To play the game of basketball at a high level, every player must strive to excel on defense first and foremost. If you’re not getting the playing time you think you deserve, check your defense. You find yourself being subbed out in crucial moments, check your defense. Foul trouble is consistently cutting into your minutes, check your defense!
Why Defense Often Gets Overlooked
Basketball players spend countless hours working on dribbling, passing, and shooting. Offensive skills are taught from a young age, and kids naturally gravitate toward offense because it’s exciting. After all, who doesn’t love scoring? My grandson, who’s only 15 months old, already enjoys trying to put the ball through the hoop. Like many kids, he’s drawn to the ball and the thrill of scoring points.
But here’s the thing: just picking up a basketball gives you a head start on offensive skills. Defense, on the other hand, requires deliberate focus, effort, and practice.
It Isn’t Flashy — But It’s Essential
Defense might not get the same attention as offense, but I promise you, it can be just as rewarding. The mindset you bring to defense determines how much effort you’ll put in and, ultimately, how much you’ll improve. Put in the work to make defense your strength. If it’s currently a weakness, it’s time to change that.
Defense is all about fundamentals and effort. While you can always improve your fundamentals, there’s no excuse for a lack of defensive effort. Effort is entirely within your control—always!
Excel on Defense Starts With Attitude and Effort
Want to excel on defense like Draymond Green, Marcus Smart, Gabbie Marshall, or Nika Muhl? It starts with attitude and effort. Here’s a motivating perspective: the better defense you play, the quicker you’ll get the ball back and be able to play offense. Defense isn’t just about stopping your opponent; it’s about creating opportunities for your team.
Beyond attitude and effort, there are specific steps you can take to improve your defense.
Getting Started on Your Defensive Journey
Ball to Life has created a set of basic defensive drills you can practice a couple of times a week during the off-season. These drills are designed to help you become a lock down defender. As you work on these drills, keep your team’s defensive philosophies in mind. Great team defense is just as important as individual defensive skills.
Commit to Excel on Defense
Offensive skills are critical to success in basketball, but never underestimate the value of strong defense. A great defender can change the momentum of a game, earn more playing time, and become an indispensable part of the team.
Right now, commit to putting in the work to excel on the defensive end. You’ll be glad you did when it counts most. Let’s get to work!
BtL
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