(1) Q: What is the default position in deny defense? 

A: When the ball-handler is not driving to the hoop in your direction, and your assigned player is not cutting to the hoop, you are in your default deny position while one pass away.

 
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(2) Q: How do you achieve the default deny position? 

A: The main focus is your body positioning; you want to be able to see the ball-handler, and feel where your player is (“See Ball, Feel Player”):

  • Hands: the closest hand/arm to the ball is in the passing lane (“deflection arm”) which prevents the pass to your assigned player, and also causes your assigned player to have to go out farther from the hoop to receive the ball. Your hand/arm farther from the ball (off hand/arm) is lightly resting on your assigned player so you can feel their movement 

  • Feet: to begin, your feet are facing towards your player; if your offensive player beings to move, you will use defensive slides with your front foot pointed in the direction of the movement 

  • Body: split the offensive body’s player in half, covering the side closest to the ball 

  • Arm distance: close enough to touch/feel the player with your off hand

  • Eyes: able to see the ball 

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Skills Drills

Skills Drill #1: Default Deny Position

O1 is the ball-handler on offense; starting position is at the top of the key

O2 is the assigned player on offense; starting position is on the right or left wing, at the 3-point line

X2 is the defensive player in default deny defense on O2

O1 will pass the ball to O2; X2 must prevent the pass by deflecting the ball with their deflection arm

Repeat this for several passes, ensuring X2 has proper default deny position.