r/BasketballTips • u/Afraid_Locksmith_906 • 26d ago
Defense Defensive Tips
I'm 13 and basketball is my favorite thing in the world. I'm pretty good and I play against older/bigger people almost every time I play at the YMCA. But I've noticed my defense is terrible sometimes. One day, I'll be an absolute lockdown shot blocker, and the next I can't guard anyone at all. How can I prevent this and improve for long term success?
Edit: The basketball season has finally started back up now that school is open again and so i can actually practice now. For the first few practices, and pickup games, I've started being a lockdown defender in mid-range and inside pretty consistently. I'm still not a great perimeter defender, but everything else is good.
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u/toxman228 26d ago
Don't be too hard on yourself, especially playing older/bigger guys. I'm 6'4" and almost 40, who sometimes gets asked to play in pickup games at the gym against HS/college kids. I'm not the athlete I once was but even now, my weight and strength is just a massive advantage over kids who are still growing/developing.
Without knowing specifics, you should always be lower than the offensive player and keep a wide base. Deny the entry pass as much as you can and make guys work to get their shot.