Are you a bad defender? Do you always get beat 1 on 1 ? Do you know the fundamentals of becoming a better defender? These are all the problems that poor defenders face. Being a poor defender hurts your team more than what meets the eye.
Being a poor defender is the easiest way to exploit a team. You just attack the person who guards the worst. If you’re that player then this will ultimately get you less playing time or have you on the bench. You may get some game play but hiding a poor defender is harder than just taking you out of the game. You don’t contribute much to the team in the most important aspect of the game.
Becoming a better defender starts with your mentality. Do you have the will and the desire to be better? Your mentality will set you apart in becoming a great defender. Then you want to work on your lateral movements. You have to be able to slide and sprint at any moment in basketball. Then you want to always keep your hands up and out. Gives you the ability to guard the pass and the shot. These few adjustments will take your defensive ability to a new level.
The best recommendation I have for you is to stay low, always be in a defensive stance and watch your defenders hips. Our body can make multiple movements at a time but when you want to see the direction someone is going, always watch their hips. My other piece of advice for you is to watch game films. Watch their tendencies, moves they like to make and other things they do. This will give you the best chance of being able to stop them defensively.
The best way to find ideas on how to become a better defender is through training regimens. Go ask your trainer how to get quicker foot speed. Or how to move faster laterally. Also you should study as much film on the best defenders as well. Learn and watch other great peers. Mimic what they do and try to push yourself as much as possible.
If you have any other questions on defense or what ways to improve, please don’t be afraid to ask. I will respond back to you as soon as possible. Also don’t forget to like, share and subscribe to my blog. This support means more than you know. Don’t miss the next post on How to become a better basketball player.