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How to block better in basketball


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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USA Basketball - 8 Drills To Create A Great Shot Blocker

Shot blocking is one of the great equalizers in basketball. If you know where to look, you can see it everywhere. Walt Frazier, of the New York Knicks of the 1960s and '70s, is considered one of the best defensive guards in NBA history. He had Willis Reed to protect the basket for him.

Examine defensive shooting statistics at every level and odds are that somewhere there is a shot blocker involved. Most importantly, shot blockers stop lay-ups. If your opponent does not get lay-ups, his shooting percentage will go down and you will have a better chance to win.

Where do you get a shot blocker? In pro basketball, you sign one; in college, you recruit one; at lower levels, you hope one moves into the neighborhood. However, you can improve any player's technique, footwork and knowledge base with practice.

Who Should Block Shots?

Having your 5-foot-10 point guard attempt a block on a 6-8 power forward will give your opponents an advantage that will eventually overcome your team. Not only will they score, but 90 percent of the time there will be a foul call. They will get three instead of two and your point guard will wind up in foul trouble. Just as any other role on the team, the coach should designate the shot blockers.


What Shot Should You Block?

Shots that are imminent scores are worth the attempt. If the ball is going to go into the basket anyway, why not give it a try? However, if the player fouls the shooter, he should make sure his block attempt is such that he can make sure that the ball doesn't go in.

Never try to block a jump shot on the perimeter. For every one you block, there will be 10 times you get a foul called. When a good shooter misses 55 percent of the time (making him a 45 percent shooter) the reward is not worth the risk.

Technique

A lot of shot blocking is instinct. In terms of technique, look for this: Block with your arm straight up in the air, use the hand closest to the ball and don't chase shots -- if you can't get to the shot in one step, let it go.

Below are some drills that will help with shot blocking:

Tip Drills

Jump and dribble the ball continually. Work right hand, left hand and alternate hands. Work either by number of repetitions (10 tips each hand) or by time (tip for 30 seconds).

Tip and Touch
Execute just as you would in the tip drill (above) except touch the rim with the other hand.

Blocks

• Each player sets outside the lane with his inside foot on the block along the lane. The coach stands out top with the ball.

• The coach passes the ball to one of the players

• Player with the ball goes directly to the basket -- no fakes, no dribble -- just one step to the hole. Other player attacks the shooter. The defender tries to get to the ball with his inside hand and with one step.

--The drill consists of only one shot.

Two Blocks

• Two offensive players line up outside the lane with their inside foot on the block. Defensive player sets in the middle of the lane, between the two offensive players. Coach stands on top of the key with two balls.

• Coach passes to one of the offensive players.

• The offensive with the ball goes directly to the basket -- no fakes, no dribble -- just one step to the hole. Defensive player steps over to make the block. He tries to get to the ball with one step and maintain position and balance.

• Coach now passes to the other offensive player.

• The offensive player with the ball goes directly to the basket -- no fakes, no dribble -- just one step to the hole. Defensive player steps over to make the block. He tries to get to the ball with one step and maintain position and balance.

• Coach controls the timing of the passes to optimize the drill.


React and Block

• Two offensive players line up outside the lane, equal to about the second lane spot, facing the baseline. Defensive player sets in the middle of the lane, facing mid-court. Coach stands on the baseline with the ball.

• Coach passes the ball to one of the offensive players.

• The offensive player with the ball goes directly to the basket -- no fakes, no dribble -- just one step to the hole.

• Defensive player steps over to make the block. He tries to block the lane to the basket and get to the ball with one step and maintain position and balance.


Help and Recover

TOP TO CORNER OPTION

• Offensive players are set on the foul line and in the strongside corner. Defender is in defensive position, guarding the high post. Coach is on the wing with two balls.

• Coach passes the ball to the high post. Defensive player knocks the ball away. The pass is not intended to be completed. If the pass gets to the high post player, he just holds the ball.

• Coach passes the ball to the players in the corner. The offensive player with the ball goes directly to the basket -- no fakes, two dribbles maximum.

• Defensive player steps over to make the block. He tries to get to the ball with one step and maintain position and balance.

CORNER TO TOP OPTION

• Set drill as top-to-corner option except that the defender is guarding the player in the corner.

• Coach passes the ball to the player in the corner. Defender knocks the ball away.

• Coach then passes the ball to the offensive player on the high post. The offensive player with the ball goes directly to the basket -- no fakes, two dribbles maximum.

• Defensive player steps over to make the block. He tries to get to the ball with one step and maintain position and balance.

STRONGSIDE-WEAKSIDE OPTION

• Players set as in the top-to-corner option. Coach sets on the opposite wing with two balls.

• Coach passes the ball to the high post. Defender knocks the ball away.

• Coach now passes over the top to the player in the opposite corner. The offensive player with the ball goes directly to the basket -- no fakes, two dribbles maximum.

• Defensive player steps over to make the block. He tries to get to the ball with one step and maintain position and balance.

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).

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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.

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.

Blockshots 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.

Finesse

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 shot. 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 has shown 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 was always 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.


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