Defensive Stance

My defensive stance is different than most peoples. Let me explain its advantages.

First off, most people guard facing the offensive player. Their legs are across from the offensive players legs. The first thing I do is guard at an angle. My right foot is between the offensive players feet. My left foot is outside and forward of their right foot. My right hand is down to steal the ball. My left hand is up to block their shot.

The first thing you will notice is this forces the player left. If the player is left handed, switch sides. The player now has to use their off hand to dribble. The player will still shoot from their right side and your left hand is in a perfect blocking position. Driving right, means they have to go in a wide arc to get around you, giving you plenty of time to recover.

I taught this defensive stance to a gym full of 500 1st to 6th graders. I then had them each practice it once. The result was two kids got lucky and made the shot. Sixteen kids were blocked. Four hundred and ninety eight missed.

Keep your hands up and out on defense.

Have fun!