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Wreak Havoc on the Hardwood
SD Dirk on flickr
A basketball truism: Even if you can’t dominate your opponent with skill, you can still mess with his head. It doesn’t mean cheating or ridiculously dirty play. It just embraces the reality that the game is as much mental as physical, and when you’re playing to keep possession of the court or win weekly bragging rights, you need to take advantage of every advantage. Steve Lavin, ABC and ESPN college basketball analyst, provides some tactics:
1. Use your backside.
When the first shot goes up, assume the disruptive rebounding position: A low, wide stance, and drive your butt into his knees. You’ll have superior leverage and with your elbows up and out as well, you’ll inflict discomfort to his upper and lower body, making him rethink visiting the boards. On a jump shooter, start boxing him out before he lands. Guys don’t like to have their space crowded, so of course, you should crowd his space.
2. Set sharp picks.
Take the same rebounding approach. Jump into a low, wide stance and keep your elbows out without swinging. Just let the defender run into them and deal with the charley horse. If you can be sweaty and lacking deodorant during any of the rebounding or screen-setting, even better.
3. Provide instant analysis.
As soon as he releases his shot, bark out like a foghorn, “Short,” “Long,” or “Rebound.” More than just annoying, he’ll start wondering how you know so much about his game and start thinking about his shot, and no shooter wants to start thinking too much about his mechanics.
4. Expose his weakness.
After a few minutes, share any number of assessments: “I have the gunner,” “He doesn’t go to the hole,” “He can’t go left,” or “He won’t shoot.” No player wants to be seen as selfish, soft, or lacking in any respect, so he’s going to try to prove you wrong, and unless he’s received a sudden infusion of talent, you have the advantage. “You’ll get guys doing things that they don’t do well,” Lavin says.
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About The Author
Steve Calechman – Steve Calechman is a contributing writer for CorePerformance.com. He has published articles for Men's Health, Natural Health, The Robb Report and Women's Health magazine.
