Team Defense

[MD#12Fan]

I used to coach youth league basketball. You had the option to play zone, but only for half the game. Since it was optional, my team never played zone. Young kids end up standing around in a zone. But when you tell them to guard their man wherever he goes, they develop better skills and are much more engaged in the game.

If you want to see hoops in the bush, watch the ESPN 30-for-30 Short called "I am Yup'ik". 15 minutes long. Our team qualified for the district tournament portrayed in the film. Alert: a tall eskimo is like 6'2".

 

[Jingo]

We're much better on offense, as well, with Liv posted high.

Yes, to me, Liv is the 'hub' of the offense [passing, setting screens] at the hi-post, as well as the 'anchor' on defense with her intimidation and shot-blocking.

 

[RedStickHusky]

We're all too polite to say what Paige is doing to these "top notch" defenders. Oh my gosh, she's got so much game!! The subtlety of these moves is mind-boggling. Where did she learn all this stuff? On a snowy driveway in Minnesota? When she attacked the block and pulled up for that short jumper, Lott must have thought, "I'm 3 inches taller and 30 pounds heavier and she just "emasculated" (what's the word in the feminine) me, what the heck am I supposed to do?" It's crazy!!!

Not sure what that word is either but I wouldn't try 'defeminize'.

 

[huskeynut]

Also of note - Lott was co Defensive Player of the Year with Liv. Lott got torched by Paige last night.

 

[RedStickHusky]

Aaliyah is especially adept at hedging on ball screens. I'm very impressed in general with her overall technique in setting screens then rolling hard on offense and her hedging on ball screens as well as help defense. I have to believe this is where her experience with the national team and a higher level of coaching has paid dividends

I get the sense that Kia Nurse helped Aaliyah get UConn ready a little bit.

 

[Bigboote]

In at least a couple of stints in each tourney game, I found myself absolutely mesmerized by the defense. At times it almost looked like a motion offense, as though the UConn defense was moving and the opponent's offense was following UConn's lead.

 

[DEpup]

I really enjoy how the team defense is now leading to them being able to just stop the ball. Its common now for a player on the opposing team to pick up their dribble and just get stranded with no where to go with the ball. It's also about learning the scout better and knowing where the opponent wants to go with the ball and denying it.

 

[MSGRET]

The WIPE OUT of the competition over the 3 games by outscoring the opposition 234 to 119 with some of the best defense was like music to my ears.

 

[freshler40]

We're much better on offense, as well, with Liv posted high.

Yes, Liv on the high post or double high post with Edwards or Griffin allows the pick and roll to work as long as the bigs for the defense come out. SC wouldn't bite because Liv hasn't developed a mid or top of the key reliable shot yet. She will. When she does, watch out! She needs more ark on her shot, get is over the rim where a decent rebound miss is converted by Griffin or Edwards.
Liv also has stopped her dancing feet on picks and now sets a solid pick. Her high posts result in more open space inside for Williams or Bueckers. Liv's assists have gone way up since this offence was installed. Liv has changed her game by more than any player on the floor.

One area for improvement is to block out opponents better for rebounds instead of just expecting an uncontested defensive rebound. This was often the case in the Marquette game. They were tough rebounders especially when we brought the ball down instead of keeping it high for wrist passes to our sideline guards.