With the help of suffocating Pressure Man Defense, the South Carolina Gamecocks have scratched and clawed their way to the program’s first-ever Final Four. Before delving into the X’s & O’s and the principles behind the South Carolina Gamecocks’ pressure man-to-man defense, let’s take a trip to the zoo. We will get into how Frank Martin…
Defensive Rotation – Doubling the Post
It is extremely difficult to defend a good post player on the block one-on-one. It is key to know how to double the post and just as important to know how to rotate out of that double team. A team that has a full understanding of defensive rotations has an opportunity to be a very…
Middle Tennessee State – 1-3-1 Zone
Middle Tennessee State University has made it out of the first round of the NCAA Tournament as the underdog two years in a row. One of the keys to their success is the unique variations of the 1-3-1 defense that they use. Middle Tennessee State plays a very aggressive version of the 1-3-1 zone,…
Transition Defense Essentials
Transition is one of the most pivotal elements of a basketball game. From a defensive standpoint, transition can be the difference between an effective defense and an ineffective defense. More often than not, many breakdowns on the defensive end find their root in transition, and for that reason, it is vital to emphasize and teach…
Pressure Man Tips – Middle Penetration
First Rule: No middle! But should an opponent drive middle, here are three options for help on middle penetration. One of the cardinal sins of pressure man-to-man defense is to allow middle penetration from the wing. If the ball is at or below free throw line extended, the on-ball defender is in Baseline Push and should…
7 Cardinal Defensive Principles
Looking to increase your defensive efficiency this season? Try adding these defensive principles from the legend, Adolph Rupp. Cut Down the Number of Shots “Teams must shoot to score, and if you can reduce their scoring opportunities by aggressive defensive play, you will eliminate the danger of a high score.” Cut Down the Percentage of…
1-3-1 Defense Drill Package
Once you have decided to run the 1-3-1 defense with your team, it is important that you utilize drills that reinforce the basic tenants of the defense. In this post I will share with you the drills we use to teach slides, coverages, and rebounding in the 1-3-1 defense. I believe in the “whole-part-whole” teaching…
Complete Guide to the 1-3-1 Defense
This is part 3 of my blog series on the 1-3-1 defense. In the first post we discussed 5 advantages of running the 1-3-1 and why we feel it gives us a competitive advantage. Part 2 looks at the key components and “musts” for the 1-3-1 to be successful. In this post we will cover the…
5 Keys to a Successful 1-3-1 Defense
This is part 2 of a 4 part series on the 1-3-1 zone defense by Coach Rory Hamilton. Read part 1 here: 5 Advantages of Running the 1-3-1 Defense Once you have decided to incorporate the 1-3-1 defense into your playbook for next season, there are several keys to running it successfully. Here are our keys…
5 Advantages of Running the 1-3-1 Defense
This is part 1 of a 4 part series on the 1-3-1 zone defense by Coach Rory Hamilton As we approach the upcoming season, coaches often use the summer months to reflect upon every facet of his or her basketball program. From strength and conditioning programs to combating junk defenses, coaches are always searching for ways…