DEFENSIVE STOPS

Good note on defensive stops in the Hoop Tactics newsletter by Bob Kloppenburg and Ernie Woods.

Defensive stops are the determining factor of any game.  A defensive stop is a possession in which the opposing team does not score.   Defensive stops occur as result of offensive turnovers and defensive rebounds.

Defensive stops don’t just happen.  They are a product of solid defensive play.

-- Defensive stops are a key element to all offensive runs: 

It doesn’t do much good to score, if you don’t keep your opponent from scoring.  Mini-runs (easy baskets) like 6-0 and 10-4 are a result of combining defensive stops and scoring.

-- Defensive stops allow you to play through adversity: 

During a game, defensive stops buy you critical time when your offense is performing badly and not scoring.  If you should experience a 4-5-minute scoring drought, defensive stops will keep you in the game and minimize the hemorrhaging.  Instead of falling behind by double digits, you may only lose 2-4 points.

-- Defensive stops neutralize and erase offensive mistakes: 

Offensive turnovers or bad shots, no matter how severe, can be simply “erased” or cancelled out just by hustling back on defense and making a defensive stop.  The only turnovers that hurt are the ones that the opponent scores after.

-- Defensive stops are vital after bad calls and offensive charging fouls: 

A bad call by an official, no matter how bad, can be simply “erased” or cancelled out just by turning up the defensive intensity and making a defensive stop on the ensuing possession.

During a game, a charge/block foul can be a 50/50 call.  Any time an offensive charge is called, it can be “erased” or neutralized with a defensive stop.

-- Defensive stops are a MUST after allowing offensive rebounds: 

Increasing the defensive intensity and determination and making a defensive stop is crucial after giving up an offensive rebound.  Like turnovers, the only opponent offensive rebounds that hurt are the ones that they score after.

-- Defensive stops are also crucial in catching up at the end of a game: 

All the scoring in the world will do you little good if you don’t keep the other team from scoring.

-- Finally, defensive stops are critical to protect a hard-earned lead at the end of a game: 

End of game leads can evaporate quickly without defensive stops.  The best way to protect the lead is by making defensive stops.

The Three Major Causes of Defeat

1.  Poor Defense

2.  Poor Attitude

3.  Gross Individuality (selfishness)