How to Do a Defensive Stance in Basketball

Having the correct defensive basketball stance is very important. If you are just an offensive player and cannot play defense, you will never be considered a good overall basketball player. Most coaches believe that defense wins games, so learning a proper defensive stance is crucial.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Face your opponent. You will need to be in front and facing them before you can engage in the defensive stance.
2. Bend your knees. You should be at a 45 degree angle when you bend your knees. This may seem uncomfortable to begin with, but you will get used to this stance and quickly discover how easy defense can be while in this position.
3. Put one hand turned palm up on the ball side. The other arm should be fully extended and checking the opponent. This will not only allow you to be in the position to steal the ball on a steal but also keep the opponent in front of you the whole time.
4. Switch hands when the ball changes sides of the opponents body. This switch will be immediate. From this position, you will be able to steal the ball before they can even switch hands.
5. Slide while in this stance to keep up with your opponent. If you are standing straight up, very fast opponents will simply run past you. But with this technique, any player will be able to keep up with any opponent regardless of their speed. By utilizing this defensive tool, you will be a much better player.