NO SQUARE-UPS ALLOWED

We understand the importance and value of getting “squared-up” on offense, in order to give yourself as many options as possible, making your defender “freeze,” and step back trying to anticipate which option (driving left or right, jump shot, pass) you are going to choose. All of those options are possible if you get squared-up.

Let's discuss how to best defend against a smart player trying to square-up. Your goal as a defender is to try to limit their options and thus take away the square-up as often as you can. How do you do this?

First, always try to deny your opponent the ball as aggressively as you can. By denying the passing lane to your opponent, they are often forced to receive a pass without getting squared-up as they receive it, and further from the hoop than they want to be. This allows you to defend more aggressively and not be put on the “defensive” (I know...bad pun!).

Once your opponent has the ball, try to immediately turn them in the direction they do not want to go. Pay attention early in the game which hand your opponent prefers to dribble with, and unless you are trying to force them in that direction as part of your team defense, always force them to their weak side.

By taking away the lane your opponent is trying to pass or dribble to, you can force them to turn one direction or the other, or even better, turn their back to you completely to prevent you from stripping them of the ball. By turning or forcing your opponent one direction or another, and then turning them again and again, you take away their chance to square-up and help all your teammates anticipate what option the opposing players will have to choose.

Good basketball players are always involved in the effort to get squared-up, or prevent their opponent from getting “squared-up”.

4:13