Coach Haskin feels that there are three basic principles that are necessary to have a good defensive team. They are: 1) Control the tempo, 2) Basket protection, 3) Shot selection with good execution and patience. In controlling the tempo, it is quite necessary that your team is very capable, as far as the transition game is concerned. If you can control the 10-second line, by this, he feels that the dribbler must be stopped at the 10-second line, and five people must get in front of the ball as quickly as possible. This is why during their practice session, they do not use half court situation. Their drills are full court most of the time.

As far as basket protection is concerned, he has divided the front court into three areas. He feels that no shots should be given up near the basket (section A), and also that the shooting percentage goes down when you make your opponent shoot from further out (sections B & C). UTEP uses their shooting charts not just to tell what kind of shooting percentage they or their opponents have, but to see how many shots are taken in each of the prescribed areas.

As far as shot selection is concerned, he definitely describes a good shot for each of his players. The things that are necessary in this description are the game situations. By that, he's talking about score, time of game, etc., and which of your players is taking the shot. Execution of offense and patience are very important concepts, as far as your total defense is concerned. Coach Haskins on many occasions, will use a slow down, or delay type game, especially when they are playing on the road, or when their overall talent is less than their opponents. By using this particular offensive strategy, it will make his defense better, and also will keep the score closer for possible road victory.

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