Tough defense

[SoonerNorm]

A lot has been said about A&M and West Virginia playing tough defense, insinuating that our girls are not used to that style of play. In my opinion, our girls should see that everyday in practice but magnified by 5. There is no reason the men they practice against can't turn up the pressure much more than they will ever see in a game. Games for the girls should be a piece of cake compared to what they face in practice every day.

 

[MsProudSooner]

I would think that your day to day practices should reflect how your next opponent plays defense. If your next opponent is someone like KSU, who usually plays a sagging man to man or zone, practicing against an overly aggressive man to man defense prior to the game isn't going to do you much good.

I feel sure that when we know we are going to play against an overly aggressive defense, our practices reflect that. I seem to remember comments from players that our practices were often much tougher than the games. Even when you keep your poise against an overly aggressive defense, you can be undone if the officials ignore the fouls that occur. Fortunately, that didn't happen Wednesday night.

 

[SoonerinNC]

They ignored a fair number of the fouls. We had a player on the floor on almost every play. Sometimes Joanna and that takes a pretty hard push. On one play she got blasted trying to catch a ball and on another Nicole got pushed completely off the court. Not a suprise with Enterline officiating.

 

[SoonerNorm]

The men should constantly foul them in practice so they get used to playing through fouls. It doesn't take much to put some of our players on the floor, ie Sharane. They have to be tough enough to withstand whatever happens; they shouldn't expect a foul to be called, just continue to play until they hear the whistle.

 

[SoonerNorm]

I would think that your day to day practices should reflect how your next opponent plays defense. If your next opponent is someone like KSU, who usually plays a sagging man to man or zone, practicing against an overly aggressive man to man defense prior to the game isn't going to do you much good.

I feel sure that when we know we are going to play against an overly aggressive defense, our practices reflect that. I seem to remember comments from players that our practices were often much tougher than the games. Even when you keep your poise against an overly aggressive defense, you can be undone if the officials ignore the fouls that occur. Fortunately, that didn't happen Wednesday night.

I disagree. If you can withstand intense pressure, you can withstand anything. You have to prepare for a defense that will be all over you in every upcoming game. Assume and prepare for the worst but hope for the best.

 

[35TangoTango]

Ms. Proud is right. You win games by knowing what you will be facing and by being prepared for it; not by turning each session into a football practice.

 

[MsProudSooner]

I disagree. If you can withstand intense pressure, you can withstand anything. You have to prepare for a defense that will be all over you in every upcoming game. Assume and prepare for the worst but hope for the best.

Preparing for intense pressure doesn't prepare you for a sagging zone or man to man that takes away all passing and driving lanes.