Basketball Man to Man Defense
Guarding the Ball
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Other aspects of man to man defense will be discussed in other posts. Here we will only discuss playing defense when the player you are guarding has the ball.
You should be an arm's length away from the player with the ball. Your knees are bent so that you are prepared to move laterally. Your weight is on your toes, not your heels. It is okay if you are shuffling your feet. If your opponent starts the shooting motion put one arm straight up. Do not jump or reach forward because you may be called for a foul. Keep your knees bent as you raise your arm. If your opponent dribbles towards the basket, move laterally to a position blocking his/her path. Do not be afraid of some contact. You should not be called for a foul if you are in a proper defensive position before the offensive player gets to that spot. Note, that a proper defensive position means that you are facing your opponent, preferably with your knees bent, but your hands/arms are straight up or out to the side (like a jumping jack) 
Knees bent. Arms length away. Ready to slide either direction.
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