Which technique helps reduce open space and close passing lanes in defense?

• A. Increase open space
• B. Stay far from attackers
• C. Begin with large angles and gradually decrease
• D. Ignore passing lanes

Answer: (C)

Controlling space and passing lanes comes from how you position your body and use angles. Starting with wide angles gives you time to read the ball handler and defend multiple potential passes, keeping you between the ball and key targets. As you move in, gradually narrowing the angle helps compress the space, so the passer faces tighter lanes and the offense loses easy options. This progression lets you stay balanced, slide laterally with the attacker, and still contest passes without giving up drive lanes or surrendering open spaces. The aim is to funnel the offense into tougher, shorter passing routes rather than letting them thread a ball through wide, undefended gaps.