sexta-feira, 17 de agosto de 2018


How to Get Rid of Bruises

Posted: 17 Aug 2018 01:00 AM PDT

Bruises, also known as contusions, are caused by broken blood vessels under the surface of your skin. Typically, bruises are caused by falling, bumping into things, or getting hit with an object like a ball. While bruises fade over time, there are a few things you can do to speed up the healing process.

EditSteps

EditTreating Bruises

  1. Ice the bruise. Putting an ice pack on the bruise will reduce swelling and help it heal more quickly. Wrap an ice pack, resealable plastic bag filled with ice chips, or a bag of frozen veggies in a towel and apply it to the bruise for 10-20 minutes at a time. Repeat multiple times over the first 2 days.[1]
    Get Rid of Bruises Step 1 Version 5.jpg
    • Flexible gel-filled ice packs, specifically designed for injuries, are available from sports shops. Athletes usually keep a few on-hand to fight bruises.
  2. Elevate the area. Reduce blood flow to the bruised area with a little help from gravity in order to prevent blood from pooling and reduce discoloration. Aim to elevate the bruised part of your body a few inches above your heart.[2]
    Get Rid of Bruises Step 2 Version 5.jpg
    • For instance, if the bruise is on your leg, settle onto the couch and rest your leg on top of a few pillows.
    • If your arm is bruised, try to prop it up on an armrest or a few pillows, so that it's at heart-level or above.
    • If your torso is bruised, you might be out of luck. Focus on icing the area instead.
  3. Wrap the bruise with a compression bandage. Compression bandages decrease the blood flow to the wrapped area, which can prevent blood from pooling at the site of the bruise. They also help reduce swelling and pain. Don't wrap the bruise too tightly, though; simply wind an elastic bandage around the area.[3]
    Get Rid of Bruises Step 3 Version 5.jpg
    • Only wrap the area for the first 1-2 days.
  4. Rest if possible. Working your muscles increases blood flow to that area, which won't help a bruise heal. Call it a day and cool your jets, both to prevent further injury and give your bruise a chance to heal.[4]
    Get Rid of Bruises Step 4 Version 5.jpg
    • Hang out on the couch. Watch a movie, play a game, read a book, or just do something that doesn't require much physical activity.
    • Head to bed early. Your body needs sleep to repair itself, so hit the hay as soon as you feel tired.
  5. Take acetaminophen if necessary. If the bruise is particularly painful, take an over-the-counter painkiller for relief. Follow the dosage instructions and never take more than the recommended amount.[5]
    Get Rid of Bruises Step 5 Version 5.jpg
    • Avoid aspirin or ibuprofen, which act as blood-thinners and could make your bruise worse.[6]
  6. Apply moist heat after 24 hours. After the first 24 hours or so, applying moist heat can help get rid of a bruise. Use a reusable heat pack or a warm washcloth rather than something like an electric blanket as wet heat is better for injuries than dry heat.[7]
    Get Rid of Bruises Step 6 Version 5.jpg
    • Apply the heat pack for a couple of minutes at a time, on and off for 1-2 days.
  7. Stay away from certain foods that can prolong bruising. Some foods and supplements, including St. John's Wort, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin E, ginkgo, ginseng, alcohol, and garlic can all prolong bruising. Stay away from these foods while you heal.[8]
    Get Rid of Bruises Step 7 Version 5.jpg

EditTrying Home Remedies

  1. Massage the area around the bruise. Don't massage directly around the bruise. Massage around the outside of the visible bruise, as they tend to be bigger than they look. Directly massaging a bruise can irritate it and make it worse.[9]
    Get Rid of Bruises Step 8 Version 5.jpg
    • Do this several times a day beginning the day after the bruising occurs. This will help your body's normal lymphatic process to clear it away.
    • Keep in mind that the pressure shouldn't be painful. If the bruise is too painful to touch, hold off.
  2. Spend 10-15 minutes in the sun each day. Ultraviolet light breaks down bilirubin, which is the product of hemoglobin breakdown that causes the yellowish color of a bruise. If possible, expose the bruise to sunlight to accelerate the isomerization of the remaining bilirubin.[10]
    Get Rid of Bruises Step 9 Version 5.jpg
    • Around 10-15 minutes of direct sunlight a day should be enough to help break up your bruise without leading to a sunburn. Apply sunscreen to the rest of your exposed skin when outdoors.
  3. Get more vitamin C. Vitamin C increases the amount of collagen around blood vessels, which can help get rid of bruising. Eat foods like oranges and dark, leafy greens to ensure you're getting vitamin C in your diet.[11]
    Get Rid of Bruises Step 10 Version 6.jpg
  4. Use arnica ointment or gel daily. Arnica is an herb that has long been recommended for bruises. It contains a compound that reduces inflammation and swelling. Pick up an ointment that contains arnica from a drugstore, and rub it over the bruise once or twice a day.[12]
    Get Rid of Bruises Step 11 Version 6.jpg
    • Do not apply arnica to a cut or an open wound.
  5. Eat pineapple or papaya. Bromelain, a digestive enzyme found in pineapple and papaya, breaks down proteins that trap fluids in the tissues after an injury. Eat pineapple or papaya once a day to help speed up the healing process.[13]
    Get Rid of Bruises Step 12 Version 5.jpg
  6. Spread vitamin K cream over the area. Vitamin K can help stop the bleeding as it causes your blood to clot. Visit a drugstore and pick up a vitamin K cream. Apply it as directed on the package to help get rid of the bruise.[14]
    Get Rid of Bruises Step 13 Version 4.jpg

EditSeeking Medical Treatment

  1. Call emergency services if you feel extreme pressure around the bruise. If you feel pressure, severe pain, tenderness, muscle tightness, tingling, burning, weakness, or numbness in the area around the bruise, you may have compartment syndrome. Call emergency services so you can get to a hospital immediately.[15]
    Get Rid of Bruises Step 14.jpg
    • Compartment syndrome occurs when there is swelling and/or bleeding in a muscle compartment. The pressure in the muscle compartment decreases the amount of blood flow to the area, which can cause nerve and muscle damage.
  2. Seek medical attention if you have a lump over the bruise. If a lump forms on top of the bruise, it could be a hematoma. Visit your healthcare provider as soon as possible, as the blood may need to be drained from the area.[16]
    Get Rid of Bruises Step 15.jpg
    • A hematoma forms when blood pools under the surface of the skin, causing swelling.[17]
  3. Visit a healthcare provider if you think you have a fever or infection. If the skin is broken and the area around the bruise is red, hot, or oozing pus, it may indicate an infection. Similarly, if you have a fever, this could also be due to an infection. If you notice these symptoms, make an appointment to see your healthcare provider as soon as possible.[18]
    Get Rid of Bruises Step 16.jpg

EditVideo

EditWarnings

  • Consult a doctor before starting any new medications or stopping any current ones.
  • Make sure you're not allergic to anything before trying any of the methods listed.
  • When bruises appear suddenly without cause, you should seek medical advice from a healthcare professional.
  • Home remedies to treat bruising aren't medically tested and, like any home remedy, carry unknown risks.[19]

EditRelated wikiHows

EditSources and Citations

EditQuick Summary


Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found


How to Motivate Yourself

Posted: 16 Aug 2018 05:00 PM PDT

Motivation can give you that extra push to get something done, but it doesn't always come when you need it. If you're struggling to start or complete a task, give yourself some encouragement to keep going. A little bit of pressure can help, so ask a friend, family member, or group to keep you accountable. If you're trying to achieve long-term plans, make sure that you have clear and manageable goals so that you maintain your motivation throughout the process.

EditSteps

EditBuilding Enthusiasm

  1. Remind yourself why you want to do something. Sometimes, we need a little boost to help get us going on a task or project. Say out loud or write down the reason why you need to do something. Tell yourself the benefits of getting it done.[1]
    Motivate Yourself Step 1 Version 6.jpg
    • For example, you might say, "I am going for a run right now because I want to become fitter" or "I need to do this homework so that I can get an A."
    • Remind yourself of the dangers of procrastination. Promise yourself something like "If I get this done now, I can leave work early today" or "If I can get this out of the way, I can work on something more fun."
    • Build a vision board with images that represent what you want to accomplish in your life. It will help serve as a reminder of what you really care about.[2]
  2. Break down your work into smaller chunks. You may dread hours of work, but if you break your day down into smaller segments, work can be easier to deal with. Start with easier tasks that you can complete quickly to build momentum. For example, instead of saying, "I have to work all morning," say, "I'm going to write this report in 1 hour, then I will go to the meeting at 11, and then it will be lunchtime."[3]
    Motivate Yourself Step 2 Version 6.jpg
    • Block off segments and tasks in a planner or calendar app. Use different colors to mark off different tasks and time blocks. This can break up your day and make it easier to face.
  3. Make your activities fun. If you're dreading the task or activity, it can be difficult to start. In this case, find a way to make the task more exciting. You might include other people or challenge yourself in a new way. Mixing things up can also help you get things done.[4]
    Motivate Yourself Step 3 Version 6.jpg
    • For example, if you want to become fitter but hate going to the gym, take an exercise class, such as kickboxing, Zumba, or barre.
    • If you're studying for an exam, compete with a friend. See who can answer the most questions correctly or solve the problem the fastest.
  4. Promise yourself a reward when you get something done. Even if it's just a small accomplishment, pat yourself on the back. You can give yourself a short break from work, treat yourself to a snack or latte, get a massage, or celebrate with friends. This can keep you excited and motivated for the next step.[5]
    Motivate Yourself Step 4 Version 6.jpg
  5. Give yourself occasional breaks to avoid burnout. While it is important to avoid distractions, too much work can make you less productive. Schedule occasional breaks throughout your day. Make sure you also take longer breaks over the weekend to rest and refresh yourself.[6]
    Motivate Yourself Step 5 Version 6.jpg
    • For example, you might take 5 minutes every hour to go to the bathroom or to stretch.
    • Schedule these breaks so that you have something to look forward to. For example, you might tell yourself, "If I can get these reports done by 2 pm, I can go take a quick break."
    • Avoid multitasking and getting distracted by checking emails and your phone. Your productivity will only suffer.
  6. Tell yourself that you can accomplish anything. When it comes to motivation, you can be your own worst critic. To push yourself to do what you need to, give yourself positive affirmations. Remember that you can get this task done if you put your mind to it.[7]
    Motivate Yourself Step 6 Version 6.jpg
    • If you find yourself thinking negatively about a task, force yourself to restate it as a positive comment. For example, if you find yourself thinking, "I have too much work today. I'll never get it done," say instead, "If I start right now, it'll all get done before the deadline."

EditStaying Accountable

  1. Find an accountability partner. An accountability partner is someone who checks in on you time to time to see how you are doing with your goals. Ask a friend, mentor, or colleague if they would be willing to be your accountability partner.[8]
    Motivate Yourself Step 7 Version 6.jpg
    • Schedule meetings or phone calls in advance so that you have a definite date to complete a goal by. This can motivate you to complete something by that date.
    • Send work to your accountability partner for feedback. Give them permission to be honest and thorough with this feedback.
    • Your accountability partner can also send you occasional reminders, such as "Remember that you were going to submit the proposal by the end of the week" or "Have you applied for funding yet?"
  2. Create a list of tasks for yourself. Keep the list somewhere visible, such as your desk or computer monitor. As you complete each task, cross it off the list. This can give you a small boost of motivation. When you've finished everything, you'll feel a great sense of satisfaction that will keep you going on your next project.[9]
    Motivate Yourself Step 8 Version 6.jpg
    • There are several to-do list apps for your phone, such as Apple Reminders, Microsoft To-Do, and Google Tasks. You can even set up reminders to keep you on track.
    • Use a daily task list to get everything done for the day. For bigger projects, use a separate list to mark off your short-term and long-term goals.
  3. Join a working group that focuses on the same activity. A group can help you stay on track while giving you support, feedback, and praise to keep you moving forward. Look for groups online through social media or check with your local community center, library, or town hall.[10]
    Motivate Yourself Step 9 Version 6.jpg
    • Whether you're writing a novel or a thesis, check out local writing groups in your area. Look for them at universities, libraries, coffee shops, or bookstores.
    • Running, hiking, or other exercise groups are a great way to meet people while staying on top of your fitness goals.
    • Study groups help you learn class materials. Your classmates can help you understand difficult topics, and working together may make studying more fun.
    • If you want to learn a new skill, join a class. The others in the class can help you stay motivated while you all learn together.
  4. Create a routine for yourself. Build a schedule that works for you, but keep it consistent day to day. Try to do the same activities or tasks at the same time every day. Even if you're not feeling up to the task, a routine can help you get in the right head space to accomplish it.[11]
    Motivate Yourself Step 10 Version 6.jpg
    • For example, if you want to build your own website, you might spend an hour every afternoon to work on the code.
    • Find out what time of day you work best. For example, if you get the most done in the morning, schedule your more difficult tasks for the morning.
    • Whatever you have in your routine should be done no matter how you are feeling. Even if you're in a poor mood, you should try to stay on track with your schedule.
  5. Decide ahead of time how you will deal with setbacks. Plan for problems and obstacles before they occur. This will make you more prepared to deal with them instead of letting them get in the way of your work.[12]
    Motivate Yourself Step 11 Version 6.jpg
    • If you get negative feedback on a project, you might feel discouraged. Find an activity that calms you. For example, you might take a walk, doodle on some paper, or call a loved one.
    • If your computer breaks often and you need to write a report, keep the phone number for IT or a computer store handy. Identify where you can borrow a laptop or use a public computer at a library. If the computer does break, you'll be prepared.

EditAccomplishing Long-Term Goals

  1. Define a specific, clear end goal for yourself. Sometimes it is hard to motivate ourselves when we're unclear about where we want to go. Make a clear, actionable end goal that you can achieve.[13]
    Motivate Yourself Step 12 Version 5.jpg
    • For example, if you're in school, your end goal might be to get into a certain college or to get a specific internship.
    • If you want to own your own company, decide what type of company it will be. Do you want sell a product, consult other firms, or provide services to the community?
    • Be specific with your goal. For example, if you want to travel the world, where do you want to go first? Do you prefer backpacking or would you like to take a cruise? Do you want to see the world all at once or do you want to break it up into several smaller trips?
    • Don't let goals distract you from other important aspects of your life. Make sure you make it clear to yourself how much effort should be going towards each goal you create.
  2. Break your goal down into smaller goals. Once you know specifically where you want to end up, give yourself smaller benchmarks to achieve along the way. Write down a series of steps that will help you achieve your goal. This makes the goal much more manageable, thus helping you accomplish each task.[14]
    Motivate Yourself Step 13 Version 5.jpg
    • For example, if your dream is to own a house, you might have smaller goals to save money, build good credit, apply for a mortgage, and find a home in a certain neighborhood.
    • If you want to quit your job to sell handmade goods online, you might need to set up an online shop, create enough inventory to sell, and advertise your goods.
  3. Find a role model who has accomplished the goal before. If you know someone who has achieved the same goal before, try to follow their example. Use their story to give you extra motivation to keep going.[15]
    Motivate Yourself Step 14 Version 5.jpg
    • A role model can be someone you know in real life, such as a family member, boss, professor, or mentor. It can also be a famous person, such as a business leader or scientist.
    • If you know them personally, ask them what they did to get there. If they're a famous figure, try finding interviews or biographies that can show you the way.
  4. Post motivational quotes in visible areas. You might keep a poster up on your office wall, stick a post-it note to your bathroom mirror, or place a note on your fridge. Wherever you need extra motivation to keep going, put an aspirational or positive quote there to keep you going.[16]
    Motivate Yourself Step 15 Version 5.jpg
    • Keep the quote somewhere relevant to your goals. If you're looking to lose weight, for example, put it near your scale or bathroom mirror. If you're finishing a big project at work, stick it in your drawer or on your computer.
    • Look for quotes in books, websites, and motivational videos. You can buy posters online or make your own using paper and pen.
  5. Visualize your goals or dreams. For a few minutes each day, sit down and visualize obtaining your goal. Visualize having it, doing it, achieving it, or being it. What does it feel like? After the few minutes are up, how do you feel? Use this energy to start on your next step.[17]
    Motivate Yourself Step 16 Version 5.jpg
    • Work in the details to make it as clear as possible. Where are you? What are you doing? What are you wearing? How do you look? Who is with you?
    • A vision board can help you strive towards your goals. Make a collage or picture of your goals or dreams. Put in a place you will have to see it every day, such as your office or refrigerator. This can motivate you a little bit each day.

EditWarnings

  • Consult a medical professional if this lack of motivation has been paired with feelings of depression, anxiety, loneliness, bouts of crying, or thoughts of hurting yourself or others.

EditRelated wikiHows

EditSources and Citations

__
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found


How to Play Defense in Basketball

Posted: 16 Aug 2018 09:00 AM PDT

As legendary college basketball coach Bob Knight once said, "Good basketball always starts with good defense."[1] A team's defense really can make or break a game, and being a good individual defender can make you a huge contributor on your team. By dedicating yourself to improving your defense, you can help your team come out ahead in even the toughest of tight games.

EditSteps

EditPracticing a Good Defensive Stance

  1. Set your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Point your feet forwards and place them just wider than your knees, which should be comfortably shoulder-width apart. This stance will already start to lower your center of gravity and give you a strong base.[2]
    Play Defense in Basketball Step 1 Version 2.jpg
  2. Put your weight in the balls of your feet and bend your knees. Shift your weight into the balls of your feet and lift your heels just slightly off the ground. Bend your knees and lower your body into a strong squat position. A good rule of thumb is that if you think you're low enough, try to get lower.[3]
    Play Defense in Basketball Step 2 Version 2.jpg
    • Focus on keeping your weight in the balls of your feet, but not in your toes, which will throw you off balance.
    • To test how low your stance is, reach down with one hand. You should be able to touch the ground with your fingers. You should still be able to move easily; if you can't, ease up on your squat just a bit.
    • Keeping your weight low and centered on the balls of your feet will help you stop quickly, accelerate faster, and react better to the ball.
  3. Keep your back flat, but not totally straight. Your back should be level from your shoulders to your hips and slightly arched, but not totally straight. To help you get a feel for the posture, reach your hands down to the ground while sticking your chest up. Your upper body will lean forward a bit, but keep your weight balanced.[4]
    Play Defense in Basketball Step 3 Version 2.jpg
    • This stance might seem uncomfortable at first, but it will feel more natural with practice.
    • Making sure your back is flat will protect it from injury while keeping you balanced.
  4. Raise your hands and keep them loose and active. Experiment with placing your hands out to the sides, or placing one hand wide while keeping the other at the offensive player's hip or using it to dig for the ball. Whatever you do, don't let your hands fall to your sides.[5]
    Play Defense in Basketball Step 4 Version 2.jpg
    • Your coach might have a specific hand placement they want you to use depending on how aggressive your defense is. If not, just focus on keeping your hands up and active. Try different positions and see what feels natural and effective.

EditDefending the Ball

  1. Sprint back on defense as soon as your team shoots. Your team might have a specific transition defense, but in general, the first player back should run to the rim to prevent an easy lay-up. The second player back should pressure the player with the ball, and the remaining 3 players should cover the offensive players.[6]
    Play Defense in Basketball Step 5 Version 2.jpg
    • Communication is key during a transition! Tell your teammates if you're covering the basket, the ball, or an open player.
    • Your role on offense might be to sprint towards the net to get the rebound after a shot. In this case, you would only sprint back on defense if you don't get the rebound and the other team has secured the ball.
  2. Pressure the player with the ball immediately. If you see that the player with the ball has no one on them, run up to them right away to pressure the ball. The biggest threat to a defense is an offensive player with an open passing or dribbling lane, and the best way to stop this is to pressure as soon as possible.[7]
    Play Defense in Basketball Step 6 Version 2.jpg
    • Work within your team's gameplan. If your coach assigns you to a player, try to stick with them as much as possible. If a player has the ball without any pressure, though, attack them as soon as possible.
  3. Angle your body to force them towards the sideline. Slide the foot nearest to the sideline a few inches behind the other. The toe of your back foot should be in line with the heel of the other. Angle your chest just slightly in that direction.[8]
    Play Defense in Basketball Step 7 Version 2.jpg
    • This angled stance, called a "heel/toe/pushpoint" alignment, prevents the ball handler from dribbling up the middle of the court. Instead, you'll push them towards a sideline, baseline, or your teammates on defense.
  4. Stay lower than the other player at all times. It's important to stay in your low defensive stance even as you move with the ball handler. Keep you body lower than theirs at all times, lowering your head and torso so that your eyes are shoulder-level with them.[9]
    Play Defense in Basketball Step 8 Version 2.jpg
    • Instead of standing up when you have to move, stay low and shuffle from side to side.
    • To help you stay low, get into your stance and imagine that you're playing in a gym with a ceiling just above your head. If you straighten up or bob up and down when you move, you'll hit your head on the ceiling.[10]
    • Staying in a low defensive stance gives you great balance and lets you react quickly to the ball.
  5. Keep your eyes on the ball handler's chest or waist. It feels natural to look at the basketball or at the other player's face when you're playing on-ball defense, but this makes it easy for them to fake you out by looking another way or using a pump fake. Instead, look at their mid-section—anywhere from their chest to their waist.[11]
    Play Defense in Basketball Step 9 Version 2.jpg
    • It's extremely hard for an offensive player to fake with their mid-section, which makes it a great way to track their movements.
  6. Use one hand to track the ball and the other to block a passing lane. Stay an arm's distance away from the ball handler and reach one arm out a few inches away from the ball, using it to follow the ball's movements. Keep your other hand lower and slightly to the side to distract the ball handler and cut off a passing lane.[12]
    Play Defense in Basketball Step 10.jpg
    • Don't reach for the ball. This will put you off-balance and give the ball handler a chance to dart past you, and you could also be called for a foul if your hit their arm.
  7. Communicate with your teammates all the time. Talk to your teammates through the whole defensive possession to let them know where you are and what's happening on the floor that they can't see. Some phrases you can use to communicate on defense include:[13]
    Play Defense in Basketball Step 11.jpg
    • "Ball, ball, ball!"—use this when you're running forward to pressure the ball.
    • "Deny, deny, deny"—use this if you're defending a player who's one pass away from the ball.
    • "Screen right" or "Screen left"—use these to tell a teammate that a screen is coming on one side. In a screen, an offensive player runs in to try to block the defense guarding another offensive player.

EditDefending the Dribble and Shot

  1. Drop back if the ball handler tries to dribble towards the net. When the ball handler tries to drive, or dribble hard towards the net, quickly shuffle backwards in your drop-step defensive stance. Stay low and move with them, trying to maintain your arms-length cushion to stay in the play.[14]
    Play Defense in Basketball Step 12.jpg
    • Be patient. Don't try to reach or go for the steal unless the ball handler loses control or makes a big error.
  2. Force the ball handler to the nearest sideline. Start to angle your body more to the sideline as the ball handler dribbles. You want to use your body to block off their path to score, which means putting your back to the hoop and forcing them away from it.[15]
    Play Defense in Basketball Step 13.jpg
    • This will help you contain the ball handler until they make a mistake, or your teammates can come help.
  3. Try to flick the ball away during a dribble. Use the hand closest to the ball to flick the it away with a short, fast movement, called a dig. Don't reach in with the hand blocking the pass to bat at the ball—you may hit the ball handler's arm and be charged for a foul.[16]
    Play Defense in Basketball Step 14.jpg
    • Only try a dig if the player is trying to drive past you and you have no way of containing them, or if they're handling the ball loosely and you see an opportunity.
  4. Draw a charge foul if you can. A charge occurs when a defender is hit in the torso by the ball handler while standing still, or moving backwards or sideways, with both feet on the ground. To draw a charge, stay in your low defensive stance and let the offensive player dribble at you, instead of charging the ball.[17]
    Play Defense in Basketball Step 15.jpg
    • Be careful when drawing a charge! You could be called for blocking if you're moving towards the ball, don't have both feet on the ground, or were hit on somewhere other than your torso.
    • Move with the dribbler and stay in their dribbling lane to try to draw the foul.
    • Stay very low and bend your forearm in front of your chest, keeping it strong and close to you to absorb some of the blow. Your upper body will naturally sway backwards, helping you to sell the call.[18]
  5. Defend a shot by blocking the shooter's vision. If you see the ball handler go up for a shot, put a hand up to their face to distract them and disrupt their view of the rim. This allows you to force a missed shot without fouling or getting fooled if the ball handler is actually faking.[19]
    Play Defense in Basketball Step 16.jpg
    • This is considered a better tactic than jumping and swatting at the basketball during a shot, which could result in a foul if you hit the shooter's arm or, if they're faking, gives them an open dribbling or passing lane.

EditPlaying Off-Ball Defense

  1. Deny the pass when you're one pass away from the ball. When you're defending an offensive player who doesn't have the ball but is close enough for a pass, stay in your defensive stance with one arm and foot in the passing lane. Keep your chest facing your opponent and look over your ball-side shoulder to see the basketball.[20]
    Play Defense in Basketball Step 17.jpg
    • In some situations or defensive strategies, your coach might want you to help the on-ball defender instead of cutting off the pass. In this case, you'll hover behind the on-ball defender to block off the dribbling lane.
  2. Stay on your player if they're on the ball-side corner. The corner three-point shot is extremely dangerous for a defense. If you're defending the player on this corner shot, you can dart out quickly to plug a passing lane, but you should always return to your player right away.[21]
    Play Defense in Basketball Step 18.jpg
    • Stay on the corner even if the ball handler is driving to the rim. If you try to help in this play, the ball handler can dump off a simple pass to the corner player, who can take an easy jump shot.
  3. Create a "defensive triangle" to watch the ball and your player. If you're guarding a player who's farther from the ball and can't be reached by a single pass, position yourself so that you can see both your player and the basketball out of the corners of your eyes. Keep your hands out and active, with one pointing towards the ball and one towards your player.[22]
    Play Defense in Basketball Step 19.jpg
    • Try to be as close to the basketball as you can, while staying close enough to your player that you can defend them if they get a quick skip pass.
  4. Adjust your position at all times. Make sure you're never standing still when you're on defense. When the basketball or your player moves, adjust your position so you can react quickly to any play. Stay in your defensive stance and make sure you can always see both the ball and the player you're covering.[23]
    Play Defense in Basketball Step 20.jpg
    • Don't get caught up in watching the ball and forget that you have a job to do, too! A good offense will always be able to take advantage of a lazy or distracted defender.

EditBuilding Strength and Practicing Defensive Skills

  1. Strengthen your stance with squats and wall sits. If you're having a hard time holding a low defensive stance for your whole defensive possession, work on your leg strength with wall sits and low squats. Commit to working your legs at least 4-5 times a week to make your stance lower and stronger.[24]
    Play Defense in Basketball Step 21.jpg
    • To do a wall sit, rest your back against a wall and slide down until your knees are at a 90 degree angle. Stay in position for as long as you can and work to last longer every time.
    • To do a squat, stand up straight with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Lower your body until your knees are bent at a 90 degree angle. Stand up straight and repeat for at least 10 reps.
  2. Work on your footwork with jump ropes and agility ladders. Quick footwork is an essential tool of every good defender. To improve your quickness, start by jumping rope for 10 minutes a day. Then, move on to doing drills with an agility ladder to work on your balance and speed.[25]
    Play Defense in Basketball Step 22.jpg
    • With a jump rope, first try the basic single jump, focusing on getting your feet off the ground as quickly as possible. Then try moving side to side on each jump, or moving your feet back and forth.[26]
    • With an agility ladder, run through and tap both feet in each square with your chest facing forwards, then turn to the side and do the same thing. Look up other agility ladder drills online for an extra challenge.
    • If you don't have an agility ladder, make your own with chalk on the sidewalk, or by laying down long sticks as "rungs."
  3. Do planks to build up your core strength. A strong core will help you maintain your balance, which is important for a good defender. Practice a regular prone plank every day until you can hold it for 60 seconds, then try a side plank to work your oblique muscles.[27]
    Play Defense in Basketball Step 23.jpg
  4. Set up a footwork drill to work on quick movement and pressure. Sprint from the baseline to a cone level with the free throw line. Slow down and get into a defensive stance, then backpedal to a cone a few feet off the baseline and slide to the other side of the court. Sprint out to another cone, then slide across the top of the key to finish.
    Play Defense in Basketball Step 24.jpg
    • You can work through this drill with your teammates or by yourself. Try to get through the course 3-5 times, going as hard as you can every time.
  5. Try a one-on-one defense drill to put your skills to the test. As the defensive player, hold the ball and stand at the free throw line with the offensive player. Hand them the ball to start the drill. The offensive player has to attack the rim and take a shot within 2-3 dribbles while you try to stop them.[28]
    Play Defense in Basketball Step 25.jpg
    • Handing the ball to the offensive player means you have to start the drill right next to them, forcing you to react quickly to their moves.
    • In this drill, focus on keeping the offensive player in front of you, staying in your defensive stance, and challenging every shot they take.
  6. Do a mirroring drill to work on positioning. Set up across from another player on parallel lines of the key. As the offensive player, they'll move up and down the key and try to separate themselves from you, the defensive player. You'll try to stay directly in line with them, no matter what they do.[29]
    Play Defense in Basketball Step 26.jpg
    • Ask the offensive player to use fakes or quickly change pace to disrupt your mirroring.
    • Stay low with active hands for the whole drill.
  7. Practice your defense in every drill and game. Volunteer to be defense in drills, defend the other team's best player, and constantly push yourself to get into a better stance or position, on or off the ball. By dedicating yourself to your defense, you can make a huge difference in every game.
    Play Defense in Basketball Step 27.jpg

EditTips

  • To broaden your defensive knowledge, ask your coach what defense your team uses. It could be man-to-man, zone, match-up, or another defense. Ask them to explain why they chose that defense and what you can do to be a better player in it.

EditRelated wikiHows


EditSources and Citations

EditQuick Summary


Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found


Nenhum comentário:

Postar um comentário