What do they call man-on-man defense in women’s basketball?
In Australia the women are men apparently. Check out how Sarah Berry plays.
Internationally it’s man-to-man defence.
So “chick-to-chick” didn’t catch on, huh?
Definitely call it man-to-man.
Coaches and commentators don’t blink when they say it.
It is obviously just an expression. Should they complain? By playing professional womens basketball and being supported by a national TV contract, they fully understand that the merits of their performance will dictate their survival…
…not whether it’s man-to-man…or women-to-women…or “letter carrier”.
I’ve heard announcers say “She followed her man around the floor…”
or coaches say, “we couldn’t find the open man…”
It’s just “man-to-man” defense. “Man-to-man” is a name for that defensive tactic, not a literal description, just as hitters will hit “Texas leaguers” in places other than Texas, and figure skaters will execute “triple Salchows” even though their last name isn’t Salchow.
I remember when I was in high school, and the girls’ basketball coach would shout “Get your person!” instead of “Get your man!” It was so awkward that it was funny.
I bet if they advertised that the WNBA was full of chick-on-chick action their ratings would go up.
Women’s soccer follows the same conventions also.
Apparently all the coaches and players have been able to make the mental leap from realizing that saying “Man on” means that there is somebody coming at you.