Book Description

The key to success for any basketball team is defense, and the heart of most successful defensive systems is half-court man-to-man defense. "Winning Defense" is the ultimate book on this crucial aspect of the game. Much more than a basic primer, this advanced guide explores the intricacies of transition and half-court defense that give winning teams their edge. It's all here: trapping, switching, cutters, screeners, post defense, and defending two- and three-man exercises. Out-of-bound and end-of-game situations. Drills to enhance individual and team technique. A section on rebounding, the finishing touch to any successful defensive effort, and a unique approach to transition defense. Since it's publication in 1993, "Winning Defense" has become the bible of half-court man-to-man defense for serious and successful coaches and players everywhere! Del Harris is one of basketball's most respected, honored, and experienced teachers. He began his career as an elementary coach in Johnson City, Tennessee, and progressed through the high school, college, international, and professional ranks--enjoying great success at each stop. Harris took the NBA's Houston Rockets, who had finished the regular season with a winning percentage below .500 to the finals of the NBA playoffs in 1981 in one of the great Cinderella stories in league history. He also led the Milwaukee Bucks to the playoffs in each of his four seasons as head coach. As the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, he nearly duplicated his 1981 miracle season in 1995, leading a team expected to go nowhere to the playoffs, where they lost in a thrilling six-game Western Conference semifinal series to San Antonio. As a result, he was named1994-95 NBA Coach of the Year. A noted speaker and clinician, Harris has written two previous basketball books and a sports novel for young readers. His is a member of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.