Clear the paint

• 1). Put yourself in the best position to receive the basketball. Stand between the defender and the ball, with one arm extended to receive the ball. Use your other arm to block your defender from coming around and stealing the ball.
  
  
• 2). Gain control of the situation by dominating the opposing player. Bend your knees and use your hips to drive your defender away from the paint. This is especially important when rebounding and posting up. Box out your opponent by putting your hip into the side of his leg and using leverage from your legs to displace him.
  
  
• 3). If the lane does not open up, use a specific play to clear the paint. Break away from the paint toward the three-point line. A defender will follow you out of the paint. If the opposing team is playing zone defense, your team can use a combination of boxing out and called plays to clear the paint.