Gator Fundamentals

By Billy Donovan, University of Florida Head Men’s Basketball Coach

The most important aspect in becoming a great defensive player is MENTAL TOUGHNESS!!  Great defensive players are aggressive and determined.  It takes courage and heart to shut down a good offensive player.  It is also important to remember that you must also play good TEAM DEFENSE.  You must be ready to help a teammate and your teammates must also be ready to help you.  With the proper attitude and unselfishness, the following information will help you become a BIG TIME DEFENDER that your coach can count on!!

Coaching Points:  Man to Man Defense

Guarding the Ball –“BALL”

1. Good defense starts with the proper defensive STANCE and PRESSURE on the ball.
2. Knees should be bent, body should be low and feet ready to move.
3. Feet should be shoulder width apart, with weight on the balls of the feet and heels slightly off the ground.  The foot closest to the middle of the floor should be slightly ahead to force the ball out of the middle of the floor.  This will be reversed if your coach decides to force the ball to the middle of the floor.
4. Head should be up, with one hand pressuring the ball and one hand in the passing lane.

One Pass Away – “DENY”

1. Ball side hand in the passing lane with thumb down.
2. Position “up the line, off the line,” seeing the ball and your man.
3. You must be ready to react to the offensive player’s movement.

Two Passes Away – “Help”

1. Get off your man with at least one foot in the lane.
2. Talk and let your teammate know that you are ready to help.
3. When you help, you must be ready to quickly recover to your man.

Closeouts

1. Closeouts occur when you move from a help position back to guarding the man with the ball.
2. The player must recover in a defensive position that will allow the defender to contain the dribbler and contest the shot.

Closeout Fundamentals

1. As the defensive player runs toward the man with the ball, he must lower his body.
2. When the defensive player gets to his man he should be in a good defensive stance with hands thrown back.
3. Stay low and do not go for the shot fake.

Thoughts About Defense

1. Defense is played with the head and the feet.
2. Anyone can play good defense if they have the desire.
3. Know your opponents strengths and try to take them away.
4. Be prepared to help your teammates whenever possible.
5. Move your feet so you can always see both your man and the ball.
6. Never rest on defense.
7. Be conditioned to play defense full court.
8. Know that even when playing zone defense, you must defend the ball with man to man principles.