Body balance is the first physical ability we need to teach young basketball players. All successful individual maneuvers are easier and more effective when made with good body balance.

Good balance calls for weight to be equally distributed and slightly forward. The center of gravity should be low and knees well bent in a wide stance, but not wide enough to be uncomfortable. Crouch as low as comfort and natural movement permits.

Flex the arms naturally and use them to maintain balance and quick starts. This is offensive balance that calls for a player to be in an alert, quick-starting position when not in possession of the ball. Whenever in possession of the ball, the player should be low enough to protect the ball.

The only difference between offensive balance and defensive balance is the use of the arms. On offense the arms are used for balance and quick starting. On defense, they are used the same way as well as blocking shots and deflecting, or intercepting passes.

Both early season and even out-of-season drills should be practiced in order to perfect this skill. I have used drills for this purpose with new squads and big players who are not agile in their movements.

This diagram shows a team drill that helps the coach to notice players who have poor balance.

A squad leader puts the team through this drill. Space the players so each has ample room. They start in an upright position and on the command "one" they squat so their butt rests on the heels. The arms should hang naturally at their side. At the command "two" players come back to the original position. If the players are able to continue this movement without losing balance, they successfully passed this first simple test.

A similar drill is used to teach good defensive balance, form, and conditioning. The squad leader faces the same direction as the rest of the team and goes through defensive maneuvers such as the shuffle step top either side and the boxer's step up and back, all the time using his arms to block imaginary shots and passes.

This should be done at moderate speed in order to teach form. This is also a "quick reaction drill, as well. The coach knows who reacts slowly.

The more time you devote to this practice, the more efficient players become.