Top Lock
The best defensive strategy you may not be using
If you are wondering, what in the world is top lock, simply turn on the NBA Playoffs. Play close attention to how star players like Anthony Edwards, Jalen Brunson, and Steph Curry are being defended. At surface level, you may be thinking, “Oh, that is a faceguard!”. Well, in a way it is, however, “Top Lock” takes the face guard to a whole other level. Here, we break down the core principles, when to use it, and breakdown video footage, and drills to use to teach it.
🧠 Definition of Top Lock Defense
Top Lock is a defensive technique used primarily to deny perimeter shooters or off-ball scorers the opportunity to catch the basketball by face guarding and positioning on the top side (the side closer to the basket or the direction of typical screen action). The goal is to prevent the offensive player from using a screen to get open, especially common in plays like pin downs, staggers, floppies, and Iverson cuts. You are essentially forcing the defender away from the ball or receiving the pass and only allowing them to go backdoor or away.
🔑Core Principles of Top Lock Defense
Deny the Screen Direction:
The defender positions themselves between the offensive player and the screen—usually on the high/top side.
This forces the cutter backdoor instead of allowing them to come off the screen for a shot.
Body Position:
Defender is chest-to-shoulder with the offensive player.
Eyes on the torso (not the ball), often with no help-side awareness because it’s a face-guarding denial technique.
Arm-bar or forearm placed lightly for feel.
Force a Backdoor Cut:
Top locking is a calculated gamble: you bait the backdoor, trusting help defense or rim protection behind you.
Off-Ball Coverage:
Most effective against players who are running actions off screens like floppies, staggers, Iversons.
Used away from the ball—this is not an on-ball technique.
Support Requires Help Defense:
Backline must be ready to “tag” or rotate if the offensive player backdoors the top lock.
🧩 When to Use Top Lock Defense
Video Breakdown
NBA Example: Verus Klay Thompson
