Here are Dick Bennett's four defensive considerations when developing a defensive system of play. "Always select a defensive style of play that will beat the best. A defensive system should be based on tremendous pressure on the basketball with corresponding help. A good defensive system must be broken down -- taught and re-taught -- motivated and sold to your team. It takes time for players to learn and accept a system but from that point on, it will sell itself."
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
1. TEACHING TIME
It takes one full year for a first-year player to learn the complete system unless that player comes from a program with a solid man to man background.
2. THE OFFENSE YOU USE
Smart, patient offensive play leads to better defensively play.
3. NUMBER/KIND OF SHOTS GIVEN UP
We want to limit the number of quality shot, we want low rebound totals (good sign of good defense), and we want to force a high total of turnovers (our game goal is 20).
4. POINT OF PICK
Depends upon your personnel and that of your opponents. We primarily pick up at half-court.
