These defensive concepts were sent to me by Steve Smiley.
They were assembled by former long time NBA Assistant Gordon Chiesa.
He spent 16 seasons with the Jazz and also had a tenure with the Grizzlies.
He also served as a college assistant at Dartmouth and Providence. He was the head coach at both Manhattan and Providence.
He was an assistant with team that reached both the NBA Finals (1997 and 98 with the Jazz) and the NCAA Final Four (1987 with Providence)
The Defender of the Screener on pick/roll defense has to be at the correct angle of the screen to start the coverage. If not, there is no early help!
Technique defenders who can guard the ball one on one without needing early help will unify the team’s defense. Now, the help defense can remain situational!
It’s vital for the team’s main scorers to be engaged on defense without committing frustration fouls and getting in early foul trouble. Savvy discipline!
Steely Interior Defenders will take away the mental “comfort zone” of the Post Scorers, by being physical and forcing out longer catches!
Alert Centers on defense are “engaged talkers.” They’re communicating early the defensive coverage of the Offensive action. The Center is the defensive traffic cop!
Smart baseline switch defenders will eliminate the screener “slipping the screen” by stepping into the screener’s chest to direct movement!
Winning players want to get a defensive stop, no matter who scores the recent basket for the team. Their Defensive effort isn’t driven by, if I just scored!
Good Defensive Teams will win the “floor scoring game,” by limiting 1) lay-ups/Dunks 2) free throws and 3) corner 3’s (NBA corner 3 is shorter). Executing the coverages!
Offensive minded teams that play non aggression defense, for the fear of their scorers getting into early foul trouble, often don’t win big road games!
The winner of the 50/50 loose ball hustle game is the player who is 1st to the floor with force. Now, instincts and toughness are in motion!
Clever Defenders will “show their hands” high to the referees when guarding a cutter. Now, the defense is contesting movement, but w/out holding!
Alert, help defenders will slow down the curling cutler on screening action by “stunting up” the line. on the flight of the pass. Timing!
Savvy perimeter defenders will force terrific catch and shoot players to dribble into a shot, by “crowding up” and taking away a clean look!
The 24/35 sec. shot clock always becomes our “born again” friend, as our defense heats up. The game goal is to force 2 shot clock violations!
Teams that can contain the ball are able 2 defend the 3 point line w/ efficiency. Now, the core D is unified and less in a scrambling mode!
Excessive fouling negates hustle and affects in-game strategy. The team committed the most fouls per game in the NBA at 23.3
Teams that can detend without fouling consistently win. The team in the NBA with the fewest team fouls committed per game at 17.3.
Sharp Defensive Teams play active “Help the Helper” defense. The 1st help defender trusts when he gives help, the 2nd helper is covering up.
Lively Defensive teams will have multiple bodies in front of lane drivers, trying to create steals. Active hands and feet generate gritty baskets!
The Defender of the Screener will “show out” to the Dribbler on Pick/Roll Defense then, recover back to the painted area with both hands high. Sharp!
Bright transition defenders will chase down the lay up shooter and try to block the shot attempt with their opposite hand to avoid body fouling!
United teams, after committing a turnover, will have an urgency of “negating the turnover” by getting a Defensive stop, the next possession. Values!
Teams that trap the low post scorer with another Big, “Big on Big,” will now create a rebounding siz dilemmas for their help defense on the boards!
Defending skilled Bigs, in the lane, is a gritty, emotionally draining ordeal. All that “bodying up” takes a mental toll on the defense. Be strong!
Our “run and surprise” defense is eyes driven. The nearest perimeter defender, randomly, traps the dribbler, in the scoring area to create havoc!
Steadfast defensive teams will consistently contain the ball outside the paint. Now, the help defense can remain “solid” to dominate the defensive boards!
Focused defenders will play “6 degrees of separation” defense by everyone being connected on a string with their fellow protectors. Connectivity!
Sharp one on one defenders will have one hand-in flicking up at the scorer’s dnbble trying to impact the ball. Technique and timing are in play!
Sharp coaches understand when playing against better talent and length, you have to change defenses. Mix and match to force contested shots!
Active off the ball defenders will have their hands out, shoulder width, distorting the look of the passing lanes. The passer now has doubt!
Hard Edge Defenders do not get discouraged when Savvy Scorers are making tough, challenged shots. They’re defending forward to the next play!
Wise defenders realize if the ball is going out of bounds, under their defensive basket, they can’t wildly try to save the ball. Wrong tearn 2 PTS!
Bad teams jog back in transition D; good teams run back and great teams sprint back. Those great teams are determmed 2 get a Def. stop!
Real players will take it “personal” when an opponent scores consecutive baskets on them. Now, technique, urgency and pride arc all in play!
Wise Help Defenders will get the angle, to impact the scorer’s footwork, not his shot delivery, when “digging the ball” out of the lane area!
Winning defenders cherish and execute the mandate of never letting down a teammate by not giving help defense. Each defender is committed to help!
Sharp defenders will play “Help the Helper” defense, by rotating to the nearest open offensive player. They’re helping and not “hugging” their own man!
Alert defenders will not give up open corner 3 looks, from ball side dribble penetration. They’re showing “stunt help” and recovering back!
Good Perimeter Defenders, when guarding a “head/shoulder fake” shooter, will be the 2nd jumper and only jump once. Bad defenders jump twice!
Great!!!