How to Take a Charge: Ersan Ilyasova

Ersan Ilyasova is one of the top forwards in the NBA in taking charges. He is a role player who plays limited minutes, but his efficiency in taking charges is near the top of the leaderboards. Here’s a few key points to look at when studying Ersan on defense:

• DEFENSIVE POSITIONING. Ersan is always in great help position off the ball. He moves with the ball and always has active feet. He is in a constant state of relocating to maintain great vision of ball and man.

• ANTICIPATION. Because he is always in great position, it allows him to anticipate where help will be needed. He reacts quickly because he has a great idea of where the ball can go.

• SCOUTING. Ersan has a very high basketball IQ and it is demonstrated in one on one situations. You see him win the spot and know what move is coming next. He knows the tendencies of each player when they drive and he can win the spot before they Euro or spin.

Milwaukee Bucks Drop Coverage

The Milwaukee Bucks were ranked 3rd in the NBA in ball screen defense. They allowed only 0.825 Points Per Possession (PPP) largely due to their drop coverage. The Bucks use analytics more than most teams in the NBA and have said the toughest shot to consistently make is a contested mid-range jumper. So in their drop coverage, the on-ball defender will always go over the screen, while the screener defender will always “drop,” or stay within 10 feet of the basket. By defending ball screens in this manner, they are protecting the 3-point line and the rim, only allowing contested mid-range jump shots. Here is a clip featuring several drop coverages.

Virginia Post Double

Virginia is one of the best in college basketball at doubling the post. Their pack line defense allows them to have easier rotations and make relief from the double team nearly impossible. Here are a few clips along with some teaching points of what they look to do.

A FEW KEY POINTS

1. The double team can come from any position. Many teams will designate a certain position to go double, while others will base it off of scouting and double off of a non-shooter.

2. The double team will always go trap on the HIGH side and take away the middle and cross court passes. The on-ball post defender will defend the LOW side and take away the baseline.

3. Any STRONG side defenders will stay with their man. Some coaches will allow these players to dig on the post, but more often these players will face guard their man to take away any easy inside out passes to the same side of the floor.

4. The weak side defenders will rotate into the HIGH HOLE & LOW HOLE.

5. HIGH HOLE will closeout to any shooter that receives a pass from the post player

6. LOW HOLE will take away any cutters to the rim.

7. The double team remains until the ball handler DRIBBLES or PASSES, at which time the players rotate back to their original assignments.

Here is an example of high hole and low hole positioning.

The double team is effective in creating chaos, but the real magic happens when the post player tries to make a play out of it. As this is happening, the defenders are already rotating back to their assignments, baiting the post player to make a pass. This creates a lot of turnovers and contested shots.

#DefenseWeek - 2 v 2 Fight For Vision

2 v 2 FIGHT FOR VISION

2 v 2 Fight for Vision is a great drill to train players to see ball & man while being in a constant state of relocation & movement.  As you can see from the diagram below, there are 4 progressions you can go through to work on various phases of defense.  

To start out, have a coach or manager remain stationary at a spot with the ball.  Give the offensive players freedom to cut whenever they want.  Your defenders must find a way to "fight for vision" the entire time.  This drill will help your players awareness as they relocate constantly.  Read the descriptions in the diagram to get a better feel for how the drill works.

TEACHING POINTS

1. Commit to proper positioning on the floor.  Always be in great GAP and help position.
2. Make sure that defenders head is always on a swivel, fighting for vision to see ball and man.
3. Focus on their communication with each other.  Vision is often times strengthened when our other senses (such as hearing) are stimulated. 
4. Urge the offensive players to make hard cuts and to make it difficult for the defense.  The harder the offense works, the better the defense will become.

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