DEFENSIVE Philosophy

DEFENSIVE PHILOSOPHY

Our defensive philosophy centers around adaptability and maximizing our team’s strengths. I believe in tailoring our defensive approach to the players we have. Whether we’re running a man defense, 3-2 zone, a 2-3 zone, or employing a full-court press, our primary goal remains consistent: to disrupt the opponent’s offensive flow and create turnovers. Here are the core tenets of our defensive strategy 

DEFENSIVE QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER?

• What defense fits the personnel?

• Will it work against the best team in the league?

• Will it work against the best team in the division/state?

• Can't be good at EVERYTHING. 

• Is it better to be GREAT at ZONE Defense with some tweaks?

• IS it better to be great at MAN and be able to adjust?

DICARLO THOUGHTS:

• I believe you have to be really good at something.  A calling card of sorts.!!!  My best teams were were really good at running a 2-1-2 zone for a few years.!!!  Every opponent knew It was coming, but never had the time to prepare for It as much as we worked on it ourselves.  Be great at something and work down on other things.

• Teaching great Man to Man takes a lot of time.  But can be done.   On ball defense Is easy.  It's how you help, recover and boxout that makes great man defensive teams.

• If your team is weak on offense.  Running a Zone is a bit easier to teach with some tweaks.  Can spend more time focused on offense.  Press Break, skills, scoring.  

• Can run a variety of ZONE defenses.  2-1-2 Extended, 3-2 and a 2-3 Bump Zone.  Also can add "Trap Option" by calling "Tornado"

• Full Court Pressing.  Make sure you have enough players to run one.  Everyone would love to press for 4 quarters, but If your personell doesn't dictate It, then don't do It or throw It In sporadically.   Does your team have enough depth to press the same Intensity for 4 quarters?  That Is a real question to ask.

Man Defense Concept

One of my man defensive system philosophies that I've Implement Is emphasizing forcing players to the left. This approach can disrupt the offense and create advantages for the defense. 

Here are some key aspects:

1. Force Left Defense (Man Left Defense):

   • The primary goal is to influence all ballhandlers to use their left hand.

   • Deny passes to the attacking right side of the court.

   • Promote ball reversal to the attacking left-wing lock-in spot.

   • By forcing players to their weak hand (left), you limit their ability to shoot or pass effectively.

   • This approach disrupts offensive flow, reduces ball reversals, and increases the likelihood of turnovers.

2. Advantages of Forcing Left:

   • Weak Hand Limitation: Players struggle to use their non-dominant hand effectively, affecting their shooting accuracy and passing.

   • Offensive Disruption: By dictating the left side, you disrupt offensive plays and force adjustments.

   • Fewer Ball Reversals: Preventing ball movement across the court limits offensive options.

   • Lower Shooting Percentage: Players shooting from their weak side tend to be less accurate.

   • Increased Turnovers: Defensive pressure on the left side can lead to mistakes and turnovers.

3. Coach Dave Smart’s Influence:

   • Coach Dave Smart, formerly of Carleton University, popularized the “force weak hand” defense.

   • His teams achieved remarkable success with this strategy, boasting a .992 winning percentage.

   • Opponents struggled to score due to the stifling defense that forced them to their weak hand.

Full Court Press