Five basic defense moves to master

WINNING is not only about scoring more points than your opponent. Good offense is fun to watch, but, as coaches will tell you, it's defense that wins championships. No matter what sport you play, it’s essential that you develop a game-winning defensive strategy.

Here are a few things that you must work on and master for a perfect defense, regardless of what sport you play.

Get your feet right
Your feet are what will keep you balanced and moving smoothly, so it’s crucial that you practice the appropriate stance and movements. Your feet may be properly set whenever you line up for a three ball, but your game will never be complete unless you perfect your defensive stance. If you’re a combat athlete, then you’ll know how important footwork is. Why block a shot when you can avoid it entirely? As Mr. Miyagi once said, “Best defense, no be there.”

Ring/Court/Field awareness
A court is a battlefield—you need to know where and when your opponent will strike so you can keep your defenses up. To keep your reflexes razor-sharp, you need to develop a keen sense of the court/field/ring you’re playing in. You need to know where you are and where you need to be without missing a beat.

Study your opposition
Every player or team has their own strengths, weaknesses, and habits. If you take the time to study your opponents, then you’ll know what moves they’ll pull before they even have a chance to execute. If you figure out that an opposing player has a tendency to pivot his left foot before shooting, you can time your block perfectly. Remember, knowing is half the battle.

Roll with the punches
You're not untouchable. Time will come when you will take a big hit. The question is, how will you take it? Learning how to roll with the punches or land properly to minimize impact will help you keep going. Even in a non-contact sport, learning how to mentally defend yourself against setbacks and losses is necessary for you to emerge victorious.

Defense against injury
You can master all the defensive moves you want, but they’re all be for naught if you spend most of your time sidelined on the bench with an injury. As an athlete, part of your job is to protect your body against injuries by keeping it healthy and strong. A regular strength and conditioning regimen, coupled with a nutritious diet, is essential for this.

The same idea of prevention and protection can apply to other things, too: like car maintenance. To keep your vehicle running smoothly, you need to regularly service it, while also using quality parts and lubricants. The Havoline range of engine oils continuously protects and defends your vehicle’s engine, like a strong fighter with the genuine strength to withstand any kind of abuse thrown at it. It prolongs the life of your engine, maximizes its performance, and meets the latest and strictest industry performance standards. Havoline protects the different parts of your engine throughout the oil drain service. Adding it to your car is a sure-fire defense strategy against wear and tear.

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