The Habits of Great Defenders

• Great Defenders are NOT afraid to take a charge - in fact, they embrace it. 
 
• Great Defenders dive on the floor for loose balls whenever the situation presents itself. 
 
• Great Defenders communicate when they are double-teaming or when a screen is coming. 
 
• Great Defenders don’t gamble. They make the right play, the easy play, the smart play. 
 
• Great Defenders know that THIS possession is THE most important possession of the game – regardless of time and score. 
 
• Great Defenders play aggressively but intelligently. 
 
• Great Defenders never take a play off. Resting is NOT in their vocabulary. 
 
• Great Defenders dictate what the offense is going to do. 
 
• Great Defenders approach each game thinking ‘I'm going to shut my guy down tonight.’ 
 
• Great Defenders do not let the ball go to the middle of the floor on penetration.  
 
• Great Defenders understand the concept of ‘ball-you-man.’ 
 
• Great Defenders keep the offense uncomfortable and off balance as often as they can. 
 
• Great Defenders understand that defense wins championships. If the other team can’t score, they can’t win. 
 
• Great Defenders don’t commit lazy or stupid fouls. 
 
• Great Defenders take pride in deflecting passes. 
 
• Great Defenders have their heads on a swivel and see the entire court (always see their man and the ball). 
 
• Great Defenders play the pick & roll effectively - they hedge with a purpose! 
 
• Great Defenders delay the other team from getting into their offensive sets. They keep the offense out of rhythm and control the tempo. 
 
• Great Defenders pay attention to the scouting report and film sessions. They know who the other team's best players are. 
 
• Great Defenders are CONSTANTLY talking - they relay information quickly & efficiently.