How to play basketball defence – 10 tips for defence.
“Defence Wins Championships” is a popular statement which holds true for basketball teams. Whatever the level of play might be, defence plays an important role is the victory of a basketball team.
However, most of the players and even coaches do not give defence a top priority, even though there is practical proof that defence plays an integral role in the victory of a team.
Developing the defence of a team take up a lot of time and hard work, and the players as well as the coaches do not want to toil that much when there are alternatives present. Also, defence is not that much fun as some other parts of the game are. This is another reason why players and coaches don’t concentrate on developing their defence.
Offensive playing (dribbling, passing and shooting) is much easier to teach, learn and practice. +hence, most coaches and players focus on the offence part of a team. However, you cannot ignore the fact that to become a complete team defence is necessary. So, it is essential for the coaches and players to spend some time in developing their defensive skills.
Coaches and players both will find the following criteria in determining the defensive ability of a player, useful. Coaches can use them as a base on which they can build a defensive game. Players can use them to develop the defensive side of their game as well as realize the importance of defence.
Things to do to become a defensive player:
1. Your hands and feet must move quickly.
2. You should jump swiftly and frequently.
3. Having good instincts, being aware of things happening on the court and reacting speedily is another important property.
4. Your coach should be dedicated and focused and should give time to individual as well as team unity, and also work towards developing the team’s defence.
5. You should develop the various types of defence like half-court traps, full-court press, a variety of zonals and man-to-man.
6. You should be able to move quickly from your offence to defensive position.
7. Understand all the tricks and techniques of the game thoroughly.
8. Good communication with your team mates on the defensive side of the court is important.
9. You should be able to play with strong-side as well as weak-side defence.
10. Practice of defensive stance, footwork as well as positioning is essential.