Basketball Defense- Tips to Winning the Game

September 2nd, 2010 Posted in Travel and Leisure

It should be obvious how important beginner basketball defense is. Like offense, it is one word associated with the game that is a topic all its own. It is so crucial that fans scream it all the time when their team doesn’t have ball possession. Despite the enduring presence of this word, not all novice players and coaches focus on it.

One possible reason why the concept is being downplayed is the overwhelming obsession over scoring more points. Fame and maybe fortune await the player who can shoot the most. Shallow play analysis further stress who has made the most points. This is when people forget that in most cases, guarding the team with the ball is just as important.

Defensive basketball techniques play one vital role. They stop opponents from making points. Players would realize how good this is when they are told that high points will amount to nothing if the other team keeps on scoring more. Beginners should be given preliminary tips to make sure they are able to block opponents from scoring.

#1- Stance and balance are everything.

Good defense relies a lot on stance. The right form on court is what can stop the other players from scoring. It also helps maintain defensive players’ balance and provides clear opportunities to gain ball possession. Basic basketball defense starts with bended knees. This puts a player’s head on the same level as an opponent’s chest. Feet have to be far apart and at shoulder’s width at the most. This position is the best to adopt because it will prevent tipping in high contact instances. In addition, defensive players would do well to put one foot and one hand forward in front of a player’s dominant half. This will block a shooter’s movement as much as possible and will allow an easy steal.

#2- Defend against other players not handling the ball.

When nearly everyone’s eyes are on the ball handler, it’s easy to forget all other players on the court. This can be one of the worst mistakes any team can make. Defensive basketball goes beyond focusing on the person who has it. The responsibility stretches over every other player. Once the ball gets passed around, less guarded teammates can take a good shot.

#3- Pressure the opposing team.

It’s normal to get tired near the end of a game. Because of exhaustion, players may show weariness in their expressions and stances. Teams on defense however, should try to mask these from the other camp. From the very beginning to the end, strong pressure should be placed on the offensive group. Pressure can be shown in different ways. Players can show mildly threatening expressions. Proper hand, foot and body positioning can also indicate pressure because it limits the movement of an opponent and prevents shooting.

These are only some of the basic tips for great basketball for beginners defense. These however should be more than enough to stress the importance of this one element. Just as beginners need to hone their shooting skills, they should also be pushed to defend better.