Box concept of pressure defense. (defense strategy in basketball)(NABC Convention Program)

Coaches at every level of play are constantly searching for ways of facilitating the teaching process, especially with regard to pressure defense.

We found our answer to the problem (teaching pressure defense) at the U. of Cincinnati. We liked the way the Bearcat coaches used a "box" concept in teaching full-court, three-quarter court, and half-court defense, and we promptly borrowed it for our pressure defense.

As you can see in Diag. 1, we start by drawing a line down the middle of the court from baseline to baseline, dividing the court into vertical halves.

We teach our defenders to keep the offense on one side of the floor as they move from backcourt to frontcourt. The size of the offense's operating room will diminish the more they advance, and we try to lock them up in the "box" - prevent the ball from being moved to another box.

Some of you may be thinking: "He's talking about ballside/helpside principles; that isn't anything new."

True, but let me ask a question: In teaching the basic principles of half-court man-to-man, don't you become frustrated whenever a player doesn't get into that weakside help position? Don't your players have a hard time understanding where the ballside and helpside positions are located?

The "box" concept allows them to visualize the defensive concepts. It helps them grasp the concept of spacing and the importance of preventing the ball from being reversed. Both of these principles are keys to successful offense, and anytime you can nullify them you will increase your chances of winning.