Defensive Rule To Put Players On The Back Foot
Posted: September 7, 2012 Filed under: Defense, Developing Your Game, Development, Pressure | Tags: bad decisions, blake griffin, defense, kevin love, pressure, tight defense 2 Comments »Defense is all about putting the other man under pressure and taking them out of their comfort zone. Take the player out of his stride and force bad decisions. Here’s how:
Anytime, and yes I mean absolutely anytime, a player holds the ball above his head you should get as tight as you can to the player’s chest with your own and raise one of your arms to put pressure on the ball and the player’s vision.
Nearly a beautiful demonstration by Blake Griffin- just missing the ball pressure with the arm!
This takes away the player’s ability to shoot, drive or even pass if enough pressure is asserted. The only option the player has is to pivot away from the basket. In this case, you have accomplished what you wanted to achieve as with his back to the basket, the player is no longer an offensive threat. I guarantee that 9 times out of 10, you force players into bad passes and bad decisions. And if they’ve already used up their dribble, even better!
Try this the next time you play and let me know what you think!
This is also a recipe for getting an elbow across the jaw. The offensive player is entitled to their space without “excessive swinging of the elbows” which is hardly necessary to contact someone who’s nose is 5 inches from your face. I agree, ball pressure, particularly once someone has picked up their dribble, is effective. But it comes with risks.
Thanks for your comment Ben!
This was mentioned on the Facebook page as well and I completely agree with you- I managed to chip a few teeth doing this a few years ago so it definitely does come with its risks! I guess tough D isn’t for the faint-hearted. I’ve managed to come away unscathed ever since though so fingers crossed.
I really do appreciate all input and debate as long as it’s constructive so please keep it coming!
- Tareq