Offense wins a game with numbers, but if an offensive powerhouse lacks the training to defend the basket, it means nothing. Anyone can score, but it takes a certain amount of discipline to maintain a good lead without losing it for lack of defense. One of the most important things that a young player can learn is how to defend no matter what the situation is. Regardless of the position of the player, there are some key factors to defense.
A key point we are going to touch on is defensive footwork. You can rack up the points all day but if you do not know how to play defense, you’re going to lose fast. Defense is where a good team and a bad team separate. Youth basketball fundamentals should always have defensive footwork as a major stepping stone to development. A defensive player must be able to not only think fast without fouling another player, but being one step ahead of the offense. This sometimes involves being able to move backwards, and defend the basket by working on vertical leap to block shots. The footwork needs to be natural, because if a player is focusing too much on their footwork or looking at another players body, they can stumble and lose focus of defending the basket, and therefore lose. It’s extremely important to make sure no matter where you are on the court you’re alert of your right, left, and space in front of you, or you’ll be blocked out and lose focus. The correct stance is important, and a player should be poised with knees bent and arms out, ready to shuffle side to side, and keep another player from progressing forward.
Reading an opponent is key. Many players can become flustered fast, so it’s important to work on this important. Defensive footwork can get you in front of a player, but reading the opponent is going to make sure that you’re one step ahead of them mentally. A rule of thumb here is not to follow the ball but to follow the players head and eyes. If you can mach their eyes you’ll know where the ball is. If you focus too much on the ball, you’ll see it fly away from you into the hands of another player. Make sure that your arms are not stationary, they need to be moving and causing the opponent to second guess his next step.
The best thing you can do in regards to defensive footwork is to force the opponent into one direction. If you can force the player to move one way, the defense can close in and attack to regain possession of the ball. Without this breakdown, a defense can not win. The defense must force a player to a direct line where more than one defender can get in the way without causing a foul. This means a player must be able to move side to side quickly without tripping and be ready to jump straight up in case of a jump shot defense, but also be well aware of where they are in case they need to get a defensive rebound.
Fundamentals fail without defensive footwork. It’s very important to be a balance player whether young or old. Hard work, combined with a championship mentality and sacrifice are imperative. Without all three balanced out, a player and a team will never get to the next level.
Author Resource:-
Are you looking for defensive footwork tips? Visit http://www.stephenbardo.com today to receive the best information from an ESPN College Basketball Analyst, Former NBA Player, Fighting Illini point guard, professional speaker, Proud father of two sons, ESPN 1st Take analyst.
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