Learning About Team Defense From the Best

Young athletes tend to skip over the more challenging aspects of basketball in favor of the flashier parts of the game. For example, good hustle on defense might not be as frequent as a willingness to shoot. A lack of effort on a rebound might not come as naturally to a youngster as a crossover dribble. Yet despite these common tendencies, defense is an imperative aspect of any team’s chance of success.

Even the best offensive players in the NBA are also regularly lauded for their defensive abilities. LeBron James is just as likely to turn a fast break into a dunk as he is to pick an opponent’s pocket. Tim Duncan earned his nickname - The Big Fundamental - for good reason. He has mastered both the mid-range bank shot and the art of on-ball defense.

Coaches would be wise to use sports team websites to teach their young ballers about the merits of team defense. A team can only go so far without a collective effort from all players involved. Through drills and useful bits of advice, young athletes could learn from the very best on both sides of the floor.

Hornets forward has lofty goal for defense

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, forward for the Charlotte Hornets, is still a work in progress on the offensive end. With supreme athleticism in tow, he has the potential to be a great scorer in transition. However, for now, he’s solely focused on defense. He told the Charlotte Observer that he wants to be the best defender in league history.

“He’s not worried so much about his jump shot,” guard Gerald Henderson told the news outlet. “So now he’s very comfortable in how he can affect the game at both ends. It’s freed him up to be the natural leader that he is - a leader in talking and how he plays.”

Orlando Magic improve team defense

It’s been a difficult year for the Orlando Magic. The team started the year with hopes of making the playoffs, only to see coach Jacque Vaughn lose his job in light of a losing record. However, under interim coach James Borrego, the team has improved its defense, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

“He’s really honest and he’s going to tell you what he expects from you and what he thinks,” center Nikola Vucevic told the news outlet. “It’s all going to be in a nice way, but you’re going to know your role. You’re going to know what you did good, what you did bad. I think guys respect that about him.”