ce on defense have far fewer off nights than the team that relies only on offense. Strong team defense builds good team morale. We have seen a good defensive team that wasn’t ‘together’. Everyone respects a good defensive player especially players. Individual defense can do the following for you: it can give you self-confidence, anyone that wants to pay the price can play good defense. If you are gifted with speed, quickness and basketball sense, you can be a great defensive player. It can build you a reputation of being tough and aggressive. Help you get in the best physical and mental condition. Earn for you the special pride and self-respect you get from playing at both ends. Playing individual defense can also give you the chance to make one of the biggest plays in basketball, drawing the offensive foul. The first myth about playing defense is that you have to have speed and quick feet, which is not true. Defense is played with anticipation, or being aware of what’s going on around you, good body balance and basic fundamentals. There are certain fundamentals you have to follow. But anyone can play defense. If you are willing to work and watch what’s going on around you, then you can become a solid defensive player. Defense is as much a mental as a physical skill. Rather than play reactive defense a player should be encouraged to be proactive. By emphasizing active elements of defense represented as follows by the acronym ATTACK, proactive defense is encouraged. Each letter of the word stands for a must for us to be our best. A Attitude: It all starts with your attitude. The starting point of all defenses is the determination to become an aggressive, intelligent defensive player. Each player must develop and maintain control of his attitude, especially on defense. T Team: Through teamwork a collective effort of five defensive players is greater than five individual players. T Tools: The three basic tools of defense that is the most important to develop are your mind, body and feet. We play basketball with our mind, body, and feet; and foul with our hands. A Anticipation: Use your basketball sense and judgement. Know when to make your move. Eliminate moves that have little or no chance for success. C Concentration: Be alert and ready to play defense at all times. Make the change from offense to defense quickly. Defense before your opponent has the ball, and it will be much easier. Maintain a basketball position. K Killer Instinct: You must be aggressive on defense. It is essential that you force the opponent to react to you. Do not react to the offensive player. Force that player away from those strengths. Ten Cardinal Rules of Defense 1. Transition (Early recognition – get the defense set) Quick, organized transition with communication by all five players keys to strong team defense. 2. Pressure on The Ball Continuous pressure must be kept on the ball. Every shot must be pressured both physically and verbally. The live player must be forced to go or you must turn that player back. The dribbler must be forced to change direction or challenged. The dead player must be swarmed. 3. Position One (80% of fouls are because of poor position) When guarding a player with the ball, your position is BALL – YOU – BASKET. When guarding a player without the ball your position is BALL – YOU – MAN. (Position must be adjusted every time the ball moves see both player and ball, take away from all front cuts.) 4. Jump to The Ball After your player makes a pass, jump to the ball, every time. Jumping to the ball allows you to be in proper position to defend your player and help teammates. 5. Deny Penetrating Passes Deny passes to your player that takes the ball closer to the basket or towards the baseline. Make your man go without the ball. 6. Form The Flat Triangle (When defending non penetrating passes) use an open stance and point your pistols. Concentrate on the ball. Be ready to help and then decide to recover back to yo

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