Shot Pocket Defense

The defender measures a sound defensive position by extending the hand from a balanced defensive position. The hand reaches the offensive player’s “shot pocket” – between the chest and the knees. The defender annoys and distracts the offensive player by moving her hand into the shot pocket area. The defender knows that a shot must move through the shot pocket, a pass typically moves through the shot pocket and cross over dribbles move across through the shot pocket. A hand in the shot pocket can influence the shot, pass or dribble just enough to throw it off. Shot pocket positioning also allows the defender to play 1 ½ to 2 feet off a quick offensive player, potentially neutralizing the quick player advantage.

Match up one on one and position yourself to keep a hand in the shot pocket area. As the offensive player attacks adjust to stay in shot pocket contact as much as possible.