How to Defend Like Rajon Rondo
Rondo shares tips on how to study film.
Rajon Rondo was one of the toughest defenders in the league.
He was mean, he hustled, and he was smart.
Because of his elite skills, he was often tasked with defending the opposing team’s best player.
For example, on Dec. 2, 2016, his team, the Chicago Bulls, hosted the Cleveland Cavaliers, and he (30) had to guard a 24-year-old Kyrie Irving.
Irving was phenomenal this season and averaged 25 points per game for the season.
He was also on a hot streak, where he had scored 25 and 39, respectively, in his two previous games.
But this didn’t bother Rondo. He was prepared.
He hounded Irving from the start of the game to the end.
In the Cavs’ first possession, Rondo picked up Irving full court and as his opponent crossed the half-court line, Rondo swiped at the ball and got a steal, resulting in the Bulls securing a quick 2 points on a fastbreak.
He was pesty the entire game and held Irving to 42.9 percent shooting (however, it is still Kyrie, so he ended with 20 points).
Rondo ended the game with 3 steals and 1 block, and the Bulls got the win (111-105).
Remember how I mentioned that Rondo was prepared for the match-up?
I said that because he studies a lot of tape. And he doesn’t just watch it, either. He nerds out and studies the film meticulously, analyzing every bit of detail.
On the Timeout with Dwyane Wade podcast, Rondo told Wade that he watches film in slow motion so that he can find certain things his opponents do.
“So if I’m watching film myself and I’m checking a Steph [Curry], I’m watching the film in slow motion,” Rondo said. “So, whenever Steph moves, if he has taken two steps before I moved, I’m behind. I’ve lost. And that’s where I got to pick up my intellect, understand, ‘Okay, when he moves, I need to move.’ Or obviously, he’s the master or the best to ever did it with playing without the ball.
“So for me, watching him just on a simple pin down, I’m able to get to the body, or lock and trail, understand how not to get hit on the screen. And if I go over the top, now I’m going to force him into a two… So, when I’m watching or playing against one of the greats, the D. Roses, those guys, I’m not just studying them get 32 points. [I’m looking for] how they get 32 points.”
Rondo also talked about the specific things he looks for when he watches film. He said he wants to look at how his opponent likes to get their points (threes, jumpshots, drives, free throws, etc.) so that he can figure out a way to disrupt their game.
“Just playing the game within the game on how to break down some of the stars on how you play them and how to minimize their point system, or how they approach the game.”
And this is what it takes to become a steals champion and a 4-time All-Defensive player.
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