Contents > 2. Defense > 2.1. Player-to-Player, 1/4 Court Defense > 2.1.1. On-Ball Defense
2.1.1.2. Phase 2 (Dribbling)
(1) Q: What about phase 2; how do we defend in on-ball defense when the offensive player starts dribbling?
A: Here you will focus on your lateral movement, or defensive slides. When sliding:
You are still in your defensive stance; your body angle forcing to the baseline/sideline
Your outside foot is pointing in the direction you want the offense to go
Do not cross your feet and do not hop; you want short steps to be able to switch direction easy
Your outside hand/arm is still in the direction you want the offense to go; your inside hand/arm can be lightly touching the offensive player, as long as you don’t push
If the offense runs into you, take the offensive charge in the middle of your chest.
(2) Q: What is an offensive charge?
A: An offensive charge is a type of offensive foul. It occurs when the offensive player makes significant contact with a defender who arrives to an area first by moving sideways or backwards.
(3) Q: When you are defending the dribble, what if the offensive player begins to go past you?
A: If the offensive player gets ahead of you, you can begin to run alongside them to catch up.
SKILLS DRILLS
Skills Drill #1: ZigZag Defensive Slides (no offense, full-court)
Practice your defensive slide movement, moving diagonally backwards, switching directions from different points (you can mark these points with a cone, rock, or any small object; or use the lines on the court, like the free-throw line, half-court line, and sidelines). Remember to implement everything you have learned!
Skills Drill #2: ZigZag Defensive Slides (with offense, full-court, with switch)
This is the same drill as the previous one, however now add an offensive player with the ball, switching directions at the designated spots. Go the full length of the court. Once at the other end of the court, you may switch offensive and defensive players, and switch to the other side of the court to go in the opposite direction. You can repeat this drill until everyone is showing improved defensive slides.
Skills Drill #2: ZigZag Defensive Slides (with offense, half-court, with sprint back)
This time, the offense and defense will conduct the drill until half-court. Then the offense will pass the ball back to a new offensive player at the baseline, and the defender will run back and start over with a new offensive player. Go for one minute, then switch defenders.
