The foundation of being a good individual defender starts with three things – your feet, your head, and your heart.
FEET
The hardest thing for young players to do when it comes to defense is to not use their hands. They’ll reach, grab, pull, and lunge for the ball. This leads to easy baskets and unnecessary fouls, both for the player in question and for his teammates who need to help after the offensive player goes by. A strong defender stays in front of the offensive player with good footwork, not by clentching and grabbing.
HEAD
Being a good defender is as much about positioning as it is about athleticism; being in the right place at the right time. Being a smart defender is just as important as being a quick defender.
HEART
When it’s all said and done, you need to WANT to be a great defender. The player needs to take pride in stopping the offensive player.
THE STANCE • Feet an inch or two wider than shoulder’s width apart. • Butt back, head up. Read the defender’s midsection. • Hands are wide, mirroring the movement of the ball. Reaching in throws off a player’s balance and leads to more fouls than it does turnovers.
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