Steve Baur - Defense through Analytics

Much of the conversation was based on a philosophy of Transition Defense. This is a key piece of defense, so that you are not giving up odd man breaks, easy scores, etc.

The method they explored was through 'tagging up', 'boxing in' as a offensive rebounding strategy as two fold approach to help draw every one in and force the defensive rebounders to stay closer to their own basket and therefore not allowing them to spring in transition as easily.

Body position initially was talked about, getting on the top side of the person boxing them out, again think "boxing in". If you had position on the inside of your defender then you would be in a "box out" position and trying to get the rebound.

The initial language become moving forward on the shot to put pressure on the rim and eventually evolved to "pick-up points". They wanted to think about it as matching up or guarding your person much early and depending where they are on the floor, if they stay in the back court then stay with them, if they run or leak out, you go with them.
The hopes is that you are going to be matched up as soon as there is a defense rebound.

Key points:

• Ball pressure on the rebounder. 
• So they can't easily head man or hit leak outs.
• Matching up with PG 
• Eliminate quick outlets to head mans or breakout dribbles. 
• Communicating through switches when required. 
• Especially during drives and shots at the rim by your teammate who know takes themselves momentarily out of the play. 
• Talk about this concept as "Transition defense" instead of "Offensive rebounding"