As a team perhaps your squad is almost equal in talent, but as much as many coaches hate to admit it, one player can ultimately alter the course of a basketball game. If one player is on it can be tough for even a well balanced squad to mitigate his effects, with just 5 players on the floor, particularly playing traditional half court man or zone defense. In the event Michael Jordan is seemingly reincarnated on the opposition, try implementing these defensive tactics to help restore order.

Box 1 The box 1 defense is an amendment to the traditional zone defense that can help to provide additional coverage to one opposing player while minimizing the overall impact on the other 4. The one in Box 1 refers to the defender who will be individually assigned to the problem causing scorer. He will stick to this player in man coverage while his 4 teammates run a zone behind him. The zone can take the form of either a 2-2, forming a square with 2 in the paint and 2 in the perimeter, or a 1-2-1, creating a diamond from the top of the key out to the wings and down the lane.

Full Court Press A full press can be particularly helpful if the dominant opposing player is a larger player and less of a ball handler, though when executed perfectly it can be effective regardless of position or skill set. The full press will require conditioning as it mandates defenders play strict on the ball defense the entire length of the court, trapping when the situation allows it. The tallest/most athletic player (depending on the lineup) can be placed in roving centerfield position to help pick off errant passes. Even if the other team is successful in bringing the ball up the court, constant pressure will force additional passes and prevent one player from holding the ball for a comfortable time period. This will allow for defenders to take advantage of less polished players/ball handlers.