Defense

[SoonerNorm]

Based on what I've seen, most of the coaches seem to be emphasizing keeping your hands up and high above your head to show the officials you aren't fouling. Perhaps that's why we don't see many of the steals described in this thread.

Holding your arms up is certainly an important part of defense to block passing lanes, attempt to block shots, expand one's presence, etc. But, when the ball handler is dribbling (and sometimes when they pick up the ball), then is a great time to tip the ball away from the ball handler. But, you're definitely right, coaches like to see players playing defense with their arms in the air.

 

[BigTime]

I still teach it, Norm. Don't see many doing it in youth basketball though. I didn't see much of it when I covered AAU tournaments either.

I think its very effective.

 

[SoonerNorm]

I still teach it, Norm. Don't see many doing it in youth basketball though. I didn't see much of it when I covered AAU tournaments either.

I think its very effective.

:clap Glad to hear it! I was beginning to think it must be obsolete.

 

[BigTime]

:clap Glad to hear it! I was beginning to think it must be obsolete.

Another concept is to teach kids to just tip the ball instead of trying to grab it or swipe at it. Often times, if they will just try and tip it, they will avoid making much of any contact and the tipped ball will hit off the offensive ball handler and bounce away.

 

[SoonerNorm]

Another concept is to teach kids to just tip the ball instead of trying to grab it or swipe at it. Often times, if they will just try and tip it, they will avoid making much of any contact and the tipped ball will hit off the offensive ball handler and bounce away.

Yep! Even if the defender cannot steal the ball, it is still very disruptive and can cause the ball handler to think about the defender instead of running the offense. It can also lead to mishandling the ball which can lead to a turnover. Those are exactly the things A&M did when they were great defensively. I know many on here thought the Aggies got away with fouls, and perhaps they did get by with some but, keeping the palm up will cut down on the called fouls significantly.