How to Defend a Basketball Player

While highlight shows tend to revel in great offensive play, the basis for winning basketball is defense. If a player wants to be on a winning team, he or she must learn to defend a basketball player in every place and situation on the court. Learning defense requires discipline and hard work but any player can acquire this skill.

Instructions

1. Know the type of player you are defending. If the player is taller than you are, then chances are she will attempt to make you defend her near the basket. However if the player is smaller than you, she will most likely try to force you to defend her on the perimeter. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the player you are guarding will help immeasurably when you attempt to defend the basketball player.

2. Keep your eyes on the opposing player's stomach when facing him. The midsection is one of the only areas that the opposing player can't use on a fake. If you watch the midsection, you almost never fall for a head fake or a jab step.

3. Shuffle your feet when trying to defend an opposing basketball player on the dribble. If you cross your feet, this will compromise your balance. Using a slide shuffle keeps your shoulders square to the defender and helps you maintain defensive balance.

4. Position your hands above your waist and keep them moving at all times. You should use your hands to block the vision of the opposing player and to interrupt possible passing lanes.

5. Bend your knees and try not to stand straight up. The lower you get the better your balance will be when playing defense. If you stand up straight a player will invariably move right by you and score a basket.

6. Place yourself between the basketball and the player you are defending when that player does not have the basketball. The position on the court should always be ball-you-man. There is a tendency for players to relax their defense when their mark does not have the ball. This is a big mistake. You should always be aware of ball position and stay between the basketball and the player you are guarding.