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Man-to-Man Basics
Description

Most experienced coaches will tell you that defense wins games. Good defense can actually create many easy transition baskets for your team on offense and man-to-man defense is the most effective way to put pressure on your opponent.

While it may sound simple to execute a man-to-man defense, there are actually several points as a coach that you must teach your players to play good, team-oriented man-to-man defense.

The Basics
ANIMATION
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  • See the ball.
  • Every defender on the court must know where the ball is at all times.
  • This usually pertains to defenders who are in "help" mode; when their man is more than one pass away from the ball. The correct position is where a defender can use his peripheral vision to see both the ball and their man.
  • There are three basic modes a defender is in at any given time when her team is playing man-to-man defense:
  • BALL - This is fairly obvious. A defender is in "ball" made when their man has or is getting the ball. In this mode the defender flashes to the ball using a good closeout technique. If done correctly, the defender should be in a good defensive stance ready to defend an immediate pass, drive, or jump-shot by their man.
  • DENY - A defender is in this mode when the position of the ball is one pass away from the player they are guarding. The main objective here is to be in a position between the man and the basket while attempting to deny any pass to the player. This is done by the defender extending their lead hand in front of their man and blocking the passing lane.
  • HELP - A defender is in this mode when the location of the ball is in a realtively remote location; more than one pass away from their man. In this situation the defender should drop off their man and position themself in the lane area to help stop any drives by the ball. However, the "help" defender should always be able to see their man and be ready to closeout as the position of the ball changes. Very important for them to move on the pass whenever it is required.
  • The defense should be moving as the ball is being passed; not after it has been passed.
  • Defenders must move in on their man if they pick up their dribble. This is known as being "dead".
  • This is one of the main advantages of man-to-man defense; the ability to apply direct pressure to the ball. Teach your players to smother any player who picks up their dribble.
  • Teach your players that "stop ball" is the first priority for every player. If a defender is beat off the dribble by their man, a "help" defender must quickly react and stop the immediate offensive threat.
  • On a shot, each player must box-out their man.
  • In man-to-man defense, every shot must be contested.
  • Teach your players to recognize the ideal trap opportunities on the baseline and in the corners.
  • Teach your post players to beat their man to the spot. They must anticipate their man attempting to post on the low block and beat them to the spot.
  • Perimeter players must work hard to stop the ball from entering the post players' hands.
  • Most importantly, your players must know who they are defending. This sounds simple but younger players will often get substituted and leave their replacement guessing who they were guarding. You must absolutely teach your players to communicate on defense so you are guarding every opposing player with the right personnel.
Pros of Man-to-Man Defense
  • Increases pressure on the ball and creates turnover opportunities.
  • Can give your team a spark if they are a little flat while playing a zone defense.
  • Exposes weaknesses an opponent may have in overall ball-handling ability that a zone may not.
  • Usually creates a more uptempo game that may give your team an advantage.
Cons of Man-to-Man Defense
  • A more skilled, bigger, and athletic team may be able to create individual matchups in their favor.
  • Compared to zone defense, man-to-man usually requires more energy so your players will get tired more quickly.
  • More opportunity for your players to be put in foul situations; and possibly foul trouble.
  • Younger players often have difficulty matching up in the transition from offense to defense. If four players do their job and one fails to get back on defense, it usually results in a basket for your opponent.