In this article, we want to share with our readers the observations and conclusions obtained as a result of our desire to help improve basketball defensive play. Everything inside would be exclusively about the man to man defence (not a word about zone defence, although it is also worth noting). So, we highlight two main stages of defence in basketball:
Stage # 1: Defending against a player without the ball.
The essence of defence is to block the player of the opposing team from getting the ball. This is presumably the hardest stage but also one of the most effective. Surely, it’s difficult to attack without having the ball. This stage of defence is incredibly hard because you have to give a lot of strength. Also don’t get carried away by false movements of the body, head and legs of your opponent.
A good result of this defense is that the opponent does not receive the ball throughout the entire attack. It is also a good result if the ball is received, but: in an inconvenient position (far from the hoop; in the corner of the court) or at the last seconds of the attack. The poor result if the ball was received quickly and conveniently.
There are many examples of this defense in every NBA game, you can check for yourself in the forthcoming Atlanta Hawks vs. Milwaukee Bucks clash on the 4th of July and even try betting on it. Bookmaker Ratings have a review on almost every gambling operator. As an example, you can check the NetBet review, https://bookmaker-ratings.com/review/netbet-review/, with a couple of interesting promos and web/mobile versions of the site according to the page.
Stage # 2: Defending against the player who received the ball.
When an opponent receives the ball, the player is in the “triple threat position”. This means that he can throw into the hoop, pass or start dribbling. Because of that, the defender must face all three threats at the same time.
So, the best option would be to take a position that minimizes the opponent’s options. First of all, close its strong side by standing a little to the side of him. Alternatively, from the side of his supporting leg. This is how you will know the direction of his movement (he can’t take a step with his supporting leg).
Let’s temporarily divide the opponent’s body into 2 parts: the first zone is up to the waist; the second zone is above the waist. So, in order to start dribbling, the ball must be in the first zone. For a pass, both zones are suitable, and for a throw, the ball must go out of the first zone into the second. I hope it’s clear so far.
So, one of your hands engages with the lower zone (preventing dribbling and low pass), the other defends against a throw and a pass from the upper zone.
Remember about your legs: it is much easier and faster to dash with bent legs. If the legs are straight, then they must first be bent to sprint.
And one more tip: shake the player with your movements all the time. Maybe the probability that these dances will help you to knock out the ball will be small, but you will be able to break your opponent out of his rhythm. And it costs a lot by itself!
Excellent defence in this case: the ball is knocked out. Good defence: a loss after pass, an inaccurate pass, a shot from a bad position.
And always remember: any advice would be useless if you won’t hone the skills on the basketball court.