Los Angeles Clippers assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy recently joined the Slappin' Glass Podcast (listen here) to unpack what really matters when defending elite scorers and teaching players. His conversation highlighted five ideas that translate to every level of basketball. In this post, I wanted to share some of our favorite insights from his discussion.

1. Match Your Words to the Play

Van Gundy described how longtime broadcast partner Mike Breen pushed him to align his commentary with the actual quality of a possession. The same lesson applies to coaching. Praise has to equal the play—reserve the word "great" for truly exceptional actions and be comfortable saying "solid" or "needs more" when the execution is average. Players respect feedback that matches what they felt on the floor.

If you use "good" when something was bad, they'll know it.

2. Be Precise With Feedback

Sloppy descriptions lead to sloppy habits. Van Gundy emphasized choosing language that communicates exactly what happened. Rather than telling a defender he gave "good effort," point out that he stunted one dribble too deep or stayed square on the driver. Feedback with precision and detail gives athletes the information they need to repeat or correct a behavior.

Inprecise feedback will yield inprecise results.

3. Teach Defenders to Anticipate Greatness

Defending stars starts before the catch. Van Gundy referenced the importance of knowing how a scorer prefers to get comfortable. Whether it is an early post seal, a left-hand rip, or a snake dribble off ball screens, figure out what you'll be defending before tip-off. Build scouting reports that spotlight those comfort zones, then drill your players to take the option away before the ball arrives.

Basically, this is the defensive version of KYP.

4. Create Efficient Help and Recovery Maps

Elite offenses punish late or unnecessary help. Van Gundy outlined how effective defenses choreograph their rotations: tag the roller early, absorb drives without over-helping, and close out under control so the next pass is contested. Coaches should map these rotations on film and rehearse them until each player understands the exact distance and timing their role requires.

5. Balance Accountability With Confidence

Van Gundy admitted that he once downplayed excellent execution in an effort to keep players humble. He now stresses that great plays deserve enthusiastic recognition—as long as the standard stays consistent. Celebrate the charge taken on a star, the perfect low-man rotation, or the extra pass that creates a layup. Players carry themselves differently when they know you see their best work.

Bringing It Together

Jeff Van Gundy's defensive philosophy centers on five core principles:

• Precision in Communication: Match your feedback to the actual quality of play.
• Detailed Instruction: Give specific, actionable feedback instead of vague praise.
• Anticipatory Defense: Study and prepare for opponents' favorite moves before they happen.
• Systematic Rotations: Map out help and recovery patterns for consistent execution.
• Recognition of Excellence: Celebrate great plays to build player confidence.

These insights from one of basketball's most respected defensive minds can elevate any coach's approach to teaching and developing players at any level. Apply these ideas in your next practice plan and you'll literally be coaching like an NBA coach. For more tools to organize those plans, explore how Elite Hoops helps coaches build and share drills and practice plans in minutes.