Ayrton Oneill
The reach-around steal, also known as the 'poke', is a technique that is considered by some to be lazy and is rarely taught by coaches. It involves reaching around an offensive player to poke the ball out of their hands. While this technique can be effective in stealing the ball, it can also result in fouls if not executed properly. To perfect the reach-around steal, it is important to watch the opposing player's movements and avoid making contact with their body. Additionally, this technique may be more suitable for certain playing styles and levels of play, such as FIBA-sanctioned events where there is no defensive 3-second rule. Overall, the reach-around steal can be a useful tool for defensive players, but it should be used selectively and with caution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reach-around steal technique | Loved and hated by basketball enthusiasts |
| When to use it | As a last-ditch effort to poke the ball out |
| Where it comes from | Overseas |
| How to use it | Watch the opposing player's movements when they have the ball |
| Practice | Try it in pick-up games first, as there are no refs |
| Tips | Focus on the ball handler's waist or the ball itself |
| Study your opponents to learn their habits | |
| Watch game film to see where you can improve | |
| Stay in shape with conditioning drills | |
| Work on your agility and quickness |
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What You'll Learn
The reach-around steal, or 'poke'
The reach-around steal, or "poke", is a technique that is considered both lazy and risky by some basketball enthusiasts. It is a last-ditch effort to try to poke the ball out when beaten to the cup or on ball screens. The move is instinctual rather than trained and rarely taught by coaches. It is also rarely seen in high school basketball and often called a foul by referees.
However, the reach-around steal can be used efficiently in FIBA-sanctioned basketball events, where there is no defensive three-second rule. This means a big man can stay in the paint for extended periods, allowing guards to take risks and providing opportunities for the reach-around steal.
To perfect the reach-around steal, it is crucial to watch the opposing player's movements when they have the ball. This includes studying their habits and anticipating their next move. It is also important to focus on the ball handler's waist or the ball itself to determine where they will dribble or pass.
When attempting the reach-around steal, be selective about when you use it. Practice in games without referees, such as pickup games, to hone your senses and instincts without worrying about fouls. Avoid drawing contact with the opposing player and focus on cleanly poking the ball away without pushing them off balance. Be aware of potential elbows from the player's off-hand or dribbling hand to avoid injury.
The reach-around steal can be a valuable tool in your defensive arsenal when used appropriately and selectively. It is a technique that can take advantage of certain rule sets and catch opposing players off guard.
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When to use it
The reach-around steal is a technique that is considered both lazy and risky. It is a last-ditch attempt to poke the ball out when beaten to the cup or on ball screens. It is more instinctual than trained and rarely taught by coaches. It is also more likely to be called a foul by referees who are not accustomed to seeing it.
Therefore, when practising the reach-around steal, it is best to start with pick-up games, where there are no refs, and you can focus on not drawing contact and poking the ball cleanly without engaging the opposing player's body. You can also use this time to anticipate the opposing player's movements and avoid their elbows.
Once you have honed your instincts and technique, you can start incorporating the reach-around steal into your defensive strategy in more formal settings. This technique can be especially useful in FIBA-sanctioned basketball events, where there is no defensive three-second rule, and guards have more opportunities to take risks.
Additionally, the reach-around steal can be effective when used as a surprise tactic against opponents who are not expecting it. Studying your opponents' habits and learning their tendencies can help you anticipate their next move and time your reach-around steal perfectly.
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Avoiding fouls
The reach-around steal is a deceptive move in basketball that is geared towards slower guards who cannot keep up with faster, more agile players. While it is a useful technique, it can also be considered a foul, depending on the level of play. Here are some tips to avoid committing fouls when attempting a reach-around steal:
- Be patient and wait for the ball handler to make a mistake. Watch the offensive player's body language closely and pay attention to their trunk to avoid falling for any jukes or ball fakes.
- Position yourself between the ball handler and the basket, forcing them to go through your chest. This will give you a better chance to steal the ball before they react.
- Avoid reaching in too aggressively, as this can lead to unnecessary fouls. Instead, focus on moving your feet and staying in front of the opponent.
- Only attempt a steal when the offensive player is not protecting the ball or does not have enough strength to hold onto it securely.
- Hit the ball straight ahead instead of side to side. Hitting the ball to the side increases the likelihood of a foul being called, as it may be perceived as a premeditated attempt to knock the ball away.
- Practice in games without referees, such as pickup games, to hone your senses and instincts without the risk of fouls being called.
- Avoid "hugging" or "enveloping" the offensive player, as this restricts their freedom of movement and is considered a foul.
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Watching the opposing player
To perform a successful reach-around steal in basketball, it is crucial to watch the opposing player's movements when they have the ball. Here are some strategies to effectively watch and anticipate the opposing player's actions:
Study Your Opponents
Learn the habits and tendencies of the players you are guarding. By understanding their preferences and go-to moves, you can better predict their next action and position yourself for a steal. Pay attention to their body cues, such as shifts in weight or shoulder fakes, as these can indicate their intended direction.
Focus on the Ball and the Player's Waist
By focusing on the ball handler's waist, you can gain valuable information about their next move. Observe their eyes, as they may give away their passing intentions. Keep your eyes on the ball as well to anticipate where it will be dribbled or passed.
Be Selective with Your Attempts
When first attempting the reach-around steal, be selective about when you use it. Practice games or pickup games are ideal environments to hone your instincts and senses without worrying about fouls disrupting your playing time.
Practice Not Drawing Contact
Perfect your technique by practicing clean pokes without engaging the body of the opposing player. The goal is to poke the ball out without pushing the player off balance or making physical contact. Be cautious of random elbows from the player's off-hand or dribbling hand to avoid injury.
Hand Placement and Swipe Timing
Keep your hands out and active to increase your chances of deflecting passes and disrupting the ball handler. Time your swipes by aiming for moments when the ball is low or when the dribbler is not protecting it adequately.
By implementing these strategies and closely observing the opposing player, you can enhance your ability to execute successful reach-around steals while minimizing the risk of committing fouls.
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Quickness training
Quickness, agility, and speed are crucial components of basketball training. The ability to quickly change directions, accelerate, decelerate, and maintain proper postural alignment is essential for success in the sport.
Pro-Lane Agility Drill
This drill involves sprinting around cones in a specific pattern. It helps improve deceleration, change of direction, and footwork skills. The cones should be set up to create a pro-lane pattern, and athletes should sprint through the pattern, focusing on maintaining proper form and technique.
Wall Drill
For this drill, you'll need to find a wall and place your hands on it at shoulder height with your arms extended. Take a step back and lean into the wall, popping one knee up slightly above the hips while keeping your toe flexed. On the coach's signal, drive the raised leg into the ground and quickly switch by raising the other thigh. Repeat this movement for the desired number of repetitions.
Acceleration Drill
Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Jump back about a foot and land with your feet staggered. Maintain a forward body angle and sprint forward. Repeat this movement for several repetitions. For this drill, focus on keeping your body in line and preventing your hips from shooting back or bending at the waist.
Three-Cone Drill
Set up three cones in a straight line, each 2.5 yards apart. Start at one end, sprint to the first cone, touch the line with your right hand, and then return to the starting position. Repeat this movement for the second and third cones, touching the line with the opposite hand each time. This drill helps improve acceleration, deceleration, and change of direction.
40-Yard Dash
Get into a 40-yard dash stance and sprint 10 yards as fast as you can. This drill is a good indicator of your first-step quickness and can be used to track your progress over time.
In addition to these drills, it's important to incorporate proper body positioning and mechanics into your training. Focus on driving your feet into the ground, keeping your head up, and maintaining good posture.
By incorporating these quickness and agility drills into your basketball training regimen, you'll improve your performance on the court and reduce the risk of injuries.
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Frequently asked questions
A reach-around steal, also known as a "poke", is a technique where a defender tries to knock the ball out of the opponent's hands as a last-ditch effort.
Watch the opposing player's movements and anticipate where they will dribble or pass. Focus on the ball handler's waist or the ball itself. Be aware of random elbows from the player's off-hand or their dribbling hand.
The reach-around steal is considered lazy and is often called as a foul in high school basketball. It is more commonly used in FIBA-sanctioned basketball events, where there is no defensive 3-second rule. Practice your reach-around steal in pick-up games to hone your senses and instincts without the risk of fouls.
An unsuccessful reach-around steal can result in the defender being out of position and unable to recover in time, allowing the offense to score. Additionally, reaching in too aggressively may lead to unnecessary fouls.
Study your opponents to learn their habits and anticipate their next move. Stay in shape with conditioning drills and work on your agility and quickness. Practice 1-on-1 drills to focus on stealing the ball from your opponent and run drills that simulate passing lanes to intercept passes.
