How to Play Defense in Basketball

In cricket, they say, catches win matches. This means that you have to latch upon every opportunity that comes your way. In basketball too, the opponents grab every opportunity they can, to score. At that time, the defense is put to work. The defense has to be strong and should not let the other team score easily. There are certain basketball defense drills designed for that purpose, just like any other team game, for instance soccer. These drills are meant to acquaint the players well with all defensive tactics to prevent the opponent team from scoring. Let's find out more about basketball defense.

Basic Basketball Defense Techniques

Technique #1
Your hands should be above your head and should be moving during a game. Slapping at opponent's ball in motion or flight, is enough to send it off course and prevent the player from scoring.

Technique #2
You need to study zone defense and man to man defense in deep and should try and practice in that mode. In addition to that, get acquainted with double team strategy, full and half court presses. Zonal defense means that each player is given a specific area to guard and man to man defense, as the name suggests, is where one defender focuses on one attacker. Further, gauge the weakness of the opponent as well as their patterns of attacking.

Technique #3
If you see that a shot is being taken, take a leap towards the ball and hit it in the direction where you can get it, ideally. If that is not possible get it out of play. However, in that case the possession of the ball will be with the opponent.

Technique #4
Cultivate a keen and alert court sense and offensive basketball moves. This will help you react quickly when the game is in progress and you can create scoring chances for your team. Anticipation as to where the ball can go will go a long way in helping you with the same. Imbibing the skill of transition from offense to defense or vice versa is ideal.

Technique #5
When the ball is on the other side of the court, make sure you are in 'help' defense position. You should be alert and ready to double in and help in case the player having the ball gets beaten.

Technique #6
Polishing your basic basketball skills will further help you get better in defense. Proper position, footwork and form are important skills to master in this regard.

Technique #7
In case a player cocks back for shooting a ball, make sure you put up your hand which is closest to his. For example, if the player is right-handed, stick out your left hand. Remember the closer the ball is to the attacker, the closest you have to be to him.

Technique #8
Never ever jump out of your shoes with an intention to block, as the other player may be playing a trick on you.

Technique #9
If you hold your fort while defending, the opponent cannot get past you (at least ideally he shouldn't). This is enough to make you a good defender. You need not then deflect or block a shot!

Last, but not the least, keep on cheering your team and communicating with other team members. When the offense may not do a sparking job, defense has to step in. Defense is after all of, for and by the team! All the best!