How to become an elite defender in basketball

8 Keys to Playing Defense in Basketball

This article was written by basketballhq.com co-founder Kyle Ohman.

Playing Defense in Basketball: Focusing on Technique and Mindset

Playing defense in basketball is an interesting skill. It is interesting because it requires technical skills and a passion and desire to compete at a high level. Basketball players that want to be great on the defensive end must buy into the mindset of being a great defender.

This basketball article for players will provide keys for playing defense in basketball and will focus on what it takes to be an elite-level defender. So whether you are a player on your own looking to improve your defense, or a coach looking to develop a player, these defensive keys will give you the template that you need to work on your defense in basketball.

8 Keys to Playing Defense in Basketball:

1. Defensive Communication

Communication is a skill that any player can be good at because it only takes deciding to do it. The best defensive teams in basketball are filled with players that are all working together to get the job done. This only happens, though, if each player communicates their responsibility and their teammates can trust them to be where they need to be. On defense, there are many moving parts, so the better you can communicate what you are doing, the easier it will be for your teammates. Your communication will let your teammates know what they need to be doing in any given defensive situation.

• Always be Communicating
  • Be in constant communication with teammates to help prevent defensive breakdowns.
  • Communicate on and off the ball regardless of being in the direct action or not.
• Relevant Communication
  • Communicate things that will help teammates out. Don’t just talk to talk because the coach says something about talking on defense.
  • You should be talking about: Being on the ball, being in the help/gap, cutters, screens (which direction and what type of screen), what defense you are in, and anything else your team emphasizes.
• Communicate Loudly!
  • Communicate loudly and clearly so that your teammates don’t have any confusion about what you are saying.
  • Loud and effective communication also demoralizes the other team’s offense.

2. Defensive Positioning

A big part of defense is positioning. The better you can position yourself before the offense executes an action, the better you will guard it. Whether it is being in the help, gap, etc., you need to know where you are supposed to be at all times and then make sure that you are there. This may change depending on your team defense and what type of defensive scheme your coach runs. So make sure that you know exactly what defense the team is in and what you should be doing in every situation.

• Be in the Right Place
  • Don’t let yourself get caught out of position and playing catch up to the offense.
  • As the ball moves, you move. There are different types of defensive strategies, but this is a good rule of thumb that you should follow.
  • Correct positioning allows you to take charges, block shots, close gaps, etc.
• Teammate Trust
  • Being in the right position allows your teammates to trust the help and do their job on the ball.
• Discourage the Offense
  • Having five players that are in the correct defensive position forces the offense to take a tough shot and will eventually cause them to be discouraged on the offensive end.

As a basketball player in general, you want to do your best to always be in an athletic stance. If you are standing straight up and down, before you make any athletic move, you will have to load and then go. This makes you that much slower.

If you are already in an athletic stance, it will allow you to be explosive and go right away. As a defender, you must be holding yourself accountable to be in an athletic stance on the ball and off the ball.

• Stay Low
  • There is no reason to stand up off the ball. When you do, you lose your ability to be quick and explosive.
  • An athletic stance allows you to quickly move to where you need to be as the ball moves.
• Wall Up
  • There is an exception to staying low, and that is when you are guarding in the post, and the offensive player is trying to finish over you. In this situation, you will want to keep a wide base with your feet, but make sure that you are walling up the offensive player and making them finish over high hands.

4. Defensive Anticipation

This defensive key is going to be essential to anyone that wants to be an excellent defender. The more you can read the offense and then anticipate what they will do, the easier it will be for you to be in the right positioning to play defense. This doesn’t mean gambling and getting out of control, but it does mean recognizing what the offense is about to do and then getting prepared and set for it.

This goes back to being in the right position. The sooner you can recognize what the offense is trying to do, the easier it will be for you to get in the right positioning.

• Anticipating Vs. Reacting
  • Being in the right position and staying in an athletic stance allows you to anticipate where the ball will go.
  • Keep your head on a swivel, and be aware of what is going on around you.
  • If you are always reacting to the ball, you will find yourself getting beat.
• Read the Offense
  • Be a student of the game and recognize that different offensive actions open up certain types of shots and passes.
  • Read what the offense is trying to do, and then be in a position to take it away.

5. Defensive Scouting Report

Different players have different skill sets. So you must know what a player likes to do best and also what they struggle with. If you know this, you can take away what they like to do best and force them into something they aren’t comfortable with.

For example, if you guard a great shooter, you would want to close them out tight and make them dribble the basketball. If you are defending a driver, you would want to close them out short and force them to shoot a contested shot. You can only do this, though, if you know the player you are guarding and what they like to do.

Also, your scouting report may need adjusting midgame. You may see something that your man/woman is doing, and you may need to adjust. A scouting report shouldn’t be written in stone.

• Individual Scouting Report
  • What type of offensive player are you guarding? What are their strengths and weaknesses? These are questions you need to ask as a defender.
  • Once you figure out these answers, you can start forcing the offensive player into shots and positions where they are not comfortable, which leads to low percentage shots, turnovers, etc.
• Team Scouting Report
  • Learn the other team’s set basketball plays and tendencies from film and throughout the course of a game.
  • As you recognize what they are running, call it out to the rest of your team.

6. Defensive Effort and Energy

Something that you are always in control of, no matter how skilled you are or how well you are playing, is your energy and effort. This means that there is never a good excuse for why you shouldn’t be giving your best effort and bringing energy on the defensive end. Regardless of how well you are playing on offense or how the game is going, you should be giving your best effort on defense.

This doesn’t mean, though, that you are out of control and running around like a chicken with no head. Be disciplined in what you are doing, but also give your best effort.

• Maximum Defensive Effort
  • Great defenders are willing to give max effort all the time.
  • Don’t be afraid to do the dirty work.
• Ways You Can Give Defensive Effort
  • Sprint back.
  • Dive on the floor.
  • Take a charge.
  • Battle on the boards.
  • Whatever you can do to help your team win.

7. Defensive Discipline and Details

This was mentioned in the previous point, but it is worth a point all on its own. As a defensive player, you must stay disciplined in the way you are guarding. And, you must not only be disciplined in the way that you are guarding your man/woman, but also within the team’s defensive scheme.

It may be tempting to reach, gamble, etc., but if that is not your team’s defensive strategy, you must be disciplined enough to hold back. If you stay committed to the details of playing high-level defense, you will be able to get deflections, steals, and force the offense into bad shots, and all without having to gamble and put your team in a difficult situation.

• Stay Disciplined on Defense
  • Don’t gamble outside of team strategy and get caught out of position.
  • Don’t commit silly fouls that hurt yourself and put the other team in the bonus.
• Commitment to the Details
  • High hands on every closeout.
  • Have active hands both on and off the ball.
  • Take great angles both on and off the ball.
  • Bump cutters.
  • Come together and touch on screens.
  • Do all the little things that your team emphasizes on the defensive end.

8. Finish the Defensive Play

One of the toughest things for a defense to do is play solid defense for a whole possession only to give up an offensive rebound for a putback or then have to guard again for another possession. This means that as a defender, you need to do your best to help finish defensive possessions. You must be willing to box out and finish the play on the boards, get on the floor for a loose ball, take a charge, etc. The better you can close out possessions on the defensive end, the more value you will add to your team.

• Rebound the Ball
  • Forcing the offense to take a bad shot is great, but you have to finish the play on the boards.
  • Box out on EVERY shot, and then pursue the ball.
• Get on the Floor
  • Any loose ball in your area needs to be yours.
  • Sacrifice your body for the team.

Defensive Basketball Drills

If you want to become a better defender or work with a player on becoming a better defender, you must be willing to put in the time. These basketball drills are all going to focus on different defensive areas. So along with taking advantage of all of the defensive teaching points, make sure that you take advantage of these defensive basketball drills.

Cone Drop Defensive Slide Drill

This defensive drill is going to work on the technique of the defensive slide and is a basketball fundamental that every player should master. It will allow a player to work on staying low, not crossing their feet over, etc. The more a player can master this basic defensive movement, the easier it will be to guard the ball and make other explosive movements.

Similar Drills: Lane Slide to Close Out Defensive Drill, Lane Slides Defensive Drill

Drill Goal: Work on staying low in a defensive stance and changing directions laterally, both quickly and efficiently.

Equipment Needed: 4-5 cones.

Drill Tips:

1. When doing this drill, really lock in on the correct footwork and make sure that you stay low in an athletic stance the whole time.
2. Focus on not clicking your heels together, crossing your feet over, or letting your weight be unbalanced.
3. Work on being able to drive off of each leg and change directions as quickly as you can each time.
4. This is a great drill to track how long it takes you to complete and then try to beat it the next time. Must practice good footwork, etc.

Drill Directions:

• Start by placing a row of cones on one side of the lane line and then have the player line up inside the cones.
• The player will begin in a defensive/athletic stance.
• To complete the drill, the player must take each cone, one at a time, across the lane line using a defensive slide. Once all of the cones have been set down in a line on the opposite lane line, the drill is complete.
• As soon as the last cone is placed down, the drill is over.

Closeout Slide Rebounding Drill

This basketball drill will work on being able to close out under control, a defensive slide, and then also being able to finish the play by going to track down the rebound. These skills are all essential in playing defense and being able to get a stop. In the video, this basketball drill has the player treating the rebound like an offensive board to also work on finishing, but you can also set it up like a defensive board and have the player secure the ball and then outlet it. Being able to close out well takes many quality repetitions, and this drill will allow for that.

Drill Goal: Work on closing out the ball, defensive sliding, and then tracking down the rebound.

Equipment Needed: Two cones, a basketball, and a partner.

Drill Tips:

1. Make sure that you are practicing good habits with your footwork and are being as efficient as you can be. This drill will end up hurting you more than helping you if you allow yourself to practice bad habits.
2. Once you have the footwork down, push yourself to go as fast as possible, and get out of your comfort zone.
3. Stay low and athletic in all of the different movements during the drill.
4. Make sure that you are practicing the drill on both sides of the floor to get an equal amount of repetitions sliding each direction.

Drill Directions:

• Start by placing one cone on the wing and one at the top of the key.
• The player will start on the block of the side that has the cone on it.
• The partner will start with the basketball.
• When the drill starts, the player will begin by closing out the cone on the wing. They will then immediately slide to the cone at the top of the key and then turn to box out.
• As the player is boxing out, the partner will toss the basketball up off the rim, and the player must release from the box out and go track down the rebound.
• They can either treat it as an offensive board to work on finishing and look to tip it back in or rebound and finish. Or, the drill can be set up so that it is a defensive rebound, and the player must secure the board and then outlet it to the partner.

Four Cones Defensive Drill

When it comes to playing defense in basketball, a player will have to be ready to move in any direction with only a split-seconds notice. This defensive drill is going to work on moving forward, backward, and laterally. Along with teaching the player to stay low in an athletic stance the whole time, it will also allow for working on moving in every direction.

Drill Goal: Work on being able to move forward, backward, and laterally on defense.

Equipment Needed: 4 cones and a partner (optional).

Drill Tips:

1. As you are changing directions, really focus on staying balanced and under control. Also, make sure to be efficient with your footwork and movements. The goal should be no wasted movements.
2. The goal is to go as fast as you can while also ensuring that you maintain the correct footwork.
3. Don’t hunch your back, cross your feet, hop, etc.
4. This drill can be done with one player or a group of players. With a group, have the players go one after the other.

Drill Directions:

• Start by setting up cones on each elbow and block.
• A player will start at either cone on the block and with their back to the free-throw line.
• When the drill starts, the player will begin to chop their feet while staying in an athletic stance.
• While this is happening, the coach will call out “turn,” or if a player is by themselves, they can do it at their own discretion. When the coach calls “turn,” though, the player must rotate their inside foot backward like they are about to turn and sprint before quickly returning to athletic stance and foot chops.
• This will happen twice more. On the third time that it is called, the player will open all the way up and begin moving forward towards the cone at the elbow, where they must breakdown and closeout.
• Immediately after the closeout, they will slide across the free-throw line to the opposite elbow cone.
• At this elbow cone, they will immediately backpedal down to the cone on the block.
• For the final stretch of cones from block to block, the player will slide again.
• This concludes one time through the drill.

Superman Rebounding Drill

As mentioned earlier, a big part of playing defense is being able to rebound so that you can finish out the defensive possession. And, while it would be nice to have every rebound come right to you, the ball must be pursued and tracked down a lot of times. This rebounding basketball drill is going to work precisely on that. It will allow for working on rebounding out of area and being able to pursue the ball. It will also work on going and getting the ball at its highest point and securing it with two hands.

Similar Drills: Superman Reverse Finish Rebounding Drill, Superman Pivot Finish Rebounding Drill, Superman Shot Fake Crab Dribble Rebounding Drill

Drill Goal: Work on rebounding out of area and being aggressive to the boards.

Equipment Needed: A basketball and a hoop.

Drill Tips:

1. Get up off of the ground and be explosive on every rebound.
2. Don’t wait for the ball to come down to you; go up and get it with both hands at its highest point.
3. Challenge yourself and work on getting as wide as you can on each board.

Drill Directions:

• The player will start with the basketball outside of the block on either side of the basket.
• When the drill starts, they will toss the ball up off the backboard at an angle so that the basketball bounces over to the other side of the paint.
• As the ball is up in the air, they will run over to the opposite of the paint, track down the ball, jump as high as possible, and secure the ball with both hands.
• The player must land in an athletic stance and chin the basketball as they land.
• They will then immediately toss the ball up off of the backboard and repeat moving back the other way.
• Continue this pattern for the desired amount of repetitions.

Playing Defense in Basketball Conclusion

Playing defense in basketball starts with a choice. You have to decide that you will put in the effort, energy, and commitment to playing defense at a high level. After that, it becomes the ability to learn how to play defense the right way. It takes time to learn the correct angles, how to anticipate, commitment to details, etc. To be a great defender, you have to be willing to put in the time and the work.

Playing defense does not always bring the recognition that it deserves, either. The average fan doesn’t understand how important it is to have a player communicating on every play, having active hands, and being in the right position. However, I guarantee you that your coaches and teammates do! If you want to help your team win games and even championships, playing defense is one of the best ways to do it.

Use these eight keys to playing defense in basketball as a blueprint to what a great defender looks like, and get in the gym to make yourself an elite defender.

10 Keys to Being a Great Basketball Defender

When it comes to hoop dreams, most are filled with high-flying dunks, game-winning buzzer beaters and ankle-breaking crossovers.

Very few young basketball players grow up with visions of wanting to be Ben Wallace, Dennis Rodman, Gary Payton, Tamika Catchings or Alana Beard—players known primarily for their defensive prowess.

It’s often said that defense wins championships, but being a great defender doesn’t get the same recognition from media or fans as being a top-tier scorer.

Admittedly, it is easier (and usually more fun) to go to the park or the gym and work on the offensive aspects of the game than it is to do defensive drills. But those willing to invest time and focus into their defense will be richly rewarded. Coaches love players they can count on to get stops, and great defense has been the beating heart of many a championship team.

Defense is about more than athleticism.

Larry Bird was never known as the most athletic player, but his basketball IQ more than made up for any lack of athletic ability. People tend to remember Bird for all offensive talents, but his mental understanding of the game and his opponents helped him earn three straight All-NBA defense second-team honors.

If you can play defense, a coach will find a way to use you. With that in mind, here are 10 keys to being a lockdown basketball defender.

1. Be Fearless

Constantly seeking out “easy” match-ups won’t do much to make you a better defender. Taking on the other team’s best player (or even your own team’s during practice) means swallowing your ego, as you could get lit up or be on the wrong end of a highlight film. But great defenders are not afraid of this challenge. Marcus Smart is often assigned to guard players much larger than himself, yet he never backs down. Becoming a top-notch defender starts with being fearless.

2. Be Physically Prepared

Based on original rules, basketball was not technically a “contact” sport.

However, we all know that contact is now part of the game, particularly on the defensive end. Fighting through bone-crunching screens, boxing out for rebounds and diving on the floor for loose balls will leave even the best defender bruised and battered by the end of the night. You must be physically prepared for these tasks.

Gain muscle if you need it. Eat right. Sleep well. Raise your endurance so that being “too tired” to get a stop is no longer an excuse.

The reason West Virginia’s press defense is often so suffocating is because the players are fit enough to run it, and getting that fit is hard work.

When you combine a physically prepared player with the right mentality, a great defender is born.

3. Do Your Homework

Pre-game preparation is one of the most important components of being a great defender.

Watch film. Immerse yourself in the game plan. Know what your own coach likes to run in certain situations, and what the opposing coach likes to call.

The better you know the plan of attack, the faster and more aggressively you can play.

4. Talk Constantly

The best defenders are often the players who constantly talk to the rest of their team, whether it is on the floor or from the bench.

At no time during a defensive series should you be silent as there is always someone to talk to and something that you should be talking about.

Basketball is a team game, and to be a great defensive unit, clear and consistent communication between teammates is essential. Simple short words or phrases from all five teammates help build energy and awareness. Calling out who is on “ball,” who is in “deny” position, who is “help side” or has the “hoop help”—these things help a defense keep their shape and stay true to their principles.

An opposing player setting a bone-crunching pick that leads to an easy bucket is one of the worst things that can happen to a defense, and such instances can often be avoided with simple communication.

5. Stay Locked in on the Bench

Whether you are a starter or on the second unit, there will be times during the game when you’re coming off the bench.

It’s easy to get distracted on the sidelines. Some players tend to get caught up watching the game as a fan instead of breaking it down as a player.

Are you paying attention to the player or players who you’ll most likely be guarding? What are their strengths and weaknesses? Do they have a preferred side of the floor? Are they a catch-and-shoot type player, or do they like to put the ball on the floor? What type of offense does the opposing team run? Can they shoot the three over top of a zone, or will they struggle if your team packs the paint?

While it’s great to focus on how you can play best when you get in (or back in) the game, you can also be an extra voice for your teammates. Are you able to help by calling screens or alerting when cutters are moving?

You can also check in with one of your coaches about things you may be able to do better.

Many have said that the game of basketball is 80% mental, 20% physical. You might not be able to swipe a steal or make a block from the bench, but you can work to help you and your team win the mental battle.

6. Be Willing to Sacrifice Your Body

Basketball is a contact sport, plain and simple.

And that contact doesn’t exist just between you and other players, but also you and the hardwood.

The best defenders in basketball know that at the end of the night, they will have bumps and bruises. They embrace this. They embrace taking charges. They embrace diving for loose balls. They embrace cutting off driving players and battling for rebounds.

Even something as relatively simple as making sure you’re always in a proper athletic position to react on help-side requires physical effort from the glute and leg muscles, which very well may be burning by the end of the game.

Long story short: great defenders are willing to endure physical pain to prevent the other team from scoring. In fact, they don’t even think twice about it.

7. Know the Officials

There are three teams on the court in a traditional basketball game: the two that are playing, and the one that’s officiating.

Officials are human, too. They’ll have good days and bad days, and two of them may see the same play completely differently.

Try to learn as quickly as possible what calls a given crew of officials will and will not make. And also do your best to avoid getting on their bad side.

If every offensive trip down the floor you’re barking at them and asking for calls, odds are you won’t be happy on the other end of the court. Plus if you’re spending time arguing and complaining about a lack of  calls, you’re likely giving the other team a good shot at a fast break.

Learning how and when to talk to an official plays a big part in becoming an elite defender. Do you think that yelling and throwing your arms in the air will result in something positive or negative? Of course you are going to be frustrated with a debatable call, but if you speak politely with an official during a stoppage in play, maybe you will be able to hear their reasoning while also making them more likely to hear your point of view.

8. Think Bigger Than ‘Your Man’

A coach may occasionally tell you to stay stapled to the hip of a specific opponent, but such occasions are rare.

Great defenders aren’t just worried about their man scoring—they’re worried about anyone scoring.

While you might feel you’re the “Kobe Stopper” when you keep your man from stuffing the stat sheet, if your teammates are getting beat to the rim time after time, that’s not worth much.

At some point, an offensive player is going to get a step on a defender, and a good defensive teammate should be in help-side position to lend a hand. Being ready and willing to step away from your check and help out your teammates will ultimately lead to less points for your opponent. Deny position (1 pass away), weak side help (2 passes) and hoop help (3 passes) are common defensive rotations a great defender needs to know like the back of their hand.

9. Make Opponents Uncomfortable

There are many ways to make an offensive player uncomfortable.

If you do not allow a cutter to make a straight path to their intended destination, it can cause frustration. If, as a post defender, you are constantly moving and forcing the offensive big man off their preferred “spot,” you’re taking them out of their comfort zone.

Players like Patrick Beverley and Marcus Smart both play an important role for their respective teams, especially when it comes to the defensive end of the court. Never ones to back down, both have been known to make offensive players uncomfortable by forcing them to dribble more than they’re used to, or by engaging in strategic trash talk.

This frustration can occasionally turn an offense against each other as turnovers or bad shot selection take place and teammates start to get frustrated with lack of proper execution.

10. Study Other Great Defenders

Again, defense is less about athleticism and more about effort and basketball IQ.

Study great defenders like Beverley, Smart, Draymond Green, Paul George, Eric Bledsoe, Rudy Gobert, Kawhi Leonard, Klay Thompson and Jrue Holiday.

If you pay attention to some of the subtle nuances of great defenders, notice how they play angles, position themselves to cut off drives, use their body to their advantage, stay in stance through whole defensive possessions, etc. Steven Adams isn’t all that strong inside the weight room, but his footwork and body position make him a brick wall on the court.

Being a great defender takes extreme attention to detail, but unwavering effort is the glue that ties everything together.

Photo Credit: FatCamera/iStock

READ MORE:

• The Keys To a Strong Basketball Defensive Stance
• The 3 P’s of Shutdown Basketball Defense
• 2 Drills to Help You Play Lockdown Basketball Defense

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When it comes to hoop dreams, most are filled with high-flying dunks, game-winning buzzer beaters and ankle-breaking crossovers.

Very few young basketball players grow up with visions of wanting to be Ben Wallace, Dennis Rodman, Gary Payton, Tamika Catchings or Alana Beard—players known primarily for their defensive prowess.

It’s often said that defense wins championships, but being a great defender doesn’t get the same recognition from media or fans as being a top-tier scorer.

Admittedly, it is easier (and usually more fun) to go to the park or the gym and work on the offensive aspects of the game than it is to do defensive drills. But those willing to invest time and focus into their defense will be richly rewarded. Coaches love players they can count on to get stops, and great defense has been the beating heart of many a championship team.

Defense is about more than athleticism.

Larry Bird was never known as the most athletic player, but his basketball IQ more than made up for any lack of athletic ability. People tend to remember Bird for all offensive talents, but his mental understanding of the game and his opponents helped him earn three straight All-NBA defense second-team honors.

If you can play defense, a coach will find a way to use you. With that in mind, here are 10 keys to being a lockdown basketball defender.

1. Be Fearless

Constantly seeking out “easy” match-ups won’t do much to make you a better defender. Taking on the other team’s best player (or even your own team’s during practice) means swallowing your ego, as you could get lit up or be on the wrong end of a highlight film. But great defenders are not afraid of this challenge. Marcus Smart is often assigned to guard players much larger than himself, yet he never backs down. Becoming a top-notch defender starts with being fearless.

2. Be Physically Prepared

Based on original rules, basketball was not technically a “contact” sport.

However, we all know that contact is now part of the game, particularly on the defensive end. Fighting through bone-crunching screens, boxing out for rebounds and diving on the floor for loose balls will leave even the best defender bruised and battered by the end of the night. You must be physically prepared for these tasks.

Gain muscle if you need it. Eat right. Sleep well. Raise your endurance so that being “too tired” to get a stop is no longer an excuse.

The reason West Virginia’s press defense is often so suffocating is because the players are fit enough to run it, and getting that fit is hard work.

When you combine a physically prepared player with the right mentality, a great defender is born.

3. Do Your Homework

Pre-game preparation is one of the most important components of being a great defender.

Watch film. Immerse yourself in the game plan. Know what your own coach likes to run in certain situations, and what the opposing coach likes to call.

The better you know the plan of attack, the faster and more aggressively you can play.

4. Talk Constantly

The best defenders are often the players who constantly talk to the rest of their team, whether it is on the floor or from the bench.

At no time during a defensive series should you be silent as there is always someone to talk to and something that you should be talking about.

Basketball is a team game, and to be a great defensive unit, clear and consistent communication between teammates is essential. Simple short words or phrases from all five teammates help build energy and awareness. Calling out who is on “ball,” who is in “deny” position, who is “help side” or has the “hoop help”—these things help a defense keep their shape and stay true to their principles.

An opposing player setting a bone-crunching pick that leads to an easy bucket is one of the worst things that can happen to a defense, and such instances can often be avoided with simple communication.

5. Stay Locked in on the Bench

Whether you are a starter or on the second unit, there will be times during the game when you’re coming off the bench.

It’s easy to get distracted on the sidelines. Some players tend to get caught up watching the game as a fan instead of breaking it down as a player.

Are you paying attention to the player or players who you’ll most likely be guarding? What are their strengths and weaknesses? Do they have a preferred side of the floor? Are they a catch-and-shoot type player, or do they like to put the ball on the floor? What type of offense does the opposing team run? Can they shoot the three over top of a zone, or will they struggle if your team packs the paint?

While it’s great to focus on how you can play best when you get in (or back in) the game, you can also be an extra voice for your teammates. Are you able to help by calling screens or alerting when cutters are moving?

You can also check in with one of your coaches about things you may be able to do better.

Many have said that the game of basketball is 80% mental, 20% physical. You might not be able to swipe a steal or make a block from the bench, but you can work to help you and your team win the mental battle.

6. Be Willing to Sacrifice Your Body

Basketball is a contact sport, plain and simple.

And that contact doesn’t exist just between you and other players, but also you and the hardwood.

The best defenders in basketball know that at the end of the night, they will have bumps and bruises. They embrace this. They embrace taking charges. They embrace diving for loose balls. They embrace cutting off driving players and battling for rebounds.

Even something as relatively simple as making sure you’re always in a proper athletic position to react on help-side requires physical effort from the glute and leg muscles, which very well may be burning by the end of the game.

Long story short: great defenders are willing to endure physical pain to prevent the other team from scoring. In fact, they don’t even think twice about it.

7. Know the Officials

There are three teams on the court in a traditional basketball game: the two that are playing, and the one that’s officiating.

Officials are human, too. They’ll have good days and bad days, and two of them may see the same play completely differently.

Try to learn as quickly as possible what calls a given crew of officials will and will not make. And also do your best to avoid getting on their bad side.

If every offensive trip down the floor you’re barking at them and asking for calls, odds are you won’t be happy on the other end of the court. Plus if you’re spending time arguing and complaining about a lack of  calls, you’re likely giving the other team a good shot at a fast break.

Learning how and when to talk to an official plays a big part in becoming an elite defender. Do you think that yelling and throwing your arms in the air will result in something positive or negative? Of course you are going to be frustrated with a debatable call, but if you speak politely with an official during a stoppage in play, maybe you will be able to hear their reasoning while also making them more likely to hear your point of view.

8. Think Bigger Than ‘Your Man’

A coach may occasionally tell you to stay stapled to the hip of a specific opponent, but such occasions are rare.

Great defenders aren’t just worried about their man scoring—they’re worried about anyone scoring.

While you might feel you’re the “Kobe Stopper” when you keep your man from stuffing the stat sheet, if your teammates are getting beat to the rim time after time, that’s not worth much.

At some point, an offensive player is going to get a step on a defender, and a good defensive teammate should be in help-side position to lend a hand. Being ready and willing to step away from your check and help out your teammates will ultimately lead to less points for your opponent. Deny position (1 pass away), weak side help (2 passes) and hoop help (3 passes) are common defensive rotations a great defender needs to know like the back of their hand.

9. Make Opponents Uncomfortable

There are many ways to make an offensive player uncomfortable.

If you do not allow a cutter to make a straight path to their intended destination, it can cause frustration. If, as a post defender, you are constantly moving and forcing the offensive big man off their preferred “spot,” you’re taking them out of their comfort zone.

Players like Patrick Beverley and Marcus Smart both play an important role for their respective teams, especially when it comes to the defensive end of the court. Never ones to back down, both have been known to make offensive players uncomfortable by forcing them to dribble more than they’re used to, or by engaging in strategic trash talk.

This frustration can occasionally turn an offense against each other as turnovers or bad shot selection take place and teammates start to get frustrated with lack of proper execution.

10. Study Other Great Defenders

Again, defense is less about athleticism and more about effort and basketball IQ.

Study great defenders like Beverley, Smart, Draymond Green, Paul George, Eric Bledsoe, Rudy Gobert, Kawhi Leonard, Klay Thompson and Jrue Holiday.

If you pay attention to some of the subtle nuances of great defenders, notice how they play angles, position themselves to cut off drives, use their body to their advantage, stay in stance through whole defensive possessions, etc. Steven Adams isn’t all that strong inside the weight room, but his footwork and body position make him a brick wall on the court.

Being a great defender takes extreme attention to detail, but unwavering effort is the glue that ties everything together.

Photo Credit: FatCamera/iStock

READ MORE:

• The Keys To a Strong Basketball Defensive Stance
• The 3 P’s of Shutdown Basketball Defense
• 2 Drills to Help You Play Lockdown Basketball Defense

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