The SKLZ D-Man is a defensive mannequin that is great for basketball training and drills. Three main reasons why the SKLZ D-man is good for basketball players is because it is portable, great for solo practice or team settings, and helps improve offense skills such as ball handling, shooting, and passing.

However, the SKLZ D-man may have durability issues and is not ideal to use in windy situations.

There are plenty of drills you can do with the SKLZ D-man. The SKLZ D-man has a strong base and simulates an opposing defender with two hands up and players can use that to take their game to the next level.

Kids, in particular, can really benefit and improve alot when using the SKLZ D-man. It is a great training tool for coaches that want to focus on the small details that build better technique and form while the young player visualizes the D-man as a real defender.

Click HERE to get the SKLZ D-man.

Product Details

•Dimensions: 4.9 x 23 x 19.1 inches (in)

• Weighs 6.79 pounds (lbs)

•Learn to shoot or pass over or around the hands-up defending position

•Ideal for solo practice or team settings

•Portable, lightweight, sets up and breaks down easily

•Adjustable telescoping pole (6.5′ to 8′) gives varying defensive options

•Base and ground stake included for stability

The SKLZ D-Man is Great For Solo Practice or Team Settings

The SKLZ D man helps visualize the opposition so the player can practice independently.

If a player doesn’t have anybody to work with them, they can still work out solo. They can work on a variety of shooting drills.

Multiple SKLZ D man can be used for team practices and use to improve execution of plays.

The SKLZ D-Man Improves Offense Skills

Ball Handling

The SKLZ D-man can be used to improve a player’s ball handling skills. This is because it can mimic real life game situations.

Players can drive the ball to the SKLZ D-man and then cross it and go to the basket. Multiple SKLZ D-man can be arranged and set as obstacles for the players to navigate around. After doing this repeatedly, players will be more comfortable dribbling and handling the ball against real defenders.

The SKLZ D-man can be positioned in various ways and coaches can have the player catch the ball in front of the D-man and have the player work on their pump fakes among other things.

Passing

Passing is a fundamental skill and the players can use the SKLZ D-man to improve their passing.

Because of the hands up feature of the SKLZ D-man, it’s great tool for making better passes.

Often times, younger players may get how plays work in practice but they may look lost when they get in the actual game. Coaches can place multiple SKLZ D-man and put an emphasis perfecting the right passes and plays.

Shooting

The SKLZ D-man helps players become a better shooter. Why? Because it’s great for developing a higher shot arc. It’s really good practice for shorter players since it helps them visualize what it’s like to have a hand in your face when shooting.

You can also use it to improve floaters and other difficult shots.

The SKLZ D-Man is Portable

One of the great things about the SKLZ D man is how lightweight and portable it is.

For example, you can mount it to a trash can base with wheels so you could move it easily in the gym.

You can bring it to your local recreation center or gymnasium. Whether you’re on an indoor court, a playground, or the street, you can still get that practice in.

The SKLZ D-Man Has Durability Issues 

Special care needs to be taken when moving the SKLZ D-man.

The pipe at the bottom of the assembly can crack if it hits an object. When moving the D-man, do NOT drag it. Instead lift and carry it and try carrying the base independently.

If the pipe breaks, you buy your own PVC pipe.

The poles may also bend and the base may split at the seam after repeated use. If the pole bends, there’s no way to replace or straighten out.

Avoid Using the SKLZ D-man in Windy Conditions

The SKLZ D-man is hard to use when it’s windy.

 5 mph winds can cause it to fall over while your practicing. There is even a possibility the tubes may get bent and damaged after falling over. Some solutions can be to fill the base with wet sand.

Even with a weighted base, there is still a huge chance the SKLZ D-man will fall over.

Do NOT expose to extreme heat for long periods of time (6-8 hours). This could cause the poles to be warped.

SKLZ D-man Drills

1. Block-to-Block Post Moves with Pressure

The player catches the ball anywhere in the key, make a move on the D-man, make a shot, turn around and look for a ball from either wing at any time.

2. Catch and Shoot off the Screen

The player will come off the screen (off a D-man), catch the pass, turn, and shoot over another D-man.

3. Reverse Pivot Jump Shots

The player will catch a pass from the top of the perimeter, turn around, catch and shoot over the D-man.

See video below to see execution of these moves using the SKLZ D-man

Conclusion

The SKLZ D-man is a serious tool that players can use to improve their game. It is good for improving a player’s dribbling, passes, and shooting skills. It is also great for practicing solo or in a team environment.

Despite how useful the SKLZ D-man is, it’s important to handle with care, especially when using it outside in windy conditions.

Get the SKLZ D-man NOW!

For information about basketball training gear, check out:

Why The SKLZ Dribble Stick is Essential | Review

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