defensive assessment
Defense Wins Championships
This isn’t just a saying — it’s the truth. Great defenders change the game without needing the ball in their hands. But what makes a player elite on defense?
Our Defense Assessment puts your skills to the test. We measure key attributes that every top-tier defender needs:
Lateral Quickness – How fast can you move side to side to cut off drives?
Reaction Time – How quickly do you respond to offensive moves?
Defensive Positioning – Are you staying low, balanced, and ready?
Effort & Energy – Do you bring relentless intensity every possession?
This assessment helps players, coaches, and parents understand defensive strengths and uncover areas to improve. Whether you’re a lockdown perimeter defender or working to earn more minutes, knowing where you stand is the first step toward becoming a defensive anchor for your team.
Why Defense Matters
Scoring is fun, but stopping your opponent is how you win. Defense is about heart, hustle, and smart fundamentals. This assessment isn’t just about testing speed — it’s about evaluating the mindset and habits that make elite defenders stand out.
power Tests:
Broad Jump (ie. long jump)
Bilateral
Left-facing Single-Leg to Two-legged landing
Right-facing Single-Leg to Two-legged landing
Broad Jump Post Deceleration
Directions: Athlete must jump 3 feet towards the starting point and then Broad Jump as far as they can.
Left-facing Single-Leg to Two-legged landing
Right-facing Single-Leg to Two-legged landing
6-8lb rotational med ball throw test
Left-facing
Right-facing
Vertical Jump
Bilateral (without approach on JumpMat)
With Approach (Vertec)
agility Tests (non-reactive):
reactive agility tests:
Reactive Lane Shuttle Test
Directions: Start in middle lane, coach point to a direction and start the stopwatch. The player has to get both feet outside the lane, then turn 180º and sprint across back to the outside of the other lane. Finally, sprint towards the middle where the stopwatch will be stopped.
Take 2 measurements starting left and 2 measurements starting right.
strength tests:
Your Weight
Purpose: We want to make sure that we know how much you weigh so we can have comparison to your tests.
Lower-Body Strength: Back Squat (3RM)
Purpose: Measures maximum lower-body strength, essential for holding position in the post and exploding laterally.
Procedure:
Warm up properly with light weights.
Perform progressively heavier sets to find your 3-rep max (3RM).
Use proper squat depth (thighs parallel or below).
Normative Data for Basketball Players (Relative Strength to Bodyweight):
Level
3RM Squat / Bodyweight
Elite Defender:
1.85x bodyweight
Strong Defender:
1.6x bodyweight
Average Defender:
1.4x bodyweight
Needs Improvement:
<1.4x bodyweight
Alternative: If a player is inexperienced with squats, use a Trap Bar Deadlift as a safer alternative.
Trap Bar Deadlift (TBDL) 3RM Testing Protocol
The trap bar deadlift is a powerful, hip-dominant movement that is great for assessing posterior chain strength (hamstrings, glutes, lower back) and contact strength. Below is a comprehensive testing protocol for the 3RM (three-repetition maximum) and the corresponding normative data.
Test Preparation
Warm-Up:
Begin with 5-10 minutes of general dynamic warm-up (e.g., light jogging, mobility drills).
Focus on hip, hamstring, and lower back mobility.
Perform 2-3 sets of light trap bar deadlifts with progressively increasing weights (e.g., 5 reps at 40%, 5 reps at 60%, 3 reps at 80% of estimated 1RM).
Safety:
Ensure proper lifting technique: hips at the right height, neutral spine, feet shoulder-width apart.
Coaching tips: Keep the chest tall and the shoulders engaged; push through the heels and avoid rounding the back.
3RM Testing Protocol
Initial Load:
Estimate the athlete’s starting weight (based on previous lifts or using a submaximal warm-up). Start at 80-85% of their 1RM.Set 1:
Perform 3 reps at the starting weight (80-85% of 1RM).
Evaluate form and ensure the athlete has sufficient energy for the next set.
Set 2:
Increase the weight by 5-10% (depending on how easily the previous set was completed).
Perform 3 reps at the new weight.
Set 3:
Increase the weight by another 5-10%, ensuring the athlete can still maintain proper form.
Perform 3 reps at the new weight.
Max Attempts:
If the athlete is successful in completing 3 reps with good form on the third set, move up again.
If the athlete fails to complete 3 reps with proper form, this weight is their 3RM.
Form Considerations
Hip Drive: Emphasize pushing the hips forward at the top of the movement, not just pulling with the arms.
Neutral Spine: Avoid rounding the back during the lift, especially when lifting heavier weights.
Bar Path: Ensure the bar travels vertically with minimal deviation forward or backward.
Normative Data for 3RM Trap Bar Deadlift
These normative values are based on bodyweight-relative data for trained athletes and basketball players who perform resistance training regularly.
Level
3RM Trap Bar Deadlift / Bodyweight
Elite Defender
2.0x bodyweight or more
Strong Defender
1.75x bodyweight
Average Defender
1.5x bodyweight
Needs Improvement
<1.5x bodyweight
Explanation of Levels:
Elite Defender: Capable of lifting twice their bodyweight, which indicates exceptional posterior chain strength and power that can be used for explosive movements, such as sprinting and boxing out.
Strong Defender: Lifts 1.75x bodyweight, showing excellent power and endurance, which helps with maintaining defensive posture under pressure.
Average Defender: Lifts around 1.5x bodyweight, showing good foundational strength, but still room for improvement in explosive power.
Needs Improvement: A weight-to-bodyweight ratio of <1.5x indicates a need for strength development, especially for physical and contact-heavy positions.
Upper-Body Strength: Push-Ups at 50BPM
Upper-Body Strength: Pull-Ups or Chin-Ups
Core Strength: Weighted Plank Hold
Purpose: Measures core endurance, which is essential for maintaining a low defensive stance and absorbing contact.
Procedure:
Assume a plank position with elbows on the ground.
A weight plate (25-45 lbs) is placed on the upper back.
Hold as long as possible without breaking form.
Scoring:
Level
Hold Time (45 lb plate)
Elite Defender:
2+ minutes
Strong Defender:
1:30 – 1:59
Average Defender:
1:00 – 1:29
Needs Improvement:
<1:00
Alternative: Perform Weighted Side Planks to test lateral core stability, important for sliding on defense.