Bret Tovani

Defending the Middle Half: an Approach to Defensive Basketball Bret Tovani

Defending the Middle Half: an Approach to Defensive Basketball presents a system of half court defense that has beenused successfully at both the high school and University level. The primary goal of this system is to forcethe offense away from the middle of the court and high percentage shots. It is predicated on the idea that anaggressive defense that takes away the middle of the court will force opponentsto settle for lower percentage shots. Inthis system the defense dictates where and how the game will be played. There is nothing passive about this defensivesystem. The mindset of defenders is oneof attack. Once employed the playerstake pride in the reputation they earn of being a tough defensive team. Over the years this system has helped teamswith less talent defeat teams with more talent on a regular basis. Players of average ability can be taught thissystem of defensive play to maximize their individual talents for the benefitof the team. Hard work, unselfishnessand a willingness to learn are the pre-requisites for successfully implementingthis defensive system.