What Does Clamp Mean in Basketball?
We’ve previously discussed how the game of basketball utilizes many different terms and language to describe differing offensive and defensive schemes. Whether these are slang terms or used in an official setting, it is important to understand what they mean to not cause any embarrassment on the court.
One such term is the word clamp. So, what does clamp mean in basketball and how do you put the clamp on someone?
Different Meanings of Clamp in Basketball
In basketball, the term clamp can refer to one of two situations.
The first, and more likely situation, is where a defensive player effectively shuts down their opposing player. This means that the defensive player plays defense so well against an individual offensive player, that said offensive player is not only unable to get off a good shot but that they struggle offensively due to the defensive pressure.
The second, and less likely situation, is where an offensive and defensive player get hooked on one another during a game. This usually happens when the individual players arms get tangled while positioning and jostling for a spot on the court. In this case, a personal foul will typically be assessed against the player that first hooked onto the other player.
How to Defensively Clamp an Opposing Player in Basketball?
When it comes to putting on the clamps on an opposing player, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind.
The first, is that defense is as-much a mindset as it is a technique. Let’s face it, the probability of you guarding a player and having them score no shots in an entire game is low. But can you reduce their points made as compared to their average typically scored?
Similarly, putting on the clamps on an offensive player can be done by frustrating the opposing player. This can include playing strict man-to-man coverage, fighting for positioning, and ensuring that they are unable to retrieve an offensive or defensive rebound.
When it comes to clamping down an offensive player, one of the easiest mechanisms is to tire the opposing player out. This means that they should not have any easy shot, pass, or rebounding opportunities. Although, undoubtedly, you will also tire yourself out, your contributions will be appreciated by your team and coach.
Another great wat to clamp an offensive player is to get in their head. Many basketball players play mentally and allow their emotions to get the best of them. Rather than allowing that to happen to you, you should remain cool and composed on the court.
Allow the opposing player to get upset. Let them show their frustration. But don’t react to it. Rather, just play your game and continue to clamp down hard on their offensive attempts.
Lastly, in basketball, you must develop a sense of amnesia. This means that although a play may not have gone how you expected or would have liked, you must forget about it and continue on with the game.
Whether the opposing player made a particularly difficult shot or secured a big offensive rebound, your job is to forget about it and try harder on the next play.
How to Avoid a Defensive Clamp by an Opposing Player?
If you happen to be the target of a defensive player trying to clamp down your game, you should first feel honored that the defense is playing hard against you. Not only does this indicate your technical and fundamental basketball prowess but this also means that the opposing team sees you as a threat.
However, if you are looking to avoid a complete clamp down on your game, it is important to focus on your fundamental basketball skills. This means that you should always be moving, cutting, and spinning away from your defender, looking for the ball and the open shot.
Secondly, if your defender is completely defending you, you still have a plethora of options to make yourself valuable on the court. This means that not only can you move your defender away from the hard side of the ball and court but also create vulnerabilities on the defense by removing a defender from play as they guard you closely.
Similarly, shooting and scoring are just one part of the game. While you may be indisposed due to a tough defender, you can still look to help your team and teammates by passing, rebounding, and creating open shot opportunities for others. While you may not be the one scoring, you will still be helping your team to success.
Lastly, don’t get frustrated. Although it may be natural to feel frustrated, angry, and upset, you should avoid showing those feelings and letting the defense get into your head.
Rather, like Kobe Bryant, show no fear or frustration.
Take what the defense attempts to throw at you and work your best. Continue moving across the court, looking for an open pass, an easy shot or layup, and tiring out your defensive man. Don’t forget, if you can get into your defenders head by making difficult shots and continuing to move off the ball, then you will see their morale drop.