Long before I was an offensive threat older guys on the playground would occasionally let me play because I did the dirty work, I played defense. I was well aware that I had no offensive skills. It helped my esteem though to know that there was this man named Bill Russell, the most famous basketball player of that era, whose trademark was defense. I enjoyed playing basketball and it was clear to me if I was going to play it had to be because of my defensive ability. I read books about the correct way to defend. In time it became a signature part of my game even after I became one the nations leading scorers as a senior in college and a high draft pick in the NBA.
I want to share with you some of what I have come to learn over the years studying and playing defense at every level of competition. Before I start talking defense I want to let you know that there is a distinct difference in the mindset of an offensive player and a defensive player. The successful offensive player becomes attached to the results - shooting, making an assist etc. The successful defensive player must become attached to the activity… moving one’s feet, keeping one’s balance, practicing good defensive technique. We all know a lights out shooter who has the most awkward looking, even ugly shooting form. Now try to think of ONE excellent defender who has poor defensive technique and a poor defensive mindset.
The offensive player can be reasonably (but not completely) assured that if he sets his feet and does several other things properly and in sequence he will have the desired results. The defensive player can do everything right and have little or nothing to show for it in terms of stats over an extended period of time during a game. But if the defensive player has learned sound defensive principles and becomes attached to that activity (doing it right each and every time) he will have a success that he can count on time and time again during any competition.
As a player who was called a superior defender, I brought three intangibles to every game or practice… energy, attitude and anticipation. Because I always got myself in excellent game shape the message the guy I defended received was “ he is going to here until the final buzzer.”(Energy) As I alluded to earlier even when your defense IS perfect you will be scored upon sometimes, but what I show my opponent in my body language is “there is no quit in me… show me you can score on me again.” (Attitude) I determine what the skill set of my opponent is and force him to his weaker skills. I shut down or limit his ability to use his strong suit. (Anticipate)
It is true that defense is a lot of work but the return that a player gets from focusing on this aspect of the game pays huge dividends during crunch time, when the game is on the line. Remember, even the best scorers go through slumps, but defense is one aspect of your game that can truly be consistent.
Those details involving defensive technique and are soon to follow in Part 2.
