Holding Position and Protecting the Ball

Possession of the ball is the key to winning in most sports. If you have possession, the other team can't score. A player's possession also controls the action of the offense, but unfortunately, this is still not a skill that is taught regularly. 

Athletes have to protect the ball in many diverse situations, both during counter attack and also in the front court. The most obvious place is the screening in the perimeter to make and receive the pass. 

“Screening” can be used in many situations during the game. The definition of screening is to create a moving obstacle with your body between the ball and the defensive player. This can be done by positioning the spider legs (hips) on the path of the defensive player.

Other examples: on drives a player might swim towards his teammate and screen the opposite player, allowing his teammate to receive the pass or make the shot.

Players commonly use their arms to protect the ball, but in fact body position is more important here. When an athlete moves his/ her legs in anticipation of the defense's lunge, the whole body can be used for blocking the opponent. 

It is also important to teach athletes to maintain their legs under them as they step back to make a pass (and keeping the defender from making contact with their arm). At the Center position, the key to protecting the ball is body position in combination with legs- a quarter turn or spin can keep the defender’s hand off you allowing for a clean reception. This skill should be practiced daily.

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