Andrew Pace
Contesting a shot in basketball is a critical aspect of defensive strategy, as it significantly impacts the outcome of the game. The primary goal of the defence is to make the offensive player uncomfortable and force them to take a difficult shot. By contesting shots, defenders can reduce the shooting percentage of their opponents, making it harder for them to score. The distance of the defender from the shooter is crucial, with shots contested from a closer distance having a lower defensive field goal percentage. Additionally, the presence of a defender can alter the shooter's routine and confidence, further affecting their performance. To improve their defensive skills, players can incorporate drills that simulate game-like situations, such as the Kentucky Contested Shooting Drill, where a partner contests shots from different angles and with varying levels of aggressiveness.
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What You'll Learn
The importance of contesting shots
Contesting shots significantly impacts the outcome of a game. A study analyzing five college basketball games found that uncontested shots had a success rate of 58.4%, while contested shots dropped to 33.6%, a substantial 25% difference. This statistic underscores the value of contesting shots in influencing the outcome of a game.
The presence of a defender alters the offensive player's mindset and routine, affecting their confidence and shot selection. Even if a defender cannot block the shot, merely being an obstacle can disrupt the shooter's concentration and make them uncomfortable. This disruption can lead to missed opportunities and lower shooting percentages for the offense.
Additionally, contesting shots forces the offense to adjust their shot selection. By applying pressure and varying the level of contest, defenders can influence the shooter's decision-making, encouraging them to pass or drive instead of taking an uncontested shot. This defensive strategy can create turnovers and generate fast-break opportunities for the defending team.
Practicing shooting under contest conditions is essential for players' development. Drills that simulate in-game pressure, such as the Kentucky Contested Shooting Drill, help players prepare for the challenges they will face during actual games. By incorporating these drills into their training regimen, players can improve their ability to make shots under pressure and become more effective scorers.
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How to practice contesting shots
To practice contesting shots in basketball, you need to develop a habit of challenging shots throughout the game. This means actively trying to block or challenge your opponent's shot, even if it's just a pickup game. Put your arm up and try to challenge their jump shot. It's important to remember to close out on open shooters as well and not play lazy defence. As you consistently make an effort, you will notice improvements in your game. You will start getting more deflections, blocks, and steals. Moreover, your opponents will start to see you as a force to be reckoned with, and this will impact their psyche, causing them to take bad shots.
To be a good shot-contestant, you need to get into your opponent's head and make them think they are about to get blocked. The great Bill Russell, who revolutionized big-man defence, once said, "The idea is not to block every shot. The idea is to make your opponent believe that you might block every shot." This psychological aspect is what sets great defenders apart.
To improve your skills, you can also incorporate specific drills into your practice routine. While there might not be any special drills for shot-contesting, you can still practice by contesting shots during your drills. This small addition to your practice can make a significant difference in your game.
Additionally, when practicing, it is important to simulate game-like conditions as much as possible. This means practicing against defenders who are contesting your shots. By doing so, you will be able to knock down shots under pressure and improve your performance during actual games. Remember, the goal is not to be the best practice shooter but to be the best game shooter.
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How to ignore someone contesting your shot
To improve your ability to ignore someone contesting your shot in basketball, you can practice shooting drills with a partner who contests your shots. This will help you get used to the pressure and learn to block out the distraction. Here are some tips on how to do this effectively:
Firstly, ensure that your partner's contest affects your vision but not your shot. Their hand should be up to block your view, but they shouldn't actually block your shot. This will help you practice shooting under pressure without altering your form. You can also vary the aggressiveness of their contests to simulate different game situations.
Secondly, work on reading your partner's contests and going by them off the dribble. This will make your decision-making more game-like and improve your ability to make shots under pressure. Keep in mind that your shooting percentages might go down during this type of practice, but that's okay! The goal is to simulate game conditions and improve your performance when it matters.
Additionally, you can vary the type of contests your partner uses. Try contesting from straight on, from the side, or from behind. By making the contests more variable, you'll be better prepared to tune them out during a game. Remember, the key is to focus on your shot and not let the contest affect your form or decision-making.
Finally, keep in mind that face guarding, or intentionally blocking a player's vision while shooting, is illegal in college basketball. So, while you can practice dealing with partial vision blockage, don't rely on this as your only strategy. Instead, focus on improving your shooting technique and decision-making under pressure.
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The difference between contesting shots at different distances
Contesting shots is a critical factor in winning basketball games. The presence of a defender can make all the difference, as it makes the opposing player uncomfortable and makes it harder for them to make their shots.
The distance of the closeout on a shot also makes a significant difference. A coach analyzing the 2015-16 NBA season found that defensive FG% was lower when shots were contested at a closer distance of 0-2 feet. This means that the team was more successful when they consistently contested shots at close range.
The effect of increased distance on basketball jump shot outcome and performance has been studied, with shot accuracy decreasing from 59% at a close distance to 37% at a far distance. As the shooting distance increases, the player needs to adjust for greater spatial accuracy and changing force requirements. Longer shots demand greater accuracy because the horizontal virtual target decreases as the shooting distance increases.
Additionally, different movement strategies and compensatory techniques are employed as the shooting distance changes. For example, players may increase their ball release velocity and use a greater arm joint range of motion for longer shots. Therefore, when contesting shots at different distances, defenders should be aware of these adjustments and try to block the opponent's shot or affect their vision to make it harder for them to score.
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How contesting shots impacts the outcome of a game
Contesting shots is an important aspect of defensive strategy in basketball, and it can significantly impact the outcome of a game. The basic idea behind contesting a shot is to make the shooter's attempt more difficult by applying pressure and affecting their vision. This can be done by getting close to the shooter, putting a hand up, or varying the aggressiveness of the contest.
The effectiveness of shot-contesting is evident in the improved defensive field goal percentage (FG%). In several accounts, coaches and analysts have observed a direct relationship between their team's defensive FG% and their win-loss record. Specifically, when the team consistently contested shots from a close distance of 0-2 feet, they made their opponents uncomfortable and improved their chances of winning. On the other hand, failing to contest shots closely allowed opposing teams to settle into a rhythm and shoot with higher accuracy.
The impact of shot-contesting is further supported by statistical analysis. In a study of five basketball games, it was found that non-contested shots had a success rate of 58.4%, while contested shots dropped to 33.6%, a significant 25% difference. This highlights the defensive advantage gained by simply contesting shots.
While shot-contesting is crucial, it is not the sole determinant of victory. Other factors, such as rebounding and turnovers, also come into play. Additionally, high contest rates can lead to increased foul rates, which may negatively impact a team's performance. Thus, it is essential to balance aggressive defense with disciplined play to avoid foul trouble.
In conclusion, contesting shots is a pivotal strategy in basketball that can greatly influence the outcome of a game. By disrupting the shooter's comfort and vision, defenders can decrease the likelihood of made baskets and increase their chances of winning. However, it should be noted that shot-contesting is just one aspect of a comprehensive defensive strategy, and a balance must be struck to avoid foul trouble and maintain a solid overall defensive performance.
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Frequently asked questions
Contesting shots is important because it makes it harder for the opposing player to shoot. Even if you don't get a hand in their face, the presence of an obstacle can change the player's confidence and how they think about their shot.
The main priority on defense is to force the toughest shot possible. This can be done by never giving the offense an easy shot and always having a hand in their face.
To practice contesting shots, you can do the same workouts and drills but have someone put a hand up to contest your shot. You can also try the Kentucky Contested Shooting Drill, which involves varying the contests by contesting from different angles and with different levels of aggressiveness.
