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How to block a shot in basketball without fouling
How to Block More Shots in Basketball Without Fouling
by Jesse Parker
One aspect of basketball that has always been crucial to winning games is defense, and within the subject of defense, comes the issue of blocking shots.
Blocking shots is the best way to deny your opponent from scoring the ball, yet it is also the most dangerous one because many things could go wrong and turn against you when you try to block a shot.
The usual scenario is this:
You could either foul your player, or be pump-faked and get scored on after taking the bait and jumping.
Usually when a player pump fakes you, he wants to get you in the air so he could get around you, or in worst cases, get you fouled and squeeze that and-1.
So, in order to contest on your opponent’s shot, you need to learn how to defend properly without getting yourself into foul trouble.
Being a good blocker is not easy though, even huge players such as DeAndre Jordan (6’11 in height) only average about 2-3 blocks per game.
That goes to show you just how hard it is to be blocking in games since teams in the NBA have such a good offense these days.
Anthony Davis blocking Chris Bosh
What Makes A Good Blocker?
Being a good blocker heavily depends on your physique. Height and size are huge factors for becoming a good blocker. In the NBA, the players who are above 6’10” and close to the 7 feet range are usually the best blockers.
Also, long hands and arm-span play an important role here. We use our hands to block when we jump, so the longer your hands are, the further you can get, thus giving you a better chance to contest on your opponents’ shot.
But not everything relies on physical traits. There are other things that are equally important for being a good blocker such as your vertical jump (see more about that here), quickness, reading the offense well and most importantly your timing.
How JaVale McGgee Trains To Block Shots
This next video shows how one of the leading players in the NBA, JaVale McGgee does it. So pay attention and watch how you should go for blocking a shot the right way.
P.S. In order to become a good shot blocker you first need to increase your vertical jump. The best program on the market right now for improving your jump quickly and efficiently is the Vert Shock program, and it’s what I used myself.
The program provides important information and lays down the path that will take your vertical to the next level. You will have the opportunity to show the world that even short guys can become fearsome blockers.
Jesse Parker
Born and raised in sunny Florida, Jesse Parker grew up spending most of his days outdoors playing hoops and honing his basketball skills. He has a huge love for the game and is always striving to get better at it. His latest obsession is the subject of vertical jumping and dunking.
Categories Defense, Training
How to Block Against the Different Types of Basketball Scoring Shots
Singapore Slingers vs Philippine Patriots (Photo Credit: Singapore Slingers)
Basketball is a high scoring game. Hence, learning how to block your opponents scoring shots effectively is one important skill required to advance your play.
Due to the fast pace and intensity of a basketball match, players often foul while trying to block shots. As such, the ability to guard a shooter closely without receiving a foul requires fast reflexes and being able to read and anticipate your opponent’s next move.
An effective succession of block shots will also give your team a psychological advantage over your opponent as this will shake their confidence in their scoring abilities. It will not be surprising that this will have an impact on the outcome of a match.
1. Block a jump shot
As jump shots are common in basketball, make it a priority to master this block. Timing is important when it comes to blocking a jump shot.
Players have to jump higher than the scorer to get in the way and successfully block a jump shot. To do this, you have to practice jumping off your feet quickly and learn to adjust your centre of gravity. Your opponent may attempt to throw you off guard by faking a shooting attempt and then make his way around you to find a better spot to score. Hence, with time and and more experience, you will learn how to anticipate an oncoming scoring attempt. One way of doing so is to watch your opponent’s feet without trying to take your eyes off the ball for too long.
2. Block a slam dunk
An attempt to block a slam dunk is considered a risky call. This is simply because getting a clean block is difficult. An unsuccessful attempt to block a slam dunk might earn you a foul.
To perform a successful block against a slam dunk, jump straight up instead of charging forward to swat the ball off the scorer’s hands. If you are not confident of swatting the ball away, jump straight up without flailing your arms to get in the way and force your opponent to take a low-percentage shot. This is because slam dunks, also known as “sure thing” in American English, are considered high percentage shots. As such, slam dunks are most likely to go through as compared to shots from a free throw line that your opponent may earn in the event that a foul is called for an attempt to block a slam dunk.
3. Block a “fadeaway” shot
Blocking fadeaway shots can be tricky. This is because the shooter will jump backwards before launching the ball towards the hoop, making it impossible for the defender to swat the ball away. The right way to block a fadeaway shot is to jump straight up with your hands extended towards the ball. This is because your opponent will not be able to charge past you in the event where he decides to fake a shot which makes it unlikely for the defender to get fouled by the referee. Do not swing or flail your arms to block a fadeaway shot as this may earn you a foul.
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Playing defense in basketball
Hello, dear visitors of the website basketball-training. org.ua ! Today I want to share with you my observations and conclusions, which I received as a result of 's desire to improve his game in 's defense.
It so happened that the first few years of playing basketball (mostly on street courts) my defense game consisted of constant attempts to cover the opponent's shot. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t work very well (I ended up either on the opponent’s back or on his head). It's a hell of a defense. A couple of years ago, I reconsidered my vision of playing defense, which I want to share with you.
Defensive Tips for
Basketball Players The first video that gave any hint of developing a basketball player's defensive skills was 's three-minute performance by Bruce Bowen on the TNT Fundamentals series. Then there was a short article on how to play defense against A. Gomelsky. Well, the last, but probably the most important training video was the company's products Better Basketball - Better 1 on 1 Defense . Even after skipping over half of what was said (some because of the language barrier, something because of banal restlessness) and putting even less into practice, I became much better at defending myself.
By the way, in this article everything will be exclusively about personal defense (and not a word about zone defense, although it is also worth writing about). So, I highlight the following stages of defense in basketball:
Stage 1: Defense against a player without the ball.
The essence of defense is to prevent the opponent from getting the ball . This is probably one of the most difficult stages, but also one of the most effective. Agree, it is difficult to attack without having the ball. So, this stage of defense is incredibly difficult, because you have to give a lot of strength, not to be fooled by movements of the body, head and legs. A good result of such a defense is that the player does not receive the ball throughout the attack. Also a good result if the ball is received, but: in an awkward position (far from the ring; in the corner of the court) or in the last seconds of the attack. Shitty result - the ball is received quickly and conveniently.
Stage 2: Defense against the player who received the ball.
When a player receives the ball, he is in the classic "triple threat position". This means that he can shoot the ring, pass or start the dribble. This means that we will have to confront all three threats at the same time. So, the best option is to take a position that will minimize the range of movement of the enemy. First of all, close its strong side from the passage by sitting a little to the side of it. As an option - from the side of his supporting leg; those. You will know the direction of his movement (he will not step with his supporting foot).
Let's conditionally divide the opponent's body into 2 levels: the first zone - to the waist; the second zone is above the belt. So, in order to start dribbling, the ball must be in the first zone. Both zones are suitable for a pass, and for a throw, the ball must go from the first zone to the second. I hope it's clear for now. So, one hand is playing with the bottom zone (preventing dribbling and low passing), the second is defending against a shot and a pass from the upper zone. Remember about the legs: with bent legs it is much easier and faster to make a jerk. If the legs are straight, then for a jerk they must first be bent.
And one more piece of advice: pull the player all the time with your movements. Let the probability that these "ritual dances" help to knock out the ball will be small, but you will be able to knock the opponent out of his usual rhythm. And it's worth a lot!
Excellent defense: the ball is knocked out. Good defense - loss on pass, inaccurate pass, throw from an uncomfortable position.
Stage 3: Defense against the dribbler.
Assume that previous attempts to take possession of the ball have failed and the opponent has started to dribble. How to defend yourself then?
Let's not consider those situations in which the opponent is obviously weaker than you. It's just not interesting. The opponent is stronger, faster and jumpier than you - that's a good situation. Like I said, close his strong side. But if you don't know its strengths and weaknesses; you don’t know how to hold: from a throw or from a pass - that is, a good solution. We are trying to make sure that you are the leader. One side is obviously closed - and the player is deliberately skipped to the other. So you can not lose in the starting jerk and not guess the direction of movement: it can only go in one direction. Try to push the opponent with the ball to the end line, from where he can no longer comfortably attack the basket. Clamp into a corner, press to the line.
Again: close one side tightly. Better - if it will be his forte; if you don’t know which one is strong, close your weak side and let defenses under your strong side. And a safety net: sometimes it's better not to let a player throw from an average distance. Allowing him to get under the ring. After all, there will be a safety net in the form of a “big”, which cannot be thrown so easily.
Stage 4: Maintenance completed.
It can be a double step and a throw, a simple throw after a stop, a jump, a pivot (reversal), a series of displays, etc. Let's take a closer look at this.
Double step. Remember: he has 2 steps to complete the attack, and you have 2 steps to hit the ball down, and then another full step to block. I recommend doing this:
A series of small touches to the ball during a double step (as if you were playing a drum). Thus, you will not knock out the ball, but you will disorientate it accurately. Yes, and in order to keep the ball, you have to make more.
Trying to hit the ball from below! When hitting from above, there is a very high chance that you will hit your fingers - this is a foul. But from below: few people expect such a blow, few people close the ball from below. And taking the ball up for a throw, he will receive an additional impulse, the push of the ball - throwing it as it was previously thought would not be so easy.
A little tip: after picking up the ball by the opponent, very often the ball goes down, and this is done strongly and abruptly. Just substitute okay from below at the level of the opponent's lower back: he himself will knock the ball against your hand. This is a very cool and often unexpected trick for the opponent.
If it was a jump stop, or just a stop, then you need to get as close as possible and raise both hands vertically up. Now you can not be afraid of a foul.
Stage 5: Jump Shot.
It's good if you jump high and sharp - then try to block at the moment when the ball leaves the thrower's hand. You can just try to brush it off at the moment when the supporting hand is no longer involved in the throw, and the ball is on the wrist. I will not talk about how to block-shot, this is a topic for a separate article.
Remember that you can block the thrower's view with your hand: just don't poke it in the eyes, just bring it closer to the thrower's face. A good way (if you have not already jumped out for a block shot, and the throw is being made) is to simulate contact with various organs of the opponent (guys, you understand what I mean). Belly, solar plexus, groin - all this interferes with concentration at the time of the throw. Well, and often on street sites there is a clap of hands: at games they can give a foul, but on the street it can bring down that very concentration.
And finally, I suggest watching the old film , about the individual protection of basketball players, filmed in the USSR. There are some really useful things in there (the movie is old - so turn up the volume).
[youtube]9GMNCBu0Kes[/youtube]
Well, that's all, the main points that will help you defend better without any drastic changes in the game. I am sure that each of you found something useful in this article. If you have any questions or comments - write them in the comments, I will be glad to discuss.
And this article is over, I wish you successful training and see you soon on the pages of our site.
basketball: individual defense
Everyone loves to throw the ball at basketball, but to win games you have to learn how to defend well. Individual players can develop fundamental defensive skills to become better team players.
Position
The first thing to work on is your defensive position. You must be ready to move quickly in any direction. Stand with legs apart and knees bent. Keep your weight on the front of your foot. You don't want your weight on your heels or you'll be beaten. Keep your arms wide apart at shoulder level.
Where to focus
You can focus on the attacker's waist as it is the most difficult part of the body to imitate. Where their waist goes, they will go. In this case, you need to learn how to simultaneously follow the ball. You need to be ready to hit a pass or block a shot.
Energy
Play defense with enthusiasm and energy. Stay on the player and don't give them anything. Defense takes effort, heart and courage to be good and play hard the whole game. Don't let your opponent rest.
Anticipation
In order to intercept, block and receive attacks, you need to learn to anticipate what the attacking player is going to do. You can learn this throughout the game. Some players like to go right all the time or make a certain move over and over again. They may hit you the first time, but don't let them do it again.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Study your opponent's strengths and weaknesses and make him act on your weaknesses. An example of this is a player who heavily favors their right hand. Force them to the left. Make them hit you with their weak hand.
Perimeter
If you're a defender, you'll want to work on your perimeter defense. This requires speed and caution. When your player has the ball, always stay between him and the basket. If they're a strong shooter, stay close. If they like to push into the basket, play with them a little. When they don't have the ball, stay between them and the ball and give up. Don't let them hit the places on the floor where they like to shoot. You'll want to work on exercises that improve your lateral movement and speed.
From the inside
If you play low, you need to learn how to work on the position. Don't let your opponent get into position. It takes strength and practice. Once they are in position, it will be difficult to stop the inside pass and defend. Keep your opponent as far away from the basket as possible, staying between him and the basket. You have to be ready to block them as soon as it fires. For this type of defense, you will need to work on overall strength.
He has a huge love for the game and is always striving to get better at it. His latest obsession is the subject of vertical jumping and dunking.
Do not swing or flail your arms to block a fadeaway shot as this may earn you a foul.
org.ua ! Today I want to share with you my observations and conclusions, which I received as a result of 's desire to improve his game in 's defense. 
Even after skipping over half of what was said (some because of the language barrier, something because of banal restlessness) and putting even less into practice, I became much better at defending myself. 
Also a good result if the ball is received, but: in an awkward position (far from the ring; in the corner of the court) or in the last seconds of the attack. Shitty result - the ball is received quickly and conveniently. 
So, in order to start dribbling, the ball must be in the first zone. Both zones are suitable for a pass, and for a throw, the ball must go from the first zone to the second. I hope it's clear for now. So, one hand is playing with the bottom zone (preventing dribbling and low passing), the second is defending against a shot and a pass from the upper zone. Remember about the legs: with bent legs it is much easier and faster to make a jerk. If the legs are straight, then for a jerk they must first be bent. 
How to defend yourself then? 
Allowing him to get under the ring. After all, there will be a safety net in the form of a “big”, which cannot be thrown so easily. 
And taking the ball up for a throw, he will receive an additional impulse, the push of the ball - throwing it as it was previously thought would not be so easy. 
I will not talk about how to block-shot, this is a topic for a separate article. 
I am sure that each of you found something useful in this article. If you have any questions or comments - write them in the comments, I will be glad to discuss. 
Where their waist goes, they will go. In this case, you need to learn how to simultaneously follow the ball. You need to be ready to hit a pass or block a shot. 
