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Step 1
Keep hands up and moving during the game. Raise a hand in an opponent's face. Slap at the opponent's ball in flight to send it off course.
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Step 2
Be familiar with man-to-man and zone defenses as well as the double team strategy and full and half court presses. Spend time learning the opponent's offensive strategies. Take advantage of the weaknesses.
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Step 3
Develop keen "court sense" to react quickly during the game and move with the ball. Develop instincts to gauge where the ball is going and assist teammates. Be able to quickly transition from offensive to defense. Develop both the strong-side and weak-side defenses.
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Step 4
Stay in "help" defense position when the ball is on the other side of the court. Be in ready to step up to assist in the event that person on the ball gets beat.
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Step 5
Communicate consistently with teammates. Work to build a strong sense of team. Share in the victories as well as the errors. Remember that there are great defensive players but no stars: defense is about team.
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Step 6
Hone essential skills. Work hard to enhance natural abilities. Practice to increase skills in areas that are lacking. Develop proper positioning, footwork and form. Stand on the balls of the feet. Hold arms out to the sides with palms forward. Stay low with knees bent and back straight.
