Defensive Goals
Click here to see a video message from Coach Littleton about our defensive philosophy!!
Goal #1: Play Man Defense!! No Exceptions!!
Even though we run Point Zone Defense at the varsity level, it requires an understanding of man principals in order to be executed effectively. We spend time in practice each day working on these man defensive principals in order to become better at our Point Zone Defense. At the sub-varsity level, we want everyone to run Man Defense ....no exceptions! If your talent level is down, back up and play a position man defense. If you have better players than your opponent, go play full-court man defense. However, playing a zone defense at the sub-varsity level is unacceptable. I've attached our Defensive Fundamentals Folder for your viewing.
Goal #2: Protect the Paint!!
Bottom line, do not allow your opponent to score in the paint....period! Spend time every single day working on "Protect the Paint Drills". Nothing good ever happens when your opponent gets the ball in the paint. Watch a short explanation of our basic man defensive principles HERE!
One of our favorite drills to teach our kids how to protect the paint is Keep-a-Way Game. Another drill we use to teach protecting the paint is Perfect Possession Cut-Throat. Our favorite Protect the Paint drills are HERE!
Goal #3: Box Out!!
Every single day, practice boxing out. We use the Ultimate Rebounding Challenge, the Defensive Factory, 4-man Continuous Box Out, and Point Zone Box Out to emphasize this. We do at least two of these every day. I have also attached more box out drills HERE!