Day 18 – Defense Wins Championship
Do you take pride in coming up with a big defensive play?
Can you pressure the ball full-court?
Are you willing to give up your offense to lock down the opponents best player?
If you can defend, there’s a place for you on most teams.
If you can defend, there’s a place for you on most teams.
You will be on the floor late in a close game, trust me.
Every coach wants a great defender to stop the opposing team’s best player.
It takes hard work to be a special defender. It takes courage, toughness and a desire!
Scottie Pippen began his career by being a student-manager for NAIA Central Arkansas. He would go on to be named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team for eight consecutive years. He was named to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010. Check out how he helped turn the Bulls into a dynasty with his defense.
It takes a special player to want to step up and defend. Pressure the ball, going chest-to-chest, containing and not playing mad-dog defense, play the passing lanes, being in help side position, drawing charges and getting deflections. Always having active hands, staying in your stance, staying down, never relaxing, closing out with high hands on outside shooters; defending the post, not allowing penetration, moving on the pass, jumping to the ball, boxing out, rebounding, going all out, being intense every minute you are on the floor.
In order to be a complete player, you need to play tough defense. Have pride in shutting down your man.
The next time you take the court, even in open gym, make a conscious effort to move your feet on defense, have active hands, never relax and communicate much more than you have in the past.
Become a better defender!
“Defense is hard work because it is unnatural. Defense is a science…You have to fight the natural tendencies and do things naturally that aren’t natural.”
-Bill Russell
