How do we reconcile the containment arms race, the defensive mongoose against the offensive cobra?
Mindset and will. Defenders adopt the attitude of winning individual battles. "Stops make runs." Intent and effort must be all-in, all-the-time.
Conditioning and footwork. Players have ultimate ownership of their conditioning and footwork. Training prior to the period of PEAK HEIGHT VELOCITY will be less effective. "calculating a child’s onset of PHV can enable the strength and conditioning coach or sports scientist to tailor the training programme in synchronisation with the athlete’s biological age."
Jumping rope improves conditioning and foot speed. Dancing offers alternative means to condition, improve strength, flexibility, speed, and agility.
Elite performers blend footwork, agility, and conditioning.
Technique. Different coaches want neutral or directed containment.
Kevin Eastman's "Force to tape" concept is easy to understand.
No matter what your technique...practice, practice, practice. Play one-on-one starting with dynamic action like the Foster Drill.
Kevin Eastman's "Force to tape" concept is easy to understand.
No matter what your technique...practice, practice, practice. Play one-on-one starting with dynamic action like the Foster Drill.
Communication with help. Packline defense evolved to help contain the dribble. Zone defense dominates youth basketball to force perimeter shots and to control the dribble. But good defense relies on communication for containment.
Performance-focused, feedback-rich coaching. We reward the best individual defender with a starting position. Because ball pressure matters so much, reinforcing terms are constant reminders. Develop your own.
- "Nose" on chest
- "Don't back down"
- "Crawl" up into them
Lagniappe: Another Eastman drill for dribble containment "Dog Drill"
You find out who 'wants it' and who goes through the motions
Lagniappe 2: I spent my junior season in high school figuratively chasing a chicken, a reserve guard named Frank. I still have nightmares about it.