How to Play Basketball Blog-You Couldn’t Stay in Front of a Wall
My high school coach used to tell people “You couldn’t stay in front of that falcon on the wall and it aint moved since the gym was built”. Not the most encouraging comment but I remember it often when I watch basketball games. People allow the offensive player to drive past them in a straight line to the basket. I cannot understand how anybody could mistake that for defense.
As you are working on your defense remember that you have to slide your feet. Do not be the one who always reaches in trying to steal the dribble. In a real game that is a foul. What you need to do is sit down in a stance and move your feet. If you concentrate on staying in front of your player and/or between them and the basket you will be in good position. Defense is mainly about positioning and the effort it takes to be in the right place.
I can hear you now, “But Coach I can steal it every time!” If your comp is that weak then you need to find a new place to play. Plus all you are doing is developing bad habits, which will not make you a Hooper. Every pick-up game is a chance to develop good habits so that when the real games begin you will have strong, fundamental defense.
So stop reaching with your hands and start sliding your feet!
Learn about the other 4 areas of defense you can 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
P.S. Make sure you follow us on twitter @HoopsEducation
Leave a Reply