Basketball: Pressure the Ball

Ball pressure isn't the same as ball containment. Many young players won't pressure the ball, fearing they can't contain the dribbler. 

It starts with a defender's attitude. "You can't beat me." That doesn't always work out. 

At younger ages, we like to force the dribbler to the non-dominant hand. As players develop more experience, Kevin Eastman's "force to tape model" works.

The players readily see twin goals of "no middle" and "no direct drives."

Consistent ball pressure makes players uncomfortable:
- The dribbler cannot easily establish the offense. 
- Pressure makes passes and shots harder. 
- Pressure may force poor decisions and turnovers.
- Pressure uses up time on the shot clock. 

Coach Mike Fratello teaches that a defender is responsible for "one and a half," her defender and half of the closest offensive player (help). Communicating that help is also her responsibility. 

Journalist Bob Woodward had a sign in his office, FAA. Not the FAA, but FOCUS, ACT, AGGRESSIVELY. Good defensive advice. Remember your ABCs - attitude, brains, and competitiveness. 

Fratello also prioritized "holding down" the scorer below her average, the passer below average assists, and the rebounder below usual rebounds. The side benefit is successful defensive may frustrate and fatigue your assignment. 

Pete Newell's core skills of balance, footwork, and maneuvering speed also apply defensively. 

Stance considerations (different coaches teach differently):
- Forcing...the front foot is slightly forward, the rear toes about equal to the front heel
- Knees...bent
- Feet about shoulder width apart
- Chest fairly upright
- Hands...I favor ballside hand up (mirroring) and opposite to take away the crossover
- Vision...on the "belt buckle" as the body follows the buckle 

Be aware that many strong offensive players attack the front foot/front hand, so the defender must be ready to play cornerback with a drop step and hip turn if beaten. Side-to-side sliding often gets beaten by quickness. 

Summary: 

- "You can't beat me."
- "Force to tape.
- You own one and one-half players."
- FAA. Focus. Act aggressively.
- Prioritize "holding down" your assignment.
- Balance, footwork, maneuvering speed works on defense, too. 

Lagniappe: via Brad Stevens

When considering the consequences of not doing the little things, you realize that there are no little things. --Brad Stevens 200316

— Quotes Toolbox (@QuotesToolbox) March 26, 2020

Lagniappe 2: Combination offense/defense drills

One-on-one flip attacks

Two-on-two Help-and-Recover (via Mike Fratello, NBA Coaches Playbook