I find our help defense is far more effective when our players stay on the floor. I know this is common sense, but I used to say “take a charge”. We would practice taking charges, and I’m not saying we wouldn’t take charges. But, usually it’s a FEW players that take MOST of the charges (80-20 rule).
I find it’s much easier to get players to stay down than it is to take a charge. Let’s not even mention how many times you actually take a charge, and the ref sees it differently.
In my opinion, strong help with the chance of taking a charge is more effective than just playing for the charge.