How to Blitz Ball Screens Like Creighton
Creighton’s textbook ball screen blitz shut down Ohio’s pick-and-roll. Here’s how it works, why it’s effective, and how to teach it at youth and high school levels.
Use the Pre-Switch to Defend Ball Screens
This guide teaches the pre-switch, a smart, proactive switch technique to avoid defensive mismatches in pick-and-roll situations. Ideal for youth and high school coaches.
How to Teach the Peel Switch in Help Defense
This article teaches the peel switch, a smart, efficient help defense rotation for youth and high school teams. Keep drives in check without leaving shooters open.
How to Guard the Pick-and-Roll: Defensive Tips That Win Possessions
This article breaks down how to defend the pick-and-roll using communication, screen navigation, and help defense. Perfect for youth and high school teams. Includes tips, drills, and variations.
“No‑Middle” 2‑3 Zone: Cut Off Paint Penetration at the Top
This article teaches how to run a “No Middle” 2‑3 zone—forcing attack to the sideline, denying high-post and paint entries, and locking down rotations. Ideal for youth and high school coaches.
Defend the Top of the Key in a 2-3 Zone Defense
This article breaks down how to defend the top of the key in a 2-3 zone defense. Includes coverage by formation, bumping technique, and common coaching cues.
How to Defend the Corner in a 2-3 Zone Defense
Learn how to defend the ball in the corner in a 2-3 zone defense. This article breaks down standard and aggressive rotations to stop post entries and dribble drives.
How to Teach the Box-and-One Defense in Youth Basketball
Learn how to use the Box-and-One defense at the youth level to shut down dominant scorers. This hybrid zone system is simple to teach and surprisingly disruptive.
How to Run the Triangle-and-Two Defense
The Triangle-and-Two is a hybrid defense designed to disrupt teams with two top scorers. Learn how to run it with key teaching points and common mistakes to avoid.
Defend the High Post in the 2-3 Zone Defense
The high post is the danger zone in a 2-3 defense. This guide teaches how to collapse, rotate, and recover when the ball enters that spot, essential for youth and high school coaches.
Wing Trap in the 2-3 Zone Defense
This guide teaches the 2-3 zone wing trap, a high-pressure, high-reward tactic for forcing turnovers. Learn how to rotate, trap, and steal for youth and high school success.
Run a 2-3 Zone Short Corner Trap
This article breaks down the 2-3 zone short corner trap into four teachable phases. Learn how to rotate, trap, and anticipate to stop offensive penetration and force turnovers.
How to Teach the Full-Court Man-to-Man Press Defense: Run and Jump Breakdown
Learn how to run an effective full-court man-to-man press using Run and Jump principles. This guide includes setup, communication cues, drills, and tactical advantages for youth and high school teams.
Drop Coverage in Ball Screen Defense: Basics & Execution
Drop coverage in pick-and-roll defense helps force tough shots and protects the rim. Learn how to execute drop defense, avoid common mistakes, and perfect your positioning.
4-1 Zone Defense: Teaching an Aggressive Backline Anchor System
This article breaks down the 4-1 zone defense, teaching youth and high school coaches how to protect the rim, cover corners, and deny the high post with strong communication and active hands.
How to Defend Down Screens with the Lock-and-Trail Technique
This article teaches how to defend down screens using the lock-and-trail technique, a staple of sound off-ball defense. Includes teaching points, contact show responsibilities, and breakdowns to help high school and youth coaches apply it in practice.
Transition Defense Drills to Keep the Ball Out of the Middle
Learn how to build transition defense with drills that emphasize stopping the ball early, forcing sideline, and recovering into help positions. Includes sprint-back rules, house formation, and closeout reps.
How to Guard a Player Without the Ball: Help Side Defense 101
This article breaks down key teaching points for guarding players without the ball, including stance, foot positioning, vision, and drills to build strong help side defense habits for youth and high school basketball teams.
How to Run the 1-2-1-1 Diamond Zone Press for Youth Teams
A coach-ready guide to the 1-2-1-1 diamond zone press, complete with rotations, trapping angles, and defensive responsibilities. Ideal for high school and youth basketball.
How to Defend Ball Screens: Drop, Hedge, and Switch Explained
A must read guide for youth and high school coaches on defending ball screens. Master drop, hedge, and switch techniques with coach-friendly drills and video examples.