Remember the way they used to teach defense in basketball? You know: Establish your position, keep your arms in the air, stay chest-to-chest with the man with the ball?

Anymore, that isn't nearly enough. If we've learned anything from the NBA this season, it's that defensive success in the 21st century depends on so much more. You don't think Ben Wallace blocks all those shots on the strength of his wingspan alone, do you? Or that Steve Nash's steals are only the result of his quick hands? Of course not.

Now, as Page 2's Illegal Motion cartoon demonstrates, it takes hours of preparation in front of a mirror with clippers, a comb, a brush and the right kind of styling gel to shut down an offense.

Click on each coiffure to find out how defense is played in this day and age. And remember, a little dab will do you.

Randall Polliard is a sports cartoonist for the Seattle Times.