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Michael Jagacki

@Mike_Jagacki

May 3, 2023 • 8 tweets • 3 min read • Read on X

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One of my favorite players, "he doesn't even need to score a basket to turn a game around." He made rebounding an art. I know we all wish we had players who rebounded like Rodman... well, if that's true, here is how he did it, a thread:

Rodman was relentless at his attempts to secure the weakside position - anchoring the opponents to one side of the floor and allowing him the entire weakside.

Full Technique here: lockdowndefenseblog.com/post/reboundin…

Rodman did anything to keep the rebound alive. Tipping the ball became a staple; he might not be able to grab the rebound, but he might be able to tip it and keep it alive for another try or direct the ball to a better position.

Full technique here:
lockdowndefenseblog.com/post/tip-rebou…

Rodman did not follow the, “two hands on every rebound," philosophy. As an undersized player he often used one hand to snatch or tip.

Of course, Rodman also treated rebounding as an art. He would study, track and practice rebounding - so much so that he gained a sense for where the ball was going.

So would you really let your player rebound like Rodman? Which at first glance, seems somewhat ridiculous. What coach wouldn’t want a player who leads their league in rebounds as an undersized big?

But when you watch Rodman’s actually rebounding style and technique, many coaches cringe at the sight. The blatant disregard for the fundamentals. However, if every player rebounded exactly the same way, wouldn’t that just favor the tallest players?

If you want to watch the full breakdown of Rodman's rebounding ability, check out the Youtube channel. here👇

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Michael Jagacki

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If I was a defender coming up today —
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1. Passion + Communication
Before anything else—Caruso cares.
You see it in his voice, his energy, and how he talks on every possession.
Defense starts with caring. Everything else builds from that.

2. Elite Off-Ball Technique
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Michael Jagacki

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Alex Caruso vs. Nikola Jokic.
100 pounds. 6 inches. A matchup few believed in.

But last night, Caruso delivered a defensive masterclass, making it nearly impossible for Jokic to even get the ball.

Here’s how he did it — play by play. 🧵

Before we even get to that key matchup, Caruso comes in when the Thunder are already in a hole and he doesn't take long to make his presence felt! Suffocates Braun in the corner, smothering his pivot and killing his vision.

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Michael Jagacki

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Christian Braun isn’t the first name you think of in Denver. But in Game 3, he became their clutch defensive stopper — the only player trusted to guard SGA 1v1 without sending a double.

SGA: 1-for-8 in the 4th. 0 shots in OT.
A masterclass in closing defense.
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Braun recovers over a double ball screen and squares SGA back up with an influence middle. Uses a cross step to cut off the drive with a chest bump at the elbow. Jams the square up attack and walls up the finishing- winning the line of attack

This isn't on SGA, but another crucial stop for DEN and an amazing play and double effort by Braun. Braun switches onto Williams and performs that same one-handed wall up. Forcing the defender away from the basket with a heavy contest. OKC gets the rebound but Braun comes back in the play to get the block!

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Michael Jagacki

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Chris Finch and the Timberwolves pulled off the biggest comeback in a Game 7. Holding the Nuggets to 37pts in the 2nd half. Let's dive into the Timberwolves 2nd half defense that lead them to the conference finals!

A thread...

First thing to notice is the drop and lack of urgency the Wolves have on Jokic at the 3pt line, who has not made a 3-pointer today. We can also see much of the same as previous games, chasing MPJ off the 3pt line and chasing handoffs

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Michael Jagacki

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*recommend using tape or court lines, cones can cause slipping

If a player is really struggling with the drill, it might be due to their unfamiliarity with the movement or limitations. Recommend building the explosiveness and coordination of the movement in isolation with resistance

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Michael Jagacki

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The next 3 plays BOS continues with the game plan to attack the post. MIA however is able to offer help from Love on Horford to disrupt and clog both Smart and Jaylen Brown's post ups. Plus, Strus and GV are no slouches in the post