The Importance of Making Defensive Stops
Defensive Stops are the determining factor of any game.
A Defensive Stop is a possession in which the opposing team does not score. Defensive Stops are a result of offensive turnovers and defensive rebounds. Defensive Stops don't just happen. They are a product of solid defensive play.
Defensive Stops are a key element to all offensive runs.
It doesn't do much good to score, if you don't keep your opponent from scoring. 14 to 2 and 10 to 0 blitzes are a result of combining defensive stops and scoring.
Defensive Stops allow you to play through adversity.
Defensive Stops during a game buy you critical time when your offense is performing badly and not scoring. If you should experience a four or five minute scoring drought, Defensive Stops will keep you in the game and minimize the hemorrhaging. Instead of falling behind by double digits, you may only lose 2 to 4 points.
Defensive Stops neutralize and erase offensive mistakes.
Offensive turnovers or bad shots, no matter how severe, can be simply 'erased' or canceled out just by hustling back on defense and making a defensive stop. The only turnovers that hurt are the ones that the opponent scores after.
Defensive Stops are vital after bad calls and offensive charging fouls.
A bad call by an official, no matter how bad, can be simply 'erased' or canceled out just by turning up the defensive intensity and making a defensive stop on the ensuing possession. During a game a charge/block foul can be a 50/50 call. However, anytime an offensive charge is called, it can be 'erased' or neutralized with a defensive stop.
Defensive Stops are a must after allowing offensive rebounds.
Increasing the defensive intensity and determination and making a defensive stop is crucial after giving up an opponent rebound. Like turnovers, the only opponent offensive rebounds that hurt are the ones they score after.
Defensive Stops are also crucial in catching up at the end of a game.
All the scoring in the world will do you little good if you don't keep the other team from scoring.
Defensive Stops are also crucial protecting a hard earned lead at the end of a game.
End of game leads can evaporate quickly without defensive stops. The best way to protect the lead is by making defensive stops. Defensive rebounding in this situation is critical. Anticipate long rebounds and box out. Do not allow any second efforts.
Developing "Defensive Stoppers”
Having an outstanding defensive player, one who not only can deny or disrupt a great offensive players from receiving the ball; but, in addition, are masters of one on one defense and push points is essential to any championship hopes. Like shooters, stoppers aren’t born and just don’t happen. They must be development and nourished.
Successful Defensive Stoppers are a result of having solid on and off ball defensive fundamentals along with a strong attitude and relentless determination. They are highly challenged and motivated when it comes to stopping and frustrating the opponent’s leading scorer. They thrive on the responsibility and opportunity of denying a good shooter a last second shot opportunity.
However, this attitude and self-confidence must be created, fostered and supported by the coaching staff throughout the season. Since a Defensive Stopper’s role is primarily that of a defensive specialist, any offensive output is a bonus. Their job is to stop not score.
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