Offense
Defense
Rebounding
Training
Mental Game
Links
About Us
Advertise
Home

Stick to this Rule and You'll be a Better Shot Blocker

Shot blocking is a fun part of the game.

There aren't too may parts of the game that are more fun that leaping up and swatting a shot out of the air.

And it's actually a very powerful play because not only do you prevent that particular shot from going to the hoop, but you also make a statement and plant a little seed of fear in your opponent for the next time they go up for a shot.  They'll wonder if you're going to block the next one too.

The one tough thing about this aspect of the game is that shot blocking is actually a pretty difficult part of the game to teach.  It's one of those parts of the game where there aren't really "mechanics" that you can teach.  It's more of an athletic, timing, feel play.  And because of this, it is not eay to teach.

But there are a few things that are teachable, and that can help you improve as a shot blocker. Here they are.

Don't try to block every shot
You're never going to block every shot you go after, so don't try to. Your job as a defender is to play good defense. So play good defense by putting pressure on your opponent and making it difficult for them to score. Go up and contest every shot you can, but don't try to block every shot you can. If you do, you'll likely get beat a lot, and foul a lot, and that's a good combination to get you out of the game and sitting on the bench.

Wait until the offensive player leaves their feat
If you're guarding a player with the ball, don't leave your feet until they do. If you get in the habit of jumping to block shots, your opponents will take notice. They'll start using lots of pump fakes to get you up in the air, and then you're in trouble. As mentioned above, if you're out of position on D, they'll either drive right by you, or you'll end up fouling. So wait until your opponent leaves their feet for their shot, then go up to contest or block the shot.

Leave space between you and the shooter
This is one key tip for inside players. It's very diifficult to block a shot when you're bodied up to the offensive player. You can't jump if there is no separation between the two of you. So if you're guarding a player on the block or in the paint, make sure there is a little space between the two of you. This separation gives you the room to jump when they do. Once they leave their feet to shoot, go up and knock the shot out of the air, or at a minmum, contest the shot as much as possible.

Remember these key items and you'll improve as a shot blocker.  Pick your spots, wait until your opponent leaves their feet, and give yourself space to get up in the air.

Return to Defensive Tips Page

Return to Home Page