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Your defense gets the first stop.
The closeout is solid. The ball handler is cut off. The first pass gets forced sideways.
Then, two seconds later, somebody is wide open.
That is where a lot of coaches misdiagnose the possession. They correct the first defender because that is where the action started. But most defensive breakdowns do not happen on the first closeout or first drive.
They happen on the next decision.
Defense Has to Survive the Second Action
Good offense is designed to make the defense move more than once. A drive forces help. Help creates a kick-out. The kick-out creates another closeout. That closeout may lead to a second drive, an extra pass, or a cut behind the defense.
Your players may know how to guard the first action. The real question is whether they can stay connected after the offense shifts the advantage.
When reviewing your team defense, look beyond the player guarding the ball and watch these three areas:
