Why Is Getting Blocked Such A Big Deal In Basketball?

why getting blocked a big deal in basketball

Key Takeaway: Block shots are crucial in basketball as they not only affect the defensive player's morale but also boost the confidence of the other team. To prevent getting blocked, players should focus on protecting the ball, executing quick movements, using fakes, creating separation, and practicing offensive skills.

Block shot is one of the essential stats you can get in basketball. This is the one that determines how good a player is defensively. Many people make blocked shots a big deal in basketball. When your shot gets blocked, many people will shout, “ohh” or “get out of here!”. However, why do fans get hyped when the defensive player blocked the shot of the offensive player? Why is getting blocked a big deal in basketball?

When a player shoots the ball and gets blocked, his morale is lowered, and will most likely hesitate to take another shot. Getting blocked may hit your morale. It also boosts the confidence of the other team because they prevented your shot. 

However, there is much more you need to learn about this topic. I will tell you various reasons why you are getting blocked by your opponents during a basketball game. Also, I will give some tips so that your shots will never get blocked again. If you are ready, let’s go! 

Reasons Why You Are Getting Blocked In Basketball

Getting blocked in basketball is a big deal, and it can lower down your morale and confidence. To prevent your opponents from blocking your shots, I list down the five reasons why your shots are getting blocked. 

The five reasons why you are getting blocked in basketball are:

You Don’t Protect The Ball

The first reason why your shots are getting blocked is that you don’t protect the ball when you go inside the rim. Protecting the ball when driving is essential. It prevents opponents from stealing the ball from you or blocking your shots.

When you drive inside the rim, make sure that your other hand is protecting the ball from opponents. You can also create a contact or bump them hard to create space so that the ball is protected.  

You Are Too Slow

The second reason why your shots are getting blocked is that you are too slow. When you drive inside the basket, you have to make sure that you turn on your nitro. If you are driving slow, the opponents may easily read where you are going and block your shot. 

If your shots are getting blocked when you shoot outside the three-point line or if it is a jump shot, it means your shooting release is slow. When you look at the shooting release of the greatest shooters in the NBA, it gives you the reason why their shots are not getting blocked. These greatest shooters of all time have quick release!

Execute some speed exercises, or you can use ankle weights when you jog. Ankle weights are effective, and they can help you to run fast. Also, you can do some squats and other leg workouts to keep your legs strong. Practice releasing the ball quickly from your hands. So that the next time you shoot threes or jump shots, your shots will never get blocked by your opponents. 

You Are Not Faking Or Switching Direction

The other reason why you are getting blocked in basketball is that you are not making some fakes and you don’t switch direction. Faking is essential, especially if you are good at it because it will remove the focus of your opponents. When you fake and the defensive player bite on your bait, you can have enough space for an easy shot. 

Switching direction is also essential. When you are driving inside the paint, make sure that you switch your direction. You can euro step or do some sidestep to confuse your opponent. When your opponent bites on your bait again, you can have an easy layup or dunk. 

You Don’t Create Separation

The other reason why your shots are getting blocked in basketball is that you don’t create any separation or space. Space is essential when you are going to take a shot. When you are going for a jump shot or three-point shot, you have to make sure that you have enough space. 

If you don’t have enough space, your shot may get blocked. Look at some greatest shooters of all time. They can create spaces for themselves before they take a shot outside the three-point line. Apply some moves that create space between you and your defender. Stepback is the easiest way to create separation, so try it first. 

Your Shot Selection Doesn’t Change

The other reason why your shots are getting blocked is that you only have few shot selections. When your shot selection is repeated, the opposing team may easily read you. If they can easily read you, they can run fast and chase your shot. 

It is better to have many shot selections so that you will be unreadable. If you are unreadable, your opponents may have a hard time guessing which spot you take a shot. Also, if you have many shot selections, you will be unstoppable on the court. Why? Because you can shoot anywhere inside the court, and only good defense can stop you. 

How Do I Stop Being Blocked In Basketball Games?

Now that you know the reasons why your shots are getting blocked in basketball, you now ask for help. So, how can you stop opponents from blocking your shots in basketball games? Here are the tips.

To stop opponents from blocking your shots, you have to do these five things:

  • You have to create separation
  • Be quick all the time
  • Protect the ball
  • Fake your opponents
  • Switch direction

Creating a separation or space in basketball is essential in basketball. It is a skill that all basketball players must-have. Why? Because space is the only thing to make shots. If you don’t have enough space, then your shot will most likely get blocked or will not get inside the basket.

You have to be fast if you don’t want your opponents to block your shots. You need to have a quick release, and you need to be fast when driving inside the basket. If you are slow, your opponents may effortlessly read where you are going and when you will take a shot. 

When going inside the basket, you have to make sure that the ball is hundred percent protected. Protect the ball with your other hand when you drive inside and if you are doing a layup. You can swat away the hands of your opponents when you are going for a layup. 

You need to learn how to fake your opponents if you don’t want your opponents to block your shots. Fake moves are one of the best things to create confusion. When your defender bites on your bait, you will have a chance to have an easy shot. 

Switching direction can also prevent your opponents from blocking your shots. However, you need to be fast when switching directions. If you are slow when you switch directions, the defender may easily notice where you are going. 

Overall, you have to practice your offense if you don’t want a defender to block your shots. Practice the basics and advance of dribbling, the crossover, stepbacks, and other basketball moves that can create separation between you and your defender. 

Why Block Is Important In Basketball?

Block is essential because it is the one that prevents an offensive player from scoring. Aside from steals, blocks are also effective if you did it correctly. When you are good at blocking shots, you are a valuable player for your basketball team. Why? Because you have a good defense, and defense is all a basketball team needs to win. 

Centers or tall basketball players are the ones that are good at blocking shots. They are tall, which is why they can effortlessly reach any shots before it goes inside the rim. Players with high vertical leap can also effortlessly block a shot. They only have to jump high to reach the ball. 

Why Do NBA Players Block Shots After Whistle?

NBA players are known for blocking shots after the whistle. Why do NBA players do this? NBA players block the shots after a whistle because they don’t want a player to get into the rhythm and find their shot. Tall players that are standing close to the basket are the ones who block the shots after a whistle. 

Kevin Garnett is the famous NBA player who blocks shots after a whistle is made. He loves trash talking and getting inside the skin of his opposing player. Joakim Noah is one of the players that idolized Kevin Garnett. Noah told Garnett on the court that he is his biggest fan. However, Garnett continues to trash talk him with lots of bad words. 

Final Thoughts 

Getting blocked in basketball is a big deal for all basketball players, coaches, and fans. Blocks are one of the reasons why basketball is an exciting sport. When you block the shot of your opponents, it increases your morale and helps you become more confident. Blocks are essential, not only defensively but also mentally.

Why do you think block shots are a big deal in basketball? Comment your answers below! 

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