Bruiser Flint: Hard-Nosed, Closeout Defense

Defense boils down to three things according to Coach Flint: Containing the dribbler, contest all shots and communicate. When these three elements are combined with hard work, the keys to hard-nosed defense are in place. Philosophically, Flint believes there is a big difference between stealing the ball and making the offense force turnovers. His teams are taught not to gamble, but to pressure the defense at all times. The result of active hands, arms and feet is pressure that makes most teams turn the ball over. Mirroring the ball, quick hands and feet and a good athletic stance are hallmarks of excellent pressure defense. Players go one-on-one, without the dribble, to work on these key aspects of defense. The "Lunge" is a technique to teach the defensive slide that keeps players from hopping. This technique allows the player to quickly cover ground in the direction of the dribbler. The Zig-Zag drill combines the ball pressure with the lunge technique. Flint teaches players to run to catch up while keeping the dribbler on the side. To make this drill game like, an offensive and defensive player are added at half court. This becomes a 2-on-2 full court drill. The Closeout technique is a mainstay in Flint's philosophy. The goal is to take the shot away and keep the opponent in front of them. The Super Close-Out is a 2-on-1 drill that forces the defender to cover ground quickly, get to the shooter and closeout. Another drill, the Run Out, enhances your closeout skills. The next progression is the shell drill. Flint demonstrates this drill with a 2-on-2 situation on the right side. The key points are ball pressure, pushing the ball to the baseline, butt to the baseline and closing out. The defensive system presented in this video is simple and specific. Good defensive fundamentals are introduced here and are key to the defensive success that Bruiser Flint's teams have enjoyed for years.

2006.