Duke's Man to Man Defense

Team man to man defense is much more than just picking up a man and staying with him. Man to man defense is like zone defense in some aspects. The defender must know how to defend in regards to where his man is and where the basketball is. To play good man to man defense your players need to understand a few rules which apply to team man to man defense. Rule #1 always no where your man and the ball is. #2 Never turn your back to your man or the ball, #3 give help to your teammates, to do so you must be in position to give help, #4 Talk - your players need to let each other now when a pick is coming, where the ball is, etc. These are some basic rules for team defense. The following diagram is a good drill to use to teach your players the proper way to react in team man to man defense.

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