How to Play Great Basketball Defense

When one thinks of the greatest defensive players of all time, those with great speed and agility come to mind first. Stealing the ball off the dribble or intercepting the pass by gambling in the passing lanes are quickly recalled. However, most people don't realize that the best defense often goes unnoticed. In reality, it has more to do with playing smart, disciplined fundamental team defense than great athletic ability.

The main reason many players never become good defenders is that they fail to learn fundamental basketball defensive techniques and execute them with discipline and consistency. Fortunately, these are skills and traits that can be learned with proper effort and desire. What follow are some fundamental defensive skills and techniques that are often ignored in favor of a flashy, more exciting but ultimately less effective brand of defense.