"Basketball is a game of separation." Offense seeks it and defense must limit it, often via "shrinking space." Learn in the context of both offense and defense.
1) CARE - concentrate, anticipate, react, execute
2) Communicate - call screens and coverages
3) Toughness is a skill. "Basketball is not a contact sport. It is a collision sport."
4) Beware the slip.
There's no one size fits all. Switch everything has trended. Matchups matter. Going under screens may create a lot of separation. "Through" can work with communication and anticipation.
"Lock and trail" is tough for young players.
Poor defense from the Hawks here, JB rejects the stagger screen, Trae opts to pick up Hauser rather than tag Brown. Good angle on the cut to get into position for an easy pass, then an easy two. pic.twitter.com/BKRuBtPAdo
— Adam Taylor (@AdamTaylorNBA) March 13, 2023
Teaching players with explanation, demonstration, and video helps but emphasize 1) communication and 2) "great defense is multiple efforts" because defending offensive excellence is tough.
From an offensive perspective, "headhunt" (screen the body) and "cut urgently" while learning to "stampede" (attack on the catch).
Lagniappe. Another attack from Don Kelbick
