| Coaching basketball defense is essential for all teams | | | | Over play them to their strong side. Force them to |
| and organizations. Here is why. | | | | go where you want them to go! |
| Anyone can learn to play DEFENSE. | | | | Keep palms up. Make deflection moves away from |
| There are games when the shot is not falling. That | | | | the dribblers body. |
| happens. Yet a player can always play defense. | | | | Don't be "all over" your opponent. Be deceptive. Only |
| Here are some tips that I have passed on to young | | | | attempt high-percentage steals. |
| players. | | | | Guarding the Shooter |
| Determination | | | | Keep both hands up and moving. |
| Desire and hustle are a must for a good defensive | | | | Never leave the floor until after the shooter does. |
| player. You gotta love a player who never rests on | | | | Deflect the ball as the shooter brings it up from their |
| defense. Any player can give effort like this on the | | | | dribble. |
| court. | | | | Vision (Use of the eyes) |
| Hey - if you want to rest, rest on offense! | | | | Guarding the ball: Don't look at the opponent's eyes, |
| Position | | | | don't focus on the ball, LOOK AT THEIR BELLY |
| Balance is crucial....keep your weight over the ball of | | | | BUTTON! |
| your feet! | | | | Guarding opponent without the ball: Focus on seeing |
| Keep feet spread about shoulder width apart. | | | | your check and the ball at the same time. The closer |
| Defense is all about foot-work. | | | | they get to the basket, the closer you move |
| Use a somewhat crouched position, bend the knees | | | | towards your check. |
| more than the back. | | | | Guarding the ALL-STAR Player |
| Arms should be relaxed, slightly flexed, and kept | | | | Don't let them get the ball - DENY the pass in to |
| moving. | | | | them. |
| Stay between your man and the basket. | | | | Take away their favorite spot! |
| Guarding the Dribbler | | | | Coaching basketball defense is vital for developing |
| Use a fake to get a person to stop their dribble | | | | the complete player. Take the time to reinforce |
| when he's away from the basket. | | | | these concepts. It will pay off for your team. |