basketball: defense

Question
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Followup To
Question -
Mr. Muro,
I am a sophmore-goin-on junior right now with school out. I play sports all year round and right now am focusing on the basketball off season, primarily to improve drastically. I'm in our schools summer league and have a question about playing defense. since i've been doing track till last week, i've been away from basketball and so im rusty. on varsity im not really playing at all mostly because of my defense. like when having to defend a fast guard, i have no confidence and really no sliding reaction. plus i get faked easily. what should i do to impress my coach and become a better player?

I want to thank you for the answer, i really think that it cleared alot up for me and i know it all makes sense. i have two others things id like help with. first thing: i will have alot of extra time since its the summer now. What are some things my brother( who's a freshman) and me can do to improve our mechanics on defense?

The second: Right now the varsity coach is really stressing that we take charges when defending a drive to the basket. I really want to do it but am afraid i'll get hurt. How can i pursuade myself to do it and what are things i can do(maybe with my brother?) to help me get over my fears and to just take a charge?
         -Desperate
Answer -
Hello Desperate,

I understand your desperation but all is not lost. You have taken the first step in becoming a better defender and that is admitting you need work, and you are willing to work at it.

I believe that defense is about 10% talent and 90% desire and heart. I beleive that becoming a better defender starts with attitude. You have to believe that no one is going to beat you and you will do anything within the rules to not allow yourself to be beat. I see allot of players have the defensive fundamentals but no heart and they consistantly get beat because of this. You have to be willing to give 110% every play on defense and most players aren't willing to do this. Example; How many times have you seen a player sucking wind on the defensive side and then once they get the ball on offense they have all kinds of energy? This is what I am trying to explain, you have to really want to play defense and sacarifice yourself on the court to do so.

Now that you understand the mental side of defense the next step is to make sure you are in basketball shape. I believe not being in basketball shape is the second biggest reason why players get beat. When you are out of shape you rely on bad habits and give up on plays. Make sure you are in the best basketball shape possible. Jumping rope is a good way to get in shape, sprints, and just playing basketball is a good way to get in basketball shape.

Technique and being smart is the next step. When defending the ball try take his strong hand away and make him go the other way(If he is right handed make him dribble left, and if left handed make him go right). When defense of sliding your slides are short choppy steps and your feet should never come together. When you change directions in your slide stay low and dont raise up to pivot. When you are defending your man from receiving a pass always see your man and the ball at the same time. Never lose site of either. Always box-out when you are defense. Once a shot is taken don't watch the ball but find your man and box him out!

I hope this helps and here is a site that can give you more information.

http://www.basketballtips.net/defense.htm  

Answer
I am away at a tournament so I will have to get back to you on Monday. It will take me some time to figure out how to help with the mechanics by email. Concerning the charges, what are you afraid of? Is it getting hit, falling, or both? If it is falling you can tie and old pillow to your backside and pad the fall until you get used to falling on your butt and sliding. If it is the hit think like a boxer. They don't stand there and take the full brunt of the punch. They roll with the punches and so do basketball players when they take a charge. Once you know your going to get hit you start to fall back, but not to early as they will know you are faking(flop). When falling dont use your hands to brace your fall as you will end up breaking a wrist. You fall on your butt sliding back at the same time with your hands up. I am sure your coach would show you the proper technique. He proablly would appreciate you asking him. Good luck and I will write more Monday.