As we wrap up a month focused on defense, here are 14 wrinkles, small things, or…(potpourri?) that you might consider with your team this upcoming season.
You probably can’t use all of these, but maybe you can steal a few (or at least think about it) this upcoming season.
Let’s take a look (and feel free to reply with any small things you do with your teams!):
Come out of timeouts, quarter changes, and even free throws with a different defense. Opposing coaches will often call timeouts or start quarters with their teams talking about how to attack your defense - switch it up on them.
When your team is shooting free throws, have a sub ready for the free throw shooter. This allows you to get your pressure set up, make appropriate quick substitutions, and to control the pace a little more.
If a team is holding for the last shot, have a plan for taking some extra chances. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen teams turn it over when trying to hold the ball for a last possession…your team can take some risks here defensively (especially if you have fouls to give).
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Run zone on inbounds and then switch to man once the ball is inbounded. Or, just stay in your zone defense.
Try to get a 5-second count on every sideline inbounds by using the inbound defender as a rover. You can instruct the defender (butt to the ball) to step in front of the point guard, first cutter, or whatever fits the scout.
Consider morphing from zone to man or man to zone in the same possession. This is easier than it sounds with a little bit of practice.
Instead of worrying about how to exactly guard every action your opponent is running, study their entries and blow those up instead. See how they react and adjust from there (or enjoy a steal/forced turnover).
Use your entire defensive scout and base it on stopping the 2 best players. Never allow the best 2 players defeat you…make it the 3rd, 4th, and 5th best players
Look for ways to press for free. Rather this is a soft zone or even soft full man/trapping…try and steal a possession per game just by pressing for free. This is also a good way to use clock.
Trap the first dribble or pass out of a timeout/quarter change. Similar to blowing up the initial entry, jump the first dribble or pass across halfcourt.
Have a “color call” for when you want your team to foul or take chances. For example, you might say “gold” when you want to foul (calling out FOUL FOUL FOUL forces officials to blow the whistle…it’s just human nature). You might get a steal. Or maybe yell “black” when you want to foul on purpose but also try and get steals.
Teach your team both how to foul…and how not to foul. How to foul = fouling when defending an obvious layup and not giving up an And-1. How not to foul = show hands, use chest, etc.
Jump the jump ball. Let the other team win the jump ball and immediately blitz it.
Do what you can to make sure the point guard/primary ball handler doesn’t bring the ball up the floor. Over the course of the game, this wears teams down and messes with their flow.
Next month, we’ll be diving in CULTURE DNA and LOGISTICS/ORGANIZATION - perfect timing for the preseason while you’re getting ready for another year of coaching hoops.
See you then!
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