How to Try to Block a Shot

If defense in basketball is not your strong suit, then no matter how hard you try, you may eventually feel that there is nothing you can do to block shots short of growing a few inches taller. However, with the right training, this is not the case, as virtually anyone can learn to be an imposing, shot-blocking force. As soon as you learn that it's all about skills that you can refine, you'll be well on your way. There are just a few key things to keep in mind.

Instructions

    • 1

      Stay in front of the offensive player as much as possible. True, you may be more susceptible to being dunked on from time to time, but it's the price you pay for increasing the amount of blocked shots you get. The more you over-commit to one side or gamble for the steal, the more likely the player is to blow past you, rendering you useless as a shot blocker. Stay honest and keep your back to the basket. If he's going to beat you, make him beat you with his jump shot---which you will eventually learn how to block (see: reference 1).

    • 2

      Avoid falling for pump or head fakes. Stay on your feet until you know that the offensive player will indeed shoot. This is easier said than done, but remember, blocking a shot is all about timing. If the shot isn't a fake and gets released, you still can block it once it leaves his hand as long as your reaction is quick enough.

    • 3

      Stay away from body contact and avoid fouling. The ball is the sole thing that you're going for and trying to make a play on. Even if the contact is minimal, the offensive player can oversell it in his reaction and get the foul call on you from the referee. The key is to not leave your feet too early.

    • 4

      Lure the ball carrier into the lane. Lay low by either pretending to focus your attention away from the key or hiding behind your fellow frontcourt teammates, all the while being ready to jump and attack the ball. The key is to foster a false sense of security in the ball handler. Once he thinks that he has an easy play, the stage is set for you to come in and block the shot (see: reference 2).

    • 5

      Stick with the play and never give up. One of NBA great LeBron James' signature plays is the chase-down block; where an offensive player assumes that he has everyone beat and tries to cruise in for a dunk, only for James to come in from behind and swipe the ball away.