7 Things You Shouldn’t Do on Defense

Defense is the most important aspect of winning basketball games.  Good defense allows your team more possessions and keeps the opponent’s score low.  The following is 7 tips that you should avoid when your on the defensive side of the floor.

1. Not Talking

This is a big one.  When your on defense you should actively let your teammates know where you are and is happening.  Whether it’s a pick coming or a shot being taken, yell it out!  Talking on defense gives you a big advantage because it allows people to react to what your saying without seeing it.

2. Committing Silly Fouls

A silly foul is when you make a non-heady basketball play that allows the opponent another possession or free throws.  For example, shooting a 3 point shot is a silly foul.  A heady play is closing out and avoiding body contact while having a hand in the shooter’s face.  A non-heady play is running into a shooter making it an easy call for the ref.

3. Watching the Ball

Watching only the ball on defense will allow the defense many backdoor layups.  You need to use your peripheral vision to see the man or woman your guarding and the ball.  Your body should be in between the two at all times.

4. Standing Straight Up

Not being in a 3 point stance with your knees bent will cause the person your guarding an advantage of beating you off the dribble.  When you stand straight up you are not as mobile as when your knees are bent and you are on you tiptoes.

5. Avoiding Charges

Don’t make it easy for your opponent by avoiding contact.  You do you and your team a disfavor by not taking a charge when it is necessary.  You can gain extra possessions if you play proper team defense and step in the lane when your teammates beat by the dribble.  Coaches love players who can take charges because it shows you are playing team defense and willing to give up your body for the good of the team.

6. Playing with Hands, not Feet

One of the main thing coaches stress on defense is moving your feet.  Defense should not be played with your hands, you should always look to stay in front of the offensive player first and attempt to steal second.  By moving your feet side to side you can get the offensive player to make a mistake without fouling!

7. Saving Energy

Don’t save your energy on the defense end of the court.  If you need to, catch your breath on the offensive end.  You should always be moving and taking keeping active on defense!