Disrupting Offenses with Pressure Defense

Brad Underwood has built a coaching career on pressure defense. The Illinois head coach prefers an on-the-line-up-the-line half-court pressure defense that can stifle opposing offenses. Some of Underwood’s previous teams – Oklahoma State and Stephen F. Austin – have been among the nation’s leaders in steals and turnovers.

In this video, Coach Underwood teaches you the principles of his defense including positioning, maintaining denial, and keeping pressure on the opponent when defending ball screens. Even less skilled athletes can succeed in Underwood’s defense if they play with great technique and toughness.

Basics of On-Ball Defense

The whole goal of Coach Underwood’s pressure defense is to prevent opponents from getting into the offense they want to run. The defense begins by shrinking the floor. Coach Underwood then explains the rules and responsibilities of each player. Defenders are taught when to pick up opponents and how to make them uncomfortable through the entire possession.

Pressure vs. Common Offensive Actions

Coach Underwood shows you how to maintain pressure against the various actions offenses will run. Learn how to move and adjust denial positions every time the ball moves. Coach Underwood breaks down these concepts into 2-on-2, 3-on-3, and 4-on-4 for better understanding.

You will also learn how to deny back cuts, play post defense, and stop dribble penetration by sprinting to midline to play help defense. Coach Underwood will also give you techniques for disrupting screening actions like screen aways, down screens, and baseline screens.

To tie it all together, Coach Underwood shows you his shell drill. Players must communicate, jump to the ball, and sprint to help. There is an emphasis on player movement and “doing work early” to keep pressure on the offense.

Defending Ball Screens

To reduce pressure, the offense will try to use ball screens. Coach Underwood details how his defense attacks ball screens and maintains pressure. You will learn how to trap the dribbler in the corner. You’ll see “X-Action” which helps you defend screeners popping into open space for shots. Coach Underwood also shares his Red, White, and Blue communication system to defend on-ball screens.

Coach Underwood’s video is a complete and total defensive system that any team can use to pressure offenses into making mistakes.