All coaches know that they need a consistent and productive defense to build a winning team. No matter how talented a player is on the offensive end, that same player must come through with a strong effort on defense to give his team a good chance of winning. Defending the jump shot requires quickness, leaping ability, intelligence and forethought. It's a difficult job because of the danger of commuting a foul or getting faked out.
Step 1
Hustle on the defensive end and follow your opponent everywhere he goes in the offensive zone. Playing defense and contesting the jump shot means making it difficult for the offensive player to prepare to shoot. Get in the way of passes and force maximum effort just catch the ball.
Step 2
Move within 2 to 3 feet of your opponent when she is about to go up for a jump shot. When you get this close, she will be out of her "comfort zone." She wants a barrier around her when she shoots, and you are getting inside that barrier.
Step 3
Jump high when your opponent goes up to shoot. If you are as athletic as he is, you can try to contest and block the shot as it leaves his hand. This requires excellent timing and leaping ability. Even if you can't get high enough to block the shot, you can get your hand at his eye level to distract him and prevent him from getting a clear look at the basket.
Step 4
Run hard at an offensive player who has broken free and is about to go up for an open shot. You are not going to be able to block this shot, but running hard at your opponent and stopping short may cause her to lose concentration and miss a shot she normally would make.
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