What stands out most in the minds of basketball fans around
the world is the flashy T-Mac drive, spin and dunk or the
fierce dunk over three defenders by Shaq, but it has been
said that defense wins games. The Detroit Pistons of recent
times were a prime example of that. Although they definitely
could score, it was their swarming defense that won them the
NBA title.

Basketball Defense Tip #1 - Defense is a state of mind, an
attitude. Your desire, hustle and level of energy are as
much important if not more than your skill. You should be a
proactive player, not a reactive player.

Your main focus is always an urgent "get that ball back".
The attitude, concentration and teamwork you bring to the
game are key elements to success. The skills of defense can
be taught; only you can develop the desire to win.

Basketball Defense Tip #2 - Transition play is one of the
essentials of defense. You must get back to your defensive
assignment quickly. Avoid letting the offense beat you down
court. All too often players get lazy or waste time arguing
a no-call; don't let that happen to you. Hustle back down
court and get that ball back!

Basketball Defense Tip #3 - Another essential is defending
with a purpose. Mainly, prevent easy shots and get that ball
back (heard that somewhere?) through steals or rebounds.
Make the offense earn their points. Make them score under
pressure.

Basketball Defense Tip #4 - Always apply pressure and stay
low. Usually your head will be level with the ball-handler's
chest. Keep yourself positioned between the basket and the
ballhandler. Wave your hands, make noises, anything to
distract your opponent. You can even fake body movements
such as pretending to charge the ball. The main thing is to
stay low and apply pressure.

Basketball Defense Tip #5 - When guarding a player with the
ball, always be ready. You should have one foot forward, the
foot opposite of the ball-handler's most dominant hand. If
he is right handed, your left foot will be forward along
with your left hand extended out, palm up. This will allow
you to quickly flick at and steal the ball.

Usually you will keep that lead hand at whatever level the
ball is; if the ball is low, so is your lead hand. If the
ball is being held high, turn your palm so it facing the
ball. You should also be waving your off hand so you can
prevent the passing lane.

Basketball Defense Tip #6 - Position yourself between the
ball-handler and the basket at all times. Cut off his path
by maintaining your position between him and the basket by
sliding over and staying in front of him. Don't cross your
feet.

If the ball handler gets by you, sprint to reestablish your
defensive position between the ball-handler and the basket.
A player without the ball should be able to sprint faster
than a player dribbling the ball. Keep a cushion between you
and the ball-handler. If he tries a spin move or reverse and
you are too close, you could end up with an unnecessary
foul. Always prevent penetration first, then pressure the
ball.

If he stops his dribble, attack the ball while staying in
your defensive stance. Try to force a bad pass or you can
back off a little if the ball handler is out of shooting
range, but always avoid the unnecessary fouls.

There are a number of different basketball defense tips,
techniques and drills. Each position has its own special
requirements, but the one common denominator is to prevent
the offense from scoring easy or uncontested points. Always
apply pressure by staying low and positioning yourself
between the ball-handler and the basket. If you can master
that you will be well on your way to earning a nickname like
"The Glove" (Gary Payton) and winning defensive player of
the year!


Matt & Dave run
http://www.basketball-plays-and-tips.com/bbdefensetips and
enjoy teaching basketball players and coaches more about the
plays, drills, fundamentals and coaching tips that result in
individual and team success. For our free report, "5 Keys to
Discovering the Successful Coach Inside You", plus two
additional player/coach reports, send a blank email to
basketballtip@aweber.com

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