Jim Larranaga: Scramble to the Final Four

Jim Larranaga,
George Mason University Head Coach,
2006 NCAA Final Four

In 2006, America embraced Coach Larranaga's George Mason team in their "Cinderella" run to the 2006 Final Four. His teams' amazing journey is part of Larranaga's demonstration clinic presentation. Sharing his thoughts (on trust, passion, unity, enthusiasm, belief and character) make this DVD very special. On the floor during their race for the title, George Mason displayed its trademark scramble defense in grand fashion. The scramble defense is a pressure man-to-man with trapping principles. Larranaga covers his four rules to the scramble, which are:

• Always have pressure on the ball,
• Surprise the man you are trapping,
• All players must anticipate your rotation, and
• Constant hustle.

The main concept is attacking in a five-on-three mentality, which gives this defense the advantage. Larranaga demonstrates the entire scramble defense first, and then breaks down the parts individually. Defenders are taught to defend two things (their man and the next pass) at once. All coaches want to dictate the game with defense and the scramble can be your recipe for success!

82 minutes. 2006.