Great Defense can lead to Great Offence. Stopping the Basketball, Deflections, Steals, and Charges are attributes of a great defense! Defense is a critical basketball skill that athletes need to adapt and embrace. This episode covers 3 Basic Defensive Skills: On The Ball Defense. Up The Line Defense. Help Defense. Mastering these defensive skills can lead to more playing time and being on the floor in crucial moments of a basketball game. Players who embrace being a scorer and defender will likely earn the trust of their coach.