There should be no question about the critical role of beginner basketball defense. Just like offensive plays, defensive plays occupy a whole topic section. It is so important that a whole arena of people scream it when the opposing team has the ball. Despite its critical role though, many teams still fail to put more effort into it.

One possible reason why the concept is being downplayed is the overwhelming obsession over scoring more points. Fame and maybe fortune await the player who can shoot the most. Shallow play analysis further stress who has made the most points. This is when people forget that in most cases, guarding the team with the ball is just as important.

Defensive basketball techniques play one vital role. They stop opponents from making points. Players would realize how good this is when they are told that high points will amount to nothing if the other team keeps on scoring more. Beginners should be given preliminary tips to make sure they are able to block opponents from scoring.

#1- Stance and balance are very critical.

Good defense relies a lot on stance. The right form on court is what can stop the other players from scoring. It also helps maintain defensive players’ balance and provides clear opportunities to gain ball possession. Basic basketball defense starts with bended knees. This puts a player’s head on the same level as an opponent’s chest. Feet have to be far apart and at shoulder’s width at the most. This position is the best to adopt because it will prevent tipping in high contact instances. In addition, defensive players would do well to put one foot and one hand forward in front of a player’s dominant half. This will block a shooter’s movement as much as possible and will allow an easy steal.

#2- Guard the ones without the ball.

It’s easy not to see what’s going on with other players when so much action surrounds the ball handler. Not paying attention to each member of a team however is a big error on the part of a defending team. Defensive basketball is not all about stopping the current ball handler. It is also about making sure that the ball doesn’t eventually make it to other open players.

#3- Let the opponent feel pressure.

As a game stretches, it gets tempting to grow lax. This may reflect on player facial expression and loosened stance. A defending team shouldn’t make the mistake of appearing tired of lazy in front of an offensive team. From start to finish, the focus should be on putting pressure on the opponents. Pressure can be exhibited in a variety of ways ranging from adopting intimidating facial expressions to adopting a strong forward hand and foot position to limit an opponent’s ability to move, pass the ball or shoot.

These are only some of the basic tips for great basketball for beginners defense. These however should be more than enough to stress the importance of this one element. Just as beginners need to hone their shooting skills, they should also be pushed to defend better.

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