What Would You Like to Know About Man-to-Man Basketball Defense?

I coach a 6th grade boys bb team. Should i teach them man to man defense or a zone? The leage we play in 90% of the teams play zone defense.

? for enybody to answer

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My concerns have already been addressed.
1) Basics - footwork for man-to-man defense
2) Good but fun drills to teach man-to-man defense to younger kids
3) Help and recover

I have really used my first e-book from you guys. Keep up the good work.

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How to get through screens/picks, when should we go over the top(show and recover) and when should we either switch or get through the pick.

In a half court situation is there a default defensive set up before your opponent gets in a threat position.

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Well I think this is a good idea, I'm coaching boys round 14 years old, my first proble is to keep them in concentration all time, second to rispect space when they paly offensive actions.
Sorry for my bad english I'm italian.
I think your open forum is good for all age groups. Keep us the good work.

Paolo

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hi
Congrats!
i wud like 2 know (s alredy bin asked)..
how 2 defend a faster player
how to increase roughness/toughness of players;n
a bit more about man-man & zone defence.
thanks...n..gud luck.
Eva

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I coach at two different levels: elementary and varsity.

I apply my coaching techniques differently, obviously. Drills are great but if they do not understand the fundamentals none of it matters. I now explain to the kids it is not just about guarding the player it is about the basketball. The basketball is what makes the scoring possible.

We put so much focus on what kids need to do. When it can be similified to say what is the ball doing. Your information focused on this a little bit in one of the sections. Elementary kids understand this concept. I now use it with my varsity team and their help defense has improved.

I think your open forum is good for all age groups. Keep us the good work.

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i liked everything that was covered

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Once my man to man defense becomes "perfect"... what is a box and 1 counter offense... so I can defend against it and run the O???

Probably steers away from M2M spedifically, but it eventually leads in this direction... I guess.

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Hearty congrats to you for your wonderful work.

How can we easly break the guarding and support our player who is having the ball? How can we give screening such occassions with out making foul or fight?

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Do you emphasize the helpside of man to man?

What do you do when their best player continues to tear you up even when you are doing your best to stop him?

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First of all I would like to congratulate you for a job well done. I just want to ask if you can publish drlls for Pressing defense

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I would like some drills or instruction on play run and jump or scrambletype defense

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Weakside help then recovery on a skip pass

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Is "On-The-Line-Off-The-Line" and "Up-The-Line-Down-The-Line" terminology still an effective tool for teaching positioning in Man-2-Man?

1-pass away and 2-pass away positioning techniques would be great to review.

Understanding proper rotation responsibilities when a drive to the baseline ends with trapping from the helpside defender.

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How can you establish man-to-man rules so that the offense can't run a clear-out for a lob to a post or backdoor screen at the helpside area? I have my rule which I think is sound, but I welcome seeing what another coach has to offer.

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help we a teammate is beaten

recovery

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1-1 defense and zone defense(i don't know how to call it sorry) which one is better for 3-3 teams
thx,

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hi,

what i want to see is more drills for all grades.
and more about defeance rotations

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The basics of defense and offense...footwork. The best drills and how it is incorporated in the system.

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I really enjoy the infomation you provide on your email. In regards to defense, I would like to get information on transition defense, half court traps (mainly trapping the ball), help defense, and fundamental defensive drills.


Thanks
Hector

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You guys do a great job! Lots of drills for middle and High School Age players. And your version of the shell drill as well. Thanks again.

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I would love to see fun drills for the kids to do. They get easily bored by the normal ones. I would also like to see ways to teach a good trap.
Awsome website!

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i would love to see lots of fun drills for the kids. Because they are not so amused with "normal" defense drill.
they need a challenge, competition in each defense drill...
and some mixed drill (fun and high intensity=) for older players !!!

THE SITE IS AWESOME,GREAT JOB!!!

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i believe players should be taught that they can actually direct their offensive dribbler to the side line so as they then can set a defensive trap.But they need confidence to attain these skills plus lots of practice

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I'm coaching 6-8th grade girls.
Most come with no skills, but the will to play.
I can use drills that are fun and easy to convey.
They have a hard time making the transition from zone to man to man.
Can't wait for the new e-book.

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Awesome job with the site and all the info it contains!!!

Would love for you to share some "high intensity" defense drills that simulate game like situations!

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I would like to know about;

- How best to defend the screen in a man to man offense
- Using a zone press, feeding into traps.
- Constructive drills to pre program players on zone and man defenses.

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My junior high girls have problems with helping when a girl gets beat and with staying inside the offensive player. I would like to have more man to man drills to teach them these skills.

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My junior high girls hae problems with helping when a girl gets beat and with staying inside the offensive player. I would like to have more man to man drills to teach them these skills.

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when should we play man to man defence and when should we switch to zone 2-3 or ...
-i need drills to help my players understand the defence better

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This looks good. I would like to have more with 10 and under girls so they can understand the concept of defense

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i need to know some drills to move rebound to guid players & some drills to full and half-court press, both man and zone

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i need to know some drills that can help to toughen up the defense

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more drills on man to man for 5 and 6 grade and 7 and 8 grade. Drills to understand the concept of man to man,

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First of all : great job for the site

Breakdown drills for every position on the M-T-M defense

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Hi All

Would like to see some age related driils eg: for 12/14yr olds

alot of drills around dont focus on juniors and there are a lot more junior coaches than senior ones im sure that need some help.

And looking at some of the responses maybe drills that can be expanded upon as the team develops.

Press half and full court - screens

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1.) drills for "helpside" defense

2.) full and half-court press, both man and zone, although I know this is about man.

3.) maybe you could put together a whole section on full and half-court press

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Hope the new e-book will include some drills and tips for under 11s on defence

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well thanks for all the effort you are doing i would like to know about full court press , scambeled defense, and ow to defend on the pick and roll
thanks again guys

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Please include drills to build up (1 on 1, 2 on 2 etc.) team man to man defense. Focus on help and recover (except the "shell" drill sequense). Thanks for the great help and ideas to think about.

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I wanted to have a better understanding for teaching man to man defense for 10 yr old girls { drills that would be helpful } also an understanding to play helpside defense . Drills to have for pick and rolls , how to switch w/ screens ..down and up . How to run a 1/2 court trap .

Keep up the outstanding job .

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1- How to avoid a pic when defending the Low Post. Sometimes my team mates yell pic coming. Sometimes I see it coming out of the corner of my eye. I just keep moving slightly side to side while the pic is coming to keep the pic and the offensive ball handler off guard. Do you have any suggestions.

I am a post player myself so I do pretty well on post defense.
If they happen to get the first move I yell for switch defense.

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1.I would like to see drills to cover all of the basics when teach man to man. I Coach a Junior team that knows very little through to an Associtation squad who play at an advanced level.
2. The tactics and methods that work best in shutting down the opposition.
3.My most burning questions is how do you get your players to stop backing off when playing say half court pick up which becomes top of the key pick up. I keep telling my players that they have got to attack the offense, back themselves and have a go. This is for my junior team.

Thanks for all your great help thus far.

David Rowe
Geraldton. WA.
Australia.

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I would like to see some easier drills to teach younger kids how to play effective man to man,full court press,half court press and also is there any kind of drill that really helps with help defense

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1.

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It would be great to cover some drills that would help my seniors (girls) defend the ball and not get beaten off of the dribble. Too many times we easily get beat off the dribble and have to defend 3 on 2 0r 2 on 1.

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Hey, I love your Web site!!!! You have helped me soooo much!!! I think that I whould like to know about the position that most people belive I should be in. I am in a Homeshcool Basketball team and so I play both junior high and High school so I am tall for junior high but average for high shcool. and I still get put down low I am on who really likes presuring the ballhandler. so I really don't know what to do

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Hi Coach,
Gr8 Job!!!!

We do a fairly good job on teaching man defence
to 7th and 8th grade boys.

They do it in practice push side, closing out chopping steps, hands up, high hip ect.

We have a very encouraging and positive practice.

The players haven't made the transition from practice to applying it in the game.

Players state they're not confident enough, scared..
Knowledge should bring confidents?

Please add a word or two about making the transition from practice to the game.

D-up
Thank U



I need help with doing it in practice now doing it in a game?

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zone defence, what he zones are and how they work properly

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i love work (2-3) defence and man to man

Thank you coach

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Dear Jeff an Joe

I want to thank you for the quick respons on my e-mail.I still haven't got the time to read it all but i am shure this will help me a lot to make my training sessions more efficient and pleasant.You are doing a fantastic job.

Thanks Ivo

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Im here in the Philippines and I am still new re coaching technique. This new issue would really helps to all new coaches to further enhance their capacity!
Here's my inquiry:
1.) What are the advantages and the dis-advantages of a man-to-man defense, Is it more on advantage than dis-advantage?
2.) When do we use man-to-man defense?

Thanks a lot and God Bless!

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Thank you for your very interesting and very supportive informations, they are really big help in improving my two sons overhelming love on Basketball. As for now I only thought them on the offence as you guys e-mailed to us. Now I think this is the right time to explore their wares regarding the defense that you are now tackling, As you know my younger son looses their championship game because they are all offensive minded players, considering the facts that they did proceeded in the finals for twice to beat status.

Thanks.

GOD Speed

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Greetings!

Defense is the weakest point in team, this is a timely ebook and they really need to learn of a good man to man defense.
I'm looking forward to the book.

Thank you and God Bless!

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How to defend the screen

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I need to learn how to teach the run and jump man to man defense in the full court. Principles and drills would be most helpful.

Thanks.

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1/How to teach to be agressive in defense
2/Drills to practice quick reactions
3/What are the secrets to build a good defense ?

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How i can teach my players to react to screens and backdoor cuts

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You guys do a great job. I would like to know more about not only switching screens, but how to avoid switching screens and work through them. If the defender can see it coming or be notified by a teammate, he/she might be able to beat the screen and in turn disrupt the play...What is your advice on that.

Thanks,
Rusty

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what's the best defensive tactic when guarding an offensive player in their half court- force them to the sideline or force them to the middle of the floor?

What's more effective. Constant full court man to man pressure or constant 1/2 court man to man pressure?

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I need help with drills. When to help and when to push through, are there tricks on partial help - in other words helping but not totally giving up your man. When and where to trap - especially what players who are not trapping should do.

I have 6th grade girls.

Also, what are the weaknesses in a man defense that I could capitalize on with my offense?

Actually we have played man since 3rd grade and they do pretty good but there is room for improvement.

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when the ball is at the top of the key, how do you rotate your players to close down the passing and driving lane?
what would be the best drills to teach the proper positions of the other team members when off the ball?
what drill best enable players peak performance in man-man defense?

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I want to know more drills for parctice that teach man to man Defense
from one on one to five on five including help and rotation.
thank you very much
coach michael

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hi there
I want to know how can i teach the different defenses

& break down drills about every defense

all the bast samar

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thanks for giving me lots of information about basketbal

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hi there,
im writting from Kenya in africa and i coach at a school calledn the Mombasa Baptist High School. we are currently the national high school boys basketball champs.
now, last season i had a decent team that was equipped in almost every department. from what i have for next season, i see i have a lot of quick boys in 5 of them and the big men are slow and inexperienced.
i always want to play full court zone press because of the coaching here, not alot of coaches can break the press with ease, most of the time its more of us not playing well rather than them beating our press.
what full court press would you advice me on for my team?
thanks in advance

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thanks for giving me lots of information about basketball.I hope you can publish the best yet simple trapping defence,zone and man to man defence.MOst players that I'm coaching learned their skills in basketball on their own.

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great articles guys!
my teams struggle with full court mfm help please!!!

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1). The best ways to protect a weak defender.

2). The best time to front the low post and what "D" should we play on the wings when we do.

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i just want to know man to man defence and it would be more helpful if shows with demonstrations.

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My comment is not so much about technique but strength and form defensivly.I pride my self in my defense 1on1 and my biggest attribute is stong quick legs,so I guess I would like to see some drills or exercises toward building leg strength and quickness,because as any good coach knows athletisism can compensate for a lot,especially with young players not yet grounded in fundamentals of defense and even the players that are and get that mental lapse every human is suseptible to.

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Like alot of readers: handle the screen, ( switching men )

2nd would be ; when do extend your man for more pressue and how,

3rd : ball at the baseline: when I was growing up it was a sin to give up the baseline, now we look to lock the player in and drive him into a double team just outside the lane.

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Thanks for your efforts. I appreciate the drills and look forward to more information on defense. A couple of topics that I would like more information on are:

1. Drill and instruction to help the kids know when (and how) to fight through the screen and when (and how) to switch.

2. Rebounding drills for the kids so that they know that defense does not end until the ball has been rebounded by your team.

3. Anything to help the kids develop the mental toughness needed to become successful defenders.

4. In man-to-man is help and recover the best method to teach, or is straight up on your man better?

5. When going man-to-man on an in-bounds play, should the player on the ball play facing it or butt to the ball?

Thanks again and I look forward to your thoughts.

Make a Great Day.

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i am coaching 15-19 yr olds and i would like to learn more on how to redevelop a talented offense oriented team into a cohesive defensive team...that has been my problem for almost 3 seasons. our defensive routine has always been the box-1 style of defense (1-2-2) and 2-1-2 full court press (this is due to our height disadvantage...we always have the smallest lineup). i'd like to learn more on these without using the zone:
a. defending the post with a small guy
b. improving defensive mentality of the player
c. properly defend the pick n roll

thanks and more power!!!

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i am coaching 15-19 yr olds and i would like to learn more on how to redevelop a talented offense oriented team into a cohesive defensive team...that has been my problem for almost 3 seasons. our defensive routine has always been the box-1 style of defense (1-2-2) and 2-1-2 full court press (this is due to our height disadvantage...we always have the smallest lineup). i'd like to learn more on these without using the zone:
a. defending the post with a small guy
b. improving defensive mentality of the player
c. properly defend the pick n roll

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How to train the 1-3-1, 2-2-1, and 1-2-2 full court trap?

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such like this ebook on basketball is a very great big help to us.

i think, more drills on man to man defense should be added here.

more power keep it up!

thanks!

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Please stress to youth coaches the importance of learning sound man-to-man defensive principles BEFORE utilizing various zones defenses. Your players need to incorporate many basic man-to-man principles to play an effective zone. Those lane clogging zones may help teams win a few extra games in youth leagues where outside shooting is suspect but will pay for it later in HS if man-to-man principles are lacking.

Youth players have a harder time understanding & applying defensive techniques in game situations than offensive skills. Anything that helps get through an explanation & walk-thru of man defense principles before those short attention spans kick in would be great. Thanks.

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Defensive mentality and defending flex offense

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GREAT MATERIAL! My Dad and I read your material regularily. I play post and I would like to see detailed body and feet placement when defending agains't taller opponents. The need to create space is always there when on offense. Do you have any printed material showing positioning on offense to create more space quicker and any additonal drills I could use with any sort of printed or visual aids to study.

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I am coaching 7 and 8 year old boys. I need drills that teach the basic fundamentals of man to man defense (i.e. foot work and body positioning). The drills need to be fun for kids of this age as they have short attention spans.

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I need to know how to break down the man-to-man to 6,7,8th grade levels.

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drills to help kids start a great defense.from 5th to 8th grades.
simple drills for big or undersized teams.

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Thanks for the opprtunity to contribute!
What are the defensive roles of each position?

What are the skills and characteristics and skills that goes with those positions?

Define pressure defense relate to 1/2 court and full court.

Hope this helps.

Cheri

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This website has been a great help. I am a first year basketball coach and I have gotten a lot of great drills and ideas from it. I would like some drills that work on defending away from the ball.

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Your website has helped me out alot. I would like help on defending small, quick players, and bigger, stronger players. Also would like help in designing full and half court presses.

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I am coaching 8 - 15 year olds and I have problems with man to man after there is a pick and roll.
My kids need to work on the switch and talking as a team.
Your guides have been very helpful for the offense and basic drills!
Thanks

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HI GUYS.

IM COACHING 8 AND 9 YEAR OLD BOYS. IM HAVING TROUBLE TEACHING THEM MAN TO MAN COVERAGE. WHERE EVER THE BALL GOES ALL THE KIDS SEEM TO FOLLOW THE BALL AND FORGET THE MAN THERE COVERING I CALL TIME OUTS STRESS THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER AND YET THEY KEEP DOING THE SMAE THING.IS THERE A STRATAGY TO INSTILL IN THERE SMALL HEADS TO KEEP IT MAN TO MAN INSTEAD OF FOLLOWING THE BALL CARRIER. FURTHER MORE ANY IDEAS ON HOW GET THESE KIDS TO LISTEN AT PRACTICE TIME. I'VE ALREADY ASKED THE PARENTS TO KEEP THE BALLS AT HOME. I BRING MY OWN BASKETBALLS TO PRACTICE. ONLY TWO OF THEM.ANY OTHER IDEAS.

THANKS FOR LISTENING

KIND REGARDS

VICTOR

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How can you learn how to do trics?
How can you dribble well?

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i think what's the important of man-to-man defence is not only the personal defence drills,but also include the team work,for example help and how to rotate if someone is beaten and so on ,so what i want to konw is the team work.
thank you!

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How to focus on 1-1 man defense and still loking at the ball to be ready for the steal.

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First of all, Great job with all, every newsletter gets better and helps with one specific oint I need to work on

Man to man - where to pick up?

when to go man
how to help and recover
most of all, how to rebound in the man to man

Thanks

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I truly appreciate the basketball education that literature provides.

I would like to see the following included in your new ebook:

1. How to disguise man to man, by making it look like a matchup zone, and vice versa,

2. How to instill tactical discipline in the team when playing man to man

3. Trapping out of a man to man defense

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I coach a middle school girls team and our biggest problems are defending the pick and roll from the elbows

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i really appreciate your basketball news letter. the information and drills i've gotten from it have helped me tremendously as a coach.

i would like to see a drill for the "1-3-1" or "diamond-1" press. thanks!

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It would be desirable to learn more about traps.
Game in protection with "proof-reader" is interesting.

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I would like to know how to beat screens. also I would like to know the RIGHT way to slide your feet when defending!

TYVM

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hello
can i get a drill about one in one moves
like how to make the other player behinde me
and the training to make my jump higher in few time like 3 week or 4

thank you any way of that books

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2 Questions

What's the best way to contest a shot when you're beaten off a screen

How do you get through a screen?

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drills on teaching middles school girls how close to guard their players--my girls guard "on top" of their opponet & are getting beat to the basket.

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Hello,

I'm looking for drills or advice for teaching man to man full court pressure. Specifically when a player gets beat off of the dribble.
Where the help should come from and what will the rotation be with the other defenders.

Transition from offense to defense, what drills to run that can help players get back and find their man without giving up a lay up or open looks.

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Body positioning in defence ie stance, sliding, arms etc
Fronting a post player
Trapping -movement of defensive players
Defending much taller players
Help when an offensive player beats the defence on the dribble
Beating screens

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I am most concerned about help side rotation. What drills will best demonstrate how to move and take charges or block the shot from the weak side.

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Great info.

my main concern is how to develop a good rotation on help defense specially when playing against a more "gifted" team.

keep up the excellent work.

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Why do coahes teach to force the ball baseline instead of the middle? Seems to me you should force middle where there is more help.
How do you teach to get through screens?

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do thank you again for your great work.

1) help defense when a player is getting beat
2)half court press(including trapping of the ball)
3)how to defend a faster player?
4).How To Defense Against A Hard Crossover
5)drills for "helpside" defense

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I beleive that man to man is the main defense that needs to be played but I also prefer playing a match up which I consider also to be a man zone defense. What info can you add about this match up defense.

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its good do it i need it please thank you so much

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1. Help Defense: When and when not to help
2. Using the baselines as a extra defender: The importance of understanding how the baseline can help cause turnovers.
3. Drill to help develop explosiveness when gaurding ball handlers.
4. Tips for Defending larger and powerful or smaller and quicker player.

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First of let me thank you guys for all the info I get on my email. you guys have made coaching a lot easier for me!
now coaching man to man defense is no easy task. Can you send me some drills on teaching man to man defense? Also how do I teach the half court trap?

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I want some drills on man to man defense that involve many players in game situations.

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New drills to teach lay-up.And I am really interested in defense stance!

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If some player plays roughf game what r tactis 2 defend or how to improve hardness and toughfness of players or pla defence more physical.

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want to run a full court man to man defense but how would you stop offense from breaking the press

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Is there a good way to have a full court zone press and fall back into a man to man 1/2 court defense?
What is the triock or tricks to break a full court man to man defense?

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taking the offensive foul. Being a coach in youth basketball, you see situations every time down the court that a defender could step in and take an offensive foul (helping out on a player driving down the lane or cutting off the baseline, or dribbling with your head down). Its hard to get this point across to the kids. Are there drills to practice technique? I believe the games can be won solely on hard-nosed denfense.

Jay

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best drills to teach the jab step / drop step / swing step for defensive footwork.

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I would like to see different kind of men to men presses, full court, 3/4, half court press.

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I would like to see several drills at various skill levels to help taylor the drill to the players. The other books Have touched that but for man to man I would go just alittle bit further...
Make multiple drills of the same scenerio, each drill increasing in skill.

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I am interested in tips for training 6-8 year olds. Any help will be appreciated.

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thanks for every thing and hoping we recieve the e-book as soon as possible.i'd like to ask:
how can i build the mentality of defense in the minds of players?
what r the effective drills to teach switching defense during the games?

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1st: you folks are doing us a GREAT service.
2nd: I had plenty of questions, but looking around, they were all covered by other coaches along with some other good ones.
thanks
Steve

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I am a new subsciber to your material, i do like what i see so far. thanks
I coach at the JV boys level.
As far as man to man:
> how to handle the big man low post when they have size over you!
> drill to teach players to be aggressive on maintaing their position around basket and to deny the cut through the lane.
> Best way to teach guards to "dig out the ball" when it goes low, with out loosing their own man.
> any ideas on teaching " communication " on Def.

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Drills that focus on ways to move around picks

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Most defensive books & articles seem to focus on pressure man to man. I'd like more information on a sagging man defense.

Also, strategies in defending the low post & especially the high post.

Rotation on traps in man defense and then rotation out of the trap.

Drills to improve on-ball defense.

Thanks

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Defending a player when dribbling.

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1. Man to man full court press as a team

2. Help "D" concepts in a half court set.

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yes i know, i heard it before, don't teach zone till they learn man to man, but when you're coaching 3rd and 4th grade girls who don't have the strength and stamina to play man to man all game and the offense can't shoot past 10 feet away, is the zone really that bad? collapse and protect the paint, and teach man to man when you have more than two hours a week of practice.

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more drills on man to man for 5 and 6 grade and 7 and 8 grade.

Drills for Middle School:

1. Full court press drills
2. Help and recover drills
3. How to trap the ball drills

Need to see actual players performing these drills, not just anamation.

Coach Bellinger in New Mexico

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more drills on man to man for 5 and 6 grade and 7 and 8 grade.

Drills for Middle School:

1. Full court press drills
2. Help and recover drills
3. How to trap the ball drills

Need to see actual players performing these drills, not just anamation.

Coach Bellinger in New Mexico

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How do you overcome a more atlethic team with a man to man defense?

How do you or can you generate a fluid offense from a man to man defense?

How do you stress the importance of maintaining contact with your man in a man to man defense (9 & 10 year olds)?

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Thank you for the wonderful web site. I'm a newer coach who seems to get more responsibility every year, and your web site ahas given be so much help. I have a lot to learn, and am looking foward to a great year with my 6th grade girls team.

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How do you teach your players to guard their man without the ball when you are in man to man (particulary girls)

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Which part of the game is best to apply man to man defense? Is it during the end game only or can be used on the start of the game. I know that stamina is one important aspect for the players if man to man is being applied in the game.

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I am a 5th/6th grade coach and my biggest problem is getting kids enthusiatic about playing defense. How do you get them motivated to do something that they do not like. I have some kids that do enjoy playing defense and understands the importance to the game but I have those you just dont want to play defense. These kids have good offensive skills but poor defensive skills. Where do you begin with these types of kids. Also, the concept of help defense and recovering information would be helpful. thanks for all your help.

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More drills on man to man for 4th grade. They do not seem to get the man to man thing... I have a team of eight and every last one of them are learning the game for the first time.

Your ball handling and passing drills have really helped our team. Most coaches ask if they have played on other teams because they have good ball handling and passing skills. I tell them about you guys, which I am really thankful for all your information.

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i would like to know how to defend myself
and protect the ball from going to the other team
i want to impress my coach so that i don't need to sit on the bench

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How to teach man concepts to kids in highschool and how to teach rebounding out of a zone defense.

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Jeff & Joe,
Looking forward to the e-book!
Would love to know how to teach youth players to
read offenses and adjust accordingly. Would also like advice
to enable successful defensive positioning to get offensive charging calls.
Thank you.

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Hi Guys,
Thank-you for all the basketball information on drills and plays. Need information on full and half court press.

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Jeff and Joe

Can you include some videos or any visual aids like animations also most especially to the complicated ones. There is nothing more important to us learning it thru demo.

Best Wishes and thank you for all the help (the e-books) you provide to us coaches.

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HI guys

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Great stuff first off, I am going to piggie back MIKE.......
Regarding man-to-man defence some pointers I would like to have included are

1.Help - when a player is beaten - which player should help in recovering position

2.Should player be "guided" towards centre of zone or baseline

3.Half-court press of Full-court?

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Thanks, your stuff has been great. What I have the most trouble coaching my girls is how to effectively apply the press, how to switch off on screens & picks and how to cover when you get a mismatch (faster, taller).

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Drills for Middle and High School

1. Full court press drills
2. Help and recover drills
3. How to trap the ball drills

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As coaches, we can always use drills (information) about transition defenses. You cannot win if can not get back on defense!!

Thanks for the already great information you have been providing.

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How to defend against really good fast- break team?

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I forget to ask you when it will be ready and how we can get it...Thank you again

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First of all thank you for the hard and great effort you are doing to improve basketball every where in this world.Regarding what i`m looking for is :
-Ways of beating the screens
-points of defense
-concepts of "denying,floating"

Best wishes

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Thanks for the drills ebooks you guys send to me, it works me alot with my team, always makes us ahead of the game. like to know about defense line. thanks.

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l want to know more drills and formations in defense like a zone defense.

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the main problems i have with man to man in a game are

1/ player's losing there men
2/ two players marking the same man
3/ whever to be basket side or in front of offensive player

any drills which would help on these matters would be very gratefull

all the best
keep up the good work
many thanks

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thanks for usefull drills and advices
i'd like to know how to defense the hight post

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Hi coaches,
It is very difficult to motivate girl’s from16 years old to play m/m aggressively.
Whereas they have always played zone defence.
Suggestions or tips are well come.
Success,
Raymond

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i think its very important u will give coaches more drills that help to develop the "defence rotation" its good for all ages

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HI AND THANKS FOR SUPPORT
1- How and when weak side defense should come over to help?
2-What's a good zone to play when there's 1 good shooter on the opposing team

3- what defense to run against a team that shoots better and are quicker than your team.

4- If my team is smaller than my opponents what should I do in the post

BEST REGARDS

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dear sir :-
I want that drill for devenese its not complet or not ciear for kid because my team its not good for that kind drill and a want explean the drill step by step .

thank u
amanj

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I have been coaching 7 grade girls for several year. And one thing I notice is they have no idea about the space that needs to be between themselves and the person she is guarding when her man has the ball. Would like some good drills to help reinforce this concept. In addition, I am always asking other coaches their opinion on how to guard the "big gal". I have seen some totally front the player others have their kids stand next to them and have an arm go in front to deny the pass. Just wanting to know if one tactic is better than the other or does it just depend on the situation and the skill level of either players.

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thank you from our boys.

we look forward to new e-book

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Hey fellas..

All the stuff that you been sending me has worked to perfection!!!
The players I have taken have really improved and me as a coach has improved alot!!

We are on a break now for the summer holidays(I live in australia) and Im planning our trainings and planning offense and defense plays to help us take it to the next level..

Thanks again boys!!! :)

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love the drills. Thanks & i can't wait for the new book.

I have a small team and defending the perimeter is pretty straight forward, but the post seems to be a problem. the drills are great but we have trouble with post defense (especially recovering once sealed in the post) & help Defense and rotation on the help.

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My most pressing issue with teaching defense is having drills that focus on specific areas of man to man, while still making it fun and interesting for the players. different drills with varied amounts of players.

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New drills to teach the fundamentals of the man to man defense are always welkom.
Specially the combination drills are very usefull and fun practising.

Looking forward to the new e-book

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your workouts are really good.. thanks.. one question:
There are some really good shooters out there. When taking them in man to man defense, They just shoot a few feet before the 3pt line. How can we stop them from shooting? They are almost perfect, and can shoot with their eyes closed if left free.. or is it wise to not let the ball to reach them, how to go about that. Your help will be much appreciated.

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I have a question, when im doing a man to man defense, i know that i have to not permit the other guy to make a shot or to get a lay up, but i only can concentrate in denie the shot or denie the key, so my questions is this, how can i block a shot without let to enter the key, i know that distance is the answer, but is just that if a want to denie the key i usually get separated 2 or 3 steps the other player, but if im looking for block a shot, i usually get separated 1 or 2 steps, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW CAN I MAKE THE TWO THINGS, DENIE THE SHOT AND THE LAY UP

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more build up break down drills for man to man skill development.
How to include as many players as possible and still be effective.
what are some ideas on teaching individual man D, 2 man D, 3 man D on up to 5v5 and or shell.
What are some zone break down teaching methods too...

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I would to know what are the sets to defend a pick and roll play..

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First of all I would like to say thank you for your efforts. Here is what my team is struggling with learning. I try to stress to my players on man to man defense. 1 pass away is deny the pass, two passes away we are sagging looking to play help defense. I am coaching a 6th grade boys team and that is very hard to teach. We can only play man to man so what you are doing is wonderful. Keep up the good work.

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I work with kids 12 or 13 years old and man to man defense is the basic defense I teach. I find in the less experienced kids that watching out for a pick is the last thing they are thinking about. Any awareness drills in this area would be useful.
Thanks for all the help in the past and for the future. Russ

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areas of interest
1 Defence during thge change of screens.
2 Defending the key scorers of a team.
3 Man to man defence drills for school level.
4 Drills of improving the man to man defence.

Regards & Good luck for the success of the game we love and cherish.

Sanjay Singha

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Hey guys,

Great work so far, keep it up.

I'd like to see a lot of the things mentioned already: tips on developing on-ball defensive skills, contesting on the perimeter and in the post, transition defense and helpside.

In addition, some thoughts on attacking common offensive tactics with alternatives for those nights Plan A just doesn't cut it would be great.

Your thoughts on developing a defensive attitude is what I would look forward to the most.

Cheers,
Mike

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my girls team realy likes to play women on women,they really hate the zone defense, but it's the full court press that some of them can't quite grasp. Is there an easier way for girls to learn this? I've learned that girls need to be shown what you want, unlike boys were they can visualize what you want from them. Excellent site thanks for the tips I've already used.

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I'm Looking forward to the new mam to man defense ebook. Some areas of interest

Concepts of switching on screens
How to shut down a perimeter player
How to shut down a low post player
Drills to perfect the man to man
Video to support the techniques


Thanks for all the good info!

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It would help to have drills that stress man to man coverage. I'm a first year coach and your other e-books have been an immense help.

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I've been out of the coaching basketball scene for a number of years and I'm looking for drills and specifics on how to run different defensive formations.

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I want to know more drills and formations in defense like; trap defense full and half court, press break break and a zone defense.

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Is pistols a thing of the past or is it still the best, most effective way to teach man-to-man defense.

As the individual offense player improves it is still best to get your head on the rim when palying help defense


Strategies in playing match-up when the ball is at certain areas of the floor

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1. Ball defense
- so important, but yet it is rare that I see a team consistently good on their ball defense.

2. Is pistols a thing of the past.

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Thank you Jeff & Joe for your great efforts coaching coaches. Most of my questions appear to be included in the above queiries from other coaches.
My two main concerns are with the transistion from offence to defence & vice versa which require some drills to speed the process.
Thank you & keep up the good work. BILL.

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I'm having a difficult time making my 6-8 year old girls understand the concept of man to man defence. Some are leaving their players & following the ball, where now they have left their man open to shoot. With all the excitement, there is no control of the ball to even set up a play. For some it's their first time playing the sport. Are they to young to understand plays? Do you have any suggestions?

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hi,sir..may i ask how to stop a more better player

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11/14/07

Man to Man defense is not cure all to the offense of your opponent. More often, the Zone Defense is even better specially in international plays. However, man-to-man can be very effective if you can apply it from the time of throw-in and trap the ball handlers and force them to commit a turn-over - violation of time allowed to cross the center of the court or losses ball possession.

Effective switching of defense on the playing zone (in front of the goal - free throw area) if done smoothly is very satisfying to watch. Movements relative to this should be evaluated and presented in detail if possible.

More Power!

Rey

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how do u defend a person more talented than you?

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Good Day!

The drills and plays that you offered are very helpful to me. Likewise, it has enriched my understanding of the game.

However, I would like to share my personal observation:

Europeans outsmarts the Americans in international competition due to their way of adopting the rules in their plays. The Americans is using the NBA rules which is different to the International Plays which makes them uncomfortable.

Kindly keep sending me your very informative emails and informations on Basketball. This I acknowledge very much since it comes without costs.

Thank you very much and more power to you.

Sincerely yours,

Rey

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What would you like covered in the man-to-man defense eBook?

What would you like to know about shutting down the other team?

What are your most burning questions about man-to-man defense?

Thanks for asking and for your helpful tips.

At the moment I have the privilege to be working with 8-9 year olds and view what we are doing as having the potential to begin to put good habits in place early.

Accordingly, my current interest is in how to best introduce (and the best drills to reinforce) good and proper man-to-man defense to youth level players for the first time so as to, (i) interrupt the tendency to play crowd ball where everyone just follows the ball; and (ii) allow the players to feel comfortable (even knowlegeable) about proper court positioning for man-to-man in order to (a) not waste energy, (b) be prepared to help out (and to know when to help out), (c) to be in proper position for rebounding, and (d)transition to offense.

Any insights as to these issues and concerns will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Michael

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Thanks for the opportunity - you guys know basketball, and I appreciate the chance to submit some thoughts for your consideration.

1. How to 'jam' a shooter - there is a 'personal space' where a shooter wants to bring the ball up the shooting pocket, and above the shoulders. If we could teach kids how to disrupt this space without fouling, the result would be a shooter having to adjust their form, and likely shoot poorly. I want kids to know how to get in this 'lift path' just enough so the shooter bends the elbow more, or fades back a bit, or short-arms the follow-through. We're not talking a huge amount - just enough presence to make the shooter uncomfortable. Kind of like people who invade your personal space at a party - only this has a positive outcome for the defense. This is a lot more beneficial to a team than trying to block a shot.

2. Defending the post - game after game we see kids 'butt guarding' in the post. Very lazy defense, and makes them foul prone reaching over, or fouling on the shot after the post player has already schooled them. I would like to see players taught how to front in the post - shifting high side or low side depending where the ball is on the court. Also would like to see kids pick off the entry pass - something they can do if they are in the right position. Also required would be rotation for help side if the post defender gambles.

3. Defense on the break - how to get the oncoming offense to throw more than 3 passes - give your team a chance to get numbers back down the court. Need to teach how to 'jab' at a ballhandler to get them to pick up the dribble, then recover in time for a pass.

4. Fighting through picks - being smart to get through rather than using just brute force. Concepts like getting low, stepping on the outside of the screener's foot, faking and go opposite, "Sugar Ray Leonard footwork," etc. Quick defenders can even spin through like Dwight Freeney on the pass rush - they just need to know where the ball is... I'm sure you guys have lots of ideas here.

5. Moving big people. We teach to push below the ball joint on the hip socket. You get the low center of gravity, plus there aren't major muscle groups to push back. This is one way to get the post player out one step farther than they are comfortable. Throws their post moves off considerably. Am interested if there are other techniques.

6. Swiping the ball off the dribble - we told our kids to swipe the ball on the way back up, not down, since the dribbler has less control of the direction of the ball at that time. The sweet spot to 'scoop' the dribble is about a foot off the floor on the way back up. By scooping up, and going on the up-bound ball, no fouls and more steals and deflections.

7. Swiping the ball on the pass - we teach the kids to get their outside hand out in the passing lane, thumbs down. They just try to knock it down, then control it later. Again, with the outside hand, they maintain balance so they don't get burned back door. If you go with the inside hand, you over commit, and are easy to burn with a backdoor move.

I can't wait until you publish your book - if you get half as much as what I have seen these other coaches submit, you will have an outstanding instruction tool here.

Good Luck!
Chris

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I'd like to know more about double teaming should i double with the weak side help or with strong side help. How should the rotation be and Thank you for the last two ebooks it's been a lot of help to me and my teams here in Puerto Rico ...

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Simple techniques to get younger players to move their feet on defense and also giving help when another player needs it.

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how we can learn more about the screen avoid those ease basket

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- Defense on the ball-back court and front court. Hand position, body position, foot movement.

-Talk about junk defense and man responsibilities-for instance 4 man sag with 1 man in full denial.



Thank you

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Hi all,

The most irritating thing is the rotation of players on ball reversal

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being able to prove the coach wrong about me being under the starting point guard is my key question.

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I wanna know about the rotation of the players & the breakdown of man to man defense both in half court & whole court.

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All the information has been great for my daughter and I. We've increased our knowledge in numerous areas that has helped her become a better player.

Thanks...keep the info coming.

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I'd like more information and strategies for man to man help defense from the othjer players. who helps who and different types of off the ball coverages.
Also any strategies for full court and 3/4 court man to man trapping defenses thanks.

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I'd like more information and strategies for mam to man help defense from the othjer players. who helps who and different types of off the ball coverages.
Also any strategies for full court and 3/4 court man to man trapping defenses thanks.

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Hey Guys!
Thanks for all of your help! I am coaching a small team and so it's very important that we conserve energy. I know from experience that Man-to-Man defense can get tiring after a while and I was wondering if you had any tips. Thanks!

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I deal with girls, and I think their biggest problem is recovery after they have been beat. Eventhough there is a help person close by that should pick up the offensive man, most girls fail to switch and cover properly. They also want to be in deny and on-ball only.

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!---post positioning
2---post to post screen rules
3---breakdown drills for zone presses
4---rules for end line inbounds in a zone defence

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Great idea to have this document.

1---post positioning
2---post to post screen rules
3---break down drills for zones presses

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Need more drills to teach 7th and 8th grade man to man.

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I coach under 10 girls who are playing well especially in offense but we now need to tighten our man on man defense as they all tend to run after the girl with the ball- even after explicit instuction and practise not to. I am new to coaching so anything that will help will be great as this is the area I have been trying to work on with the girls.

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Most of everything I wanted to know looks like it has been covered. I really like drills that help teach man to man defense and certain defenses for zone play.

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I work with beginners from 8 years to 11 years. We are required to play M2M defense, but younger kids tend to ball watch, and play 5-on-1 defense. To offset this the competition has introduced coloured arm bands (5 different colours) to help the younger player identify their nominated opponent. This works OK in games and at training. However, there is still a need to teach the fundamentals (footwork, court positioning ball/player/basket, when to help) - all the boring bits. I am keen to get a staged program of drills and activities that will introduce these fundamentals in a fun way that increases in complexity as the players' skills develop, and as their maturity increases.

Your work for basketball is fantastic, and much appreciated.

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I would like to know some good rebounding drills and some footwork drills. I guess you could throw a few ballhandling skills also.

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just one question:
how to shut down the opponents' best one on one player against man defense?

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Hi, how to box out one big guy at the low position?

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Fundanmentals for 9/10/11 y.o. kids to build into a structure & teach them the benefits of not chasing the ball & guarding their man.

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hi

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I would like to see more drills that the kids can relate to actual game situations.

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How does a slower, less athletic kid guard a faster more athletic player without constantly getting beat?

Do you have a "TOP 5" list of does and don'ts?

How do you get junior high players to understand when to help in man to man defense?

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Situation: Ball goes to the wing. I'm a forward defending on somebody way taller than me. How do I defend? Should I play before him? if I do, what's the best way to get the rebound in case the wing shoots?

In a man-to-man. If I have to defend on their shooting guard (who has the quickest first-step in the league and is has a very good shot). Now I know the best way is to make it hard for him to RECIEVE the ball but... what if he still does get the ball?

Greetz...

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I work with 7-8 year old first time players. One player can dominate in a man to man, so we play zone. Players are not able to shoot with any consistancy outside 15' at this age level. Help is needed in spacial positioning and players working together as one in a 2/1/2.

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Could you please include some drills to stop the youngers ones ball watching, i ask them to keep on their own man, but when the ball comes down the court they seem to forget their man and sometimes just run around like headless chickens trying to get the ball.


I have really found your e book quite valuable

Thank you

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1. How to get the team to talk to each other (not unecessary chatter), but things like "ball", "help right" etc without them feeling self contious or embarrassed.

2. Moving without the ball - anticipating where the ball is most likely to go to help close down the offensive move or force turnover

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I´d like to know more practices for:
taller player defense
backcourt player defense

Many thanks.
Regards

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- Foot work
- Size mismatch
- recovering

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I would to know which defense I should teach to 9-7yr olds that have little to no playing experience? Would a 2-3 zone or man-to-man be better?

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Great work guys, when will you complete this book. I look forward to buying it, I like your work.

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Have read a bunch of the requests already posted and points I would like to see are pretty much covered. But to endorse them, they are:

1. Help and recover
2. Rotations
3. Guarding the Post (Do you front, defend the baseline side etc)

Regards,

AlanD

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- Help with defense rotation
- Full court press
- Zone traps

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I would like to see concepts and principles more clearly defined. We can tell kids where to stand, pistols, wide stance, etc. but, to truly get them to play defense, the principles of man-to-man and zone and full court press and half court trap need to be explained in a way that can be grasped by kids and young adults.

The 'what' part of defense and the 'how' part of defense are great and valuable, but, the 'when' and 'why' will help keep everyone coaches and players on the same page when a defensive stop or long term defensive stand are needed.

thanks guys!

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I think defense is necesary for us

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My main concern is this: our leagues have moved to full FIBA rules and I am not too sure how to adjust offense and defense too the new rules and court ... any suggestions???

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I coach a u11 team, and it is hard to get them to stay with their man on defence, and not just migrate to the ball. How do I boost their confidence enough to get them to stay in position? any new drills?

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hi guys, i would like new drills to practice 1vs1 defense so that the player concentrate on is player and knows where the player with the is. I'm coaching 12-13 years old girls in Two-mountains Quebec Canada.

thank you

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I would love to see more break down drills for individual and team drills, Maybe include some materials on the scramble 'D'.
Thanks again.

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Can anyone suggest good man to man defensive drills. It is really difficult to find or design effective game like drills for pressure man to man D.

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Your information is great!!
I recently committed my time to coaching a 7th grade
girls team. We had our first practice and I was excited to meet the girls but dissappointed in the fundamentals and knowledge about basketball that they know.

For defense--can you include drills that are elementary enough for the 7th grade to understand, but yet catch them up to the level they deserve to be on.

Thanks
Diane

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How to defend the pick & roll.
Weak side defense.
Playing someone bigger than you.
Playing someone smaller & faster.

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1. DO YOU FORCE BALLHANDLER TO THE BASELINE OR TO THE MIDDLE WITH HELP !! 2.YOUR OPINON OF WHICH IS THE BEST,MOST EFFECTIVE FULL COURT PRESS TO OFFSET A GREAT POINT GUARD ?

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i want to know more about dobble up.
and what we doing when player past one player defense

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The biggest problem I see with kids these days is not being able to grasp the process of the man to man defense. In practice we break down drills for the process step by step. But in the actual game the kids forget everything that they have been taught.

What are the best ways to teach the man-to-man defense principles in order for the kids to grasp the concepts?

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Thanks for your help. How do you get the girls to play with their body and not hands? Also how to break the full and half court press.

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How do I get middle school aged kids to rotate and get into a good rebounding position while still blocking out their man?
Secondly is there a drill that is good to practice fighting through a sceen?

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Thanks for all of this great information you gather and share!

Regarding man to man defense, I would be interested in:

1. Halfcourt defensive balance (helpside)

2. Defending screens

3. Ideas on how to encouage the players to be more vocal

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I would like to see drills for angle sliding, hand positioning ie front hand denial etc. Help and recover would also be great.

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I would just love to have tons and tons of defensive drills

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How to play offence in defence situation?
What is the best way to defend a tall player by a small player?

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We are trying to teach our 5th & 6th graders not to switch on a man to man defense. Is this the best practice, at this age level? And if so, how would you teach that. Specifically off of screens/picks.

Full Court Press, putting one on, and breaking it!

What type of drills would you have available to teach the player to maintain good positioning as well as always knowing where the ball is?

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Full and Half court press
Any double team concepts(full court, half court, corners,)
Thoughts on pushing the offense to the base line and relying on help side defense, (rotation) is that the most effective defense?
Alot of diagrams, and X's and O's for correct players positioning on court
Any new types of zone defense's

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Hey guys, i'm a basketball player, and your drills work for me, but you can add some more endurance running drills, i've tried sucides and they've helped me a lot, but not in endurance, they helped me in sprinting.

Hope you can work something out, Thank-you

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from what i have seen, you have done a terrific job. how about some drills to teach denying the basketball, or how to close down under control? those will be greatly appreciated.
keep up the good work!

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I would like to see drills on foot work, and how to cut off the drive.

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What I would like to see is the information you are presenting to be broken down by levels. What I mean by this is to start with a beginning level and move slowly up through the different levels of complexity.

I think what you are doing is outstanding for those of us who have peaks and valleys in our knowledge.

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-Teaching kids in grades 4,5,and 6 about playing man to man defense, especially help side defense when the ball is opposite their side.
-Teaching kids to pick up man to man at half-court and full-court.
- Playing man to man on kids taller or faster than you.
-The other thing is getting back down court in a man to man when the other team gets a defensive rebound.
-I would have to agree with switching on picks or even showing on picks and getting back to your man.
-The last thing i would suggest is when playing full court man to man kids should not play so close or else they will get beat.

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my basic problem is how to cover a bigger player when all your
players are smaller. and the best we to defend a cherry picker when you need all your men to hit the boards b ecause we'er so small?

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most of my questions have been asked. however, i would like to see something in the ebook about what zone defenses are good, or rather appropriate, transitions from man to man for certain "just in case" situations while still keeping the aggressive defensive style of man2man defense.

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I would like to learn more about weak side help in man-to-man, especially with posts. Also when it is best ( what type of offenses) to front a post player or play behind them.

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is a man to man defense the best defense for 3rd and 4th grades.

more drills on helpside defense and switching men on picks

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I would first like to say thank you. I've used alot of your info. Keep up the great work. I would like info on help side defense and defensive rotation when playing man to man.

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These are the things that need to be included:
-Full-court pressure
-Drawing charges
-Mismatches in the post or perimeter
-Sealing from a dribblers' blind side
-How to frustrate good ball handlers
-The best tips you can provide

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I would like to know more about a 1-3-1 offense

match-up man skills

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One concern I have is getting players to fight through screens. I would like some drills if you have any. Also drills for rotating that will simplify it for jr. high players. Tips for full court man press. Thanks for all the information you have supplied us with.

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Aloha,
I would like to learn some drills that would help us with our low post coverage specifically with defending the lob pass, as well as how to defend the high post. I would also like some tips on getting a steal from the skip pass. Thank you!

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I've touched on man-to-man defense with my middle school girls basketball team and found that even though they say they know what man-to-man is, once on the court they have no clue.
I'd like to know the best way of introducing the fundamentals and drills to develop those skills. We have a drill for practicing man-to-man, but need drills on teaching them positioning, switching and screening.
I've lost games due to not being able to shut down the other teams man-to-man coverage. I took an offense from the eplaybook and are sharpening that offense.

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1. how to deal with mismatches
2. switching vs. fighting screens
3. drills to help learn when to recover after helping
4. more shell drill ideas

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I have found your defensive techniques very helpful. They work well with what I already use. My few athletes make it possible to make sure everyone gets the idea.
Thankyou

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I need to know some better ways to cover angles on a pick and roll and how to have better helpside.

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All I need is a way to get it through to my young girls that it is important to communicate and talk to each other while on defense. That seems to be my hardest task and it is very essential to playing great defense.

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more spacial awarenes
defensive rebounding
quick help defense
how to stay active in a zone defense

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Thanks for your mail. I 'm coaching 16 year old boys in a team in Greece. I would like to see a book with lots of drills focusing on the fundamendals-not only the defense- and I would also like to know your principles and philosophy about basketball. As about defense I am mostly concerned about how I will make my players stay focused when they play defense.

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I noticed some other comments that mention this, but I coach a 10 year old team and have a high school freshman. The freshman is a very good player except he is not as quick as some of the older players. My question is what should he do on the court to keep his man from taking him off the dribble. How should he stand, how close, what should he focus on, should he over play one way or the other, his coach does not promote other teammates help and wants his kids to be able to stop the penetration on their own thus he gets in trouble and beat alot.

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Great job on all you provide us.

I would like to know of any new techniques
on the defensive slid and dribble penetration
aspesct of a look down defender.

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Defensive drills and tactics for 3rd & 4th graders. This age group talent varies - extremely talented ball handlers to first timers.

How to deal with a faster team - counter
Smaller oppents covering much larger players
Increase stamina - keeping up with the other team
Drills that can be fun overall

Thanx-

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man to man press foul court and rotation in this press
new drills to teach the fundamentals of the man to man defence are always welkom
good help recovery and transition in the defence

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After 20 years of coaching, I find that the absolute importance lies in quick feet and communication. Drills with defensive players' hands "not allowed". Getting to the "spot". Running drills where the front court players have their arms STRAIGHT UP, always moving their feet; back court player with their hands on their jerseys.

Also, players should never stop "talking" on defense.

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What is the secret to getting your players to not only understand that contact is ok, but its the only way to play effective man to man defense ?

ex. Bump the cutter, belly up your man, being physical in the post.....

Its very hard to get kids to play this way !

What are some drills that implement physical play, and allow them to see the difference between non physical and physical defense.

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In reading other comments, its amazing the complexity of this game, I would like some foot work skills that can improve my 5th and 6th grade team defensive motion. Thanks a Million
Mike

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i would like more simple basic rebounding and boxing out drills. I also would like comments or ideas on how we ensure good defensive technique even when we are teaching the offense and focusing there.
Defending against the fast break.
Defensive drills based on age group or modified by age group
Thanks

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We are a 4th grade team. I think the biggest problem we have is when we are in a man D and a player or two collapses to help out in the lane. Then when they try to go back they have lost their man and get beat.

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Awesome informations about basketball game.

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Very good job,

some of my points in man to man are:
1.INTENSITY- a must have when your playing man to man

2.must knowledge the players of the right positions to make plays. on the ball, help, denie.


man to man is about quickness, and smarts if your team as those things going for you will be an exactly man to man team........

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Hai, thanks for the mails you have sent me.

For the man to man defense, I would to know the drills for :

1. on ball defense & away from ball defense and drills.

2. help or weak side defense and drills.

3. recovery after the help defense and drills.

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How to teach/improve positive aggressive defense to your players

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I am interested in post defense when a) we are taller, and b) when we are smaller. Front always or not? I am also wanting more drill work for defensing the screen and roll.
Thanks for the drills and offensive plays!

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I coach Junior Varsity girls. We have stressed to our Varsity and JV players, that "defense" will define our program. From a Man-to-Man stand-point, we want them to deny the first pass and wings, switch on screens (hedge out), proper rotation and backside help, proper ball-you-man positioning and TALK, TALK, TALK!!!!

Any advise you can lend to accomplish this task, as well as make it as fun as possible, would be greatly appreciated.

Also, I want to thank you and your staff for all that you do, to give us fresh ideas and insight for coaching the game of basketball.

Sincerely,
Bob Collins

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Some tips about a "pack" m-m defense to prevent anyone from getting into the lane would be helpful..

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1. Help Defense
2. Ball Defense
3. Footwork
4. Communication Defensively

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Breaking down man-to-man by age group would be very helpful, working up through help defense, rotations, switches, and jump switches as the children get older.

In most youth leagues, full court pressure and traps are not allowed in the younger age groups (3rd grade - 5th grade), but some basics on the 2-2-1, 1-2-2, and man-to-man either full, 3/4 or 1/2 court would be beneficial for those who are allowed to put these defenses in place.

Finally, a good set of drills for helping younger kids understand the base triangle for good man-to-man defense: your man - ball - basket.

Thanks for all your great work.

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I would like to see defensive drills that help younger players play better ma-to-man defense. Drills that help younger players stay more focus, and attentive when the ball is away from them on the other side of the court. Also to pick-up their check while under control to avoid the offensive player to penatrate to the basket.

Thanks for your time,

Ferdinando

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Hi Guys,
Love your Winning Plays and Drills ebooks. Thanks for sharing!!
This season i'm coaching a middle school team of U/14 girls, with a mix of abilities from novice to state team rep.....go figure!
Anyhow, would appreciate advice on how to coach beating the fast break (you've had that question before!) and a simple full court press (personally prefer to half court, left over from own playing days!). Also, any advice you have on screen setting techniques/double team defensive plays.
Looking forward to the next ebook....
cheers

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First of all, a big thank you for all the free help. I'm interested in drills for youth basketball (grades 5-7). How to develop speed, anticipation and toughness. Understand proper man-to-man defense. How to beat the screen.....etc. Keep up the great work and thank you once again.

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My main comment is that the younger players have a difficult time helping out a team member in man to man defense. They become so concerned with their own person their guarding and lose track of what's going on behind them.

Also, I'm interested in zone press and double coverage on defense.

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How to teach M2M defense to middle school kids who do not know how to play the game.

How to teach shutting down the other team to middle school kids who do not know how to play the game.

Step by step instructions for teaching middle school kids who do not know how to play the game.

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Hi guys, thanks for your newsletter, it really provides a baseline for fundemental basketball. Please stess the importance of man to man defense during the early years to 7th grade. We preach 3 basics, no straight lines, no splits and one shot. I look to your newsletters for new drills to support that philosophy. Trying to make defensive drills fun and interesting, is always a challenge. Any light on giving the basic man to man defense the same "glory or rewarding" as solid one on one offensive drills offer.

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Transitioning from a zone press to man to man in the half court.
How can you practice man to man when your teams have less than 10 players.

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Any drills or concepts on helping in man to man defense. I coach a young team and they get so focused on guarding "their man" that they will run away from the ball to play defense.

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Can you give me
The drills and play of full court press and other most effetive trapping defences full court and half courth and how h practis it.

More planning examples.

Drills on how to practice good defense for youth groups .

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Footwork drills. Most if not all of the 8-12 year olds don't know how to move their feet on defense. It's hard work and takes lots of repetition. How can I make it fun for them to keep the younger kids focused. Can you help?

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Hi guys,
How about a defense for an out of bounds play that can be effective for inside the paint where a pass might be made to a player inside or a pass made to the outside for a corner shot.

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I'm looking for a good defense for defending an inbounds pass from under their basket. So many times my players get screened which allows an offensive player to get loose for an easy basket.

Do you have a defensive alignment where the boys can play more of a zone or tight man to man which will hopefully eliminate easy 8 -10 foot shots?

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First of all, thanks for all the advice and drills. I played basketball through HS but its been awhile. I am about to coach my 4th graders team. And while I am pretty good at teaching fundamentals the drills you offer are fun, easy to run and provide a good learnig environment.
I know others have asked about this, but I think where a lot of players break down is on help defense. Do you have drills which specifically target that area, especially for the younger ones. If we can get them doing that now, they will be much better off in the future. Thanks again for all of your hard work, you drills have been very helpful. Karen

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some heplful things would include...
Tips or drills on defending screens effectively, both on switching and fighting through them.
Drills for off the ball/help defense for gaurds and post players.

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Guys

I just want a complete system. I want to be able to present the overall plan first and then go step by step with breakdown drills from the beginning all the way to build up to the final product

Tom

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This is a great site and can't wait for the e-book.
Stop reaching and start moving the feet and getting the hands up. What drills really work to enforce this for game day?! Also transitioning back to a fast offense either by rebounding or bringing the ball back in. Sometimes we take too long or the refs allow the other team to get set before inbounding the ball. Or we get the rebound and the pt guard and the rebounder don't make fast quick decisions to get the ball up the court.
Thank you

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You are doing a wonderful job on this web site.
- excellent ideas
- A great job of breaking things down, so we can understand it
- I wish I would have found this a long time ago
- no doubt this is making my team better
-
- I would like to see if you have any variations of man for a box/1, 1/2 court traps, man press, or zone man pressure

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how to defend a 1-3-1 play which alot of teams here setup

double teaming when main set up is man to man


some drills to help with foot speed and movements

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In our league 10-11 year old girls, they have to play man-to-man defense. I find they got lost under the net at times and I am trying to explain Help Man Defense to them. Any help would be great

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Please could you send me drills to work on m/m defensive rotations. I also would like to know philosophy of cutting the court in half and channeling players to one side or the other to anticipate help side defense. Need some drills for on ball/off ball defensive principles. Thank you so much for your knowledge.

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We've struggled with proper defensive spacing in different situations with man-to-man defense. In particular:
1. closing out (not running past the player or running right up to the player that still has the dribble)
2. being able to beat player to the spot, turn a player, recover and turn them again when the player is dribbling (plus spacing when the person in dribbling)
3. closing the gap when player picks up the ball (dead) and then denying remaining four players in dead ball situation.

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Concepts of the strategies between strong side and weakside defense.

Drills to develop communication between defensive players.

Drills to increase footspeed.

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Hi Guys,

Excellent book, it is filled with tons of information. You did a great job.
Only question I have will you be coming out with an offesive drills on how to break down a zone defense.

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man to man full court tactics is a must. disrupting someone's offense with a combination of man to man and run and jump techniques

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Thanx for the interest and great and useful work for coaches.

I would like to know not only drills for difense but also how to develop a method during a season.
Which more important targets and how reach them.
More planning examples.
How teach 1-3-1 press to young players?

thank you again

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Defending the screen. Switch or hedge?

Teaching Helpside rotation rules. The help is almost always there. The next pass however seems to be open a lot.

Post Defense. Front with weakside help or play behind or half front and why.

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How about drills on proper spelling so that I can send my e-mail address to you without stupid spelling mistakes ? ;-)

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The e-book on winning drills and plays have totally earned me respects from my players and I cant take it all in because you guys made it possible.

I am currently coaching the under-18 senior high school boys. I'm using zone defense now as it's the only defense they understand. I do find however that my opponents at time seem to break it down so easily.

Man to man defense would my pick of defense but how do I teach under-18 boys to do so?

Question I would like to be answered:
1. What if my defender is slower than his man? Is there a way for my player to with hold him and stay on the court not giving up points cause he's my top scorer but his man to man defense is weak.

2. How and when weak side defense should come over to help?

3. When will this book be released? :D

Cheers!!!

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Good stuff!!!
Need more drills on :proper footwork [speed, balance,recovery], proper rotation off 2x situations.

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Hi guys

congratulations on your great work.I have just 1 question :

How to mentally prepare for defense?

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As you know one of the most important tool of man to man D is communication. How do we as coaches reinforce the concepts of talking in the game rather than in practice while we are trying to teach. Our girls start out talking in some drills because we ride them to talk, but always telling them to talk sometime takes our focus off other things we are trying to do.
We need tricks or ways to get them to do this on their own.

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I WANT TO KNOW ABOUT MAN TO MAN FULL COURT PRESS

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Hello,
Thank you for providing a great service and sharing the knowledge so everyone can benefit.
What I would like covered is defending the pick-n-roll, defending all screens, rotation on help def, weakside def and trapping in both full court and half court.

Thank you

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drills for teaching 5th and 6th graders concept of man-to-man.

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should we force the player baseline or to the middle of the lane when playing man to man on a girl on the wing or baseline?

how do you get girls to develop a drive and determination to play defense

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I just wanted to thank you for the great work on your previous basketball ebooks. I have a 5th/6th grade boys basketball team that is transitioning to Man2Man from typical zones. As a result, any tips or drills that you can provide that can make the transition easier would be greatly appreciated. I think that I am most interested in learning how to teach the boys about rotation and recovery when trapping or fighting through/around screens. Thank you, again.

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One question 1. How to transition from a trap back into a man on man after you reach half court.

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hey guys..... u r all doing such a wonderful job.. just would like to real good drills or ways to make new learners get into MAN to MAN Defense.
thanks

KANNAN

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Great Job! On the books you put out.
I have no questions for now. Keep up the good work.

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hy my freind
thanks a lot for your intresting
i want to ask about defence and pick and roll and rotation
please with drills
thanks
coach oubay

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i love your drills & expertise with all facets of the game.

1. .drills needed for watching man & ball
2. drills needed for when opposing team has unstoppable big.
3.when not to use man - man.
4. should ages 12-13 y/o play more m-m in stead of zone?

keep up the education for us coaches.

thanks

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The eBooks are great! As far as man-to-man defenses, I'd like to see...

- breakdowns of the little concepts such as hedging screens, rim-to-rim, jumping to the ball, etc...

- drills on how to practice good defense for youth groups (7th & 8th grade level)

- post defense (when to guard a specific way: fronting, 3/4ing, etc...)

- juggernaut zone defensive sets (box & 1, triangle & 2, etc...)

- 3/4 & full-court, zone pressing principles, including various formations

- any ideas for getting a mental advantage over your opponent

- situational awareness (for example: your team is up by 4, the other team has the ball with 38 seconds left. what is the other team thinking/trying to do? what should you typically be prepared for?)

Thanks for all the help guys, I use your stuff for my (now) U14 AAU team and love it!

Regards,

DPG

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what we consider important in building a strong defensive team?

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How do you teach young girls when to switch or not to switch when playing man to man?

Also, as mentioned before whats the best strategy for full court pressing when you don't have the most speed compared to your opponent?

Thanks

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I would like plays for man-to-man and zone playes

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Thanks for your work guys.
Defensively a lot of good questions sent already, and I think you'll cover these. But I'll repeat.

1. Basics- to start out the young kids with.
Simple analogies to help them remember. For example in teaching young kids (4-5 yrs. old) dribbling, I use the analogy of petting a dog as the motion for contact of the ball, otherwise they're pounding it with their palm.

2. Variations off the man-to-man-jump and run, how much switching, or no switching, double teaming good players, match-up zone with man principles, two man zone with 3 players m-to-m.

3. Mentality-developing the defensive mentality necessary for success. I think we say man-t0-man and our athletes think of it as this player is my responsiblity and don't get the true understanding of man-to-man as a team defense.

4. Lastly, various philosophies of running your man-to-man with advantages and disadvantages of each. Eq. If we play with the philosophy of forcing our guards to the outside or toward inside because of helpside, or baseline or middle. For new coaches who want to develop their own philosophy, some guidelines on this would be helpful.

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hi guys

I work with players 14years old, and I am playing man to man on full court and on half court with pressure on the ball with help and recover.

I would like to know how do you teach rotation and what words do you use in defence?

I am intresting how do you do step by step defence transition , after the freetrow/basket/lost or miss ball.

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Thanks for all your emails about coaching basketbal. It has been really helpful as I continue to coach. Here are somethings I would like to know:

1-IN a full court man press how should people rotate as a player gets beat?

2- What's a good zone to play when there's 1 good shooter on the opposing team

3- what defense to run against a team that shoots better and are quicker than your team.

4- If my team is smaller than my opponents what should I do in the post

Thanks

Matt

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Thanks for your good work with basketball. Your work has been a joy to read.

I am interested in learning more about how to defend screens, transition defense and philosophies behind switching defenses.

Thanks again.

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I would to know how to used Man to Man Defense against the team that have bigger Center and Forward. How to adjust the game plan?

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I coach 8U boys. Some of our biggest troubles include, teaching the kids not to reach on defenense, trying to attempt to block shots with the hands straight up instead of swatting at the ball, and recovering from screens. I usually teach the more experienced players to switch on screens, and the beginners to fight around the screen. Also, some suggestions on fast break/ transition defense would be great and on the ball defense vs 1 or 2 passes away. Help defense once a player is beeaten is always a big struggle for the little guys. And last, The defensive attitude that while everyone wants to be the high scorer, being a great defender helps the team win.

Thanks for all you guys do, you have realy been an asset to coaches everywhere.

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hey guys,
these drills are really helpin develope as a player.....since i only started last year i am getting better.....i see this for myself and also my coach is seeing it as well.......i told him about this site and next practice i am going to show him and might be able to get some more drills and plays to show the other girls....
thank you very much....i love this sport and you all have made me have a chance of getting better

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I am constantly struggling with what to play when. So, if you could give a coaches perspective on when to play man-to-man vs. zone, when to use the press, when to use a full court press vs. a 1/2 court press, etc. Coaches making the rigth call at the right time is AS important as the players knowing the plays.

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1) Team rotation when trapping the ball handler in a fullcourt and halfcourt set.
2) Tips on getting everyone on the same page when a double team occurs.

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I want to learn everything and maybe i will find something out i don't know.

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