Why do basketball players cross their hands in front of their bellies when they are standing still/guarding?

Question

I don't get it.

Answer 1

they are trying to take a charge. just watch varajou of the cavs and you'll see him do that alot and he'll be on the ground alot

Answer 2

It's not about protecting their bellies, they are putting their hands over a certain sensative area below the waist, because alot of times, players will bring their knees up into the groin of a player trying to take a charge, it's about protecting 'the boys'.

Answer 3

They don't want to be called for a foul. On a pick, if the player moves his arms or elbows in any way to obstruct the player that is trying to go around him they will be called for a foul. The arms folded in front of them ensures that they won't be called and it protects their more delicate areas from a stray hip or knee.

Answer 4

Look where they place their hands. They're anticipating the offensive player they're guarding to run into them. If they're stand like that, they are in a good position to flop and to protect their balls at the same time.

Answer 5

One answer would be that it brings their moment of inertia down so they can turn their shoulders and upper body quickly as required. It also gets their elbows in out of the way of being hit by someone passing, throwing them off balance. It also positions the hands to move quickly without requiring them and the arms to be held up constantly.

Answer 6

They do not want a shot in the testicles, because it is very painful for males to take shots in the testicles. The testicles are very sensitive to pain and injury like that.

They should wear jock straps to protect their testicles.




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testicles

Answer 7

They do that during a pick to show the ref that no hands are involved

Answer 8

It protects certain places on their bodies when they take charges. Get it now?

Answer 9

So they can't be accused of reaching to foul.

Answer 10

it keeps them from getting smacked in the oblongs.