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How to always steal the ball in basketball

What is a Steal in Basketball?

If you are reading this, chances are, you would like to know what is a steal in basketball? Or maybe, you would like to know how to steal a ball in basketball. When we say steal, we are not talking about taking what is not yours. We will be looking at the definition of steal in basketball terms today. Many players always wonder how some players like Ben Simmons and James Harden may be able to get so many strips and interceptions on a nightly basis. A steal in basketball is a significant stat on the defensive end of the court, so it is essential that we, as basketball players, work on getting better at it.

In today’s piece, we will be comprehensively covering how what constitutes a steal and how you can improve your steal numbers. We will look at some of the greatest steals in the past and also some strip tricks that you can add to your game

What Defines a Steal in Basketball?

Steals are crucial in a basketball game. Steals can reduce the shot attempts of an opposing team while increasing those of yours. When the ball is stolen/stripped from a player when a pass is intercepted, or a fumble is recovered from the opposing team, your team will gain possession of the ball, and your offense can begin.

Steals are often used to start fast break opportunities that usually can be easily converted into points. Whenever this happens, this can cause a huge drop in morale for the players on the team from which the ball was stolen.

Imagine you run baseline to baseline, only to see your ball handler lose the ball due to a steal. You will just feel your heart drop to the gym floor. If you and your team can manage to steal the ball regularly and put together a good run, the momentum of the game will shift drastically in your favor.

So, what constitutes a steal in basketball? In the NBA, a steal is recorded when a player intercepts a pass, legally takes the ball away from an opponent or otherwise obtains possession on the ball following an opponent’s turnover if the clock hasn’t stopped and the ball remains inbounds.

If a player disrupts a pass by touching it or strips a dribble and controls his deflection or intentionally directs the ball to a teammate resulting in eventual possession for the defense, the player that caused the deflection is awarded the steal. The defender cannot touch the ball handler’s hands, or otherwise, a foul is called. This is “reaching” in basketball.

How are Steals Recorded in a Basketball Game?

On the stats sheet, defensive stats are not usually the focus of attention to the average fan. Coaches and defensive-minded players who know the value of defensive contributions will see things differently. Defensive production, just like offensive production, can tell a lot when reading on the stat sheet. A player whose defensive numbers stand out on the stat sheet can easily be viewed as an engine of the team, a passionate player, and someone who isn’t afraid to get their hands dirty. Those players are considerable assets to any squad.

Similar to blocks, steals may be low in numbers for individual players, usually under three per game. If the entire team is defensive-minded, the combined steals for the whole of the team could be quite high.

To locate steals from a game online, you may have to search for the box score of that game as steals are not shown in major stats. In the box score, the steals will be listed under the Steal (STL) column. The total team steal amount will be tallied at the end.

How is a Steal Different from a Turnover?

A steal is always credited to the defensive player, while a turnover can only be picked up by the offensive player. A turnover can only be made if you lose possession of the ball and a steal can only occur when you gain procession of the ball.

A steal in basketball will always result in a turnover for the offense. However, a turnover, isn’t always a result of a steal. This is like sedans are cars, but not all cars are sedans. A steal requires a player to “steal” the ball, but a turnover can occur when the offense throws the ball away by committing a violation. These can be forced and unforced. Violations include traveling, double dribbling, making the ball go out of bounds, offensive fouls, and unsportsmanlike conduct.

In the NBA, there is a minor stat that is called the steal to turnover ratio. This stat keeps track of a player’s efficiency as it relates to taking care of the ball while disrupting the opponent’s offense. Players with a great steal to turnover ratio are considered very efficient and great ball handlers/perimeter defenders. This stat is generally more focused on guards.

How Do You Steal a Ball in Basketball?

So, for us to be credited with a steal, we need to gain possession of the ball from our opponents. We can do this by legally stripping them of the ball at any time on the court, intercepting a pass, or gathering fumbles. It takes a special kind of concentration and dedication to defense to read the opponent and time their plays to get 1v1 steals. To get steals while working with your team, you need communication and commitment to defense. You can sit in the chair, be disciplined, time and anticipate your opponent’s dribbles, and when the moment is right, you can attempt to tap the ball away from the ball handler. It is usually easier to cut your opponent’s options for driving past you by forcing them to the boundary lines of the court. If you want to intercept passes, you can watch out for passing options available to the ball handler. Keep loose and stay on your toes. Wait for the passer to release the ball and then make your move to intercept. Go at the ball as hard as you can to ensure that you get to it in time.

You can always work with your teammates to initiate double teams and force turnovers. To force these turnovers, communication will be critical. Many players will try to pass out of double teams, so do not stick to the side of your mark. Remember to form a triangle with the passer, your mark, and yourself. This will allow you to intercept passes easier. You can also trap the player in double teams and steal the ball if they don’t want to pass. An essential thing to remember is that even though steals have high rewards, the risks are also very high. Attempting a steal of any kind can leave you out of place if it fails. This will allow the offense to get favorable positions that can enable them to score.

When is the Best Time to Steal the Ball in Basketball?

There is no single best time to get a steal in basketball. There are so many things that change in our dynamic, fast-paced game. Because of the constant changes, there are always opportunities for steals.

There are many similar situations with steal opportunities, but the degree of difficulty will vary, so analyze the situation before going in for a steal. For example, an excellent ball-handler dribbling up the court may not be as susceptible to a half-court trap as a poor ball-handler may be.

There are generally great steal opportunities available when the offense makes lob passes, so be on the lookout for those. Crosscourt passes are most times vulnerable if the defense reacts quickly enough. If you can, no one will beat you for attempting a steal on a crosscourt pass. 1v1 steals can be attempted if the ball handler is not a good dribbler. You can also attempt these when the dribbler fumbles while dribbling or if somehow the ball gets away from the dribbler. If the opposing player holds the ball within reach and looks away, by all means, definitely go for it.

Attempting to steal a lob pass into the post while coming from a close weak side position is often fruitful as well. You can also double down on the post player after they start dribbling if your mark is not an outside threat or if you can recover in the event of a pass to your guy. Players are taught to pass out of double teams, so a planned trap will likely result in a pass. If you prepare and get to the passing lane, you can get an easy steal. Please remember, none of these are guaranteed, so be ready to get back and play defense.

Videos of the Greatest Steals of All Time

Our first video shows steals that happened in the Clutch. These are steals that literally stole the game.

This next video shows the players who were best at stealing the ball. Their defensive prowess gave their teams great extra opportunities.

Wrapping Things Up: What is a Steal in Basketball?

A steal is a vital but often overlooked stat in basketball. A steal gives your team extra possessions while robbing your opponents of scoring opportunities. Steals are credited to players upon legal strips, interceptions of when they gain possession of fumbled lose balls.

Until next time ballers, remember, it’s not a crime to steal in basketball.

Did you enjoy this article? You might also like our other basketball FAQ articles here.

> What is an Assist in Basketball?

> How to Do a Layup Correctly?

> What is Rebounding in Basketball?

> What is Dribbling in Basketball?

> How to Palm a Basketball

How To Steal In NBA 2K22

By Dean James

Published Sep 10, 2021

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NBA 2K22 has now released and with it has plenty of newcomers and even returning players wanting to know just how to steal the ball.

NBA 2K22 is the latest entry in the annual 2K Sports franchise and one of the major keys to winning any game to knowing how to steal the ball from your opponents.

There are many aspects of the game of basketball that you have to master to win games, especially if you're looking to even stay in the game with the elite players online.

Taking the ball right out of the hands of the opposing players is obviously one way to help yourself win games, but it can be a risky maneuver to try to pull off a lot of the time.

MORE: Take a look at the new Dunk Meter on next-gen.

How To Steal The Ball In NBA 2K22

There are many different techniques that can help you on the defensive end in NBA 2K22, with the ability to steal the ball being very vital.

Getting the ball out of the opposing team's hands and possibly taking it on a fast break to score yourself can be a major shift of momentum in your favor

Unlike some of the areas such as dunking or the shot meter that have been changed in this year's game on next-gen at least, stealing is pretty much as you would expect in this year's game.

To steal the ball as a defender, press the Square button or the respective platform equivalent to reach out and try to grab the ball. This can be done when the dribbler is nearby or when the ball is in the passing lane.

This obviously isn't something you can just keep doing to steal the ball though, as it is risky to try this. If you don't execute the steal perfectly, you will end up getting a reach-in foul against the player.

Fouls are not something you can afford too many times, so you have to be smart about when you try to use the steal in a game. Use them when it looks like the player is dribbling the ball a little too carelessly and hopefully you can knock it and turn it into fastbreak points on the other end of the court.

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Steal (basketball)

A young defender ( left ) steals a basketball from an opposing player.

In basketball, steal occurs when a defensive player legally causes a turnover by his positive, aggressive action(s). This can be done by deflecting and controlling, or by catching a pass or dribble from an attacking player's opponent. The defender must not touch the attacker's hands, otherwise a foul is called.

Interceptions are awarded to the first defensive player to pass, even if he did not gain possession of a live ball. To get a steal, the defending player must be the initiator of the move-causing action, not just the benefactor. Each time a steal is called by a defending player, the attacker must be counted as having made the move.

Stealing the ball requires good anticipation, speed and quick reflexes, all of which are common traits of good defenders. However, like blocked shots, interception is not always a perfect indicator of a player's defensive ability. A failed interception can result in the defender being out of position and unable to recover in time, allowing the attacker to score. So trying to steal is gambling. Steals, while risky, can pay off a lot because they often lead to a quick break away from the defending team.

There is no prototype position from which the player could get many interceptions. While smaller and faster guards tend to accumulate the most steals, there are many exceptions. For example, forward Rick Barry led the NBA in steals in 1974–75, and for many years center Hakeem Olajuwon led his team in this category, consistently ranked among the league leaders, and is the only center to rank in the top 10 in history. in thefts. Karl Malone, power forward, is currently ranked eleventh.

CONTENT

1 NBA steals records
2 Notable NBA players
3 See also
4 links

NBA breaks records

Thefts were first recorded in the NBA during the 1973–74 season, while the rival league ABA recorded thefts for the first time in the same season.

Kendall Gill and Larry Kenon are tied for eleven steals in the NBA regular season game. Kenon's was recorded on December 26, 1976 years old, and Gill recorded it on April 3, 1999.

Most steals by a player in an NBA season - 301 by Alvin Robertson in 1985-86.

The all-time NBA steal leader is John Stockton with 3,265 career players.

Robertson leads the NBA in steals per game (SPG) with an average of 2.71 (career, at least 1,250 steals) and 3.67 (season, at least 125).

Baron Davis is the all-time playoff leader in career steals per game with 2.28 acs.

Maurice Cheeks averaged 4.11 playoff points in the 1979 playoffs.

Notable NBA Players

Some of the NBA's greatest steals defensemen include:

Hakeem Olajuwon - Ranked in the top 10 of all time in both steals and blocks.
Walt Frazier - Known for his masterful defense, culminating in his ability to deflect dribbling and passes using his incredibly fast hands. At the beginning of his career, thefts were not recorded. Frazier once had 8 interceptions in a row during the third quarter against Atlanta at 1971 years.
Allen Iverson - led the league in steals three times (consecutively); most steals in a playoff game.
Michael Jordan – Led the league in steals and steals per game three times, 3rd in career steals and 3rd in steals per game. No. 2 in playoff steals behind Scottie Pippen.
Chris Paul – NBA record for most consecutive steals, led the league in steals and steals six times.
Michael Ray Richardson - led the league in steals three times; No. 2 in steals per game.
Alvin Robertson – Led the league in steals and steals per game three times, #9 in career steals and #1 in steals per game.
John Stockton – Led the league in steals twice, #1 in career steals and #6 in steals per game.
Jerry West - Widely known for his ability to execute an interception, but the statistic was not recorded until his final season. West was the first player to officially record 10 steals in a game.
Clyde Drexler – Drexler threw 2,207 steals in his 15-year career with the Portland Trail Blazers and Houston Rockets. He ranks seventh in career thefts.

Recommendations

Basketball practice 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 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.