LEVEL 2Defense4v4
No Layups, Ever
In 4v4, the extra space means drivers get downhill fast — and the first rule of team defense is that layups are unacceptable. Whoever is nearest the paint when a drive starts is the rim protector, whether that's your job on paper or not. Slide into the driver's path early, get your chest square and your arms straight up. You don't need to block the shot. Make the driver stop, change their shot, or pick up the ball — that alone turns a layup into a miss or a turnover.
READ THIS
Watch for the drive to commit past the wing — the lowest weak-side defender must see it and start rotating before the driver reaches the paint.
DO THIS
Rotate early to the edge of the paint, wall up with vertical arms and a square chest, and let the next defender sink behind you to cover your man.
COACHING LINEAGE
Mike Brown
Paint protection is priority one. Force the ball away from the rim.
Tom Thibodeau
Help defense positioning: one pass away, always. Be early, not late.
IN THE SITUATION ROTATION
Your 4v4 team has no true rim protector. A driver beats your teammate along the right baseline and is one dribble from the rim. You are the low helper on the weak side, and your own man is spaced on the far baseline.
Appears as a Situation of the Day · 4v4