Man-to-man defense is the standard defensive system of modern basketball, particularly in the NBA. Each defender is responsible for a specific opponent and follows them wherever they go.
Its main strength: responsibility is clear. If an attacker scores easily, you know who got beat. Man-to-man also allows smart help rotations and screen switches, with real reading logic.
Several strategic variants exist. Switch-everything (switching every screen), which dominated the NBA around 2015-2020. Drop coverage (the big drops under the screen, Rudy Gobert's signature). Show/blitz (the big hedges hard on the ball handler after the screen).
Today, most teams mix primary man-to-man with occasional zone possessions to disrupt the opposing offense. The choice depends on personnel and matchup.
Real example
A point guard locks onto the opposing point guard the full length of the court until their shot.
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