Andrew Pace
Basketball is a team sport played by two sides on a rectangular court. The core objective is to score points by putting the ball inside the hoop, with players occupying different positions and performing different roles. To excel at the game, players must master various dribble tricks and moves to outplay their opponents. While some players like Giannis have 2-3 signature moves, others like Kyrie or CP3 have an extensive arsenal of moves. By perfecting a few fundamental basketball moves, players can have everything they need to beat any defender on the court.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of basketball moves needed | 6 fundamental moves to beat any defender |
| Number of pivots and counters to learn 100+ moves | 3 pivots and 3 counters |
| Types of moves | Pull-up jumper, Euro step, layup, over-the-head move, hesitation dribble, in-and-out dribble, behind-the-back dribble, step back, side step |
| Training qualities | Lateral strength, power, hip internal and external rotation, shoulder mobility, rotational training, decelerative qualities |
| Number of moves needed | Depends on the player and their physical qualities |
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What You'll Learn
Mastering the fundamentals
One of the most important fundamentals to master is dribbling. Dribbling is a movement that every player must master as it allows them to control the course of the game. There are several types of dribbles that can be used to trick and manoeuvre around defenders. The crossover dribble, for example, is a fundamental move used to change direction quickly and throw the defender off-balance. It involves bouncing the basketball in front of you from one hand to the other and is often used when a player wants to change directions without the risk of the defender stealing the ball. Another type of dribble is the behind-the-back dribble, where the ball is moved from one hand to the other by bouncing it behind the player's back. This is useful when the player needs to switch the ball to the opposite hand but doesn't have room to use a regular crossover.
Pivoting is another fundamental skill in basketball. It involves rotating one's body while keeping one foot in place on the floor. Pivoting is an important tool to quickly change direction or orientation to the basket and can be done with or without the ball. A common pivot is the front pivot, where the player rotates their body to face the basket. This can be combined with a step-through move to get the defender on their backside and create space.
In addition to dribbling and pivoting, there are other fundamental moves that can be used to beat defenders. The hesitation dribble, for instance, involves dribbling with speed, slowing down for a split second, and then exploding past the defender. The goal is to trick the defender into thinking you're about to stop, which can be achieved by slightly raising your body or looking up at the rim. The spin move is another powerful manoeuvre used to change direction while shielding the ball from the defender. It is one of the most difficult moves to learn but is an important weapon for players to have.
While mastering the fundamentals is crucial, it's also important to recognize that different players will have different styles and strengths. Some players, like Giannis, may rely on a few basic moves that work for them due to their physical attributes, while others, like Kyrie or CP3, may have an extensive arsenal of moves that keeps defenders guessing. Ultimately, the number of moves a player needs depends on their individual characteristics and playing style.
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Footwork and pivots
Footwork and pivoting are fundamental skills in basketball, and a team with strong pivoting skills will be able to adapt to defensive play and expose weaknesses in the opposition.
The Pivot Foot
The pivot foot is the foot that remains in contact with the floor while the player controls the ball while stopped. The player can spin or change position, as long as the pivot foot does not move from its initial position or lose contact with the floor. The pivot foot can be established before dribbling or after picking up the dribble. Once the pivot foot is established, the player must not lift or change it, or it will be called a travelling violation. The pivot foot is crucial in developing various opportunities during the game.
Footwork Fundamentals
Some footwork fundamentals include the jump stop, triple threat, split step, changing direction, cutting, defensive footwork, and close-outs. A good "basketball position" or stance is important, with weight on the balls of the feet, feet shoulder-width apart, knees flexed, head centred, and hands at chest height. This position makes it easier to start and stop, change direction and pace, jump, shoot, pass, catch and dribble.
Pivoting Techniques
When pivoting, the weight should be on the heels, and the pivot foot should be on the ball of the foot, not flat. The pivot foot should not slide sideways. The player should rotate around the ball of the pivot foot, keeping their head up and eyes forward. The pivot foot should remain in contact with only the back part and area across the toe. This will help the player maintain a low, balanced, and powerful position to gain a tactical advantage.
Advanced Footwork
Mastering the basics of footwork and pivoting will allow players to develop more advanced skills. For example, NBA Skills Trainer Don Kelbick teaches the front pivot and its counter, the step through. By learning these few pieces of footwork, players will immediately be able to perform hundreds of basketball moves.
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Dribbling techniques
Dribbling is one of the most fundamental skills in basketball, and perfecting your dribbling technique is key to becoming a good ball handler. Here are some of the most important dribbling techniques to master:
The Control Dribble
The control dribble is used when a defender is guarding you closely. To execute this move, keep your body in a somewhat crouched, bent-over position, with the ball low to the floor and close to your body. Use your forearm and wrist to bounce the ball, keeping your head up and eyes forward. Protect the ball by positioning your body between the ball and the defender, and use your other arm as a guard to prevent the defender from reaching around you.
The Hesitation Dribble
The hesitation dribble is a move designed to trick your defender. Start by dribbling with speed, then slow down for a split second before exploding past your defender. This can be achieved by slightly raising your body and looking up to the rim as if you're about to shoot, causing the defender to slow down and lose their momentum.
The In-and-Out Dribble
This move is designed to make the defender think you're about to perform a regular crossover. Keeping the basketball in one hand, use a head and shoulders fake while moving the ball inside and then back out by switching the position of your hand on the ball.
Behind the Back Dribble
The behind-the-back dribble allows players to switch the ball from one hand to the other while protecting it. The entire body is used to protect the ball as the player wraps it behind them. This move is useful when a defender is close by and you need to switch the ball to the opposite hand without using a regular crossover.
Drills
To improve your dribbling skills, it's important to practice dribbling drills regularly. Set up cones or chairs and practice dribbling around them, working on your speed and agility. Practice using both hands and dribbling in different directions. You can also partner up with another player to work on your dribbling while they try to defend you.
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Attack moves
The Euro Step
The Euro step is a move where a player, after picking up their dribble, takes a step in one direction, bumping into their defender, and then quickly takes a second step in the other direction before attempting a layup. This move is designed to evade at least one defender before attacking the basket. It was brought to the NBA by Šarūnas Marčiulionis, a Lithuanian, and Manu Ginóbili, an Argentine who arrived via the Italian league.
The Hesitation Dribble
This move involves dribbling with speed, slowing down for a split second, and then exploding past the defender. The goal is to trick the defender into thinking you're about to stop by slightly raising your body, looking up to the rim as if you're about to shoot, or looking at a teammate. As the defender slows down in response, you can quickly accelerate past them.
The In-and-Out Dribble
The in-and-out dribble is designed to make the defender think you're about to do a regular crossover. Keeping the ball in one hand, the offensive player uses a head and shoulders fake while moving the ball inside and then back out by switching the position of their hand. This move is great for players who are new to the game.
The Behind-the-Back Dribble
This move allows players to switch the ball from one hand to the other while protecting it. The player wraps the ball behind them, and the entire body protects the ball. This move is useful when a defender is close and you need to switch the ball to the other hand without using a regular crossover. It also enables you to pass the ball out in front of your opposite hand, allowing for a quick attack.
The Over-the-Head Move
In this move, the player rotates the ball over their head in a circular motion while stepping to one side of the defender. It is used to prevent the ball from being stolen when driving to the basket or on fast breaks.
The Rip & Go
The rip & go drill is another effective move to get past a defender when they are on a close-out.
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Defensive moves
There are several types of defensive strategies in basketball. Man-to-man defence, also known as one-on-one or man-on-man defence, involves assigning each defensive player to an offensive player. This strategy allows defenders to force the dribbler towards the sidelines and baseline, making it easier to trap them and collect rebounds. It is a reliable strategy as it provides consistent cover, enabling teams to set up traps, force turnovers, and box out key players. However, it is also basic and predictable, demanding strength and speed from the defensive team.
Zone defence, on the other hand, involves assigning each defensive player to cover a specific area of the court. When an offensive player enters a defender's zone, the defender attempts to stop and block them. If the opponent leaves the zone, the defender remains to protect their area, with another defender picking up coverage. Zone defence is less physically demanding than man-to-man defence and allows teams to arrange players in different ways. However, it provides less intensive coverage of the ball, leaving potential openings for the offence to exploit.
Combination defences, such as match-up zone, box and one, diamond and one, and triangle and two, combine man-to-man and zone defences to confuse the opposing team. These strategies are riskier and more prone to breakdowns in coverage, so they are typically used sparingly to change momentum during a game.
Full-court and half-court press defences involve applying constant pressure to the offensive team across the entire court or after they cross the half-court line, respectively. These strategies aim to force turnovers, fatigue the offence, and disrupt their flow. While the full-court press is riskier and used more sparingly, the half-court press can be employed throughout a game.
In addition to these strategic moves, individual defensive players can utilise techniques such as the closeout, lateral shuffle, and crossover run to improve their defensive capabilities. The closeout involves proper footwork and movement to close the distance to an opponent. The lateral shuffle helps defenders move laterally with efficient footwork, and the crossover run allows defenders to access unique angles on the court.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on what kind of player you are and your physical qualities. For example, a player like Giannis has 2-3 moves, but they always work because he's bigger and stronger than most defenders. On the other hand, a player like Kyrie Irving has countless moves. You can't stop him because you never know what he'll do next.
There are several fundamental basketball moves that form the basis of the game. These include the crossover dribble, the pump fake, the drive, the shot, and the jab step. By mastering these basics, you can then learn to combine and vary them to create more complex moves.
The crossover dribble is used to quickly change direction and throw the defender off balance. To perform it, start dribbling with your dominant hand. As you approach the defender, shift your weight slightly towards that hand to sell the fake. Then, bounce the ball in front of you from one hand to the other. Keep the crossover low and close to your body, and use quick, controlled movements.
In addition to the crossover dribble, there are several other dribble moves that can help you beat defenders. These include the behind-the-back dribble, the through-the-legs dribble, the hesitation dribble, and the spin move. Each of these moves serves a specific purpose and can be used to protect the ball, change direction, or create space.
