Bobby Knight - Help Side Defense

He's a large man, and an accomplished athlete in his own right. He's a super teacher, a basketball analyst without equal, and a coach whose record few can match. He's also displayed an uncontrollable temper on occasion, a poor sense of judgment, and an inability to measure his words carefully. 25 years ago, I read Season on the Brink by John Feinstein, and got an insight into Coach Bobby Knight, that no one had seen before. Perhaps, Dan Dakich (Indiana 1981-1985), summed it up best when he put it this way, "If Coach Knight calls you an @$%#%$#@, don't listen. When he tells you why you're an @$%#%$#@, that's when you need to listen."

So, I started thinking about Coach Knight's help side defense. A help side defense (and this is a layman's explanation) is a man-to-man defense in which the help side defender sags and zones in order to help his team when players enter the power zone. In other words, the help side defender must not only cover his own man but also be prepared to leave his man in order to defend a player that has beat one of his teammates. It's a WE team instead of a ME team.

What's the takeaway for me?

In the Christian life, we should be looking out for our families and those closest to us, while keeping a sharp eye out for others who need help. This includes helping other Christians minister to those who need help the most.

American Christians should honestly evaluate their help side defense. I have no doubt that many, if not most, the Christians I know do a fantastic job caring for their families and close friends. I'm not so sure that the have a sharp eye out for others, outside their immediate circle who also are looking for help.

Developing this kind of eye heals broken hearts, wins lost souls, and helps children to understand their significance to God, when they may not be significant to anyone this side of heaven. It's allowed us to understand our place in God's kingdom, and to make a significant impact in the lives of many. Will you join us?