Basketball Defense - Tips on Defending the Post

To be an effective power forward or center you've got to know how to properly defend in the post. This article offers practical tips on how to get good positioning and stop your opponent from scoring inside the lane.

Positioning

Post players are often very concerned about how they should play their man. Should they play in front or behind? Should they let their man get the ball and hope for the best or should they deny the ball getting to their man? A lot of times the answer to these questions depends on whether or not your coach is trying to implement a certain strategy but for the most part there are some general guidelines that most basketball experts agree on. A good post player should be denied the ball by fronting the post player. This means that you play completely in front of the player you are guarding and make them throw it over your head to get it to him. From a guard's perspective, that is one of the toughest passes to make so I like to force that pass whenever possible. If you can't get around your man to front him, simply don't let him get close to the basket. Don't let him back you down if you can. A good offensive player will walk his defender into a position where he can get the ball. A good defender stops that by cutting him off and not moving. You are entitled to the position as well so hold your ground. The main point of defense is to force a contested shot as far from the basket as possible. By keeping the man we are guarding away from the basket, we are doing our job. When you are in front of the player he may try to push you away from the basket to create some space. This is how I teach to beat the fronting defense. Counter this by immediately playing behind the post player. Simply reverse it. Now if he gets the ball he's away from the basket and that's what you want. This drill can be practiced by any coach who focuses time on post offense and defense. Every solid offensive strategy has a defensive strategy that should be equally effective. The players carry them out and are the difference in most cases.

When the ball is on a wing and you aren't able to get in front, try playing what is called the basketball side or the side closest to the foul line. This simply means that you want to get in the passing lane as much as possible and make the entry pass difficult. Make sure that you are playing physical and that you have some contact going on. Simply raising your arms won't cut it. Have your chest against him and really make the entry pass difficult. Some coaches will call this 'playing your man three quarters' and is an effective strategy when full frontal isn't possible.

High Post Defense

I will allow the pass to the high post if it is coming in directly from the point guard. I will contest the pass, but I will allow it. The reason is because the pass is tough to make and I will have plenty of help defense should the necessity arise. But any pass from the wings, I coach to 'three quarter' defend it. This means that I will body up to the high post player on the basket side so that my body is between the hoop and the player I'm guarding. I want to make the pass difficult to make by sticking my arm out so the offensive player looks covered. My job in that situation is to make the play as difficult as possible. If the player catches the ball at the high post, do not back off and create space. The shot is only 15 feet away and most players can hit that. Get up on the ball and pressure it. Stay low and be ready to slide or contest the shot.

Brian Schofield is the the sr. writer for HoopSkills.com. He is a former division I college basketball player. To read more of his basketball training tips and advice visit http://www.hoopskills.com

The Role of the Assistant Basketball Coach

"The best executive is basketball one who has enough sense basketball pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it." Theodore Roosevelt

The role of the assistant coach will vary program-to-program. However there are several qualities that must carry-over from program-to-program. These are:

1. Loyalty: Your assistant must support you in your efforts. Over the years, I have seen a number of Head Coaches lose their jobs because the Assistant Coach chose not to support the Head Coach.

2. Integrity and Values: They are a reflection of you.

3. Character: It is what they are when no one is around. Questionable character will not only get the assistant fired, but they may take you down as well.

4. Enthusiastic: They must bring a level of enthusiasm to practice every day.

5. Motivated: Motivation gets them going. If they are motivated, and you are motivated, your players will be motivated. Make motivation a habit.

6. Goal-setters: Your assistant coaches should be setting goals for their own coaching careers. And, if they exhibit the above traits, you should assist them in achieving those goals.

The assistant coach is vital to the success of the athletic program. Good assistant coaches are necessary regardless of the sport or the size of the school. With a shortage of both teachers and coaches, good assistants may be hard to come by. Once you find a good assistant, it is your job to prepare him/her to the best of your ability.

To be a good assistant the individual must want to coach in the school system they are in. A coach who has the background and the abilities, but isn't happy with the situation, may wind up doing more harm than good to your program. You would be better off with a person who has the desire, but not the experience to assist you.

The assistant must be willing to work hard, know what the head coach wants, and must be willing to teach it. The assistant is an extension of the head coach. When the assistant doesn't understand or questions the head coach's philosophy, the head coach must be willing to spend the time to teach the assistant so they understand the big picture. However, the assistant must never question the head coach during practice or a game. The time for that is during staff meetings.

The assistant coach must look and act in a professional manner. During practice the assistant must help enforce discipline. If the assistant knows of a violation of team rules, it is their job to inform the head coach. The assistant must show a caring attitude for your players both on the court and in the classroom. By nature of the beast, the players will come to the assistant when they have a problem. Players should feel free to talk about their problems with the assistant. However, there is a very fine line that the assistant coach must not cross-they are the coach and the player is the player.

The role of the assistant coach is one of long hours, low pay, and often little recognition. It is up to the head coach to show his loyalty to the assistant coach. Give credit when credit is due. If the assistant did something to help the outcome of a game, let the media know it. On the same hand, if they make a coaching mistake, support them.

The head coach must delegate responsibility to the assistant coach. Then, make sure the assistant understands what is expected. Outline responsibilities ahead of time so the assistant has time to prepare himself or herself for the job expected of them.

When an assistant needs to be corrected or criticized, do it in private. And, never do it in public or in front of your players. Be open with your assistants-encourage them to brainstorm with you. The more they feel ownership of the program, the more they will do to make the program a success.

Help them get a head-coaching job. If they have a desire to be a head coach, and they are prepared, do everything possible to assist them. Write a letter of recommendation and make a phone call on their behalf. Don't be neutral-if they're not ready, tell them why they are not ready. Evaluate them so they can grow!

Some Examples of Assistant Coaches Game Day Duties:

a. Prior to the game: strategy - may be asked to write the game plan and match-ups on the board.
b. Check the scorebook for accuracy prior to the game - the worst thing you can do is to start the game with a technical because no one checked the book.
c. During the game: sit next to the Head Coach-Keep key game information charted. It may be to keep track of the fouls, timeouts or other pertinent game information.
d. Take game notes for half-time adjustments
e. Have the dry erase board available for the Head Coach during time-outs.
f. Help the Head Coach with Post Game Evaluation

Examples of Assistant Coaches Practice Duties:

1. Assist Head Coach with planning practice
2. Arrive early on the floor to make sure the gym is set for practice
3. Work with assigned position players
4. Help the Head Coach with stations as assigned
5. Serve as a buffer between the Head Coach and the players
6. Run the "B" team vs. the Varsity in practice scrimmages
7. Make sure the gym is picked-up after practice

Examples of Other Assistant Coaches Duties:

a. Help the Head Coach monitor academic progress. You may be asked to take charge of grade checks.
b. Scout the opponent as assigned - this may be breaking down video or seeing the opponent in person.
c. Assist the Head Coach with team scrapbook. You may be asked to keep track of any articles or photos in the area newspapers.
d. Call in game scores to the media as needed - especially when you are playing on the road.
e. Be available to break down game film upon request

Tom Hughes has been involved in coaching basketball for over 30 years. He has coached on the high school, collegiate, and professional levels. He serves as the National Program Director for the "Yes, I Can!" Basketball Camps held throughout the United States. He has written a book for coaches, Power Thoughts for Coaching Basketball - Innovative Coaching Ideas.

Tom has been writing a motivational newsletter, Motivational Moments since April 2001. He has spoken to business organizations, civic organizations, college, and high school groups, faculty and staff workshops and sports teams. His most popular program topics are Leadership, Teamwork, Attitude, Goal Setting, and Improving Performance.

His website is http://www.motivationnmore.com

How to Work Out at Home

Exercise isn't limited to the gym, there is no membership required to get healthy. With a little planning, you can create a workout plan that is both fun and good for you. The bonus is that you can do it all from home.

When considering working out at home, there are several aspects of the fitness picture to consider. You'll want to be sure you've got a plan for aerobic training, strength training, and stretching. You'll want to consider the weather in your area and plan both indoor and outdoor activities that will work for your location.

There are lots of options for aerobic training, including videos or machines at home, individual activities such as weight lifting, running, swimming, biking etc, or sports related activities such as tennis, basketball, racket ball or other active sports games.

Before you invest in expensive exercise equipment, take inventory of the resources available for your home? Can you install one of those portable basketball hoops in your driveway? Could you pick up a cheap treadmill at a yard sale?

Once you've taken stock in what is already available to you, basketball want to fill out your plan from there. You want to basketball sure you have a plan for aerobic activities when it is rainy or to cold for being outdoors. This is when the videos and indoor machines come in handy. If you decide on an exercise machine, considering the cost, you'll want to choose the one you are most likely to enjoy using. Videos are less expensive and take up less space, but if you don't think you'll use them, they would still be a waste. You want to make sure that you will use and enjoy any equipment that you actually purchase.

Depending on your current health and condition, you have options in strength training as well. If you are a beginner, you can build a strength-training plan using hand weights, bands and an exercise ball. Or just with a basic barbell and weights.

There are lots of resources online that can help you figure out which exercises to do and how to do them. You can build a routine and purchase all of the equipment you really need for under $50 if you are willing to be creative.

If you have trained with weights already, you may want to go ahead and invest in a weight bench and some weights. However, you will still be able to work most of your muscles without investing in a large machine that costs thousands of dollars and fills an entire room in your house.

Stretching, on the other hand, is an activity that is critical to overall fitness but is often overlooked. Fortunately, you don't need any extra equipment at all to stretch. Again, a quick online search will lead you to many resources for stretching routines. If you'd rather have something a bit more structured, Yoga, Pilaties or other such videos can be used.

All of these activities can either be done at home, or based from home, don't require a membership commitment, and won't cost you a fortune. Best of all, regular exercise will help you both feel and look better. Remembering to vary your workout routine and make a plan for inclement weather will help you avoid loosing momentum and finding a workout partner will help you stay motivated. With all of this in mind, today is a good day to make your workout plan and get started.

A basketball hoop is a great addition to any house, especially if you're looking for a fun way to get fit. Find portable hoop systems and inground goals at this basketball hoop store.