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Step 1
Begin by running at the shooter. It is vital to get to the shooter as quickly as possible to defend the shot. The idea of running at an open shooter is based on the correct idea of arriving before the shot is released.
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Step 2
Throw your weight back by swinging your hands over your head with your arms extended and lean backwards. By swinging your arms up they are in position to challenge the shot. As you shift your weight backward, begin taking choppy steps to slow down and prepare to adjust to any drive or move the shooter may make. You will need to judge when to start slowing down. If you make this maneuver too soon, you will not arrive in time to challenge the shot. If you slow down too late, you will not be under control to adjust to a drive. Some coaches advocate throwing your weight back at the halfway point, but when covering a long distance you will be late reaching the shooter to challenge the shot.
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Step 3
Challenge the shot as soon as the shooter leaves his feet. Make sure you do not leave your feet until the shooter does. If you jump too soon, you give up your position just like the players who run at a shooter.
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Step 4
Defend the drive after you have closed out the shooter. Once you have successfully challenged the open shot, keep your balance under control and be ready to move in any direction.
