How to Play Basketball Blog – Defense Wins Championships
The phrase we have all heard before goes something like this, “Offense wins games and defense wins championships”. Do you want to be a champion? There is only one answer to this question for a Hooper. Since I know the answer then it leads me to my next question, are you working on your defense during pick-up games? For most of you I know the answer to this question too.
Playing good defense comes down to effort. Each defensive fundamental that I will lay out in the blogs to come relies on your effort level. Coaches want players who give max effort and who are tough. When you go down on the defensive end you have to be willing to do the tough things. You have to be willing to take the toughest matchup on the floor and work to make it a long game for that offensive player. One of the things that people respeted about Michael Jordan was his willingness to guard the other team’s top perimeter scorer. He out worked people consistently and that is why he is the greatest. If the best player ever had to out work people what does that mean you have to do? The best place to work like crazy is on defense.
When you show up to the court you should be thinking about ways to make it tough for players to score. Remember basketball is a team game so it is not enough to just stop your player from scoring. You have to help your teammates shut down the other team. That might mean you stop your player from scoring that also might mean that you help a teammate stop a player from scoring. Being a great team defender also involves finishing the defensive possession with a rebound. Oh yeah it takes work! Are you up for the challenge of champion?
Learn about the specific areas of defense you can improve by ordering a copy of the book here How to Play Basketball: A Guide to Getting Better By Playing Pick-up Games
You are your only opponent
Coach Wilkins
Coach/Owner of Hoops Education
Former D1 Player/Former AAU Coach/Former HS Coach
Author of How to Play Basketball: A Guide to Getting Better By Playing Pick-up Games
P.S. Make sure you follow us on twitter @HoopsEducation
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