Clamps Like the Claw

December 21, 2012, now you may wonder why this date is an important date or even why I am bringing it up in a blog post about defense tips. Well, I will let you know. It was the Saturday before Christmas and all the kids had just got out for winter break. A young man comes into the gym and he is ready to have fun and enjoy his day of balling. He comes into the gym and he has one of the nastiest jump shots in the gym but his defense is like James Harden pre-2017. The young man goes off, he is hitting 3 after 3 and no one can stop him. Everyone in the gym is going crazy cause this kid is pulling up from deep three and just tosses up shots in people’s faces. He gets to the fourth game and he is still splashing like a baby Jesus Shuttlesworth but this game his team is facing a team that is actually good. There are 10 seconds left and the kid gets switched on the best player on the opponent’s team. The opponent’s best player dribbles the ball up the court and goes left but at the last second crosses over. The kid goes for the fake and is now on the ground ankles all broken and messed up. The opponent’s best player gets by and gets the game-winning layup. Everyone stares at the kid and laughs. The kid is now the embarrassment of the gym and leaves. Now again you may wonder why I am telling you about this story. Well, I was that kid who got his ankles broken and after that, I changed my game and now I am a defender who doesn’t get crossed up. I am here to give you some tips so you won’t be like me and be joked on every time you walk into your gym.

In the game of basketball, defense is a major component. So when it comes down to defense there are 4 things you need to do to be a good defender.

Arm movement is key: When playing good defense you have to remember to always have your arms moving or in the position to be prepared to steal or deflect the basketball. You should keep one hand in front of the face of the dribbler so that you can obstruct the view of the ball handler. The other hand should be out trying to prepare to steal/deflect the ball.
Feet positioning: In any part of basketball, it is important to have good foot positioning. You want to have your feet at shoulders width so you can have a balanced structure. When you creating your base make sure you are on the ball of your feet/ toes and not on your heels. By being on your toes it allows you to be agile and not stiff.
Move your feet: When moving around you need to move your feet. When sliding your feet you should push off you lefts to right or right to left. Make sure you push off so you reduce the friction. The friction of dragging your feet will slow your movement down.
Stay on your feet: When playing going for steals or blocks make sure you are not jumping at pump fakes. Make sure to stay on your feet and watch the opponent’s waist.