BE A SMART DEFENDER

Why do defenders typically allow their opponent to dictate when and how they are going to initiate the offense?

To gain the upper hand when defending your opponent, you must be able to quickly evaluate three things:

What is your opponents primary strength?
If know your opponent's strength is shooting, then it makes sense to play them in a such a way to take away the shooting option. Closeout quickly forcing them into either putting the ball on the floor or passing.

Can your opponent handle the ball with their weak hand?
If your opponent isn't a strong ball handler with their weak hand, then it makes sense that you can gain an advantage over them by taking away their strong hand and forcing them to use their weak hand to dribble or pass.

What is your opponents shooting range?
If your opponent isn't a strong shooter or doesn't have long-range capability, then it makes sense to back off of them whenever they are outside of their range. This entices your opponent to take a low percentage shot (a bad decision) and allows you to play better help-defense.

If you are guarding a point guard:
Do they start the offense/play on the same side of the court each time? If so, that is likely the side of the court they practice the play. Force the PG to the opposite side of the court and force them to run the play from a formation they rarely (if at all) practice.

It is often the small and subtle advantages that will dictate which team wins or loses a game.

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