How to Play Basketball Blog – Handcuff Your Opponent

How to Play Basketball Blog – Handcuff Your Opponent

When most people go to play pick-up they are thinking about all the different ways they can score.  But since we are working on being better, smarter and more effective than most people we are going to think differently.  We are going to think about shutting down our opponent.

When you show up to the court you need to find the best player and guard them.  Remember this is about getting better and if you are guarding the best player on the court then you are going to get better.  A funny thing I figured out when I had to guard Raymond Felton was that he was stronger, faster, smarter and better than anybody else I had guarded in the past.  I still remember being nervous when I was tasked with staying in front of him.  The great thing about that was nobody else was Ray.  Almost every person I had to guard after that seemed slower and weaker.  You will become instantly better on defense because instinctively you will learn what not to do and what to do.  Now you might get crossed up a few times or left in the dust or scored on frequently but you will get better.  Your mind will adapt so guard the best person on the court at all times.

Another thing you want to do is make your opponent uncomfortable.  I am a pest on defense.  I like to deny my opponent the ball.  I like to lean on them during stops in play.  I like to keep in contact with them the entire possession so they can always feel my presence.  At times I will even pick them up full court.  Your goal should be to make them uncomfortable.  If you are guarding a post player then front the post and force the passer to lob it over you.  If you are guarding a shooter then make them drive.  If you are guarding a slasher then make them shoot.  Whatever you do, make the offensive player take shots they do not want to take.  If you can force the offense into taking bad shots you are going to decrease their chances of scoring, increase your opponent’s frustration level and give your team the edge it needs to win.  You will start to become an all-around force which is one way to tell a Hooper from your average basketball player.

Next time you go to the court think about putting the handcuffs on your opponent.  Lock them down!

You can see the other 4 skills needed to help you improve by ordering a copy of the book here How to Play Basketball: A Guide to Getting Better By Playing Pick-up Games

 

You are your only opponent

Coach Wilkins

Coach/Owner of Hoops Education

Former D1 Player/Former AAU Coach/Former HS Coach

Author of How to Play Basketball: A Guide to Getting Better By Playing Pick-up Games

 

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About Thomas Wilkins 76 Articles
I am passionate about living T.he S.marter W.ay which to me means having the freedom to live life as you see fit and simultaneously improving your community. I also love basketball, Go Heels! If it has to do with small business & entrepreneurship you can count me in. I'm married to the love of my life and we are dedicated to making memorable moments together. In general I am truly blessed!

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