The designation of the foremost defensive participant within the Nationwide Basketball Affiliation’s previous represents a big level of debate. It encompasses assessing athletes based mostly on their means to stop opponents from scoring, shield the rim, generate turnovers, and exert general affect on the sport’s defensive points. Consideration is given to statistical achievements, championship success, particular person accolades, and the subjective analysis of their dominance throughout their respective eras.
Figuring out such a participant is essential as a result of it honors the important function that defensive prowess performs in attaining staff success. Elite defensive efficiency can disrupt offensive methods, dictate tempo, and shift momentum in pivotal moments. Moreover, the dialogue gives historic context, permitting evaluation of evolving defensive schemes and the influence particular people have had on the sports activities evolution. It highlights the contributions of people whose major influence resided on the defensive aspect of the ball, a side of the sport usually overshadowed by offensive statistics.
Consequently, the examination of gamers famend for his or her defensive talents necessitates an in-depth take a look at their statistical profiles, their influence on staff success, and the legacy they’ve established within the annals of basketball historical past. This text will delve into the deserves of varied candidates, analyzing their contributions and offering a complete overview of the important thing components that contribute to defensive excellence within the NBA.
1. Particular person Defensive Prowess
Particular person defensive prowess is a basic part within the evaluation of the foremost defensive participant in NBA historical past. The flexibility to persistently disrupt offensive performs, deter scoring makes an attempt, and generate turnovers varieties the bedrock upon which a defensive legacy is constructed. Defensive statistics, whereas not the only determinant, present goal measures of this prowess. Excessive steal and block charges, low opponent area purpose percentages when guarded by a particular participant, and the capability to successfully guard a number of positions are indicative of outstanding particular person defensive means. For instance, Hakeem Olajuwon’s shot-blocking means not solely prevented quite a few scores but additionally deterred opponents from even trying pictures within the paint, altering offensive methods.
Furthermore, particular person defensive prowess extends past quantifiable metrics. It consists of components similar to anticipation, court docket consciousness, and the flexibility to learn opponents’ tendencies. A participant’s capability to anticipate passing lanes, perceive offensive units, and react instinctively to growing performs can considerably influence a staff’s defensive effectiveness. Gamers like Scottie Pippen, recognized for his means to disrupt passing lanes and create turnovers, exemplified this side of defensive brilliance. This ability necessitates a deep understanding of the sport, and the flexibility to make split-second choices that may alter the course of a possession. These intangible qualities contribute considerably to a participant’s general defensive influence.
In conclusion, particular person defensive prowess, encompassing statistical achievement and the flexibility to disrupt opponents’ offensive methods, is essential when evaluating candidates for the title of the best defensive participant in NBA historical past. It’s the basis upon which a broader evaluation of their general influence, staff success, and lasting legacy is constructed. Evaluating a participant’s means to change the offensive stream and successfully restrict scoring alternatives is important to understanding their place among the many recreation’s defensive elite.
2. Championship Contributions
The contributions of a defensive participant throughout championship runs are essential in figuring out placement among the many greatest in NBA historical past. The flexibility to raise defensive efficiency throughout high-stakes playoff video games and NBA Finals appearances is commonly the defining issue that separates distinctive defenders from merely good ones.
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Defensive Anchors in Title-Profitable Groups
Gamers who function the defensive cornerstone of championship-winning groups inherently enhance their declare to being among the many biggest. These people usually dictate the defensive id of their staff and immediately contribute to limiting opponents’ scoring alternatives throughout essential sequence. For instance, Invoice Russell’s dominance as a shot-blocker and defensive strategist anchored the Boston Celtics’ dynasty, making his championship contributions intrinsically tied to his defensive legacy.
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Elevated Playoff Efficiency
The capability to boost one’s defensive recreation in the course of the playoffs is indicative of a participant’s psychological fortitude and talent to carry out beneath strain. Higher defensive depth, targeted effort, and strategic changes are essential to counter opposing groups’ heightened offensive efforts. A demonstrable enchancment in defensive statistics, similar to steals, blocks, and defensive ranking, throughout championship runs gives empirical proof of this elevated efficiency.
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Adaptability Towards Diverse Offensive Kinds
Championship runs usually contain dealing with various offensive types, requiring adaptable defensive methods. The flexibility to regulate defensive schemes, guard a number of positions successfully, and neutralize completely different offensive threats is paramount. Gamers who show versatility and strategic flexibility usually tend to contribute considerably to their staff’s championship aspirations. Examples embrace gamers like Michael Cooper, who may guard level guards to energy forwards successfully.
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Influence on Key Defensive Stops
The flexibility to safe essential defensive stops throughout pivotal moments in playoff video games usually defines championship legacies. These stops can shift momentum, demoralize opponents, and immediately contribute to securing victories. Blocked pictures, steals, and contested rebounds in late-game conditions are sometimes remembered and contribute considerably to the narrative surrounding a participant’s defensive prowess throughout a championship run. Examples embrace Kawhi Leonards steal in opposition to the Warriors within the 2014 Western Convention Finals.
In conclusion, championship contributions are an integral aspect in evaluating the best defensive gamers in NBA historical past. The capability to guide championship-caliber groups, elevate defensive efficiency in the course of the playoffs, adapt to diversified offensive methods, and safe essential defensive stops solidifies a participant’s place among the many defensive elite.
3. Period-Adjusted Influence
The evaluation of the foremost defensive participant requires consideration of the differing eras inside NBA historical past. What constitutes efficient protection evolves alongside adjustments in offensive methods, rule modifications, and the athleticism of gamers. Uncooked statistics alone don’t suffice; an understanding of the context wherein these statistics have been generated is crucial. A dominant defensive participant within the Nineteen Sixties, for instance, confronted essentially completely different offensive challenges in comparison with one taking part in within the 2000s. Subsequently, the appliance of era-adjusted metrics turns into essential.
One part of era-adjusted influence is evaluating a participant’s dominance relative to their friends. Take into account the influence of Wilt Chamberlain as a rebounder, or George Mikan altering how offense was performed. Their influence in the course of the early days was completely different and extra impactful to these they performed with than to present gamers. This necessitates factoring within the common offensive effectivity of the league throughout a participant’s profession, the sorts of offensive units they confronted, and the restrictions or freedoms imposed by the principles of the sport. As an example, the hand-checking guidelines of the Nineteen Nineties allowed defenders to be considerably extra bodily than in up to date NBA play. Evaluating defensive gamers throughout eras requires establishing a baseline that accounts for these variances. Changes for tempo, offensive effectivity, and the prevalence of sure offensive schemes have to be included to realize correct perception.
In the end, figuring out the preeminent defender necessitates acknowledgement of the influence a participant had on the sport throughout their respective period. Changes for tempo, offensive effectivity, and the prevalence of sure offensive schemes are important. Appreciating that influence, and doing the whole lot attainable to equalize varied points to create an equal comparability is the one approach to examine these nice gamers. The problem of evaluating these gamers throughout eras signifies that there isn’t any definitive proper or flawed reply.
4. Statistical Dominance
Statistical dominance varieties a cornerstone within the dialogue of the perfect defender in NBA historical past. It gives tangible metrics that may be analyzed and in contrast throughout eras, providing goal proof to help or refute claims of defensive superiority. Nevertheless, statistical interpretation requires cautious consideration of the period and context inside which the information was generated.
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Blocks Per Sport (BPG) and Defensive Influence
Blocks per recreation symbolize a direct measure of a participant’s means to stop scoring alternatives close to the basket. A excessive BPG common not solely signifies shot-blocking proficiency but additionally usually deters opponents from trying pictures within the paint. As an example, Hakeem Olajuwon’s profession BPG common and his excessive single-season totals showcased his dominance as a rim protector, immediately translating to a big discount in opponent scoring. Nevertheless, BPG alone doesn’t seize the complete image, because it would not account for altered pictures or defensive positioning that stops scoring makes an attempt altogether.
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Steals Per Sport (SPG) and Turnover Creation
Steals per recreation replicate a participant’s aptitude for disrupting passing lanes and creating turnovers. A excessive SPG common suggests distinctive anticipation, fast fingers, and a capability to learn opponents’ offensive intentions. Gamers like Alvin Robertson, who led the league in steals a number of occasions, demonstrated the influence of turnover creation on defensive effectivity. Created turnovers may end up in fast-break alternatives and disrupt offensive stream. Nevertheless, SPG have to be contextualized; a participant who gambles excessively for steals might accumulate turnovers for the opposing staff, offsetting the advantages of steal technology.
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Defensive Rebounds and Possession Management
Defensive rebounds are essential for securing possession and initiating offensive alternatives. A excessive defensive rebounding common demonstrates a participant’s means to safe the ball after missed pictures, limiting second-chance factors for the opposition. Dennis Rodman’s profession rebounding averages, significantly his defensive rebounding numbers, showcased his unparalleled means to manage the boards, no matter peak or energy. Rebounding prowess contributes on to defensive effectiveness by ending possessions and limiting opponents’ alternatives to attain. It permits for tempo management, limiting the opponent’s possibilities to have success.
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Defensive Win Shares and Total Contribution
Defensive Win Shares (DWS) is a sophisticated statistical metric that estimates a participant’s contribution to their staff’s wins resulting from their defensive efficiency. DWS makes an attempt to quantify a participant’s general influence on the defensive finish, making an allowance for varied components similar to blocks, steals, rebounds, and opponent factors allowed. Excessive DWS values point out {that a} participant considerably impacts the staff’s defensive effectivity. Gamers with excessive DWS totals, similar to Invoice Russell and Tim Duncan, show sustained defensive excellence over the course of their careers. DWS gives a complete evaluation of defensive contributions, although it stays an estimate based mostly on statistical modeling and should not completely seize each side of defensive play.
The consideration of statistical dominance, by metrics like BPG, SPG, defensive rebounds, and DWS, gives an important framework for evaluating candidates for the title of greatest defender in NBA historical past. Whereas statistics provide beneficial insights, it is important to interpret them throughout the context of period, staff dynamics, and particular person roles. A complete evaluation combines statistical evaluation with qualitative analysis to find out the true influence and legacy of defensive gamers.
5. Intimidation Issue
The intimidation issue represents a big, although usually intangible, aspect in evaluating the best defensive participant. It extends past measurable statistics, encompassing the psychological influence a defender has on opponents. This influence influences shot choice, passing choices, and general offensive technique, contributing considerably to defensive effectiveness.
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Altering Shot Choice
A defender with a excessive intimidation issue can alter an opponent’s shot choice. Figuring out a defender possesses distinctive shot-blocking means or bodily presence, offensive gamers might hesitate to drive to the basket or try contested pictures. This reluctance usually results in settling for lower-percentage pictures from the perimeter or passing the ball to less-favorable choices. Dikembe Mutombo’s finger wag, for example, turned synonymous with deterring opponents from trying pictures within the paint, showcasing the psychological influence a defender can have.
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Influencing Passing Selections
Intimidating defenders may also affect passing choices. Opposing gamers might keep away from passing lanes the place such defenders are positioned, fearing interceptions or deflections. This hesitancy can disrupt offensive stream and power gamers to make suboptimal passes, resulting in turnovers or damaged performs. A participant like Dennis Rodman, recognized for his tenacity and relentless pursuit of the ball, may disrupt passing lanes as a result of concern of committing a turnover.
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Influence on Offensive Technique
The presence of an intimidating defender usually necessitates changes within the offensive technique. Coaches might design performs to keep away from direct confrontations with the defender or to create mismatches that exploit perceived weaknesses. This tactical adaptation acknowledges the defender’s affect and displays the respect afforded to their defensive capabilities. Having a participant similar to Invoice Russell would power groups to attempt to keep away from him in any respect prices, planning your complete offense round this one defensive participant.
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Psychological Benefit
Intimidation gives a psychological benefit, influencing opponent’s confidence. Figuring out an opponent is consistently being guarded by a participant that could be a menace on the defensive aspect can diminish their willingness to shoot. If a participant is aware of that anytime they drive to the basket, they threat the possibility of being embarrassed, they may hesitate extra usually.
In conclusion, the intimidation issue, although tough to quantify, stays a essential consideration when evaluating candidates for the title of the best defensive participant. By altering shot choice, influencing passing choices, and impacting offensive technique, intimidating defenders exert a profound affect on the sport, extending past measurable statistics to form the general dynamics of competitors.
6. Versatility
Versatility is an important determinant in evaluating candidates for the title of “greatest defender in nba historical past.” Its significance stems from the ever-evolving nature of the sport, the place gamers are more and more required to protect a number of positions successfully and adapt to various offensive schemes. Defenders demonstrating a capability to seamlessly change assignments, shield the paint, and successfully contest perimeter pictures possess a definite benefit in impacting the general defensive efficiency of their groups. As an example, Scottie Pippen’s capability to protect level guards, forwards, and even facilities at occasions, enabled the Chicago Bulls to implement versatile defensive methods that stifled opponents throughout their championship runs. This adaptability, coupled together with his excessive steal charge and disruptive presence, showcases how versatility interprets to tangible defensive dominance.
The sensible significance of versatility extends past particular person matchups. A flexible defender permits teaching staffs to implement complicated defensive schemes, similar to switching defenses and zone coverages, with out creating exploitable mismatches. This strategic flexibility can disrupt offensive rhythm, power turnovers, and in the end scale back opponents’ scoring effectivity. Moreover, versatile defenders usually excel in assist rotations and offering help to teammates, enhancing the collective defensive effort. By masking for lapses in positioning or contesting pictures close to the basket, these gamers contribute considerably to their staff’s general defensive resilience. An instance of this may be proven in Lebron James’s profession, the place it will not be unusual for him to change between guarding the opposite groups’s greatest participant no matter dimension or place.
In conclusion, versatility is inextricably linked to the evaluation of the best defenders in NBA historical past. Its worth lies within the capability to neutralize various offensive threats, improve strategic flexibility, and elevate the collective defensive efficiency of a staff. Whereas statistical achievements and particular person accolades stay vital, the flexibility to seamlessly adapt to completely different defensive assignments and contribute successfully throughout a number of sides of the sport in the end defines a defender’s lasting legacy. Nevertheless, the rising specialization of roles in trendy basketball presents a problem to figuring out actually versatile defenders, making the appreciation of this high quality all of the extra essential in historic evaluations.
7. Management
Management, whereas not at all times statistically quantifiable, represents a essential attribute in evaluating candidates for the title of “greatest defender in nba historical past.” It encompasses the flexibility to encourage, inspire, and direct teammates in the direction of a unified defensive technique, fostering a tradition of accountability and collective effort. Defensive management usually manifests in distinct methods, influencing each on-court efficiency and staff dynamics.
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Vocal Communication and Route
Efficient defensive leaders talk clearly and persistently, directing teammates in positioning, rotations, and protection assignments. They anticipate offensive performs, alerting teammates to potential threats and guaranteeing coordinated responses. Invoice Russell’s vocal presence because the defensive anchor of the Boston Celtics exemplifies this side of management, as he persistently organized the staff’s protection by strategic communication and tactical changes. Russell’s communication abilities allowed him to direct his teammates to be in the fitting place on the proper time, limiting scoring oppurtunities.
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Setting the Instance by Effort and Depth
Defensive leaders usually lead by instance, demonstrating unwavering effort and depth on each possession. Their dedication to defensive ideas conjures up teammates to raise their very own efficiency, making a contagious tradition of defensive excellence. Michael Jordan, whereas famend for his offensive prowess, additionally displayed distinctive defensive depth, setting a typical for his teammates and persistently difficult opponents. When a pacesetter of the staff units this tone, it’s contagious to the remainder of the staff, which permits for a really profitable unit.
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Accountability and Holding Teammates Accountable
True defensive leaders maintain themselves and their teammates accountable for adhering to defensive ideas and executing recreation plans. They deal with lapses in effort or execution, offering constructive criticism and fostering a tradition of mutual duty. A participant like Draymond Inexperienced, recognized for his defensive versatility and vocal management, exemplifies this side, persistently difficult teammates to keep up defensive focus and depth. If a participant permits themselves to be held accountable, it units an instance to different gamers.
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Strategic Understanding and In-Sport Changes
Defensive leaders possess a deep understanding of defensive technique and the flexibility to make in-game changes based mostly on opponent tendencies and evolving recreation conditions. They acknowledge mismatches, anticipate offensive performs, and talk tactical adjustments to teammates, guaranteeing the staff stays defensively sound. A participant similar to Lebron James is a good instance of a participant who could make the right defensive choices all through the course of the sport. His defensive acumen permits him to make changes to restrict opponents in scoring.
In conclusion, management represents an indispensable high quality in evaluating candidates for the title of “greatest defender in nba historical past.” By speaking successfully, setting the instance by effort, holding teammates accountable, and demonstrating strategic acumen, defensive leaders elevate the general efficiency of their groups and go away a long-lasting legacy of defensive excellence.
Regularly Requested Questions
The choice of probably the most dominant defensive participant in NBA historical past is a subject of appreciable debate. This part addresses frequent questions and misconceptions surrounding the factors and historic context concerned in such evaluations.
Query 1: Are statistics the only determinant in evaluating the best defender?
Statistics, similar to blocks, steals, and defensive win shares, present beneficial quantitative insights right into a participant’s defensive influence. Nevertheless, they aren’t the one components. Intangible qualities like management, intimidation issue, and flexibility, in addition to era-specific context, additionally contribute considerably to a complete evaluation. Statistical dominance have to be seen along side qualitative evaluations to realize a holistic understanding of a participant’s defensive capabilities.
Query 2: How does one account for the variations in eras when evaluating defensive gamers?
Evaluating defensive gamers throughout completely different eras presents a big problem resulting from evolving guidelines, offensive methods, and participant athleticism. Period-adjusted metrics and contextual evaluation are important. This entails contemplating the league’s common offensive effectivity throughout a participant’s profession, the defensive schemes they confronted, and the precise guidelines governing defensive play on the time. Changes for tempo and offensive types are additionally essential to create a extra equitable comparability.
Query 3: What function does staff success play in evaluating particular person defensive prowess?
Group success, significantly championships received, is a big consider assessing a participant’s defensive legacy. The flexibility to anchor a championship-caliber protection demonstrates a participant’s capability to raise their efficiency throughout high-stakes conditions. Defensive contributions to profitable groups usually outweigh particular person accolades, highlighting the significance of translating defensive means into tangible staff success. A participant’s influence on key defensive stops throughout essential playoff video games additional solidifies their declare to defensive greatness.
Query 4: Is versatility extra vital than specialization in figuring out defensive greatness?
Versatility, the flexibility to protect a number of positions successfully, is more and more valued in trendy basketball. Nevertheless, specialization in a particular defensive ability, similar to shot-blocking or rebounding, may also be extremely impactful. The relative significance of versatility versus specialization will depend on the staff’s defensive scheme and the participant’s particular person strengths. A defender who excels in a particular space whereas additionally possessing an inexpensive diploma of versatility usually holds a bonus in general analysis.
Query 5: How can the intimidation issue be assessed objectively?
The intimidation issue, whereas tough to quantify immediately, will be assessed by its influence on opponent habits. This consists of altered shot choice, hesitant passing choices, and changes in offensive technique designed to keep away from direct confrontations with the intimidating defender. Testimonials from opposing gamers and coaches, in addition to qualitative evaluation of recreation footage, can present insights into the psychological influence a defender has on the opposition.
Query 6: What’s the significance of defensive management in evaluating the perfect defender?
Defensive management is an important, usually ignored, attribute. The flexibility to speak successfully, set an instance by effort, maintain teammates accountable, and make strategic in-game changes elevates a staff’s general defensive efficiency. Defensive leaders usually encourage a tradition of accountability and collective effort, remodeling a set of people right into a cohesive defensive unit.
In the end, the choice of the NBA’s biggest defender requires a multifaceted method, mixing statistical evaluation with qualitative evaluations and historic context. No single metric or attribute definitively determines defensive greatness.
Additional exploration of particular candidates and their defensive contributions might be introduced in subsequent sections.
Insights from the Pursuit of Defensive Excellence in NBA Historical past
Inspecting the careers of these thought of within the “greatest defender in nba historical past” dialogue gives instructive ideas relevant to present athletes striving for defensive proficiency.
Tip 1: Prioritize Movie Examine and Opponent Evaluation. Detailed examination of opponent tendencies is a trademark of elite defenders. Scrutinize offensive patterns, particular person participant proclivities, and scoring preferences to anticipate actions and disrupt performs proactively.
Tip 2: Domesticate a Relentless Work Ethic. Constant dedication to bodily conditioning and ability improvement is non-negotiable. Drills targeted on lateral quickness, agility, and energy are important for sustaining peak defensive efficiency all through a rigorous season.
Tip 3: Grasp Basic Defensive Strategies. Right positioning, footwork, and hand placement are the cornerstones of efficient protection. Emphasize correct stance, containment methods, and methods for contesting pictures with out fouling.
Tip 4: Develop Versatility Throughout A number of Positions. Adaptability is more and more beneficial in trendy basketball. Domesticate the flexibility to protect varied positions successfully, understanding the nuances of defending completely different participant sorts and offensive roles.
Tip 5: Embrace Communication and Management. Vocal communication is paramount for coordinating defensive efforts and guaranteeing staff cohesion. Take possession of directing teammates, calling out screens, and adjusting defensive schemes in real-time.
Tip 6: Worth Rebounding as a Defensive Crucial. Securing defensive rebounds ends possessions and limits second-chance alternatives for opponents. Prioritize boxing out, pursuing rebounds aggressively, and sustaining a bodily presence on the boards.
Tip 7: Preserve Psychological Fortitude and Resilience. Defensive success requires psychological toughness and the flexibility to persevere by challenges. Develop the capability to stay targeted, disciplined, and resilient even when dealing with adversity or offensive onslaughts.
Tip 8: Try to Anticipate, Not Simply React. Relatively than merely responding to offensive actions, domesticate the flexibility to anticipate performs and disrupt opponent intentions earlier than they materialize. Efficient anticipation depends on sample recognition, court docket consciousness, and a deep understanding of the sport.
These ideas, gleaned from the careers of these usually talked about as “greatest defender in nba historical past”, are related for aspiring defensive gamers in any respect ranges. Constant software of those insights fosters a defensive mindset that enhances particular person efficiency and contributes to general staff success.
The next sections will summarize the defining traits of premier defenders and underscore the enduring worth of defensive excellence in basketball.
The Enduring Legacy of the Greatest Defender in NBA Historical past
The exploration of the designation of the foremost defensive participant in NBA historical past reveals a fancy interaction of statistical achievement, championship contributions, era-adjusted influence, intimidation issue, versatility, and management. Statistical dominance, whereas offering quantifiable metrics, is tempered by concerns of the historic context and evolving nature of the sport. Championship contributions spotlight the interpretation of particular person defensive prowess into tangible staff success. Qualities similar to versatility and management emphasize the capability to raise the general defensive efficiency of a staff past particular person statistical metrics. A participant’s capability for management, the concern they create in opponents, is all a part of what provides to every participant’s resume. In the end, the qualities of every of those gamers are extraordinarily vital of their legacy.
The pursuit of defensive excellence stays an important part of success in skilled basketball. Whereas offensive prowess usually garners higher consideration, the contributions of elite defenders form the sport’s dynamics and outline championship legacies. The talk surrounding the preeminent defender serves as a reminder of the enduring worth of defensive dedication, strategic acumen, and the intangible qualities that separate distinctive gamers from the merely proficient. The exploration of the perfect defender in NBA historical past serves as a name to all athletes to decide to the defensive aspect of the sport as nicely.
