Instead of taking a long glance around the field to spot an opponent or search for a flag, take very quick peeks. You can always take more than one. But, remember not to peek from the same exact spot twice. If your opponent spotted you during your first peek, you can bet that they will be ready for you the next time. It's better technique to peer around an obstacle rather than over it. You can duck back quicker and you are not so much of an easy target to spot.
Always keep your profile as small as possible. Keep your elbows and legs tucked close. The larger your profile, the easier target you are to hit. Stay low to the ground because it will be harder to see you.
Now this may seem like a no-brainer, but if you are being shot at and cannot get a good shot, drop back. Once you have dropped back a bit, you may be able to get a better angle on your opponent. Do not be afraid to move. Movement gives you different, possibly better angles. Playing as a squad will benefit your team. If you hear one of your teammates being surrounded by fire, move and give them cover.
Cover is another important defense tactic. Whether it is cover for you or cover for your team member, it is always important. If you or your team member needs to move, cover for each other. And, if you are being peppered with enemy fire, your fellow team member may be able to take out the shooter, maybe even more than one.
The most important defense tactic is concealment. Why? Concealment gives you the opportunity to surprise your opponent. Nothing in this game is better than having the element of surprise on your side. Be hidden well and be patient. If you are hidden near your flag, you will be in the perfect position to defend your flag. Just sit and wait for the perfect opportunity to strike and defend your flag.
Finally, a critical key in defense is to spread out your team. Do not all huddle together in one area. Spread out in several directions. But, keep at least one of your team members in your sights. You may need him or her for cover and he or she may need you for the same.
If you want to get more victories, defense is a critical element to surviving and winning a few more games, and therefore helping your team achieve more wins. Study the strategies above and you'll see results.
Sinking man-for-man defense was made famous by Coach Hank Iba from Oklahoma State. Used properly, it becomes a strenuous, hardworking, multi-purpose defense. Used improperly, as is so often the case, sagging defense practices result in little more than a rest period for four men while one man gives token effort and attention to the ball handler.
The first task is to sell team members on the idea that when they sink or sag it is not a rest period. It is to be considered a strenuous, arm-waving, coordinated, cooperative effort by all five members. This effort should produce numerous deflections and a terrific psychological barrier to the offense. At its best the sinking man-for-man appears to be almost impenetrable. It appears to be a solid knot of arm-waving maniacs who will not allow a decent shot to be taken in the critical shooting area.
The sinking man-for-man is sometimes employed so effectively that the offense cannot determine the precise nature of the defense. Because of the sag and because of the arm-waving, the offense might well be led into thinking they are attacking a zone defense or a combination defense of some sort. This is especially true if the sinking man-for-man team uses switching tactics and does not call the switches so that the offense can hear them.
Sinking man-for-man is related to zone in other ways. It virtually eliminates pivot play. The offensive post man finds himself surrounded by four men while one of the defensive players harasses the ball handler. He finds it difficult to receive and even more difficult to do anything with the ball. Middle lane drives are eliminated. As a matter of fact, there is little ball movement as a result of passing or dribbling other than around the periphery or outside edges of the defense.
Sinking man-for-man defense creates ideal rebounding conditions. The defensive men are already nearer the goal than the offensive men. In this case, the sinking players are almost shoulder to shoulder and foot to foot when the ball hits the backboards. They present a solid human wall blocking out offensive players from the boards. The only real rebounding danger is that the block off will be executed too close to the goal so that wide rebounds are received by the offense.
Arm movement is of utmost importance to a good sinking man-for-man. Without arm movement by all five men, cross-court passes may be made that would take advantage of the off-side sag. Some offenses treat an attack of sinking man-for-man as though it were a zone. This means they move the ball around the periphery for a jump shot on the weak side. The sag could be hurt in this manner without good arm movement.
The most important single facet of sinking man-for-man defense is good harassment of the ball handler. Many coaches call this pointing the ball. The basic idea is to have all players cue their position by the position of the ball and its relationship with the goal. The player guarding the man who has possession will move in close to prevent the shot.
Basically, there are only two ways to defend against the ball handler in the front court. You can defend against the drive or defend against the shot. Some players are great drivers and poor shots. In this event it might be appropriate to defend primarily against the dribble threat. This would require the defensive player to back off. It is our belief that many high school and college players can shoot the jump shot so quickly and accurately that we must give our primary attention to the shot.
Therefore it is necessary for the man guarding the ball to move in close enough for arm movement to block the vision of the shooter. He should take his position in such a manner that the most dangerous driving route is cut off or overplayed. He is close enough to prevent a shot. The only real good alternative for the ball handler is a pass or dribble in the direction that is shown him.
Master this aspect of defense, and you have a good chance of winning the game!
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Tyler Powers has sinced written about articles on various topics from Golf Guide, Motorcycle Tips and Tanning. Tyler Powers writes reviews of paintball guns, gear, and shows you the basics of paintball at Tips And Tricks.. Tyler Powers's top article generates over 9900 views. to your Favourites.
Jimmy Cox has sinced written about articles on various topics from Web Development, Horse Racing and Investments. Now There Is a Way To Coach Basketball Team To The Top Of The Ladder With These Surefire Secrets!Click here for FREE online Ebook