Question: How do you get players younger than 11 to play defense?
Answer: Here are a few helpful tips for helping young players play defense:
- Teach them how – If we expect a young player to play defense, we must make sure we are teaching them how to play defense. We must teach them individual defense and guarding the ball, as well as team defense and seeing both the ball and the person they are guarding. If a player isn’t doing a good job on defense, continue to give them tips to improve. For example, when the ball gets passed to a player and the defensive player continues to get beat, ensure that they understand what a good ‘close out’ is and try having them ‘close out’ shorter or closer to the basket. If a player always stares at the ball and loses the player they are guarding, remind them to use both hands to point 1 hand at the ball and 1 hand at the player they are guarding with their head straight ahead and seeing both. It’s important to note that explaining defensive tips may make sense to the players but they must also practice breakdown drills to help it become second nature.
- Play Small Sided Games/Drills – Playing 2 on 2, or 3 on 3 requires every player to play defense. Small sided games makes it easier to hold players accountable and for them to understand their responsibilities.
- Reward Defense – Instead of playing games or doing drills where baskets win, let the team know that the individual or team with the most defensive stops wins. For example, give players or teams 5 possessions of offense each. Count the stops and the team that had the most defensive stops wins.
- Remind them that winning and being a great player requires defense! A few good reminders are listed here:
- Kobe Bryant – 9 time All Defensive First Team, 3 time All Defensive Second Team
- Michael Jordan – 9 time All Defensive First Team
- LeBron James – 5 time All Defensive First Team, 1 time All Defensive Second Team