SOS Pressure Defense: Sequential Ongoing Strategies

By Bob Kloppenburg

SOS Pressure Defense gets to the heart and core of how to successfully initiate and teach hard-nose pressure “D” strategies of which can be taught on every level from high school to professional. The text and outstanding diagrams are presented in a series of sequential steps, one-on-one through five-on-five in order to achieve success and consistently winning seasons.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Aug 15, 2013
• ISBN: 9781483507200

Book preview

Concepts

S–O–S Pressure Defense Spells Help for Your Program

More than at any other time in the evolution of America’s game from peach basket to prime-time TV, the past decade has introduced significant and irreversible changes in the way teams play the game. One, in particular, is presenting a major challenge nationwide for coaches at every level of the game. Quicker, stronger, taller athletes, shooting, driving, passing, blocking with awesome skill and consistency, have forced us all to explore that other dimension, the art of defense, more seriously and thoroughly than ever before.

Once the passion of a relative few in the profession who had always been avid believers, the need to play both ends of the court is solidly a part of mainstream thinking today. Philosophical debate is now focused upon the kind of defensive strategies that can best confront the escalating power of modern day offense, on how to teach these strategies effectively, and, more importantly, on how to motivate players to play D with the same enthusiasm and intensity as offense.

SOS Pressure Defense gets to the heart and core of these questions, and fills a frustrating void in terms of the scarcity of professional material on this timely topic. Not only does it present a solid case for all-out man-to-man pressure as a basic system of defensive play, but it also spells out how to teach it in logical step-by-step sequential progression, covering every player position. From one-on-one individual skills to their total-team application, SOS charts the whole teaching process through clear-cut narrative, extensive diagramming and key photos that highlight essential fundamentals. It’s the most thorough written coverage of the topic yet presented and, as such, contributes to the ever-growing need for guidance on the D dimension of the game.

Although tough, tenacious pressure defense is not widely embraced as a basic primary strategy at this point in time, I firmly believe that successful teams of the future will employ pressure strategies more and more to replace and/or reinforce the most commonly used containment defenses of the past. It is already happening in various degrees, among consistent winners at every level, acting as an equalizer in keeping pace with the continuously growing power of the offensive game.

It’s important to note at this point that regardless of whether you are a disciple of pressure, a zealous advocate of the zone, or philosophically somewhere in between, this book has something for you. The individual defensive fundamentals and teaching techniques presented will enhance team defensive performance no matter what basic system you favor. Simple-to-complex skill development, the introduction of key SOS action words to clarify and communicate both practice and game time specifics, the stress on pride, desire, and intensity as major ingredients of defensive success—all contribute to an innovative, inspirational, yet truly practical approach to the teaching of any and all systems of defense.

Beyond its broad application to all defensive systems, however, the major message of the book is P–R–E–S–S–U–R–E—what it can do, and how you can make it work for you!

No other system can so thoroughly and effectively...

...Generate more offense off the defense, giving you more scoring punch opportunities, while shutting off opponent options.

...Stifle opponent scoring drives in so many frustrating ways: turnovers, blocked shots, poor court positioning, disruption of screens, mental lapses, agitation.

...Reduce second-shot scoring opportunities through specific, clear-cut rebounding positioning and other critical reactions.

...Take charge of game tempo and momentum, disrupting both the transition and the set offense with equal vehemence and vigor.

All of the above-mentioned, game-determining pluses can and do take place as a result of a great pressure program, as confirmed by my own personal experience, from high school to the NBA. Beyond my own acceptance of its value is the supportive belief of many converted colleagues, who affirm its success for them as well. It is they who have persistently urged me to pull it all together, to present it as a written guidebook to reach the broader audience of coaches out there committed to professional growth in this area.

In the following pages every teaching step is spelled out, every action covered, to help you build a solid and successful defensive program. It is my fervent hope that this book will serve as a practical and potent tool for your added coaching success and career satisfaction.

Bob Kloppenburg

chapter 1

Six Keys to Winning with SOS Pressure Defense

To understand what makes SOS pressure defense so potentially successful as an offensive deterrent, it’s important to focus early on the key concepts and techniques that are the heart and core of the program. Anticipating the route to be traveled before the trip begins is obviously essential to the planning and pacing of any successful journey.

Stated in basketball terms, if your defensive strategies are already working well, you can zero in on those concepts that might reinforce and enhance your already successful program. If, on the other hand, a real change is needed to boost a program that is not getting the job done, the entire R and R (revision and rejuvenation) itinerary is clearly mapped out for you to follow. Wherever you are coming from, the program overview that follows will capsulize what SOS pressure is all about and help you pinpoint any or all areas of the program that are relevant to your own unique coaching situation.

Stated simply and concisely, the key elements in teaching SOS pressure are as follows:

KEY NUMBER 1 Fundamental Defensive Skills Are Introduced in Logical Simple-to-Complex Progression

Tough, tenacious pressure defense begins with very basic individual one-on-one body positioning and court movement, both on and off the ball. Teaching progresses from the one-on-one stage, to two-on-two, and on through five-on-five total-team pressure application. Fundamentals are precisely and thoroughly taught so that, once mastered, actions become spontaneous and automatic. Reinforcement review continues on a daily basis throughout the season to keep both skills and motivation consistently high. Initial teaching drills are developmental and detailed by design while reinforcement drills are short, snappy reviews of previously learned defensive basics.

KEY NUMBER 2 Key S-O-S Words Identify and Trigger Defensive Actions

Specific key words are used consistently throughout the program as a teaching strategy to clearly identify and trigger all basic on- and off-ball actions required of the defender in terms of body stance, positioning, and movement. Each key word begins with one of the letters S-O-S to clarify and simplify communication between coach and player, and player and player. These key words are called out constantly throughout practice and live game situations, providing a common court language to solidify team effort and to keep action crisp and sharp. The S-O-S on-ball key words are S

ET, O

N, S

MOTHER; the S-O-S off-ball key words are S

NUGGLE, O

FF, and S

TRIKE. SOS, then, not only means HELP in teaching pressure defense, but the letters S-O-S also have real action through association significance in all program basics.

KEY NUMBER 3 Defenders Pressure Opponents to Specific Checkpoint Areas on the Court

Operation Checkpoint is a most significant aspect of SOS defensive strategy. Though it sounds like a cloak-and-dagger TV script, the term has its own special meaning when applied to pressure on the court. Players are taught to identify specific areas, or checkpoints, on the playing floor to which they can aggressively direct their opponent away from a high-percentage-shot-area. It is no accident that these checkpoints are all in no-man’s-land, 16 feet or more away from the hoop. Obviously, if well executed, this adversely affects the opponent’s overall shooting percentage. Commitment to the checkpoint concept is an essential element of on-ball SOS pressure defense. Without it, shots are too often allowed in the high-percentage areas and individual one-on-one effort is diminished.

KEY NUMBER 4 Two-on-Two Switching is Encouraged As an Option in Stifling the Screen

SOS pressure gives credibility to the idea that switching is a viable effective defensive strategy to use against successful screening teams. Switching on both on- and off-ball screens can eliminate many of the gray areas of guarding an opponent that so often generate defender hesitation, confusion, and indecision. Automatic and aggressive switching can frustrate screening teams to near frenzy and, if sustained, can force an opponent totally out of the set motion originally intended on their game plan. It’s a pressure maneuver that should definitely be part of any modern day, all-inclusive system of defense.

KEY NUMBER 5 Stopping the Break Begins in the Backcourt

Getting back on defense has been the traditional rallying cry for slowing down and deflating the transition game. Players race down the floor...defend a little corner...stick like glue and...swish! The opponent all too often scores on an uncontested medium-range jumper in spite of all well-intentioned efforts to prevent it. SOS embraces the concept that prevention is far more important than treating the disease!

Pressure on the ball must begin in the backcourt the instant the rebound is caught to prevent the initial outlet pass downcourt. Each player applies pressure by following specific and clear-cut defensive assignments, such as denying the downcourt passing lanes, putting pressure on the dribbler, or pushing the ballhandler to no-man’s land, a specific checkpoint where the odds against scoring are high. All players are always involved, with clear-cut roles to be played when baseline-to-baseline pressure is applied.

KEY 6 Each Defender Has a Clear-Cut Specific Pressure Role to Play

Well executed SOS man-to-man pressure D leaves very little to chance. The role of each defender is clear-cut and specific, each team member working in support of the other for maximum power in shutting down offensive options to score. The SOS-trained defender is well aware and confident of his/her potential to dictate offensive action rather than to react to it. For example, the on-ball defender in SET

position can literally force the offense into the dribble to thwart the pass or shot. In the ON

position, the defender can force the opponent away from the high-percentage shooting area, and in the SMOTHER

stance, he can exert maximum pressure on any attempted shot or pass to the basket. The off-ball defender also has a specific responsibility relative to where the ball is on the court at any given time. The ultimate goal of SOS teaching is to train all five defenders to successfully execute assigned roles like clockwork, each cog in the wheel meshing with the others to make the system work. If one cog in the system fails, however, others are ready to take up the slack. Man-to-man pressure anticipates any and all eventualities and attempts to provide an answer for each and every one.

These key SOS strategies clearly communicate the fact that instilling a successful system of pressure defense is both challenging and demanding, calling for total staff commitment and dedication to the requirements set forth in the program. For those who approach its teaching with high motivation and intensity, SOS defense can become the most exciting and stimulating aspect of the total teaching program, often taking an almost fanatical hold on a team that is truly aware of its importance to them in winning ball games.

The rewards for time and effort invested in SOS disciplines go well beyond the sacrifices required to implement a successful pressure D program. Unlike offense, no team need suffer an off night on defense. Well-prepared and charged-up defenders can be annoyingly consistent and predictably effective against their opponents, creating turnovers, forcing them beyond high-percentage range, cutting off passing lanes, crashing the boards, sticking like glue. Tough, tenacious defense is a great on-court equalizer, offering hope to teams outclassed in offensive talent, giving an edge to teams of otherwise equal skill, and providing the winning edge to great scoring teams on the coldest shooting night.

Let me anticipate other legitimate questions about SOS that you might have at this point.

Q:   How can I implement a whole new system from scratch without sacrificing a season while making the transition?

A:   It’s not that complicated, once the commitment to time and effort has been made. SOS spells it out in simple sequential steps and, if guidelines are followed, results are almost immediate.

Q:   Do I sacrifice offense for defense under this system?

A:   No, you complement and enhance it by generating new offense off the defense through steals, interceptions, traveling calls, blocked shots and turnovers.

Q:   Can I maintain man-to-man pressure without an adequate bench or quick personnel?

A:   Not without modifications and adjustment, but these can be made as described in SOS. Remember, a weak bench in respect to offense can be more than adequate in terms of defense if SOS skills have been mastered and motivation is high. In addition, once committed to the system, you adopt a long-range viewpoint, looking ahead to instilling defensive skills and attitudes early in the high school experience while, at the college level, you build by recruiting for quickness, speed and tenacity.

Q:   Will man-to-man pressure take more time and effort on the part of coaches and players than traditional defenses?

A:   Without question, yes—more hard-nosed practices—more involvement and intensity—more concentration and commitment! But, lest this sound too grim, the dividends are amazing: a high level of team togetherness—confidence and competence—enthusiasm—pride—winning!

Q:   Does SOS provide anything of value to the coach who is a true believer and advocate of other systems, such as zone, zone pressure or other defensive combinations?

A:   For coaches sold on a tried-and-true system that is producing winning seasons, the SOS ways and means of teaching one-on-one skills, both on- and off-ball, as well as other defensive skills, are totally applicable to any and all systems of defense. SOS concepts and teaching strategies can sharpen individual skills, awareness, and enthusiasm for defense, regardless of what that defensive approach may be.

This chapter has presented a quick overview of the total SOS pressure picture and what it entails; the following chapters will cover each fundamental piece of the defensive puzzle in logical, sequential progression. This step-by-step development of skills is based on the soundest educational principles and will simplify and clarify the teaching process for you and your staff as you make your move toward a stronger and more successful defensive program.

chapter 2

One-on-One On-Ball Pressure

Setting the Stage for On-Ball Actions

One of Newton’s laws of physics states that for every action there is a corresponding reaction. This principle is more than obvious in the fast-moving game of basketball. The ballhandler and the defender, the off-ball supporting cast, all mix and mingle in a series of miniplots, actions, and reactions, all directed toward a happy ending for the winning team. Hard-nosed and tenacious defense thickens the plot, adds to the suspense, and often provides a surprise ending to what might otherwise be a predictable script. For all concerned it’s part of the drama of great modern-day basketball.

For a pressure defense system to be effective and influential to game outcome, the defender must act first rather than react to the actions of the ballhandler by following a definite and well-rehearsed scenario of skills. SET, ON and SMOTHER are the basic individual on-ball actions that defenders are taught for maximum SOS pressure success. In fact, no matter what system of defense is employed, these SOS basics can enhance and strengthen any defensive program employed.

Teaching SET

Action

•   The opponent has the ball, the assignment is obvious: Take the ball to the hoop! The offensive player has but a few seconds to decide the most expedient action--whether to pass, to shoot, or to dribble! In SOS defense, the defender acts first, coercing his opponent to dribble, rather than to pass or shoot, for the score.

SET action by the on-ball defender refers to the specific body stance and movement required to force the ballhandler to put the ball on the floor rather than to shoot or pass.

SET action requires the defender to follow these steps:

•   Assume semiflexed posture, like a boxer, bending the knees and setting the feet firmly in place, both extended toward opponent. (See Photo 2-1.)

•   Position one hand just inches from the ball, tracing its every move; position other hand behind and slightly below the on-ball hand, at opponent eye level, moving it from left to right to agitate and cut off the passing lane. (See Photo 2-2.)

•   Position feet in a wide stance, with one foot closer to the ball, slightly in front of the other, in toe-to heel alignment.

•   Move feet in a constant patter-step cadence to facilitate a quicker start from SET to ON actions.

Teaching ON

Action

Assume that the SET strategy has been successful, that the opponent has been forced to dribble rather than pass or shoot. This positive situation triggers the second, or ON stage of action. Once again, the defender knows the script well and assumes the initiative as in prior SET strategy. He will not allow the dribbler a carte blanche drive to the basket, but will dog the opponent incessantly, forcing him toward specific checkpoint areas. (Refer to the Checkpoint Chart, on page 7, which illustrates the low-percentage shooting areas on the court.)

If this defensive force to checkpoint is successful, then the defender is, once again, clearly dictating the situation. The checkpoints are all beyond the high-percentage shooting range, and the ballhandler’s chances of penetrating for a close-in shot or a sure-fire lay-in are definitely minimized as a result of such predetermined action.

ON position, then, refers to a body position in which the defender’s nose is even with the ballhandler’s mid-chest (nose ON chest), allowing him to keep body weight low to expedite quickness and agility while guarding and forcefully guiding the ballhandler to the checkpoint area appropriate to the action of the moment.

ON action requires the defender to follow these steps:

•   Stalk offensive player via SET action until the ballhandler commits to the dribble drive.

•   Move from SET action to ON, at that point, by taking one full backward slide and assuming nose-ON-chest posture, as previously described.

•   Maintain arm’s distance between self and opponent of average speed and quickness; increase distance against the quick, agile ballhandler and decrease accordingly.

•   In ON position, push ballhandler to nearest court checkpoint by moving feet in quick minislides, maintaining toe-heel alignment, until ballhandler stops dribble.

Special Note: If the ballhandler beats the defender on the dribble, the defender sprints until he is one stride ahead of the ballhandler, then reassumes his nose-ON-chest posture, forcing the dribbler to the next nearest checkpoint. This action is referred to in the drills to follow as the Sprint Recovery technique. (See Photo 2-3.)

Teaching SMOTHER Action

Forced into a low-percentage shot checkpoint area by a tenacious defender, the dribbler is clearly frustrated. Already huffing and puffing from working so hard against SET and ON strategies, the ballhandler’s options are going from bad to worse. As if being trapped in no-man’s land is not enough, he is about to face the SMOTHER, which is relentless in its intent to force the hurried, erratic pass or the low-percentage shot at the basket.

SMOTHER action is the final S of S-O-S on ball pressure, the last nail in the coffin, insuring maximum pressure on the