YOU DECIDE... NOT THE OFFENSE

The first rule of defense should be dictation. Defense should dictate to the offense and not let the offense control the game. Basketball is a "read and react" game. In most cases, the offense makes a move and the defense reacts and tries to stop it. A good defensive team forces the offense to react to them.

When the offense brings the ball up the floor, does your team stand back and let them decide where they are going to start? Or do they force the ball to a particular area or to a particular player? When faced with a ball screen, do you force the ball to or away from the screen? When playing cutters, do you allow them to come through or do you try to force them to take a different route?

Forcing the offense to play your style and in the areas where you are strongest is the first step in becoming a better defensive team.

(Thanks Jeff Haefner at iHoops)