Basketball Defense- Three Tips For Beginners

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.

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- Defend against other players not handling the ball.

It’s easy not to see what’s going on with other players when so much action surrounds the ball handler. Not paying attention to each member of a team however is a big error on the part of a defending team. Defensive basketball is not all about stopping the current ball handler. It is also about making sure that the ball doesn’t eventually make it to other open players.

#3- Let the opponent feel pressure.

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 fundamental tips for basketball for beginners defense 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.