Mike Fratello: Man-to-Man Defensive Philosophy with Drills and Utilizing the Three Point Shot

with Mike Fratello,
2022 Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award recipient;
American Sports Broadcaster/Analyst/Commentator for the Cleveland Cavaliers & the Los Angeles Clippers;
NBC Sports, TNT & YES Network Broadcaster/Analyst/Commentator between 1990 and 2021;
Ukraine National Basketball Team Head Coach from 2011 to 2014;
Memphis Grizzlies (NBA) Head Coach from 2004 to 2006;
Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA) Head Coach from 1993 to 1999;
Atlanta Hawks (NBA) Head Coach from 1983 to 1990;
1988 NBA All-Star Game Head Coach;
1986 NBA Coach of the Year;
New York Knicks (NBA) Assistant Coach from 1982 to 1983;
Atlanta Hawks (NBA) Assistant Coach from 1978 to 1982 (with Hubie Brown);
Villanova University Assistant Coach (with Rollie Massimino) from 1975 to 1978;
1978 Eastern 8 Champions;
James Madison Assistant Coach (with Lou Campanelli) from 1972 to 1975;
Rhode Island Assistant Coach (with Tom Carmody) from 1970 to 1972;
Played college football for Montclair State College

Building a defensive system relies on teaching stance and footwork. Using players on the floor, Fratello demonstrates drills that make up his defensive game. Individual defensive slides are the cornerstone of defensive play; to enhance the fundamental footwork and slide skills, Fratello demonstrates the defensive stance drill, full court slide drill and the full court one-on-one defensive slide drill.

The charge drill, touch drill, close out drill and the 4-spot touch drill are staples for defensive toughness. Fronting the post and double downs are also demonstrated live.

An added bonus is strategy for guarding the popular pick and roll. This video is packed with great NBA defensive drills that can be used in any setting! As Fratello reinforces - the hallmark fundamentals of playing great defense are the same at all levels.

In Part II, Coach Fratello's focus is defending on ball screens and the system of post trapping and rotation. With the increased popularity of the pick and roll, coaches must decide exactly how to defend them. Fratello presents several options and scenarios for successfully beating this offensive weapon. The first drill demonstrated is a combination of the pick and roll and the penetration and dish action. The double high post drill shown came from Chuck Daly. Another drill is created with a skip pass, baseline drive and rotation. Having a set rotation given different situations is mandatory for clarity.

Coach Fratello shifts gears to the offensive end and discusses 3-point shooting. His teams have used and believed in the value of shooting the 3-pointer. Competitive shooting is incorporated to improve shooting accuracy. Three-point plays are shown from the tip, the sidelines and the baseline. Set plays are demonstrated to score 3's in the half and full court. The diamond and box out of bounds plays provide additional scoring opportunities.

127 minutes. 2006.