How do I block shots better?

Question

I'm tall and have relatively long arms, yet I still can't block shots well. Certain players just seem to have really good sense when blocking shots.

How do I learn this skill?

Answer 1

Each player shoots differently. Some can change-up their shots, but most don't. When you encounter a new player spend less time trying to block their shots the first shot or two and more time trying to see how they shoot...which side they favor, which hand, do they roll, do they drive forward or fall back...all that. And before they shoot, watch their hips, not their head...it will tell you where they are headed next.

Lastly, keep your eyes open. People tend to close their eyes at the moment of impact, so if you and the shooter are going up together and getting physical, keep those eyes open.

Answer 2

i am tall too and a very good shot blocker. they first step to blocking a shot is putting urself in postion to do so. If you are leaned back on the heels of your feet you are not going to be able to react quick enough. You want to be on the balls of your feet and already have your hands up in defensive postion, this makes it a lot easier to block shots. now the rest is all timing. you want to keep your hand or hands with the ball and move your arm forward just as the ball gets released from his hands. as far as jumping goes you want to make sure they leave their feet before you jump. otherwise they could pumpfake you and get by. so get in postion and time ur jump with their jump and u got it. im a big white boy and cant really jump but i am still a great shot blocker because it is all in the timing and getting the ball on the way up. if u get it right when its near there head then you dont have to be tall or jump high.

Answer 3

Get your timing right. Just keep playing and try to get it right. Don't fall for shotfakes. Wait until the ball is out of their hands until you jump for it. Also, anticipate what the opponent is going to do and get good position for a block by the time he will go for the shot. Also, when you block a shot, try to send it in a direction that your teammates can retrieve it, not out of bounds

Answer 4

It's good timing or anticipation of when your opponent is going to shoot.

This takes practice and playing experience as well as jumping ability.

I was never very good at it myself and I couldn't jump that well and especially as I got older.
I was a good shooter and player so I didn't have to be a shot blocker although that is a good skill to have and realy helps you team defense.

If you can jump well and are tall just keep practicing and play some one on one with good shooters and work on anticipating when they are going to go up for a shot.

Try not to go for the fakes and leave your feet or they will drive around you, although this happens to everyone at times.

Keep working at it and the other parts of your game as well.

Good luck.

Answer 5

you just have to play more and agaisnt competition better than yourself to become a better player...

one thing you an try is to make the guy shoot the shot YOU want him to shoot. know your strengths and weakness. as a defender you want to limit guys in their option. you can tell pretty fast a players favorite move or shot. try to take that away first.

with this in mind, to answer your question, it requires anticipation and timing on your part. also, always try to stay between the player and the basket so he has to shoot OVER those long arms of yours. thats a start. hope it helps or at least encourages you....good luck.

Answer 6

just when the player takes his moves..immitate them and bs in his face..he will shoot it right then it is ur block or he'll just sway it in any other direction...if he shoots..this depends on ur jumping rate..u may be tal but not good jumper...i always be a man and just look at the ball not the player most times and this needs training body..wish u can do it

Answer 7

i am not that tall but am a really gud blocker.... the main thng is 2 keep ur eyes on the ball.... when the player jumps 2 shoot...... jump wid him nd put ur hand on da ball...... jus practise lil bit nd u'll learn it.... note: it is not possible 2 block evry shot......

Answer 8

well you just have to quit playin like a pussy and start playin more aggresive!!!!! but usually it takes timing to block shots!!!!!! or maybe your just blockin too slow!!!!!

Answer 9

Jump and just swat away at that ball! :D

Answer 10

Run away and squeal like a little girl - that's what i would do :P