ball screening.
Lagniappe 1: choose your words to reflect your intent.
Today's emphasis is competition and consistency. We need to compete better and show more consistency of concentration and effort. The acronym CARE informs CONCENTRATION, ANTICIPATION, REACTION, and EXECUTION.
Lagniappe 2: The Bilas Toughness qualities. "See both...because "the ball scores." Stopping your guy and ignoring the ball only applies when you're guarding the star and playing full face guard denial, which is rare.
"Play the ball, see your man: Most defenders see the ball and hug their man, because they are afraid to get beat. A tough defender plays the ball and sees his man. There is a difference."
