"Talking" On Defense

The following comes from one of my favorite books "Toughness" by Jay Bilas

Talking on the floor is difficult and, to some players, seems unnatural. But when a player talks on defense, it is difficult if not impossible for that player not o be more engaged that he otherwise would be.

The talking player is more likely to be down in a stance and read, and more likely to be in the right position and prepared not only to cover his assignment, but to help a teammate and still recover.

Talk is essential to a winning team's confidence. Communicating is about connecting and being connected. It is about trust and commitment.

On defense, when one teammate is guarding the player with the ball, it is important for all other teammates or help defenders, to "play the ball" and talk to their teammate guarding the ball. That on-ball defender is your teammate, and he is on an island without the ability to see what is going on behind him. That teammate needs the confidence to pressure the ball without the fear of getting beaten off the dribble.

It is the talk, the communication of his teammates that instills that confidence and trust.