Man to Man Defensive Principles-Communication

The second principle to sound defense is also very similar to our first principle.  It's similar in that it doesn't require unique athleticism, or an excellent basketball IQ.  Just like team work everyone should be prepared to talk to teammates on the basketball court.  Without communication it is impossible to defend.  As a defender you have a responsibility to keep an eye on your man and the ball.  This is a very difficult task so to add keeping track of possible screens, and switches is nearly impossible.  A good defense relies on all five players on the floor talking to each other.


The question you might ask next is what do you say on the floor?  The basic answer is you talk about everything.  Being more specific here is a list:

• Who's covering who
• Screens
• Switches
• Who is going to stop the ball
• Any play development the player sees happening in front of him.
• Who's closing out
• Who's rebound
• Who's loose ball

There is no such thing as too much talking.  As a matter of fact some of the best defenses around include players who constantly look out for each other and talk to each other just to make sure they are on the same page .

The next thing one might ask is if there is anything that could be done in practice that can promote communication on the floor?  The answer to this question is yes.  Even though communication is a bit abstract like teamwork it can be emphasized in practice by doing the following:

• Doing communication drills
• Face the wall drill - player faces the wall and another lines up about 10 feet away with a basketball in hand.  When the player with the ball in his hand starts throwing the ball toward the player who is facing the wall the rest of the team screams "ball."  When the player with his back to the wall hears this he turns around and catches the ball.
• Screen drill - One player has the ball at the top of the key and another is defending him.  There are 2 players lined up on the base line under the basket, one on each side of the coach.  The coach selects which player is going to go set a screen on the man covering the ball and the rest of the team has to yell "right" or "left" depending on which direction the screen is coming from.
• This drill could get even more elaborate if the coach moves the 2 people on the baseline to the low blocks on each side of the paint and adds 2 players to defend these players.  The player who is covering the player going to set the screen is responsible for yelling "right" or "left" depending on which side the screen is coming from.
• Fast Break drills - there are too many fast break drills to make mention of here but make sure that you stress that someone needs to stop the ball and don't allow the dribbler to enter the lane uncontested.  Calling who is covering the ball always lets the other defenders know that they need to assume another defensive responsibility.
• Stress communication during scrimmages.  Stop play and let players know that if they don't talk to each other on the floor they are hurting the team.

There are 5 people that are on the floor at all times.  This 5 man group needs to always be on the same page in order to function properly.  There are no fouls called for excessive talking to teammates so players should always be encouraged to talk to each other when playing.  Take nothing for granted and make sure you are on the same page.  As a coach you should promote this behavior and find ways to encourage it.  Encourage your players  to huddle whenever they can and make sure they all understand their defensive assignments.  It pays off.