Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsTuesday, August 4, 2026

VIDEO: Why helping one pass away is a bad defensive strategy

Help defense is a big part of defending in the NBA, but over-committing one pass away can have huge consequences.

USA TODAY Sports

A lot of basketball fans haven’t undergone the coaching to understand some of the rudimentary basics of the game. Luckily for them, though, Coach Nick returned with another video to help explain a common mistake when it comes to help defense.

Nick released a video on Monday titled “Secrets of NBA Defenses: Helping One Pass Away” and, as the title suggests, he breaks down how it can actually hurt if players don’t help the right way.

There are a few interesting clips in the video that explain exactly why completely committing to helping off shooters near the passer is problematic. When done the right way, however -- a quick jab to make it look like the driver’s lane has been closed before closing out on the pass -- helping one pass away isn’t quite as problematic.

It should be self-explanatory to not over-commit on the drive while leaving a shooter open on the win. Far too often, it isn’t.

More from SB Nation NBA:

Ziller: How to make your teammates better

5 reasons the NFL is more popular than the NBA

A Stephen Hawking theory and the Kobe clutch debate

Nets to retire Jason Kidd’s jersey

Ziller: Doping, dumb luck and Gladwell’s messed-up values

See More:

More in NBA

NBA
NBA free agent predictions for biggest names still availableNBA free agent predictions for biggest names still available
NBA

Let’s predict the landing spots for the NBA’s top remaining free agents.

By Ricky O'Donnell
NBA
7 NBA teams who will be way better than last year7 NBA teams who will be way better than last year
NBA

These NBA teams are going to be a lot better in the upcoming season than they were last year.

By Ricky O'Donnell
NBA
Why LeBron James chose the 76ers in NBA free agency, and his big bet on Jaylen BrownWhy LeBron James chose the 76ers in NBA free agency, and his big bet on Jaylen Brown
NBA

LeBron James *really* wanted to play with Jaylen Brown

By Ricky O'Donnell
NBA
NBA Reacts: Are the LeBron Sixers the best team in the East?NBA Reacts: Are the LeBron Sixers the best team in the East?
NBA

The 76ers have more talent than anyone in the Eastern Conference, but will it turn into enough wins to win the East?

By Kyle Thele
NBA
Steph Curry to the Hornets is the wild NBA rumor that might have legsSteph Curry to the Hornets is the wild NBA rumor that might have legs
NBA

This makes so much sense, and it’s so irresponsible.

By James Dator