Comments on: How to Run a Basketball Defense: Man to Man

on 6/30/2006 Watch Scottie Pippen! He was blessed with long arms, quick lateral movement and the desire to stop his opponent. When playing defense, watch your man early in the game. Once you observe his behavior you can do one of 2 things;

If he's a good ball handler, then you should apply a cerebral approach to making his life miserable. Sneak up on him and pressure him but always fall back into your original stance. By doing this, he will start to think about where you are on the court and it will affect his performance.

If he isn't a good ball handler, you can go straight at him and try and get the steal.

Some exercises to make you a better defensive player is jump-rope. This will build up foot strength and quickness to help you stay in front of your man. Always remember, if you are between your man and the basket, then you are playing good defense.

on 1/31/2006 When defending man-to-man, try to force the players to their weak dribbling hand. This can cause a turnover most of the time. Just watch out for crossovers and you will never look bad.

on 12/13/2005 Always keep moving and jockeying the ballhandler. Do not stand flat and parallel, but on an angle. If you keep one hand forward, your feet moving, and you watch his waist then you're in his head.

on 11/22/2005 When going downcourt with a defender on you, this move will work. Start off at a medium pace dribbling the ball in your strong hand. This'll make the defender think you're staying on that hand and may cause him to reach in. Bring the ball behind him.