Learn to defend like a Husky. Explore each stage to see where you are, what comes next, and click the links to see tools to help you improve. Defense requires the right mix of disciplined patience and intensity: calmly setting the defense vs. pouncing on a passing lane or ballhandler
A Husky Pup is learning the fundamentals of a proper defensive stance, footwork, and basic team positioning and responsibilities.
Practice sliding your feet on defense without reaching in.
A Trail Runner is moving confidently with the defensive system and staying disciplined in their positioning, not leaving their spot in zone or their man in man. They are starting to employ team defense concepts like cutting off the baseline and helping to the middle.
Keep studying the playbook. Practice beating a dribbler to the spot while sliding and turn them back the other direction.
A Husky ready for the Sled Team is recognizing opportunities to create turnovers by reading passing lanes, trapping effectively, anticipating screens, and disrupting the offense.
Watch this video to learn about more strategies for creating turnovers
A Trailblazer is learning to defend multiple positions and offensive schemes, giving their coach schematic flexibility. They communicate with their teammates about screens and switches and act quickly to plug gaps.
A Pack Leader knows how to affect offensive spacing and shooters simply through positioning and anticipation. They communicate not just on the ball but orchestrate the entire team defense.
Watch Draymond Green master defense with positioning and awareness