The TRUTH About Defense
Wanna know the FASTEST way to add 8 points per game to your scoring average?
Get one big defensive hustle play per quarter, and turn it into a bucket on the other end.
Just ONE per quarter! That’s it!
It could be a steal, a block into a fast break, or just a forced turnover… All you need is ONE per quarter and you’ve got an extra 8 points per game (which is the difference between 12 points or 20 points, a mediocre game and a fantastic game).
Now, of course you can’t guarantee that all of your defensive plays will turn into buckets at the other end, but there’s something you need to understand as a basketball player…
When you become a lock down defender, you:
Touch the ball more, because your teammates respect you as a COMPLETE player, not just a selfish scorer
Get more playing time, because your coach always wants you out on the court to guard the other team’s best player
Get more respect for your game, because everyone knows that you can hustle and grind on the defensive end, and that you can lock down even the best of the best
Get more attention from coaches and scouts: They will know that you can carry a team on your shoulders on BOTH ends of the court – you don’t flop like soggy spaghetti and stop playing as soon as the ball is in the other team’s hands.
And when you really break it down to the bare TRUTH…
…Becoming a great defensive player isn’t just a “benefit” to your game…
…It’s freakin’ ESSENTIAL if you want to play at the next level!
If you can’t play D, you’re a liability on any team that you play on. Period.
And when a coach compares you to the other players down the line, with all things being equal he will pick the best defender.
Want even more proof?
Here are the Top 10 NBA players of all time, as ranked by Bleacher Report… See if you can find any similarities between all 10:
NOTE: This is a list of the TOP 10 NBA players of all time OVERALL – NOT the top 10 defenders (although many of these players are also in the top 10 defenders list as well). You’ll notice that every single one of the top 10 NBA players of all time is also a legendary defensive player. Coincidence? Nope. Check it out:
10.) Hakeem Olajuwon (2 time defensive player of the year)
9.) Bill Russell (Ranked as the #1 Greatest Defensive player of all time)
8.) Shaquille O’Neal (3 time NBA All-Defensive Team selection)
7.) Kobe Bryant (11 time NBA All-Defensive Team selection)
6.) Larry Bird (3 time NBA All-Defensive Team selection)
5.) Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Ranked as the #6 Greatest Defensive player of all time)
4.) Tim Duncan (Holds the record for most All-Defensive team selections with 13)
3.) Magic Johnson (2 time NBA league leader in steals per game)
2.) Wilt Chamberlain (Ranked as the 8th best Defensive player of all time)
1.) Michael Jordan (9 time 1st NBA All-Defensive team selection)
SEE A PATTERN HERE?
Literally EVERY SINGLE ONE of the 10 Greatest NBA players of all time have a wall full of Defensive accolades.
Take home point:
Do whatever it takes to become the best Defensive player on your team, and in your league.
You will be rewarded in full.
- Taylor
P.S. Is there anything more motivating than seeing a player really dig in and grind on D? Check this out:
P.P.S. We’re currently polishing up our Defensive training program – comment below and let me know what you’d like to see included in the training, and any thoughts you have on becoming a lock-down defender!
Great article, good to see you touching on this. I’m looking forward to the program, I know it will be excellent
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love that video, and amazing article too thanks
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Hi talyor I’m looking forward to the program, I will like to see included in it, exercices for faster later moves and even how to play offense to the defense.
P.S. you should look at this video, this guy stop kobe to 8 points in college
http://vimeo.com/17087369
I will like some defense like this
Where’s Howard, Bogut, Ibaka?
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Taylor Reply:
June 3rd, 2011 at 1:10 am
Howard, Bogut, Ibaka? Why would those guys be on the list of the 10 best NBA players of all time?
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david gonzalez Reply:
June 3rd, 2011 at 4:56 pm
sorry I though modern time
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Taylor Reply:
June 3rd, 2011 at 8:49 pm
Gotcha. Although I’m not sure they would be on my list of the top 10 NBA players currently
– with the exception of Dwight Howard. Maybe top 10 defenders but not top ten players.
I really didnt know how good kobe played defense. When is your defensive program coming out?
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Taylor Reply:
June 3rd, 2011 at 1:09 am
It’s out already, but only to a few of our customers – not to the general public. It will be ready soon when we finish the tweaks.
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Taylor,
You told me to check out the blog and I’m glad I did. It was a great video and incredibly inspiring. I’m sure you’ve touched on most of this stuff but I’ll mention it anyway.
FIrst, give rebounding techniques and how to rebound and box out bigger players. If you have something on tht it would be outstanding.
Second, cover the art of shot blocking. I believe there are two parts to shot blocking, contrary to today’s youth coaching beliefs. First there is mid-air shot blocking, and then mid-air shot blocking, also considered “stripping”. Give techniques for these because they are the best ways to get fast break points, and are great ways to recover from a bad team defensive play.
Third, cover the art of the steal. Also two parts to this I believe, but they are better taught then shot blocking. First, cover getting steals on ball (a.k.a. ripping, picking his/her pocket). Include techniques on this, like positioning with arms, legs, feet, etc. and also how to get away with reaching in, and WHEN to do it which is NEVER covered by coaches. The second part is getting steals off-ball, which is covered sometimes. Positioning techniques, etc. would be great.
Last, sicne you are the expert on scoring, include sections about transition offense, and offense into defense.
Sorry for such a long post. But that’s what I thought of. Talk to ya soon.
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Dan Reply:
June 3rd, 2011 at 11:44 pm
My bad I ment ground to mid-air shot blocking, and mid-air to above-rim shot blocking. Sorry bout that.
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Hey Taylor, I recently got the Road to the Pros with Jacob Hiller and I also have Prolific Shooting, Ball Handling Mastery, and Scoring Secrets. I am 13 years old and I have so say all your secrets on defense have made me a lock down defender on my team and my coach now looks to me to guard their best player. In the last school season, I saw about 4 minutes per game on a 24 minute game. It was out right embarrassing because I knew I was better than everyone on my team, but I couldn’t get my mindset right. I would air ball open shots from the free throw line. EMBARRASSING. Until I received knew about your program I never knew I could play the way I do now, score they way I do, and help my teammates score. Now I’m even calling the attention of AAU scouts. You honestly helped my change my game, my mindset, and the way others look at me. I can tell you right now, I WILL go and play NCAA basketball and I WILL play professionally in Italy. Thanks Taylor
-Gianfranco Filice
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hey taylor quick question about DOD. I already have it, can i do it simultaneously with TAQ 2.0 and-or the first step program from BHM or will that overtrain me?
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Taylor Reply:
June 4th, 2011 at 11:20 pm
That’s not a problem. Do TAQ first, then 7 minute first step, then DOD. DOD last because you want to train yourself to play D under fatigue
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Tony Reply:
June 5th, 2011 at 1:33 pm
thanks taylor. Another question:(a little off topic, but) for the prolific shooting warmup, should i omit the jump roping and line hop complex and do TAQ instead or do both?
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Tony Reply:
June 9th, 2011 at 12:05 am
plz rply
I’d like to see ways to improve defensive stance, timing of rotations, & lateral quickness. I know you won’t let me down, go Taylor you ROCK!!!!
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I would to see stuff on how to be quicker on your feet
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Taylor’s never going to change – always coming back HARD !
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Taylor Reply:
June 5th, 2011 at 3:22 pm
You know it
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Molly Reply:
June 11th, 2011 at 2:32 pm
play hard live hard is my thing and yes im a girl
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Nice article…i would like to see effective stuff that would help defenders get quicker feet with better reaction. Thanx
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Hey Taylor,
If I need to cut down on training time, which would you recommend doing, BHM or Prolific Shooting with DOD? Or should I do BHM, 1 set of Prolific Shooting, then DOD? Thanks.
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Taylor Reply:
June 5th, 2011 at 3:22 pm
BHM, 1 set prshooting, then DOD. We’ll show you how to set up a sample workout soon
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Well i got scoring secrets and prolific shooting and diffensive staf would be great ! But maybe for the first 100 gays or sth to be free if they own some of your programs
( lol saying this cuz im broke and i need serious work in the offseason )
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Loved this article and video. With an arsenal of great shooting, ballhandling, and lockdown defense a player can truly become great.
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scott Reply:
June 5th, 2011 at 1:48 pm
hey ur the famous modestas who bought tayors programs and got phenomenal results am i right?
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Modestas Reply:
June 10th, 2011 at 4:41 pm
Lol, I guess im known on the Basketball Renegades website, but im not nowhere close to being famous… At least yet
But yes, I have gotten phenomenal results from Taylors programs, and you will too. He covers everything that needs to be covered when it comes to becoming the best player you can be. Taylor knows his stuff 
He puts alot of work and effort into his programs and through that delivers people results…
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Will I need a partner or something like that for this?
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Taylor Reply:
June 5th, 2011 at 3:22 pm
Nah – I always trained without a partner, so I only write programs for individuals.
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Well when will this program come out
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man!! i got motivation now to go out therer today in practice and earn me a starting position because iof my hustle on the defensive end!! Leggoo!!!!!!!!!!!!
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after making all these dvds on how to skake off your defender or put the fear in their eyes i never knew you got into detaill this far
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i bought SCoring Secrets and its not lettin me get to the log in part to watch the modules.
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Taylor Reply:
June 5th, 2011 at 3:23 pm
No worries – shoot us an email and we can set you up. We moved members areas so that’s probably why
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Young players learning to close out on shooter with hand up, communication and playing with active hands.
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DEFENSE, is the best OFFENSE!
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Offense wins spectator
Defense wins Champion!
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Hey taylor im wondering if i buy scoring secrets today if i can still get the power hour program with the gym swipe file for free? If i can im going to get the elite edition. I really want the power hour program!
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Taylor,
Would you still recommend buying your BHM program if I already have EBH? I’m not saying I won’t put the money on it, but my handles are already pretty good I would say. If you think it’s necessary I’ll buy it. But in that case, should I get the Scoring Secrets and Prolific Shooting first? Thanks for your help man.
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Taylor Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 4:41 pm
If you don’t have SS or PRShooting, but you have EBH, I would get Scoring Secrets or Prolific Shooting first. Then you have most of the offensive pieces for now
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Dan Reply:
June 7th, 2011 at 1:50 pm
Okay soudns good, I might get BHM anyway so I can compare it to EBH, because honestly I looked at it, and yours is way more in-depth than Alex’s. Not to say EBH isn’t good, because it is, your package is just way bigger.
BTW, can you give me a link to that defensive program?
Thanks Taylor.
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Taylor Reply:
June 7th, 2011 at 2:43 pm
The Defense program hasn’t been released yet, but it will be out very soon. At a huge discount as well. You’ll be notified via email as soon as we go live.
Love your dedication, keep me posted on your results
Dan Reply:
June 7th, 2011 at 10:17 pm
Alright sounds good. No results yet haha I haven’t started anything. I deffinitely will though.
How can I become one of the Elite Members of your training? LIke can you give me a link for it? Thanks man.
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Taylor Reply:
June 8th, 2011 at 2:28 pm
We havent opened that section of our program, right now it’s private to in person clients.
Thinking about opening it but I have so many projects on the go it’s hard to keep up.
Will let you know
Dan Reply:
June 10th, 2011 at 1:47 am
Taylor,
Just found something really interesting that I think you might want to see yourself, but I don’t want to give the link on the blog because I don’t want to advertise it, you know what I mean?
Do you have a private e-mail I can send it to?
Thanks man. Looking forward to starting Prolific Shooting next weekend BTW.
P.S.: I won’t blow up your e-mail like you’d expect from some people but this is pretty interesting and something I’m going to base as much of my training off of as I can.
Wats DOD and BHM i use the prolific shooting and dominate on D
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i need some defence training.
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I would like to see how you stop a player that uses a hesitation cross over dribble.
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i gained way more knowledge from ur programs than all my coaches together, they suck at teaching
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Great video Taylor, hope the d training will be as good as the scoring secrets and prolific shooting.
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You should also show if and how you can beat the moves from scoring secrets, that would be great.
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How different is this going to be from Dominate On Defense.
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Taylor Reply:
June 10th, 2011 at 1:07 pm
It IS Dominate On Defense. That’s what we’re releasing. We have not yet released that publicly, only to a few customers and as a bonus.
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okay taylor, let me start out by saying tht i am a huge fan. But i have a problem with your list. why is it that john stockton and gary peyton are not on your list. John stockton is the all time steals leade, with almost 1,000 more than micheal jordan. Also Gary peyton did not recieve the nickname “The glove” because he was an offensive threat, but because he locked down the opposing point guards that he faced. You are soley basing defense off of how many times these guys won awards, when the people that were electing the awards are s stupid. Like this year, the only reason why dwight howard won the`award is because he is 6 11 and he can jump, which leads to blocks. He also fouls out of games, a lot more times then he gets 5 blocks in a game. That shows that he is not a truly great defender. It is the same thing with about half of the guys whose names are up their. i just thinl that big men get way to much recognition for defense, when all they do is be tall and stand in the paint
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Taylor Reply:
June 10th, 2011 at 1:05 pm
That’s not my list. It’s ranked by Bleacher Report.
AND – it’s a list of the top 10 OVERALL players of all time, NOT the top 10 defensive players of all time. The purpose of the list is to illustrate how important defense is, because the top 10 PLAYERS of all time are ALL incredible defenders.
If you want to see their list of the top 10 straight-up defenders, it’s here:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/220113-nbas-top-10-best-defensive-players-of-all-time
Both of your guys are on there.
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harry Reply:
June 10th, 2011 at 1:20 pm
my bad, i didnt read the whole article and skipped right to the list and figured it was defensive. i apologize, keep doing wat your doing
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Like others have stated, great article. I am big of defense and of this sight. I talk to my players all the time about getting that extra edge on the defensive side and how it all begins with defense. Each steal, block shot, deflection, sets up the offense. It is great to see how it can increase a persons scoring average. Big fan of your work.
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i hate to burst your bubble but kobe plays defense when he wants to albeit excellent but only in spirts
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Taylor Reply:
June 10th, 2011 at 9:17 pm
I can’t tell if you’re serious or not, but if you are – the dude is an 11 time NBA All-Defensive Team. He’s allowed to do whatever he wants. I suppose you play better D than he does?
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Dan Reply:
June 11th, 2011 at 1:35 am
hahahahaa damn thats funny
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Mujahid Reply:
June 12th, 2011 at 1:34 am
i play better defense in spirts
A good way to block out taller/stronger opponents after a shot at the rim.
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I’m very interested in seeing more looks great already.
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Glad to see you come up with some knowledge regarding the defensive side of the ball. I’m loving it.
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Always stay low, move your hands and feet, maintain the grip.
Defense will prevail and win championships!
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Hey Taylor, in prolific shooting you recommend to only work on 4 days a week and 5 days is an option. Will I get better results if I do 5 days or will the results be worse?
Thanks,
Vincent
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the best an example of how to play defense
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its funny i was at basketball camp today and we were working on defense drills and then we played and a girl started cryin cuz my defense was so good i was like get away from me and then she puched me and ran away i was like you better run HA!
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Hey Taylor, FIba is extending the three point line to FIBA regulation for international High Schools. When I do prolific shooting should I do the 3-point drills from a step back or just follow the program as it is?
Thanks,
Vincent Chee
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Hey, That was article that everyone should read if they are a serious player. Love all your programs. I have scoring secrets and prolific shooting.
Is there going to be a athleticism program that your going to release? I was wonder what it is called and when your going to release it. I am really looking forward to that program.
I want to do a vertical jump program while im doing the prolific shooting program, how do i fit it into my workout?
how can i become an elite member of your training program. Is there any way I can do that, I am a really serious basketball player.
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Is this the same program as Dominate on defense that Jacob Hiller offered as a bonus to Scoring secrets?
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Taylor Reply:
June 12th, 2011 at 11:46 am
Yes.
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Taylor,
I already have the Dominate on Defense program that was given to some people when Prolific Shooting Reloaded came out and I am wondering if this one is different? Thanks.
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Taylor Reply:
June 12th, 2011 at 11:46 am
This is the same Dominate On Defense program
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always look at the players numbers on thier chest. if you look at the ball they will cross you up with a ball fake. if you look at their eyes or head they will get by you with a head fake. where when you look at the chest it stays square to the defender or hoop always no matter what move,.
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defense isnt about form or hours in the gym as much as it is competitive fire and hard work … with some athletic ability
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Is there going to be a athleticism program that you are going to release?
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Iliyan Reply:
June 13th, 2011 at 2:20 am
Dude is already having amazing articles on smart athleticism training on this site.
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Hey Taylor,
Can i combine scoring secrets and prolific shooting because i need a way to become a better inside scorer and shooter so can i include that in my entire workout that you designed
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I know its off topic but if you have the time,
I was wondering while doing a shoulder finish should I be jumping off one or two feet (Jumpstop etc or no) ?
Thanks a lot, and really looking forward to this release,
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Taylor,
Just wondering, if I combined all the training for the programs SS, PrS, DoD, and BHM, what would my workout look like for both a single week and that month?
Thanks man for your help.
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Hey taylor i got your DOD its great. Just one thing, i know your a perimeter player but i have a lot of trouble guarding bigger guards in the post( im 5ft 5 , 14 years old). Besides the weightroom and getting stronger, is there any technique involved in that? If there is could you make or add on to your video?
Thanks
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Taylor Reply:
June 16th, 2011 at 11:06 pm
I feel you man. I struggle with that as well. It’s just not my thing. Something I’m doing now though is actually getting heavier to leverage my weight against those players. I find that I’m easily the strongest WEIGHTROOM player on the court, but I’m very light under the hoop.
Something you might consider.
As for technique… I’m not comfortable giving advice on it, since I’m not great at it myself. I’m assuming you’re a perimeter player as well, so I wouldn’t worry that much about it… If it’s huge hole in your game, I would hire a coach to help you one on one. Or ask the big men on your team for guidance.
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Dan Reply:
June 17th, 2011 at 5:26 pm
A man since I’m the same age as you I thought I’d give you some advice for it. Your smaller but it doesn’t mean much. I’m about 5’10” and 14 years old and play PG, but I recommend staying out of the post altogether. Taylor’s right; It’s not your battle in there and let your big men deal with it.
If you HAVE to D up in the post however, consider these few tips.
– Smaller players can get away with a lot more pushing and shoving than bigger players for two reasons. One because the refs give smaller players leeway as a way to make up for their size. (I can actually have some refs tell you this personally if you don’t believe me, that’s how I found out.) This isn’t ALL refs though.
– Smaller players in the post almost get ‘lost’ in the post, meaning the refs have a harder time seeing you and what your hands and body are doing then bigger players. Use that to your advantage! Push them around a little bit. Don’t hit on the shot though. Go for the lower body – pushing their hips as they rise up will throw their balance off and cause their focus to go towards their landing and potential of injury, than their shot itself.
– Be physical! If you push a guy around or give him some hard contact within the BEGINNING of the game, he will never be the same way the entire game. For example, if whoever your guarding goes up against you in the beginning of the game and goes hard to the basket, put him on his butt! I’m not saying go out and kill the guy or hurt him, it’s useful though. They always think twice before going in the lane after that. This would help you avoid post confrontation all game long as well.
Let me know if any of these things help man. I use to feel the same way you did haha.
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Joe Reply:
June 22nd, 2011 at 8:11 pm
I was 5’6 and played center, as a last resort, the biggest thing you can do is make the post player catch it where he dosent want to. Deny the pass and fight for posistion, also you can gamble more for steals since you’re probably quick enough to recover
David Gonzalez Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 4:29 pm
I’m 5’5 15 years old an I play of all positions currently playing center in a league for 16 and 17 years.
Is easy you only need technique, I saw a game where eduardo najera denied Kevin Garnet in the post with only technique and the tips Dan gave you.
Most of the things I do is to stay low (for me, low is in the opponents knees so it will be easier to push him), hard and always stedy. You also need to make the other player crazy, bother all shots (if you can’t block try to put your hand in his eyes (like ron artest).
Man i love playing in the post/center.
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I’m not a pro, but still need to know a good “feel warmup” that should be done before a “game”, right after the Bulletproof Basketball Warmup which is preparing the body. Can I use the “feel warmup” that was to be used before Ball Handling Mastery came out? Thanks for the time.
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Iliyan Reply:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:32 am
I think the Daily Drills is perfect. Maybe this is the answer for me.
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Hey can someone help me out should I get Prolific Shooting or Scoring Secrets first? Cuz I was going to get scoring secrets but it seems that without a consistent jump shot Scoring Secrets might be less useful. Any thoughts/suggestions?
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David gonzalez Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 11:28 am
I think you should first try the Prolific Shooting Reloaded, I’m in the Youth Program (just starting the 4th week) and a school from Austin have invited me to play (I’m from Mexico), so you need to check the Prolific Shooting Reloaded.
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I need to find a way to recover from mistakes on defense as fast as possible
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Hey Taylor, great article!
I just had a question about the Pro. Shooting Reloaded program.
I think the program is great, however, just as I started the first day in the program, I noticed how every drill seemed to take me longer then it should. I ended up only finishing 2 sets of the Denham Brown series (Including all the warmup and free throws) on 1 and a half hour! It would probably take me double the time to finish the whole workout. Is this a sign that I should maybe go to the youth program and work on my shot from there? Or should I just skip on the free throws and focus on the series drills? Really thankful for response!
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Taylor Reply:
June 27th, 2011 at 11:35 am
That’s a little unusual, what I would do then is cut it down to one set per drill. See if that helps the time. Remember you gotta be working hard and hustling through the workout
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alon Reply:
July 9th, 2011 at 10:27 am
he is right ! I just finished mt first week in prolific shooting and the workouts are quite long!
maybe not the testing which is short but the quickness day (day 3 ) took me about 3 hours to complete. is it less effective if the workouts are that long? should i run all the workout tring to finish it as fast as possible? oh and i dont have a rebunder should i get one?
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Taylor Reply:
July 9th, 2011 at 10:36 am
It will obviously help to have a rebounder, but that’s WAY too long. It’s not like it’s gonna kill your progress but its a sign that you really need to pick up the pace and work harder. Our athletes finish warmup, ball handling, shooting, scoring moves and scrimmage in 90 minutes.
Tony Reply:
July 14th, 2011 at 5:59 pm
Hey Taylor!
I discovered a couple of weeks ago that I have a stress fracture in my left foot. I will have to be off of my foot for a month. This is really hard for me because I am always running or working out and Im worried that I am going to get WAY out of shape in this next month. So I was just wondering if there are some drills or some ways to keep in shape to be ready for my upcoming basketball season.
Thanks!
Tony
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I started using all the basketball programs I have from you, Taylor + Alex Maroko’s TAQ 2.0. But I am pretty unsure if I am on the right path with my strength training. I’m not quite strong so I decided to master different types of pushups and pullups and then I’ll start doing the Top 10 Lifts For BasketBall Players. Am I on the right path? I know the pros have their training broken into 4 phases, but I am not a pro… I’m just pretty confused.
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Hey Taylor I”ve got Scoring secrets, Ball-handling mastery, dominate on defence, TAQ 2.0 and the jump manual. So my question is: How would I order my workout?
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Hey, Defense is one of my biggests liabilities on the court, I can score pretty consistently but I can never lock down my opponent on defense on the other end of the court, and I’ve been trying to find your dominate on defense program, but haven’t been able to find it anywhere, can you tell me how to get it please?
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Hey taylor,
Could you put in techniques on how to stay with the man you are guarding. Also how about tips on how to steal and block. Also how to turn the guy your guarding when he is dribbling.
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How do you come up with these drills and programs
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