Want to learn more about Will Wade’s defensive strategy? Buy his DVD.

Yes, folks, Will Wade has a DVD that teaches coaches and players how to play defense.

I know most of you aren’t players or coaches, but if you’re interested in what his foundational theories are (or where), you can check this out. That said, in a recent interview Wade said over the years he’s changed up his defensive strategies (especially when he got to LSU), but I’m sure he didn’t fully pivot away from the theories and teachings he subscribed to in 2016 when this video was produced.

Here is what the video teaches…

Transition Defense

The strength of your defense begins with how you convert down the floor. Coach Wade discusses how he balances an aggressive approach to offensive rebounding while limiting fast break chances for the opponent. He gives you two disadvantage drills to start your practice. The Rat Race and 4-on-2 Continuous drills will teach your transition defensive system while serving as an immediate conditioner in your practices. Your players will learn how to communicate and disrupt your opponent through levels of fatigue that resemble an actual game.

Closeouts

Learn VCU’s unique approach to covering open shooters. Coach Wade places a huge emphasis on taking away the opponent’s 3-point shot attempts. See how to identify players of different shooting abilities in your scouting report. The Raiders and Heart Check drills will develop a mindset of anticipation and help players learn to aggressively cover ground to shut down open looks for the offense.

Ball Pressure

Forcing deflections and disrupting the ball handler is the basis for turning up the pressure in this defense. Coach Wade demonstrates two competitive drills that use a defensive scoring system to emphasize ball pressure. Each focuses on individual on-ball defense as well as the positioning and rotations needed off the ball.

Post Defense

Teaching your entire team how to defend the post will take away the possibility of mismatches down low. Making all of your players capable low post defenders can also increase your ability to switch screens. Coach Wade shows two physical practice drills to train players how to prevent catches in the “post box” with both _ and full front denial.

Rebounding

VCU has an aggressive philosophy for offensive and defensive rebounding that will help you dominate the boards. Coach Wade gives you ideas for drilling the rebounding instinct during every second of your practices. You will also see one rebounding drill that is used to end all of their individual workouts through the off-season.

Basketball has changed a lot in the past 10 years, so it will be interesting to check this out and then, if he ends up at NC State, get to ask him what he’s changed and why.

To view a preview of the video, click the video screenshot below and it will take you to a page with the video embedded (scroll down).

Meanwhile…

“HEY MA, do we still have a DVD players somewhere?”