Offense wins games, but defense wins championships. To be successful in basketball, you must be able to defend your opponent and keep them from scoring. One of the more challenging offensive plays to defend in basketball is the give and go. The give and go occurs when an offensive player makes a pass to a teammate and immediately cuts to the basket, looking for a return pass and an easy score. To defend the give and go requires awareness and good teamwork.
Step 1
Jump to the pass. As soon as your opponent passes the ball to his teammate, jump in the direction of the pass to keep yourself between your opponent and the basket. Your teammates on the weak side of the floor -- the side without the ball -- should also be sliding in the direction of the pass so that they are ready to help in case you get beat.
Step 2
Keep your back parallel to the baseline so you can see everything in front of you and do not let your opponent cut in front of you. If he attempts to cut in front of you, step into his path to reroute him and make him go another direction. Do not extend your arms or purposely create contact, just get in his way.
Step 3
Drop toward the basket while keeping your back parallel to the baseline. If your opponent attempts to cut behind you, drop toward the basket so that you keep him in front of you. You should always be between your man and the basket, in a position where you do not have to turn your head to see your man and the ball.
Step 4
Call for help to alert your teammates if your man is able to cut by you to the basket. Your teammates should already be in help position, but calling for help alerts them to find the ball, and be ready to step in and steal or knock a pass away. Communication is the key to a strong defense.
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