Fouling the shooter often occurs when a player is attempting to block the shot. It is rare for a team to have a player who can successfully block a shot on a consistent basis. Players should be taught NOT to attempt to block the shot, but to get their hands straight up and maintain defensive position. It is amazing how many 6 foot players try to block a 6-5 shooter and get a foul called.
In defending a high scorer, prevent the number of catches he receives. Tell your defender, when he catches it the third time you are taking the defender out of the game. It will be amazing how hard the defender works to keep the high scorer from catching the ball. While this may not be a good idea on a regular basis, it can be excellent in defending a particularly high scorer.
“If the opponent had the ball in a tie game with the shot clock off, we weren't about to back off defensively and let him hold the ball without a problem. Instead we pressured it, tried to trap out of our double teams, tried to make it uncomfortable and force a turnover...However, at ten seconds remaining, we would back off with our defense, pay special attention to the opponent's best shooters, and hope for overtime.”….Dean Smith
“When you press, the last ten minutes of the game is when conditioning becomes a big factor.”….Mike Anderson
You are playing a man-for-man defense, but have several players in foul trouble. The opponent's best shooter is removed from the game because of foul trouble. Switching to a zone while that player is out of the game may be your best strategic move. Always know how good your opponents second team point guard is. If he is a mediocre ball-handler as many backup points are, switch to a full court press when he enters the game and the starting point guard goes out.
In defending a high scorer, prevent the number of catches he receives. Tell your defender, when he catches it the third time you are taking the defender out of the game. It will be amazing how hard the defender works to keep the high scorer from catching the ball. While this may not be a good idea on a regular basis, it can be excellent in defending a particularly high scorer.
“You don’t switch to rest….you switch to attack.”….Mike Anderson
“If the opponent had the ball in a tie game with the shot clock off, we weren't about to back off defensively and let him hold the ball without a problem. Instead we pressured it, tried to trap out of our double teams, tried to make it uncomfortable and force a turnover...However, at ten seconds remaining, we would back off with our defense, pay special attention to the opponent's best shooters, and hope for overtime.”….Dean Smith
“When you press, the last ten minutes of the game is when conditioning becomes a big factor.”….Mike Anderson
When a team runs a 1-4 flat along the baseline at the end of a quarter, half, or game, I like switching into a 1-2-2 zone.
If you switch on your man for man defense, let your players know that they are not switching to rest, they are switching to attack!
Use "shell" defensive drill as one method to teach foul management. Teaching the "shell", set up situations with players, such as how many fouls they have, who do they deliberately want to foul, etc.
Teach players how to play "safe" when they are in foul trouble. This does not mean not playing defense. It means playing extra smart. Set up the situation every day in practice.
“To play good pressure defense, you have to use the switch."...Ralph Miller
If your opponent has an outstanding scorer far better than his teammates, a four man zone and one man man-for-man may be your best defense. If the opposing high scorer is a guard, then play a diamond shaped 4 man zone (you will need more zone strength on the backline); if the opposing high scorer is a front line player, then play a box type 4 man zone (you will need more strength at the guard positions).
When you press, always know why you are pressing. Is it because you have a quicker team and believe you can force turnovers? Is it because you are behind and, if so, how far behind are you and what type of gambling are you ready to use? Is it because your scouting report indicates the opponent is a mediocre ball-handling team? Is the press your basic defense? Is it a zone or man press? Do you overplay and attempt interceptions or do you play ball pressure and containment? In your zone press, do you want to contain the opponent to slow the game down? Or, do you want to trap to speed it up? These are just some of the questions a coach should answer when determining whether to press or not.
When playing against a team that has excellent guards, but mediocre front line players, consider playing the guards man for man, then play a 3-man triangle zone with your frontline players. This will enable your front liners to more help defensively on any guard defensive breakdown, yet be able to defend their zone.
"One way to regain your rhythm on offense is to make some big plays on defense."
....Bill Walton
When closing out on defense, players should know WHO they are closing out on. If closing out to a great shooter, it is important to get there quickly even though the shooter may drive. On the other hand, if the player is an average shooter but great driver, the closeout should come more under control.
Coaches who play pressing defenses successfully, teach recovery. Anybody can double-team.