SMS vs Mitty

[Sjbasket]

Mitty 78 SMS 61.

Great game. Two quality teams letting it all go in a big game. Mitty transition game was clicking all nite, also given that they hit 7 three pointers in the first half was big. It was apparent that Mitty physically wore down SMS. This is something that SMS is not used to. Mitty defense frustrated SMS during the course of the game and they seemed to get stronger as the game wore on. Offensively they moved the ball extremely well and also counterned every run that SMS attempted.

Mitty really appears to be playing its best basketball at the the biggest time of the year.

 

[OnBall8]

I'm surprised after the hype of the game there hasn't been more talk about last night. Mitty handled the SMS press in the first 2 minutes, and SMS dropped back into the half court. AM was able to pass through/around/over traps before they even came for a ton of layups and 3s. SMS tried to man Mitty straight up for stretches in the first and second half, it was almost laughable how easily AM was able to execute their sets. The rams hung around with young and murray starting to hit some 3's in the 4th. They created a few extra TOs late when it seemed like things got desperate for them and AM was trying to ease off the gas and use clock.

After about the midway point of the 1st quarter, it was pretty easy to tell that SMS only had a shot if Decosta absolutely took the game over on both ends.

 

[Paytc]

Mitty 78 SMS 61.

Great game. Two quality teams letting it all go in a big game. Mitty transition game was clicking all nite, also given that they hit 7 three pointers in the first half was big. It was apparent that Mitty physically wore down SMS. This is something that SMS is not used to. Mitty defense frustrated SMS during the course of the game and they seemed to get stronger as the game wore on. Offensively they moved the ball extremely well and also counterned every run that SMS attempted.

Mitty really appears to be playing its best basketball at the the biggest time of the year.

True. And we still have to credit SMS because to lose as many players as they did and be without Naje Murry in Arizona and a good part of the season but still represent said a lot about the character and coaching of the team. I sure didn't think SMS would still be a threat to win the TOC and the Open state championship coming into the season facing what they did. And they were obviously in need of the depth they have enjoyed over the years. But they didn't have that depth, and I think that may have been the biggest difference.

Congratulations to Mitty !

 

[Sjbasket]

SMS has a very proud and strong tradition. Credit to those young ladies for playing extremely hard showing great heart throughout the season.

Mitty showed great poise and confidence that when they play their game they truly justify why they are one of the best if not the best "team" in the country. They beat SMS to the punch. SMS press never seemed to faze Mitty and they seemed as they could score at will.

Murray, Young, and Johnson had trouble penetrating to try and finish at the basket. Mittys interior defense had 8 blocks in the game and was quick to cutoff open lanes. I believe SMS is used to most teams not being able to matchup in this manner.

Decosta got her 18 and 10, but really had work hard all night for what she got. Not sure if she's had a Tech called on her in the past, but was clearly frustrated.

 

[Paytc]

SMS has a very proud and strong tradition. Credit to those young ladies for playing extremely hard showing great heart throughout the season.

Mitty showed great poise and confidence that when they play their game they truly justify why they are one of the best if not the best "team" in the country. They beat SMS to the punch. SMS press never seemed to faze Mitty and they seemed as they could score at will.

Murray, Young, and Johnson had trouble penetrating to try and finish at the basket. Mittys interior defense had 8 blocks in the game and was quick to cutoff open lanes. I believe SMS is used to most teams not being able to matchup in this manner.

Decosta got her 18 and 10, but really had work hard all night for what she got. Not sure if she's had a Tech called on her in the past, but was clearly frustrated.

Good points. And I think it is fair to say Mitty had the deeper and better team. The match up that may tell the most is Mitty vs Clovis West. I think those two have shown me the most throughout the season. Those two played one of those no team deserved to lose games. I don't however want to over look the games left because all of the final 4 teams have a shot at the title.

I know SMS because of it's supreme talent and tradition was considered a viable threat. But I don't think enough has been said about CN who is still riding under the radar. Or LBP who like CW loss a 1 point overtime game to Mitty. LBP I believe also loss by 1 or 2 points in overtime to CW.

While CW and Mitty are the favorites....... I think we gotta take our hats off to CN for their season as well as LBP. And we can't award CW or Mitty the North and South championships before they earn them with a victory.
Both games should be close. And all those still in it have a chance to win it.

California has a wealth of quality teams even several who were glad not to be included in the open to increase their chances at winning a state title. Congratulations to all still standing. And best luck moving forward.

 

[OnBall8]

SMS has a very proud and strong tradition. Credit to those young ladies for playing extremely hard showing great heart throughout the season.

Mitty showed great poise and confidence that when they play their game they truly justify why they are one of the best if not the best "team" in the country. They beat SMS to the punch. SMS press never seemed to faze Mitty and they seemed as they could score at will.

Murray, Young, and Johnson had trouble penetrating to try and finish at the basket. Mittys interior defense had 8 blocks in the game and was quick to cutoff open lanes. I believe SMS is used to most teams not being able to matchup in this manner.

Decosta got her 18 and 10, but really had work hard all night for what she got. Not sure if she's had a Tech called on her in the past, but was clearly frustrated.

I totally agree.. SMS had to really work hard on the inside and they had trouble finishing. Often it seemed as if they were driving to draw a foul and AM defenders consistently gave ground and went straight up. I would guess that SMS shot double digit FTs in the first half and mayyybe 2-3 in the second half. Decosta is a beast.. obviously fouls hurt her, and even more after her T. One thing I will say about her, I didnt realize how left handed she was. Obviously in the open court she prefers her left, but last night I saw a lot more post up/back to the basket moves than I have seen in the past and most moves were always coming back to the left, or misses with the right.

 

[Sjbasket]

Good points. And I think it is fair to say Mitty had the deeper and better team. The match up that may tell the most is Mitty vs Clovis West. I think those two have shown me the most throughout the season. Those two played one of those no team deserved to lose games. I don't however want to over look the games left because all of the final 4 teams have a shot at the title.

I know SMS because of it's supreme talent and tradition was considered a viable threat. But I don't think enough has been said about CN who is still riding under the radar. Or LBP who like CW loss a 1 point overtime game to Mitty. LBP I believe also loss by 1 or 2 points in overtime to CW.

While CW and Mitty are the favorites....... I think we gotta take our hats off to CN for their season as well as LBP. And we can't award CW or Mitty the North and South championships before they earn them with a victory.
Both games should be close. And all those still in it have a chance to win it.

California has a wealth of quality teams even several who were glad not to be included in the open to increase their chances at winning a state title. Congratulations to all still standing. And best luck moving forward.

I don't think Mitty coach will allow them to overlook anyone. You could tell those players are held to a certain standard of play, extremely disciplined. There is absolutely no drop in skill level or play as they constantly substitute girls in and out. Each player has extreme confidence in their play and look to have impact on the floor.

I had said it before and will repeat again. All due respect to the other 1-5 division teams, but the Open is clearly a step above. High level intensity from highly skilled players all around.

I hope the NorCal championship this Saturday brings out a great game in both teams.

 

[Paytc]

I totally agree.. SMS had to really work hard on the inside and they had trouble finishing. Often it seemed as if they were driving to draw a foul and AM defenders consistently gave ground and went straight up. I would guess that SMS shot double digit FTs in the first half and mayyybe 2-3 in the second half. Decosta is a beast.. obviously fouls hurt her, and even more after her T. One thing I will say about her, I didnt realize how left handed she was. Obviously in the open court she prefers her left, but last night I saw a lot more post up/back to the basket moves than I have seen in the past and most moves were always coming back to the left, or misses with the right.

Decosta is just one of those players who is so fun to watch. I have been fortunate enough to see her play since about 5th or 6th grade and she continues to get better. She plays as good on defense as she does on offense. Plus she grabs boards on both ends and is a good foul shooter. Teams will be very fortunate to have her services at the next levels. She is the ultimate difference maker.

Mitty just has such balance. And coach Phillips is definitely good at giving attention to the fine details. I've been impressed with certain tweaks she has made between last season and this. She doesn't just overlook things. She knows certain deficiencies won't correct themselves, so she makes the correct and necessary adjustments to get better. That's what separates coaching level and team levels.

Fun stuff to watch !

 

[Scoutus32]

Mitty just has such balance. And coach Phillips is definitely good at giving attention to the fine details. I've been impressed with certain tweaks she has made between last season and this. She doesn't just overlook things. She knows certain deficiencies won't correct themselves, so she makes the correct and necessary adjustments to get better. That's what separates coaching level and team levels.

Fun stuff to watch !

Personally I think Mitty is the best Nor Cal team since BOD in 2013. Their depth and size is amazing.

 

[Sjbasket]

Personally I think Mitty is the best Nor Cal team since BOD in 2013. Their depth and size is amazing.

It's funny, the four seniors at Clovis West get lots of publicity and notoriety. I believe the four seniors at Mitty (all D1 commits) have lifted this program even higher, especially going undefeated in back to back seasons if WCAL play.

 

[OnBall8]

Personally I think Mitty is the best Nor Cal team since BOD in 2013. Their depth and size is amazing.

shoot.. I was starting to think how they compared to Mitty's 1999 undefeated team.. that team was loaded with D1 talent.. I think they could hang lol

 

[Paytc]

Personally I think Mitty is the best Nor Cal team since BOD in 2013. Their depth and size is amazing.

Good Norcal teams. I personally thought SMS Open state champs that beat Mater Dei and won the TOC last year was pretty good as well. Bottom line is any good team could upset or beat another good team. So it's really hard to say who's better unless they have a chance to at least play a 3 game series. Best of seven would be best in determining.

 

[basketba11]

Decosta is just one of those players who is so fun to watch. I have been fortunate enough to see her play since about 5th or 6th grade and she continues to get better. She plays as good on defense as she does on offense. Plus she grabs boards on both ends and is a good foul shooter. Teams will be very fortunate to have her services at the next levels. She is the ultimate difference maker.

Mitty just has such balance. And coach Phillips is definitely good at giving attention to the fine details. I've been impressed with certain tweaks she has made between last season and this. She doesn't just overlook things. She knows certain deficiencies won't correct themselves, so she makes the correct and necessary adjustments to get better. That's what separates coaching level and team levels.

Fun stuff to watch !

Any and everyone who knows Aquira and her family are extremely lucky. She is an incredible talent that plays the game the right way. Such a great teammate and so humble. She impacts the game in so many ways offensively and defensively. I agree, whatever college she attends will get the whole package and will be extremely fortunate. For them to lose again this year, I put the loss on the shoulders of Coach Tom again this year! 2 years in a row, this guy is so stubborn, will refuse to make adjustments until too late. Why start the game coming out with the same 2-2-1 full court press? Mitty easily breaking it and getting lay ups and wide open 3's! Same thing happened last year and Pinewood got wide open 3's as well. By the time 2nd half, not enough juice to make come back because they have no bench. Congrats to Mitty and good luck. Coach Sue even said after the game, they played A game and shot well (thanks to St Mary's press got open shots).

 

[Sjbasket]

Any and everyone who knows Aquira and her family are extremely lucky. She is an incredible talent that plays the game the right way. Such a great teammate and so humble. She impacts the game in so many ways offensively and defensively. I agree, whatever college she attends will get the whole package and will be extremely fortunate. For them to lose again this year, I put the loss on the shoulders of Coach Tom again this year! 2 years in a row, this guy is so stubborn, will refuse to make adjustments until too late. Why start the game coming out with the same 2-2-1 full court press? Mitty easily breaking it and getting lay ups and wide open 3's! Same thing happened last year and Pinewood got wide open 3's as well. By the time 2nd half, not enough juice to make come back because they have no bench. Congrats to Mitty and good luck. Coach Sue even said after the game, they played A game and shot well (thanks to St Mary's press got open shots).

I agree that Aquira is a class act. She appears to be a great teammate and really respects the game.

I will also agree with you that Tom seems to take a stubborn approach to the game. He comes across almost like a Barry Switzer type of approach. He's gonna take his team out in the floor and simply go out athlete the other team. In a way just hoping that physical appearance or physical superiority is all that is needed to get him the victory.

I think some teams are showing more and more this all around team approach to the game that means you truly play the game. Tom may need to modify his approach in future post seasons.

 

[Scoutus32]

I agree that Aquira is a class act. She appears to be a great teammate and really respects the game.

I will also agree with you that Tom seems to take a stubborn approach to the game. He comes across almost like a Barry Switzer type of approach. He's gonna take his team out in the floor and simply go out athlete the other team. In a way just hoping that physical appearance or physical superiority is all that is needed to get him the victory.

I think some teams are showing more and more this all around team approach to the game that means you truly play the game. Tom may need to modify his approach in future post seasons.

He relies on having more talent. If the press does not work and the athletic ability match-up is even you can count on SMS losing, and often by a lot.

 

[Sjbasket]

He relies on having more talent. If the press does not work and the athletic ability match-up is even you can count on SMS losing, and often by a lot.

Case in point last nights result.

 

[jaymel911]

Mitty was the better team last night and all season. The SMS press is their system. Asking them to try and go man against a team like Mitty with one practice day to prepare is not reasonable. Pinewood's staple is half court man and their ability to choke off the Mitty offense via advance scouting and game plan is far more likely than SMS.

CN will also be a better match up in terms of prep than SMS but they do do not have athletes or to the degree that sms has. St. Johns is a fundamental athletic team much like CW and Grandview, which all three gave Mitty fits.

 

[jazzpt55]

Totally agree about Tom.
Finally, people see it.
How did this guy win that award for the United States National coach if the year? I said the day he won it....this is .....and was a "sham" award....
People in Stockton kiss the ground he walks on...."big fish in a little pond"

 

[OnBall8]

this guy is so stubborn, will refuse to make adjustments until too late

Like jaymel said.. its not that he refuses.. its that he is unable to. Like I said in the first post, it was almost laughable when they tried to man up in the half court. They had no idea how to rotate on help, how to defend against a backdoor cut, and no sign of other habits necessary to play good man defense. And its not that the girls on the court are unwilling or unable, they are just not taught the fundamentals. But he keeps getting kids, and keeps winning a majority of games, so the cycle continues and more people will send their kids there.

 

[kkross22]

Like jaymel said.. its not that he refuses.. its that he is unable to. Like I said in the first post, it was almost laughable when they tried to man up in the half court. They had no idea how to rotate on help, how to defend against a backdoor cut, and no sign of other habits necessary to play good man defense. And its not that the girls on the court are unwilling or unable, they are just not taught the fundamentals. But he keeps getting kids, and keeps winning a majority of games, so the cycle continues and more people will send their kids there.

During SMS vs Pinewood game last year, SMS played man to man for like 1 minute. As I recall, a turnover was forced, and then the next position Pinewood had trouble getting a shot off, shot clock went down to like 5.
In my opinion it was effective. However, instead of staying with it, a change was made.
I agree, players knowing how to play man to man, comes down to fundamentals, but it shouldn't just be put on the high school coach. The bulk of the responsibility is on the parents. Parents need to make sure their children are fundamentally sound both offensively and defensively.

 

[OnBall8]

During SMS vs Pinewood game last year, SMS played man to man for like 1 minute. As I recall, a turnover was forced, and then the next position Pinewood had trouble getting a shot off, shot clock went down to like 5.
In my opinion it was effective. However, instead of staying with it, a change was made.
I agree, players knowing how to play man to man, comes down to fundamentals, but it shouldn't just be put on the high school coach. The bulk of the responsibility is on the parents. Parents need to make sure their children are fundamentally sound both offensively and defensively.

Most parents wouldn't know sound defense if it hit em in the face. Parents knowing nothing is the base of most of the problems with youth sports.

Should they know? Sure.. Do they? Most times not..

 

[mkbgdns]

Parents knowing nothing is the base of most of the problems with youth sports.

well, then there's parents who know everything. not sure which is worse. I don't really think that it's up to parents (i.e., dad) to teach player-to-player defense. besides individual fundamentals (a lot of which you learn buy getting beat by a better player), it's really a team concept--help, handling screens, switching, opportunistic traps, screening out--and needs to be used in game conditions a lot to get the fine points, and to establish verbal and non-verbal communication between teammates. the learning curve can only rise with mistakes and corrections. of course you can learn a lot on the playground, player-to-player being the default, but most girls don't play at the playground.

if your trapping zone is too successful and becomes your stock-in-trade, you may not be ready to ditch it against a skilled opponent who can punish it and who, probably, will challenge even a well-oiled player-to-player.

with limits on games and practices, sometimes you gotta just pick your poison.

 

[kkross22]

well, then there's parents who know everything. not sure which is worse. I don't really think that it's up to parents (i.e., dad) to teach player-to-player defense. besides individual fundamentals (a lot of which you learn buy getting beat by a better player), it's really a team concept--help, handling screens, switching, opportunistic traps, screening out--and needs to be used in game conditions a lot to get the fine points, and to establish verbal and non-verbal communication between teammates. the learning curve can only rise with mistakes and corrections. of course you can learn a lot on the playground, player-to-player being the default, but most girls don't play at the playground.

if your trapping zone is too successful and becomes your stock-in-trade, you may not be ready to ditch it against a skilled opponent who can punish it and who, probably, will challenge even a well-oiled player-to-player.

with limits on games and practices, sometimes you gotta just pick your poison.

I agree, I don't think it's up to parents to teach their kids man to man defense, unless the parent is a coach. However, I think it's important for parents to put their kid in an environment, training, on a team (AAU, rec, high school) where they can learn the fundamentals of defense (zone, man to man, etc.). On ball, 1 pass away, 2 passes away, help, switching on screens, closing out, covering down, denying the pass, etc. are definitely things players should be familiar with by the time they're in high school.

 

[Paytc]

I agree, I don't think it's up to parents to teach their kids man to man defense, unless the parent is a coach. However, I think it's important for parents to put their kid in an environment, training, on a team (AAU, rec, high school) where they can learn the fundamentals of defense (zone, man to man, etc.). On ball, 1 pass away, 2 pass away, help, switching on screens, closing out, covering down, denying the pass, etc. are definitely things players should be familiar with by the time their in high school.

kkross22,

That is why I wrote "Win Anyway". To encourage one to take initiative and not wait on others. Because I agree with you. The child and the parents must be involved. Because every child's situation is different. Some children play under a coach who is not as good as some other coaches. So the player has to seek out others to help them learn and develop what they are not getting from their coach. You either seek it out and be personally accountable for furthering yourself, or point fingers and constantly blame others. I know my detractors will respond to this. I have to run so this is a rush job comment. I will pick things up and respond to my detractors later. I will say there are things my children aren't getting from their coaches. No one knows it all. And sometimes a coach's priority is not in line with helping develop your child's ability and understanding of the game. So should you just accept that or should you seek out someone with the knowledge, skill, and time to help?

I don't care what level you're at, your coach will be human. And some will be better than others. Some will get out coached at times. So the more you the player(s) know the better you and the coach will look when the coach is not having the best day at the office. I think you do players justice by building their basketball IQ's and turning them lose. Not just micro-managing them. Instead manage the game and work the refs, watch the clock, number of fouls, time outs, tempo, offensive and defensive set effectiveness, matchup effectiveness, etc..... properly prepare and then trust the players, and coach the game.

 

[OnBall8]

I agree, I don't think it's up to parents to teach their kids man to man defense, unless the parent is a coach. However, I think it's important for parents to put their kid in an environment, training, on a team (AAU, rec, high school) where they can learn the fundamentals of defense (zone, man to man, etc.). On ball, 1 pass away, 2 passes away, help, switching on screens, closing out, covering down, denying the pass, etc. are definitely things players should be familiar with by the time they're in high school.

That is all too true.. Again the problem comes in when parents can't recognize who provides that environment and who can't. They fall for the bs sold to them, or they fall for the results they see on the scoreboard.

great points mkbgdns

 

[ClayK]

Just a note: Even if we all agreed on such things as foot, hand and body positioning in man-to-man defense, say -- which we don't -- there's still an awful lot to teach and learn. College kids don't have it all, which is why a 28-year-old professional can dominate a 21-year-old who is a superior athlete.

As someone said upthread, you have to pick your poison -- or, alternately, pick your positives. I learned early on in coaching that what you practice is what you're good at, but there's not even close to enough time to practice all the things you want (need) to be good at.

I have a pretty inexperienced fifth grade house league team I'm coaching, and our first big project is to understand what it means to guard someone, and then be able to identify that person during the chaos of a game. Project two is to be aware of where we are on the floor in terms of where not to dribble.

Maybe by the end of the year we'll be able to vaguely grasp the concept of help ...

On offense, just right- and left-hand layups. Bounce passes. Dribbling with both hands, though that's going to be difficult.

We're going to try to master the idea of screens, and maybe even rolling after a screen.

But another coach could do none of things with this group and still be right on the money. There's just so much to learn ... it's a very hard game.

 

[OnBall8]

Just a note: Even if we all agreed on such things as foot, hand and body positioning in man-to-man defense, say -- which we don't -- there's still an awful lot to teach and learn. College kids don't have it all, which is why a 28-year-old professional can dominate a 21-year-old who is a superior athlete.

As someone said upthread, you have to pick your poison -- or, alternately, pick your positives. I learned early on in coaching that what you practice is what you're good at, but there's not even close to enough time to practice all the things you want (need) to be good at.

I have a pretty inexperienced fifth grade house league team I'm coaching, and our first big project is to understand what it means to guard someone, and then be able to identify that person during the chaos of a game. Project two is to be aware of where we are on the floor in terms of where not to dribble.

Maybe by the end of the year we'll be able to vaguely grasp the concept of help ...

On offense, just right- and left-hand layups. Bounce passes. Dribbling with both hands, though that's going to be difficult.

We're going to try to master the idea of screens, and maybe even rolling after a screen.

But another coach could do none of things with this group and still be right on the money. There's just so much to learn ... it's a very hard game.

But see, these are the things that set them up to then learn other things from other coaches down the road clay. These are things that are soooo often skipped to learn how to run a 1-2-2 full court press or a 2-3 zone (whatever it may be) and then later down the line, sometimes as late as HS, they have to learn from the beginning. So many kids come into hs without having ever been drilled on how to take a proper layup from both sides, and yet they have learned euro-steps and floaters. So many dont know how to make a proper bounce pass, or the ability to pass with the outside hand when needed. Post entry passes are a lost art.

Clay, you have these kids set up for success later down the road whether they are coached by you or someone else

 

[CamAca]

defense really isn't that tough to learn but most don't like to spend too much time on it. I love defense because even the average athlete can play relatively decent man defense if taught proper fundamentals and has the heart to get after it. Defense can be taught by any high school coach that wants to and it should be taught in high school at a minimum. Once they learn how to move their feet to stay in front of somebody, where to be if they are one or more passes away, positioning to help, opening up on the back door and all of the other stuff can be taught relatively shortly and reinforced by the coach during the game. I have found that only the very good coaches/programs really focus on it and the others only briefly touch on it unfortunately. That is why I love watching Dela play.

 

[OnBall8]

defense really isn't that tough to learn but most don't like to spend too much time on it. I love defense because even the average athlete can play relatively decent man defense if taught proper fundamentals and has the heart to get after it. Defense can be taught by any high school coach that wants to and it should be taught in high school at a minimum. Once they learn how to move their feet to stay in front of somebody, where to be if they are one or more passes away, positioning to help, opening up on the back door and all of the other stuff can be taught relatively shortly and reinforced by the coach during the game. I have found that only the very good coaches/programs really focus on it and the others only briefly touch on it unfortunately. That is why I love watching Dela play.

Exactly!!! Anything is hard if you dont know how to teach it or dont have the patience..

 

[mkbgdns]

I have a pretty inexperienced fifth grade house league team I'm coaching, and our first big project is to understand what it means to guard someone

yeah, I once tried to have a third-grade team (!!) run player-to-player. nobody could find their player! even before substitutions! much easier to run to a spot. I guess you could call it a zone... three of the kids in that league started for MM's 2005 Norcal runners-up. but you gotta start simple.

 

[ClayK]

Here's one thing I don't feel many people get about what I consider good man-to-man defense: Being in the right place is more important than athleticism.

This comes back to a basic phrase I repeat early and often. "It's not me versus you in man-to-man, it's us versus them."

Once kids grasp the concept that everyone is guarding the ball (after all, the only person who can score is the one with the ball) and that help allows ball pressure, then things tend to start to fall into place.

If a girl is standing on the in the right spot on the court on defense she will help her team win, regardless of how tall, how athletic or how high she can jump. That said, finding girls who can (or will) do that consistently isn't nearly as easy as it sounds.

 

[basketba11]

I feel today's AAU basketball has really hurt teaching true man-to-man principles and development. Everyone wants to play zone nowadays, either matchup zone, 3-2 or these gimmick zone trap defenses. These kids nowadays don't know what these terms even mean for the most part: jumping to the ball, midpoint, rotation, opening up for screen, see ball and man, pistols, TOC, etc.

 

[kkross22]

Here's one thing I don't feel many people get about what I consider good man-to-man defense: Being in the right place is more important than athleticism.

This comes back to a basic phrase I repeat early and often. "It's not me versus you in man-to-man, it's us versus them."

Once kids grasp the concept that everyone is guarding the ball (after all, the only person who can score is the one with the ball) and that help allows ball pressure, then things tend to start to fall into place.

If a girl is standing on the in the right spot on the court on defense she will help her team win, regardless of how tall, how athletic or how high she can jump. That said, finding girls who can (or will) do that consistently isn't nearly as easy as it sounds.

I agree, it is not as easy as it sounds. Defense as a whole is not easy to teach because there are so many variables and is very time consuming. Also, unlike other fundamentals (dribbling, shooting, layups, rebounding, etc.), where a player can work on individually, defense must be taught as a team/group and most times require more than one coach.
This is one reason why I chose to start with defense first with my kiddos, use it as a foundation, then build from there.

 

[kkross22]

I feel today's AAU basketball has really hurt teaching true man-to-man principles and development. Everyone wants to play zone nowadays, either matchup zone, 3-2 or these gimmick zone trap defenses. These kids nowadays don't know what these terms even mean for the most part: jumping to the ball, midpoint, rotation, opening up for screen, see ball and man, pistols, TOC, etc.

Old school terminology, very important terms, which have been lost in the evolution (or lack thereof) of basketball, which I sometimes refer to as offensiveball.

 

[Paytc]

Here's one thing I don't feel many people get about what I consider good man-to-man defense: Being in the right place is more important than athleticism.

This comes back to a basic phrase I repeat early and often. "It's not me versus you in man-to-man, it's us versus them."

Once kids grasp the concept that everyone is guarding the ball (after all, the only person who can score is the one with the ball) and that help allows ball pressure, then things tend to start to fall into place.

If a girl is standing on the in the right spot on the court on defense she will help her team win, regardless of how tall, how athletic or how high she can jump. That said, finding girls who can (or will) do that consistently isn't nearly as easy as it sounds.

Bottom line that I've noticed is girls for the most part are not very good defensively. Most have very poor defensive fundamentals. And without the fundamentals the defensive IQ isn't going to be as effective. There are a few exceptions. Like much of the things I point out it comes down to priorities and what's deemed important. Much of the problem comes from the attention and praise everyone gives to the player that scores the most points. I don't think I recall anyone in girls basketball media or even on this or any online forums talking about a player who shut down a top scorer on another team (or the point from getting the ball up court to initiate the team offense) being a big, if not the biggest part, in a team's victory.

It's always the Capitol Cruisers won 88 to 76 led by Becky Johnson with 28, Terri Smith with 22 and Amy Douglas poured in 17.

If a little more praise and emphasis is given to the importance of being a good defensive player, and not so much the top point scorer, perhaps the balls would rotate better and more balanced scoring would happen. Because when those trying to be the top scorer see media heads pointing out a defender or the top rebounder in a game summary, and not the top scorer(s) only, they'll see the need to be a more complete player. And their parents might appreciate and encourage their children to be better all around, and not be disappointed when a child plays an incredible game but only scores 3 points.

 

[OnBall8]

I feel today's AAU basketball has really hurt teaching true man-to-man principles and development. Everyone wants to play zone nowadays, either matchup zone, 3-2 or these gimmick zone trap defenses. These kids nowadays don't know what these terms even mean for the most part: jumping to the ball, midpoint, rotation, opening up for screen, see ball and man, pistols, TOC, etc.

And what coaches dont understand is, their zone defenses will be so much better if the kids know these terms and can apply man principles to the zone.

Great list of terms btw.. I've heard a few of them shouted from the sideline in these playoffs.. no coincidence that these teams are in the playoffs