Backwards First Step.

Hey Hoop Fan,

You know how we always talk about first step quickness in basketball? Well it is not only important in a forward direction but also in a backwards or retreating direction. I am going to share with you the weekly basketball tip and brief article in one...

When a defender locks in to an offensive ball handler they are trying to dictate what the offensive player can do. The problem is offensive players will always have the advantage because they know where they want to go. Because of this, I teach my defensive players to match speed with speed and a little more. What that means is I want my defenders to make just as an aggressive move as the offensive players but try to give just a little more. This way the defender can cut off the offensive players move.

It is easy for me to say this but it is a different story trying to pull it off. Unless you understand the retreating skill of the hip turn and shuffle or the hip turn and crossover. Granted, these moves are natural and most players will perform them. The problem is they are not aggressive enough and don't extend each footwork step. They take too short of steps which leaves them trailing the offensive player. Let me share with you how to perform these skills.

Hip Turn and Shuffle

The hip turn is a simple quick movement to open the hips by repositioning the feet and pushing off the ground quickly. This move should be used in place of the pivot for a defender. So if the offensive player makes a hard first step drive to the defenders left the defender must quickly flip open the hips and immediately push off into an aggressive long shuffle. If the steps are too short the power output will be less- therefore leaving the defender behind. The steps must be hard and long BUT WITHOUT OVER-STRIDING. You don't want the defender to over stride and slow down. The key is to be aggressive with each push off. The reason the shuffle can be used is because the offensive player has not past by the lead shoulder of the defender. If the offensive player does get past the lead shoulder the defender must perform the next skill- Hip Turn and Crossover...

Hip Turn and Crossover

I have called the crossover the King of athletic movements. The crossover is used on the defensive end when the offensive player passes the defenders lead shoulder. the other factor which requires the defender to use the crossover is if the offensive player is going full speed. The defender will need to use the crossover to regain defensive orientation. Obviously if the crossover doesn't work then the defender must turn and run to cut off the path.

The crossover is basically a running action with the lower body while the upper body stays fairly squared up with the offensive player. The hips must open up and to allow the backside leg to crossover and get into a stride pattern.

If used with intense effort the crossover is a great way to shut down an offensive players move. The other positive with the crossover is a defender can easily stop and change directions if the offensive player does the same.

Practice

Just as you would have basketball players practice shooting, dribbling, passing, and rebounding I would have them practice these skills every day. If they get good at them you will have great defenders who can shut down most offensive players.

Play Hard,

Lee

PS: Check this link out and let me know what you think. http://www.mybasketballspeed.com/