Putting Pressure on the Ball
Many times I get asked what the most important part of playing defense is. Without hesitation I aways say on ball pressure is the most important element of being successful defensively.
Think about it from an offensive point of view. When you have the ball on offense you like to be able to scope out your options. Can I drive or shoot? Do I have an open teammate can pass to?
On defense you want to think the opposite. You want to consume the mind of the player you're covering. You want him to be so worried about you that he can't properly focus on making the right play.
This is one of the reasons coaches like to press. It helps speed up the thinking process. It forces players to make quicker decisions than they are accustomed to, thus increasing the odds of making mistakes.
Think about how much better your team defense can be if you are able to speed up the thought process without double teaming. This is why "on the ball" defense is so important. A good "on the ball" defender can make his team's defense so much more effective.
At this point one might ask how can one improve his on ball defense. We have covered that in prior posts here and here but will do so again over the next few weeks because it is such an important topic.
Before we do that we need to discuss what we as coaches expect from our players when they play on the ball defense.
Think about it from an offensive point of view. When you have the ball on offense you like to be able to scope out your options. Can I drive or shoot? Do I have an open teammate can pass to?
On defense you want to think the opposite. You want to consume the mind of the player you're covering. You want him to be so worried about you that he can't properly focus on making the right play.
This is one of the reasons coaches like to press. It helps speed up the thinking process. It forces players to make quicker decisions than they are accustomed to, thus increasing the odds of making mistakes.
Think about how much better your team defense can be if you are able to speed up the thought process without double teaming. This is why "on the ball" defense is so important. A good "on the ball" defender can make his team's defense so much more effective.
At this point one might ask how can one improve his on ball defense. We have covered that in prior posts here and here but will do so again over the next few weeks because it is such an important topic.
Before we do that we need to discuss what we as coaches expect from our players when they play on the ball defense.
- Be aggressive - you have to be determined to not only keep the player in front of you but also away from the middle of the court where he is most dangerous.
- Keep your stance low and your hands out to your side -The wider you are the tougher it will be for your man to get around you. Your feet should be a bit wider than shoulder width but not too far apart that you can't move side to side quickly.
- Always keep an eye and at least a hand at ball level - If the ball is being dribbled left then your right hand should be out looking to tap it. If the ball is over the head looking to pass then your hands should be up over your head looking to contest. If the ball is in triple threat your hands should be out to the side making you look as wide as possible.
- Know the tendencies of the player you are covering - Is he a driver or a shooter? Is he quick or slow? does he use screens to get open? Does he like to set you up for back doors? Always look at your players tendencies.
- Any shot he takes should be contested.
- Once the dribble is picked up smother the player but do not foul him. These are the worst fouls you can pick up.
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