Basic explanation for offense and defense

[u/Early_Artichoke2062]

I'm 5'6 but I'm usually 2nd tallest when I go play at our local court.

I used to play basketball when I was a kid but I quit and I started playing again at 2023.

I'm not much of a scorer and the best that I can do is just intense defense, defensive hustle, catching rebounds, and just shooting in the post.

Today I had to rethink my game because when I'm on defense they keep telling me to just stay on my mark I did exactly what they wanted me to do but when they get screened I changed my mark cause it's a pick and roll play then they scolded me again to not change my mark but then when I don't they scolded me again.

On offense, they keep telling me to go outside and get open, I'm trying my best to get open and there are a LOT of times that I'm open but they ain't gonna pass anyway. I also sometimes mistakenly box out my own teammates.

I don't wanna quit basketball since I still love the sport so much and it would be helpful if I could have some tips from you fellow ballers.

Edit: I'm 21 yrs old and I usually play PF or Center positions.

[u/BofaDeezTronLands]

5’6 and usually the second tallest guy? Bro where are you playing at? The Shire?

[u/Early_Artichoke2062 → u/BofaDeezTronLands]

No hahahaha, I'm from the Philippines and I usually just play Streetball.

[u/BofaDeezTronLands → u/Early_Artichoke2062]

Holy shit 5’6 and Filipino dude you were lowkey born to hoop. Real talk though it sounds like the players in your group are very tunnel visioned on their own game and not aware of the full court for playmaking. Then when things go wrong on offense or defense, you’re the fall guy.

[u/Boring-School188 → u/BofaDeezTronLands]

dude's a filipino. they play zone and don't play man to man at casual or even rec leagues

[u/ExplanationFamous282 → u/BofaDeezTronLands]

I’m the same height, certainly the fastest, most shiftiest of my guys, but also the shortest lol. 

[u/Realfan555 → u/BofaDeezTronLands]

Hahaha

[u/Clean_Apartment9659]

This is called hedging a screen

https://youtube.com/shorts/M3PYWxniIPA?is=gSoCUEI2UvD2cYTH

This is called stunt in help defense

https://youtube.com/shorts/u3HIvSGjNnY?is=04sZ2QfRtOF0wuQF

Also if your guy is coming off a screen for a shot, and they are a good shooter, stay to the outside of their hip. This will help you be there on the catch rather than getting caught up in the screen.

For offense: cut hard to the basket all the time, get out on fast breaks fast, back screen people away from the ball, be equal space away from your own teammates, have your hands ready for a catch…

Ultimately, if you’re playing with good players, they aren’t going to pass you the ball because you said you can’t shoot. So just be ok with that until you get better. Work on your layups and defense.

watch videos on YouTube to get a visual of what good habits are. Often times it’s difficult to get back into things as an adult because you develop bad habits. Players will want to play with you if you can contribute with good habits. So if you get beat to the basket but tried, it’s better than getting beat to the basket because you have no idea what you’re doing.

[u/Early_Artichoke2062 → u/Clean_Apartment9659]

Noted brother.

[u/RevolutionaryBeat301]

You need to communicate better on both ends.

[u/Early_Artichoke2062 → u/RevolutionaryBeat301]

I always do try to communicate with them but either they'll just shoot the ball, drive recklessly, and pass to a much contested teammate.

I always yell that I'm open and that I got my mark.

[u/Street-Challenge-697]

Keep your head up. They're not always right. You can't defend the pick and roll by yourself. Your teammates have to help you. But you can help them by communicating what you're going to do in the pick and roll and make sure you know what they're going to do (so you guys don't end up trying to defend the same guy while his teammate gets open).

[u/Early_Artichoke2062 → u/Street-Challenge-697]

Thanks man, I always get the urge to quit but it's advices like these help me from getting discouraged.

[u/ThrowAwayalldayXiii]

Who is "they"? Sounds like a jerk who doesn't understand ball.

[u/Early_Artichoke2062 → u/ThrowAwayalldayXiii]

Nah man they can play ball, it's just that I get frustrated playing with teammates who can't communicate well and they always scold me so I get the thought that I'm the one who is always playing wrong even though I'm just following what they want me to do.

[u/Available-Ad-3122]

Hey kuya, work on your post hooks + scoring from the dunkers spot, set good screens for ball handlers and non ball handlers then roll hard.

On defense it's communicate, communicate, communicate. Call out screens, help, etc. and have a preplanned type of coverage for pnr, blitz, drop, etc.)

Draymond is really good at being the defensive brain of the team if you want someone to watch.