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Step 1
Become comfortable with your wheelchair. A good defender in wheelchair basketball has to be mobile and able to make quick movements. The best way to become more mobile and quicker in your wheelchair is to practice as much as you can on a basketball court. Practice going up and down the court as fast as you can, as well as changing direction quickly.
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Step 2
Stay focused on the player you are assigned to defend. Even on the offensive end, you should know where the person you are assigned to defend is at all times. When the teams are transitioning up the court, you need to know exactly where the person you are assigned to defend is. Losing concentration is the easiest way to make a defensive blunder.
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Step 3
Position yourself between the player you are guarding and the basket. This is especially important on half court sets. Try to impede the movement of the player you are guarding as much as possible by staying close and anticipating where they want to move. If you limit their mobility, you can interrupt their half court sets.
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Step 4
Keep defending all the way until the rebound is secured. A common mistake is to give up on the defensive possession as soon as the shot is taken. That mistake could lead to second chance points by the opponent. Stay between the player you are assigned to guard and the basket until your team is on offense.
