How to Play Defensive in Basketball – Hidden Secrets That You Don’t Know

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It is a fascinating skill to play defense in basketball. This is because it requires technical skills as well as a passion for playing at a high level. When you want to become a great basketball defensive player, then basketball players must adopt the mindset of a great defender. This article on playing defensive in basketball will give you the keys to playing defense in basketball. It will also discuss what it takes for a player to be an elite-level basketball defender. Any player looking to improve their security or coaches are looking to coach a player can use these defensive keys to play defensive in basketball.

How to play defensive in basketball

The whole point of defense is to get the offense doing what you want, rather than letting them dictate your will.” Nick Rivers, DICK’S Sporting Goods associate, and ex-DII basketball player said. Brilliant defense requires intelligence. This intelligence begins with analyzing the many options available to you. Many defensive strategies can be used by a team throughout a match. Still, they all fall under one of three categories: zone defense, man-to-man defense, or combination defense. Each and every strategy has its own strengths and weaknesses. Still, when used correctly, they can all lead to great defensive performances and another win for the team. Below you are going to share some tips on how to play defensive in basketball. Click here and read more on how to make a basketball hoop.

Defense from man-to-man 

Defense from man-to-man defensive formation where a coach assigns each line-up player an offensive player to defend and follow on the court. This defense will, for example, have a slight forward guard a small forward. If the opponent team exploits a weakness in a defender, a coach might decide to change assignments. A player may sometimes temporarily abandon their assigned position to double-team the opposing team’s star player in this defense. Man-to-man defense allows you to force the dribbler towards your baseline and sidelines so that you can trap them at a difficult spot. This defense makes it much easier to box out in front of the basket and get the rebound. Youth programs and high schools can benefit from man-to-man because it is a great way to teach fundamental skills and help to become a better basketball player.

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Communicate defensively 

Communication can be mastered by any player. It takes only the ability to decide to do it. The best teams for defensive basketball have players who work together to accomplish their goals. If each player clearly communicates their responsibilities, teammates will trust them to get to where they need to go. The defense has many moving parts, so it is essential to communicate clearly with your teammates. Your playmates will know what to do in any defensive situation if you share well.

Zone defense

Zone defense refers to a defensive system in which each player is assigned by the coach to cover a particular area on the court. A zoning scheme allows a defender to protect an opponent once the opponent has entered the designated zone. The defender protects their site and does not follow the offensive player like man-to-man defense. There are many types of defensive strategies within the zone defense. Each scheme is named after the position of the player zones. The players closest to a key’s top are the first and last numbers, respectively.

Defensive positioning 

Positioning is a crucial part of the defense. You can defend an offense’s actions by knowing where you are before they execute them. It doesn’t make sense if you are in the gap, help, or anywhere else; it is essential to know exactly where you should be and make sure you get there. This will depend on the defense of your team and the type of defensive plan your coach uses. You need to know what protection your team operates and what you should do in each situation.

Athletic stance 

You want to be a good basketball player and keep your feet on the ground. You will need to load first before you can make any athletic moves. This will make you go slower. It will make you more explosive and allow you to go faster if you already have a firm stance. You must hold yourself accountable as a defender to maintain a healthy posture on and off the ball. There is no reason to stand off the ball. You lose your ability for quick and explosive movement if you do. Just quickly change positions as the ball moves. You will need to maintain a broad base with your feet in this situation. However, make sure you don’t block the offensive player, or they will finish high.

Defence by combination

A combination defense, also known as a junk defense, is a combination man-to-man or zone defense scheme. Combination defenses are not used by teams as their primary defense strategy. They often confuse their opponents during a crucial moment in the game when they need to shift the momentum. Because of the higher risk of coverage breaking down, combination defenses can be dangerous. You should only use them when you are outmatched. Traditional combination defense strategies include match-up zones, box, and one and diamond and one as well as triangle and two.

Protective anticipation 

Anyone who wants to be a great defender will need to know this defensive key. It is easier to position yourself to defend if you can read the offense and anticipate their actions. However, it does mean recognizing what the offense is doing and then getting ready and prepared for it. This is all about being in the right place. It is easier to identify the offensive’s intentions and position yourself accordingly.

Report on defensive scouting 

Different skill sets are different for other players. You need to know what your player enjoys doing best, and what their weaknesses are. This will allow you to take what they love and force them to do something they don’t like. If you are guarding a great shot, you will want to make them dribble the ball. You would close a driver’s eyes and make them shoot a contested shot if you are protecting them. This is possible only if you understand the driver you are watching and their hobbies. Your scouting reports might need to be adjusted midgame. Your man/woman may be doing something you don’t like, so you might need to make adjustments. Scouting reports should not be written in stone.

Defense by the full-court press

A Full-court press is a defensive strategy that applies constant pressure to the offensive side of the court. It starts with an inbound pass, also known as a throw-in. Teams can use either zone or man-to-man schemes to defend the offense when executing a full-court press. Full-court presses are most commonly used by basketball teams when they lose late and need to force turnovers. The added pressure increases the chances of steals and deflections. To fatigue your opponent, you can also use a full-court press. Full-court can use against teams that have poor ball handlers or lack depth on their bench. The offense will need to decide between fatigued starters and second-rate bench players.

Defensive effort and energy 

Your energy and effort are something you can always control, regardless of how skilled or well-respected you may be. No matter how the game progresses or how good you play, the defense should always be your top priority. This doesn’t mean that you will run around like a chicken without a head. You should make yourself discipline and give your best effort. Defense of the press in half-court Half-court presses are defensive strategies where the defense applies pressure on the offense when they start to pass or dribble the ball over the half-court line.

Teams can use either zone or man-to-man schemes to defend the offense when executing a full-court press. Half-court presses can use throughout a whole game. This is in contrast to the full-court pressing, which most teams only use occasionally. Like the full-court presses, this defense aims to make turnovers, fatigue the offensive, and disrupt the game’s flow. Strategically, half-court presses are less risky than full-court presses because all your defenders are already on the offensive side of the court, also known as the frontcourt. For players looking to improve their defensive positioning and stance, defensive basketball drills are a great option.

Click here to read how to increase stamina for basketball.

How to be a better defender 

You must be able to work with players to improve your defender skills. Then you’ll be able to play defensive in basketball. All of these basketball drills will focus on different defensive areas. These defensive basketball drills will help you to take advantage of all the defensive teaching points. You can practice basket alone and it will help you to be a better defender.

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How to play defensive in basketball

Cone drop defensive slide drill 

This drill will help improve the technique of the defensive slides and is an essential basketball skill that every player should know. This drill will help a player stay low and not cross their feet. In this method, you can play defensive in basketball easily. This important defensive move will make it easier for a player to defend the ball and perform other explosive movements.

Closeout slide rebounding drill 

This defensive drill will teach you how to control your opponent, do a defensive slide and finish the play by finding the rebound. These skills are essential for playing defense and being able to get a stop. This basketball drill is shown in the video. The rebound can be used as an offensive board for finishing. However, you can also use it as a defensive board. Have the player secure the ball, then let it go. This drill will help you to get better at closing out.

Four cones for defensive drill 

A player must be able to move in any direction in basketball defense with just a few second’s notice. This defensive drill will teach you how to move forward, backward, or laterally. It will teach the player to maintain a low athletic stance while moving in all directions.

Superman returns to drill 

As we have said, playing defense means being able to rebound to complete the defensive possession. It would be great to get every rebound right at you. However, it is essential to keep the ball in your control and track it down many times. This rebounding basketball drill will help you do exactly that. It will enable to rebound from the area and be able to chase down the ball. It will work to get the ball at its highest point and secure it with two hands.

Conclusion

You must make a decision on how to play defensive in basketball. It is up to you to decide that you are going to put the effort, energy, commitment, and effort into playing defense at a high standard. If you want to become a dominant basketball big man it is important to know how to play defensive. The next step is to be able to play defense correctly. Learning the right angles, anticipating, and paying attention to details takes time. You must work hard and put in the effort to become a great defender. It is not easy to be a great defender.

Fans don’t realize how important it can be for a player to communicate on every play, have active hands, and be in the right place. Your coaches and teammates will understand, however. Playing defense is a great way to help your team win championships and games. These eight key points to playing defense in basketball can be used as a guideline to help you become a top defender.

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