Become the ultimate on-ball defender
We get it, you love offense and getting buckets. But shutting down an opposing offensive player is the key to winning. Hear from our Ultimate Hoops trainers across the U.S. on how to become a better on-ball defender.
Ken Koerner - Syosset, NY: Stay in your defensive stance and pressure the ball handler to use their weak hand. The goal as an on-the-ball defender is to make your opponent feel uncomfortable with the ball and have them take tough shots/decisions.
Kwame Ofori - Centerville, VA: Have active hands...stay on your toes...attack the offensive player with jabs and fakes (make him focus on dribbling the ball), contest every shot, and box out.
Peter Fabiano - Florham Park, NJ: "Guard a Yard". Stand about one yard (3 feet) away from your defender. Don't defend too close or too far.
Cassidy Klinefelter - Folsom, CA: Keep a low, wide base and be ready to move your feet.
Adrian Woodard - Bergen County, NJ: Wide stance, arms out. Stay in front on the defender and use both hands and feet to defend.
Bryce Lewis - Berkeley Heights, NJ: Choose a direction to force your opponent to go as oppose to playing straight up. Work on your agility and learn to anticipate offensive players moves.
Lorenzo Orr - Lakeville, MN: Defense is all about balance and timing; knowing how to slide your feet while maintaining balance is pivotal to keeping a defender in front of you. Get reps in and practice defensive slides several times a week with a focus on maintaining balance while changing angles.
Jonathan Nester - Franklin, TN: Increase your lateral quickness so that you will be able to stay in front of your man on defense. Have a fearless attitude and don’t back down!
Reggie Thompson - Woodstock, GA: Stay low, keep an arms-length away, keep steps short and stay on the balls of your feet. Never forget the footwork.
Nick Malonga - Warrenville, IL: Watch the offensive players’ waist. When defending an attacking offense player, their job is try to get the defender off-balance. A great defender always watches a defender’s waist because it gives them an indicator where the offensive player is moving.
Ready to start training? Get started now.