Basketball Defense System: Pressure, Rotation, Rebounding
A complete defensive system from Coach Mike Dunlap (Metro State / Denver Nuggets). Learn the philosophy and drills that built one of the nation’s toughest defenses - built on pressure, precision, and pride. 1. Cornerstones: Ball Pressure — No free looks Rotation — Stop the ball Basket Protection — No easy points Rebounding — Finish every possession 2. Pressure Points: Pin the ball to the sideline (“alley”) Force 2–3 turns before half court Trap screens & rotate behind pressure Double the post baseline Be warriors on the glass 3. Transition Defense: Stop the ball early Sprint lanes & match up Contest all shots Finish with rebounding 4. Defensive Sets: Full & half court press (22/55) Match-up zone with man principles “Defense is insurance — you better have it.” 5. Drills & Spacing: 1v0 → 5v6 rotations Communication, spacing, anticipation “We never compromise hard ball pressure.”
Level
- Middle School
- High School
- College
Sport
- Basketball
Type
- Defense
- Practice Drills
- Templates
- Game Strategy