Tips for Becoming a Better Basketball Defensive Player

Everyone loves to score, but the difference in most basketball games is on the defensive end of the court. Players who care about defending and give the effort to play good basketball defense are invaluable to any basketball coach. Below are some tips to make you a better defensive basketball player.

Everyone loves to score, but the difference in most basketball games is on the defensive end of the court.  Players who care about defending and give the effort to play good basketball defense are invaluable to any basketball coach.  Below are some tips to make you a better defensive basketball player.

1.  Play defense with your feet - move and stay on your toes.  Anticipate your oppenent's movements and beat them to the spot.  Reaching will only get you fouls or beaten off the dribble.

2. Attack the ball on the upbounce when going for a steal - This is when the ball is travelling the slowest and the ballhandler has the least control.

3. Stay low - This will allow you the opportunity to be more explosive when you have to defend.  It is also intimidating to an opponent wanting to go on the dribble.

4. Study your opponent's offensive tendencies - This will allow you to identify passing lanes.  Make an effort to get into these passing lanes and make it difficult for your opponents to do what they want to offensively.

5. Play with Effort and Heart - Half the battle on defense is pure effort.  Make the effort to be good and outwork your opponent.

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