Getting Squared-up to the Basket

By Tom Crawford
For Active.com

The level of defense in the NCAA tournament has demonstrated how important it is for offensive players to create good scoring opportunities. Maintaining a squared-up body position is one of the most effective ways to set up a good shot or accurate pass against pressuring defenses.

But what does squared-up mean and why is it important?

Squared-up means facing the hoop while simultaneously keeping your eyes on the defense and your teammates. This helps give you the best opportunity at a good shot or safe pass by providing maximum visibility of the players on the court and ideal body-positioning toward the basket. The exception is if you post-up low near the hoop and need to keep your back to the defender.

Don't defend yourself

You are much harder to defend when you have multiple options at your disposal. From the squared-up position, you can drive right or left, attempt a jump shot or execute a pass to a teammate. When a defender turns you to the side or forces you to turn your back to the hoop, your options decrease.

Some players turn at the slightest amount of defensive pressure, making the defender's job much easier. Squaring-up forces the defender to drop-step back, making it difficult to anticipate your next move.

Practice squaring-up every time you receive a pass, gradually getting quicker with each possession. Also practice good positioning when expecting a pass or coming off a screen, so you're already squared-up when the ball gets to you.