How to Block a Shot in Basketball

When playing defense in a basketball game, you should know how to block a shot. Shot blocking is a skill you can learn and hone with practice. Just follow these steps and get out on the court.

Instructions

1. Exercise on a daily basis. To become a good shot blocker, you have to be a very good physical condition with explosive jumping ability. You also need to have good endurance. Running and jumping rope are good exercises to get started.

2. Do deep knee bends to help strengthen your legs and improve your leaping ability. From a standing position, slowly bend at the knees and lower yourself toward the ground while keeping your back straight. Crouch as low as possible then return to a standing position. Repeat 20 times several times a day, increasing your repetitions as possible.

3. Begin jumping from a deep knee position. From a standing position lower yourself into the deep bend fairly quickly and then using the power of your legs leap straight up as high as you can. When you hit the ground, return into a deep knee bend immediately and repeat. Do this as many times as you can in a row.

4. Study the tendencies of your opponents. Look for patterns in their movements that indicate a shot attempt is coming. Being physically and mentally prepared is a huge part of playing defense in the game of basketball. If you know whether your opponents are right-handed or left-handed and their tendencies, that'll give you a great advantage as far as blocking shots is concerned.

5. Stay between your opponent and the basket. When you are on a basketball court, you need to be positioned correctly. To be a good defender and block shots, you should position yourself between your opponent and the rim. When he is about to release a shot, jump straight up in an attempt to block the shot. By jumping straight up, you will lessen the amount of times you are called for a foul. Avoid jumping toward your opponent, as you'll be more susceptible to a pump fake.

6. Practice daily to become a better shot blocker. Good shot blockers are made in practice. Continue to prepare physically and mentally, while practicing the basic technique of staying between your opponent and the basket.

Resources

• At guidetocoachingbasketball.com, you can learn how to play defense.
• Find products to help your jumping ability at jumpusa.com.