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Defense·5 min

Closeout Technique in Basketball: A Step-by-Step Guide

Closeouts are where defense is won and lost. The play looks simple — sprint at the shooter — but the details (chop step, hand placement, angle) decide whether you contest a shot or get blown by.

The four steps of a clean closeout

  1. Sprint the first 2/3 of the distance
  2. Chop your last 2–3 steps to gather balance
  3. High hand on the shooter (same side as shooting hand)
  4. Land in stance, ready to slide on a drive

The hand placement debate

Hand straight up beats hand in the face. You contest more shots, you don't get whistled for a foul, and you stay balanced for the drive.

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