subject: Three Basketball Defense Tips For New Players [print this page] It's clear as crystal how crucial defense in basketball is. In truth, defense is one word that commands a topic section all its own in the broad scope of basketball. The concept is so vital that viewers constantly chant it when the opposing team has the ball. Despite the clear importance of defensive concepts though, not every player focuses 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.
Coaches should remind players that only through defensive basketball can the opponent's score be significantly limited. There is really no requirement for players to score more than a hundred points to grab the winning slot. All they need to do is to stop the other team from shooting the ball through tight defense. Here are some tips to consider.
#1- Put stance and balance as priorities.
You need to adopt the right form and position to prevent an opponent from scoring and to maintain balance. Moreover, the right stance also puts you in the best position to steal the ball when you can. The basic stance in proper basketball defense is to bend the knees in such a way as to put the player's head level to the offensive player's chest. Feet should be planted shoulder's width apart. By choosing this position, a player is least likely to lose balance even when pushed. The foot and hand facing the dominant hand of the other player should be placed a little forward to prepare for action when there is an opportunity to steal.
#2- Block even those without the ball.
With so many people on the court, many viewers restrict their eyes to the ones surrounding the ball. Players and coaches would be at a disadvantage though if they don't pay equal attention to other players. Defensive basketball isn't about the person with the ball. It's also about every other member because unguarded players can take over from a pressured ball handler and attempt to make the shot.
#3- Pressure the opposing team.
The longer a game gets, the more tempting it gets to loosen defense. Loose defense is easy to detect in player facial and body expressions. A team on defense however should attempt to cover tell tale signs. From the very beginning, team members must consistently put pressure on their opponents. This can be done by keeping facial expressions and body actions a little on the aggressive. Putting foot and hand forward for example are direct indications of the intention to steal, intimidate or block movement.
These fundamental tips for defense in basketball are enough to get beginners started on mastering the true key to winning. There are however, other more advanced tips that need to be mastered. There is no better way to winning than by making sure opponents don't get anywhere close to making good shots.
