Home »
Misc »
How not to get blocked in basketball
How not to get blocked in basketball
USA Basketball - 4 Tips for Finishing Around the Basket
As players begin playing against better opponents, getting to the basket and finishing with a score becomes more difficult. Because defenders are bigger, quicker and more athletic, the risk of steals and blocked shots becomes much higher.
Offensive players must develop a variety of ways to counter these potential problems around the basket and score as they get to the rim. Players must have the ability to avoid the steal and the blocked shot if they want to be consistent finishers at the basket.
Avoiding the Steal
Players must be aware of the hands of their defender as well as the hands of any help defenders. To avoid being stripped on your drive, here are some general rules:
- Lock It: After the last dribble, keep the ball away from the hands of your defender by keeping the ball on your outside hip. We tell our players to “lock it in your pocket.” This way, if the defender tries to steal or strip, he will wave at air, or will foul you on your inside arm as he reaches across your body.
![]()
This must be practiced and perfected so that it is not a reaction to the defenders move, but preparation for it.
- Cover It: When driving through traffic with your defender and helpside defenders reaching for the ball, cover the ball up with both arms – just like a running back in football. This gets you through the hole of reaching hands and arms, and allows you to finish the play without being stripped. Again, this must be practiced and perfected in preparation for this situation.
Avoiding Blocked Shots
It is important to prepare for different scenarios based on where the shot blocker is positioned. Here are two basic situations to prepare for.
- Reverse Lay Up: When the shot blocker is coming from the foul line area down toward the baseline to block your shot, he is usually timing your move to block the shot on your side of the basket. He’s lining it up to pin it on the glass. As you see him coming, stretch out your move out by lengthening your steps to finish underneath on the opposite side of the basket.
Most shot blockers will have a difficult time adjusting to this move. Once again, this is not a reaction to his attempted block. It is prepared for in advance and anticipated based on where the help is coming from.
- Overhand Floater: When the shot blocker is coming across the lane, waiting on you or coming out to meet you, you now shorten your move and float the layup overhand. Your footwork is the same as a regular layup, just shorten the steps. The overhand shot rhythm should be smooth and unhurried, and the ball be released high and hit softly on the rim or backboard.
At higher levels of basketball, players often make good moves to get by their defender, only to encounter trouble when they get near the basket. Finishing plays becomes more difficult as the athletic ability of your opponents increases. By developing the above techniques, players can to avoid steals and blocked shots and become more proficient at finishing the play at the rim.
Previous Article
5 Ways to Prepare for the Perfect Shot
By Mike Moreau
Next Article
Advanced Rebounding: Secrets From The Pros
Tony Fryer
Why Is Getting Blocked Such A Big Deal In Basketball?
Block shot is one of the essential stats you can get in basketball. This is the one that determines how good a player is defensively. Many people make blocked shots a big deal in basketball. When your shot gets blocked, many people will shout, “ohh” or “get out of here!”. However, why do fans get hyped when the defensive player blocked the shot of the offensive player? Why is getting blocked a big deal in basketball?
When a player shoots the ball and gets blocked, his morale is lowered, and will most likely hesitate to take another shot. Getting blocked may hit your morale.
It also boosts the confidence of the other team because they prevented your shot.
However, there is much more you need to learn about this topic. I will tell you various reasons why you are getting blocked by your opponents during a basketball game. Also, I will give some tips so that your shots will never get blocked again. If you are ready, let’s go!
Reasons Why You Are Getting Blocked In Basketball
Getting blocked in basketball is a big deal, and it can lower down your morale and confidence. To prevent your opponents from blocking your shots, I list down the five reasons why your shots are getting blocked.
The five reasons why you are getting blocked in basketball are:
You Don’t Protect The Ball
The first reason why your shots are getting blocked is that you don’t protect the ball when you go inside the rim. Protecting the ball when driving is essential. It prevents opponents from stealing the ball from you or blocking your shots.
When you drive inside the rim, make sure that your other hand is protecting the ball from opponents.
You can also create a contact or bump them hard to create space so that the ball is protected.
You Are Too Slow
The second reason why your shots are getting blocked is that you are too slow. When you drive inside the basket, you have to make sure that you turn on your nitro. If you are driving slow, the opponents may easily read where you are going and block your shot.
If your shots are getting blocked when you shoot outside the three-point line or if it is a jump shot, it means your shooting release is slow. When you look at the shooting release of the greatest shooters in the NBA, it gives you the reason why their shots are not getting blocked. These greatest shooters of all time have quick release!
Execute some speed exercises, or you can use ankle weights when you jog. Ankle weights are effective, and they can help you to run fast. Also, you can do some squats and other leg workouts to keep your legs strong. Practice releasing the ball quickly from your hands.
So that the next time you shoot threes or jump shots, your shots will never get blocked by your opponents.
You Are Not Faking Or Switching Direction
The other reason why you are getting blocked in basketball is that you are not making some fakes and you don’t switch direction. Faking is essential, especially if you are good at it because it will remove the focus of your opponents. When you fake and the defensive player bite on your bait, you can have enough space for an easy shot.
Switching direction is also essential. When you are driving inside the paint, make sure that you switch your direction. You can euro step or do some sidestep to confuse your opponent. When your opponent bites on your bait again, you can have an easy layup or dunk.
You Don’t Create Separation
The other reason why your shots are getting blocked in basketball is that you don’t create any separation or space. Space is essential when you are going to take a shot. When you are going for a jump shot or three-point shot, you have to make sure that you have enough space.
If you don’t have enough space, your shot may get blocked. Look at some greatest shooters of all time. They can create spaces for themselves before they take a shot outside the three-point line. Apply some moves that create space between you and your defender. Stepback is the easiest way to create separation, so try it first.
Your Shot Selection Doesn’t Change
The other reason why your shots are getting blocked is that you only have few shot selections. When your shot selection is repeated, the opposing team may easily read you. If they can easily read you, they can run fast and chase your shot.
It is better to have many shot selections so that you will be unreadable. If you are unreadable, your opponents may have a hard time guessing which spot you take a shot. Also, if you have many shot selections, you will be unstoppable on the court. Why? Because you can shoot anywhere inside the court, and only good defense can stop you.
How Do I Stop Being Blocked In Basketball Games?
Now that you know the reasons why your shots are getting blocked in basketball, you now ask for help.
So, how can you stop opponents from blocking your shots in basketball games? Here are the tips.
To stop opponents from blocking your shots, you have to do these five things:
- You have to create separation
- Be quick all the time
- Protect the ball
- Fake your opponents
- Switch direction
Creating a separation or space in basketball is essential in basketball. It is a skill that all basketball players must-have. Why? Because space is the only thing to make shots. If you don’t have enough space, then your shot will most likely get blocked or will not get inside the basket.
You have to be fast if you don’t want your opponents to block your shots. You need to have a quick release, and you need to be fast when driving inside the basket. If you are slow, your opponents may effortlessly read where you are going and when you will take a shot.
When going inside the basket, you have to make sure that the ball is hundred percent protected.
Protect the ball with your other hand when you drive inside and if you are doing a layup. You can swat away the hands of your opponents when you are going for a layup.
You need to learn how to fake your opponents if you don’t want your opponents to block your shots. Fake moves are one of the best things to create confusion. When your defender bites on your bait, you will have a chance to have an easy shot.
Switching direction can also prevent your opponents from blocking your shots. However, you need to be fast when switching directions. If you are slow when you switch directions, the defender may easily notice where you are going.
Overall, you have to practice your offense if you don’t want a defender to block your shots. Practice the basics and advance of dribbling, the crossover, stepbacks, and other basketball moves that can create separation between you and your defender.
Why Block Is Important In Basketball?
Block is essential because it is the one that prevents an offensive player from scoring.
Aside from steals, blocks are also effective if you did it correctly. When you are good at blocking shots, you are a valuable player for your basketball team. Why? Because you have a good defense, and defense is all a basketball team needs to win.
Centers or tall basketball players are the ones that are good at blocking shots. They are tall, which is why they can effortlessly reach any shots before it goes inside the rim. Players with high vertical leap can also effortlessly block a shot. They only have to jump high to reach the ball.
Why Do NBA Players Block Shots After Whistle?
NBA players are known for blocking shots after the whistle. Why do NBA players do this? NBA players block the shots after a whistle because they don’t want a player to get into the rhythm and find their shot. Tall players that are standing close to the basket are the ones who block the shots after a whistle.
Kevin Garnett is the famous NBA player who blocks shots after a whistle is made.
He loves trash talking and getting inside the skin of his opposing player. Joakim Noah is one of the players that idolized Kevin Garnett. Noah told Garnett on the court that he is his biggest fan. However, Garnett continues to trash talk him with lots of bad words.
Final Thoughts
Getting blocked in basketball is a big deal for all basketball players, coaches, and fans. Blocks are one of the reasons why basketball is an exciting sport. When you block the shot of your opponents, it increases your morale and helps you become more confident. Blocks are essential, not only defensively but also mentally.
Why do you think block shots are a big deal in basketball? Comment your answers below!
Spread the love
Basketball coaching hacks: how to score goals for beginners
Even if you are a novice basketball player, we will not give you a training plan, but we will tell you why the ball flies anywhere but into the ring and into your hands. It's all about technique: even with regular training and perseverance, novice adults and children often make simple mistakes.
It's a shame, let's fix it. Below are 11 life hacks on how to hone your technique to increase the likelihood of a goal for your team.
Basketball Shot Rules for Beginners
1. Hands up
In pursuit of the attacker, raise your hands, even if you are standing with your back to the pass, and even more so if the ring is in front of you. Your raised hands will increase the chance of intercepting the ball from the opponent by 2 times. Don't overlook this little thing!
2. Make shield rolls
Even Tim Duncan did not neglect them! A square is drawn on the basketball backboard. If you are standing opposite the ring, then aim at the middle of the upper part of the square, if you are standing on the side, then at the corner. If you hit this square, then the ball is at 90% of cases will fall into the ring. The law of physics and no cheating!
3. Look at the ring, not at the ball
Practice driving the ball with your hand, not your eyes, develop tactile control.
Your eyes should be on the hoop while dribbling and be aware of the position of your body in relation to the hoop. Then you will be able to take the correct posture, and the throw will be effective.
4. Dribble with the balls of your fingers only
The palm should not touch the ball, only the pads of the fingers. Dribbling should become familiar to you, like an extension of your hand. Then you can change its trajectory at any time and you will have more chances to score goals. Practice with the ball constantly.
5. Throw with one hand
If you throw the ball with two hands, you reduce the chance of hitting the basket. All the efforts of the throw are in one hand (in the right for right-handers, in the left for left-handers). The other hand only holds the ball, the leading one holds it with the fingers, not the palm.
6. Do not jump when protecting the ring
Jumping is the main mistake of rookie defenders. To intercept the ball and block the shot, simply stick out your hands.
When you are in a jump, the attacker will easily bypass you.
7. Don't look back
When you dribble, don't look back, but dribble and aim for the ring, focus on shooting (or passing to another player on your team).
8. Bring the throw to automatism
Incorporate the most basic basketball techniques into your training plan and bring the shot to automatism. Throw at first from a distance of half a meter from the ring, gradually increasing it. Learn to throw the ball so that it hits the hoop without touching the edge.
Throw the ball with all fives and jump
Throwing Rules:
- Head in the center of the body - if tilted, accuracy is lost.
- Look at the ring: mentally build a trajectory. If you are far away, the ball flies in a curved curve with a maximum height of 2 meters above the hoop.
- A strong hand is in front and throws, a weak hand is on the side and directs, only holding the ball. The elbow of the throwing hand must be in line with the ring.
- The ball must rest on the fingers without touching the palm. The fingers are as far apart as possible and grab the ball.
- Throwing arm bent 90 degrees, forearm perpendicular to the floor. If you bend less, then you get not a throw, but a throwing of the ball horizontally.
The main thing in the throw is the position of the body and its balance. Place your feet apart and parallel to each other: it is important to orient them in the middle of the basket. Then the direction of the body during the jump will coincide with the direction of the throw, and the ball will fly straight into the ring. When the feet are uneven, the ball flies in the wrong direction or does not reach (although the throw was normal).
Take a deep breath and release as you exhale.
How to hold the ball and shoot in basketball
How to throw correctly: straighten your arm, point your wrist up, and with your hand set the ball to rotate in the opposite direction from the flight.
The ball should seem to "roll" off your fingers.
9. Copy masters and play as a team
Watch professional basketball games and try to copy the movements of your favorite players in training. And be sure to conduct game sparring - this will allow you to develop more techniques.
10. Do not throw in a straight line
The higher the arc of the ball, the greater the chance of a goal and the less chance of blocking by the opponent.
11. Do not throw the ball from a full height stand
This is the biggest newbie mistake!
Before the throw, bend your knees slightly and at the moment of the throw, straighten your body, making a jump. You need to straighten up and push off the ground at the same time. When squatting, keep the elbow of the throwing arm close to the body and towards the ring.
The jump will give momentum to the ball and will allow you not to make sudden movements with the brush.
***
And to be a long-term player, do not forget about your health: take care of your joints and muscles, use tapes, do a warm-up.
And be sure to strengthen your arms, legs and shoulder girdle, develop coordination. Regular exercises on uneven bars and horizontal bars will help you with this.
what it is, execution technique, the best blockers
There are a lot of spectacular techniques in basketball, which is why this sport has so many fans. The performance of the reception is important for the players, its entertainment is important for the fans. The block shot in basketball is liked by both of them, it meets two criteria. It has other names - a block, a banana, a bank, a bathhouse, and even a fly swatter. In this article, we will look at the block shot basketball technique, why it is so important, how to do it correctly, in what situations it will be appropriate. Also here you will find a list of the best players who are excellent at blocking and have shown their skills to the whole world.
In basketball, a block shot is called a technique when a defender blocks the ball after a shot attempt and changes its direction in a favorable direction, away from the basket.
This item is very exciting, especially when done professionally. He delights fans and motivates team members to win. The player whose shot was blocked in this way is credited with a loss of the ball or a miss.
Block shots are not ordinary and simple tricks. This is not just creating a hindrance on the way to your basket, but something more. A good blocker instills fear in attackers, no one wants to compromise their professionalism with a bad throw. Dikembe Mutombo is usually cited as an example, in his performance this protective element is ideal. No wonder Mutombo is considered one of the best blockers among the NBA professional league players. He has a trademark gesture, after each blocked shot, he expressively shakes his finger from side to side, as if to say: “Not on my shift.”
The finer points of execution
Blocking shots is necessary to protect your team, and this is the most important of the techniques. Most of the best defenders use it on a regular basis.
They have a title - rim protector, which means protector of the ring.
For a successful execution, high growth is important, it is easier for a tall player to block an opponent's blow. But that's not all, you also need to jump high, correctly assess the situation on the site and respond in a timely manner. A good blocker knows when to jump, what position to jump from. A useful skill is the ability to distinguish a real throw from a false one. If you jump ahead of time, then the fans will laugh at it.
Chasedown Blocks
Chasedown is a special performance and is considered aerobatics to perform. It happens like this: the defender runs after the attacker and jumps at the moment when the ball is already flying into the ring. If everything is done correctly, then the projectile will stick to the shield and fly off in the other direction or fly towards the stands, as is often done in another game, volleyball.
This gets a standing ovation on par with a spectacular slam dunk, but it doesn't happen as often as we'd like.
In the history of sports there are special chasedown blocks. One of them was pulled by LeBron James in Game 7 of the NBA Finals four years ago. When only a few minutes remained until the end of the meeting, and the score was equal, he blocked the rivals' lake-up and these allowed his team to win and become the champion of this season.
How to block shot?
The block shot in basketball guarantees the stopping of the shot, so every defender should master it. This technique becomes a reaction to the opponent's action, so you need to be very careful. If you react to a feint, you can get a foul and give the other team the opportunity to get easy points. In order not to be mistaken, you need to look at the body and legs of the attacker, as soon as the legs come off the surface of the site, then it's time to act.
You should always stand on your toes, from this position you can react to changes in the situation in a matter of fractions of a second. During the jump, it is important to control the position of your body and limbs.
You need to jump strictly along a vertical path, without deviating forward or to the sides. If you lean towards the opponent, then you can commit a violation - touching. Hitting the ball backhand is very spectacular, especially at the moment when it has not yet left the attacker's hands. But this, too, can provoke a touch. It is more practical to block-shot at the moment when the ball is already released.
Another important point: to bet or not to bet. The player needs to objectively evaluate their own physical data. Performing a technique is appropriate if you are well prepared in general and ready to jump at a particular moment. You should not try to block someone who is superior in skills and size, this often leads to a foul and lost points.
The best blockers
In basketball, each player has personal statistics. These defenders excelled in block shots.
Hakim Olajuwon
With 3830 completions to his credit, averaging 3.09 per game, he is the undisputed leader in total.
This is a versatile basketball player, he showed himself equally well both offensively and defensively. Included in the four of those who made a quadruple-double. This is the name for a set of more than ten points due to block shots, assists, rebounds and interceptions.
Dikembe Mutombo
His name has already been mentioned in this article. One of the most effective blockers in the history of the sport. Did 3289considered blocks, which in terms of the number of matches is an average of 2.75 for each. As many as four times he was recognized as the best defenseman in the NBA. His gesture of shaking his fingers began to be repeated by other players of different levels.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
He has always been highly regarded as an attacker, but few people attached importance to his blocking skills. And in vain, because he is in third place in this rating, he completed 3189 cans during his career, which is 2.57 for each meeting.
Mark Eaton
Ranks fourth in total with 3,065 but leads in average at 3.
5 per game. No one else has such an indicator. Mark Eaton is an interesting figure in basketball, he did not think about professional training until the age of 21, but the height of 225 cm could not go unnoticed. He was drafted 72nd, but after the first season in the NBA, it became clear that this is one of the best defenders of all time.
Tim Duncan
He is called the most powerful forward, and also - "Mr. Fundamental". Such universal players are appreciated. In defense, he plays not very impressive, but very effective. Completed 3020 receptions, 2.17 for each exit.
David Robinson
Nicknamed The Admiral, he is Tim Duncan's mentor and partner. They were called “twin towers”, and only the most daring and desperate dared to attack their basket. In personal statistics, 2954 blocks, 2.99 per game.
Patrick Ewing
A true legend, the best center of all time. He was always distinguished from others not only by his powerful dimensions, but also by his special intuition.
