Sure, parts of 'is' works, but ALWAYS see what doesn't work and revise, refine, or remove it.
Ask key questions.
- How do I want to play? Aggressive, extended defense.
- What are the pros and cons? Bad pressure = layups allowed. Practicing pressure means more work against pressure. Pressure forces engagement.
- Do we have the personnel to play that way? It's easy to blame the talent.
- Do we have the requisite skills/understanding to play that way?
Balance strengths with limiting what opponents do well or want to do. The limitation in youth basketball is that we don't have scouting. Make opponents uncomfortable.
Core rules:
- NO EASY BASKETS. That means transition, layups, putbacks, free throws.
- Ball pressure. "Crawl up into the ballhandler. Nose on the ball."
- Defense requires 5 engaged defenders.
- Communicate. Call screens, help, switches.
- In full court man, total denial (chest-to-chest) of inbounding.
- Anticipate!
- Force opponents into primary trap zones.
- Trap opportunistically.
- When the press is 'broken' sprint back to base defense.
- No middle. To achieve "no middle" or "no paint" status, you have to force to edges (force to paint), deny cutters (face/front cuts, back cuts), and deny post entry.
- Be aggressive without stupid fouls. Challenge (bother) shots without fouling.
- "The ball scores." You cannot only defend your man and disregard the ball (unless you're in a special defense where that's your assignment).
- If we don't commit to the defensive boards, we have no chance.
Primary Trap Zones
Load to the ball. Make opponents play at a disadvantage.
Force to tape to prevent middle penetration (drill).
When pressuring, at times you will get beat. Understand defensive angles and run to a spot to cutoff the attacking player.
Well-designed actions force choices. Switches allow size mismatching. Better design forces big on small mismatches.
Understanding offense helps defenders and understanding defense will make you a better offensive player.
After four games this weekend, we'll limit running and focus on better understanding of core principles if weather permits practice.
Lagniappe: when coaching young players, expecting consistency makes one crazy. Never get too high or too low. Be realistic. Control your emotions. Bring energy daily and commit to personal learning and teaching.
