Helena Frye
Driving in basketball refers to getting to the hoop or basket quickly and effectively. It is a highly sought-after skill as most modern offenses are centred around the dribble drive. To drive in basketball, you need to improve your ball handling and dribbling skills, as well as your speed and power. You also need to be aware of your weaker side and your defender's skills. It is important to know when to drive and to be respected in other areas of your game, such as having a good shooting range, to earn your opponent's respect and create more opportunities to drive.
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What You'll Learn
Playing off two feet
When a player is driving to the rim with defenders nearby, they can use a jump stop or stride stop to come to a controlled stop on two feet. This gives them more time to assess the situation and make a decision. With two feet on the ground, players can pivot, spin, and rip away from pressure, reducing the likelihood of turnovers. Playing off two feet also helps players avoid charges, a common foul when driving off one foot.
Additionally, playing off two feet can improve offensive efficiency by reducing low-percentage attempts and panic turnovers. It allows players to make stronger and more controlled passes, reducing the risk of interceptions by defenders.
To teach players when to use this technique, coaches can incorporate drills and competitive games. For example, a 1v1 drill with a help defender, where players must finish in the paint with a pump fake and pivot, emphasizes playing off two feet. This drill also teaches players when not to go off two feet, as defenders will start to anticipate the pump fake.
Overall, playing off two feet is a valuable skill for basketball players, providing them with strength, balance, and control in crowded situations, ultimately improving their offensive capabilities and reducing turnovers.
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The Nash dribble
Rather than picking up the dribble beneath the hoop, the Nash dribble involves continuing the drive to the opposite side of the floor. This often confuses the defence, creating opportunities for an easy finish or a pass to an open teammate. The Nash dribble is particularly effective when the defence relaxes, as they tend to do when the ball handler's primary drive is cut off.
To perform the Nash dribble effectively, it is crucial to maintain court vision by keeping your head up while dribbling. This allows you to see the entire court, enabling better control of the play and facilitating passes to open teammates. Practising drills with your weak hand and dribbling a tennis ball, as Steve Nash was known to do, can help improve your dribbling skills and comfort with the ball.
Additionally, the Nash dribble can be combined with specific shooting techniques. For example, starting at the baseline, attack the baseline through the key into the opposite lane, then pull up for a shot. Alternatively, after attacking the baseline, slice into the middle of the key for a running hook shot or a controlled fade.
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Improving your ball handling
Improving your ball-handling skills is essential to becoming a better basketball player. Ball handling involves dribbling, passing, and decision-making, and it is a skill that can be improved through various drills and techniques. Here are some ways to enhance your ball-handling abilities:
Dribbling Drills
Dribbling is a fundamental aspect of ball handling, and it can be improved through dedicated practice. Try the "Maravich Drills," named after the legendary ball-handler Pete Maravich. These drills include dribbling the ball around your body, figure 8s, spider dribbling, and drop and catch. Additionally, cone dribbling drills can help you navigate obstacles and improve your ball control. To challenge yourself further, try dribbling two basketballs simultaneously to enhance your focus and hand-eye coordination.
Change of Pace
Mastering the change of pace in your dribbling can give you a strategic advantage. Vary your speed and direction to keep defenders off-balance. This will not only create opportunities for you to drive to the basket but also open up passing lanes to set up your teammates. Quick, powerful dribbles offer more control and allow you to change direction quickly to counter defenders.
Playing Off Two Feet
When driving to the basket with defenders around you, it's important to play off two feet. This involves stopping your drive with a jump stop or stride stop, allowing you to finish strong through contact. Playing off two feet also gives you the option to pivot out of trouble and into space to find an open teammate if you can't finish at the rim.
Reaction Drills
Defensive pressure is an inevitable part of basketball, and reaction drills can help you handle these situations better. Partner with a coach or teammate to practice protecting the ball while reacting to their movements. These drills enhance your decision-making abilities under pressure and improve your overall control.
Off-Hand Development
Developing your non-dominant hand can make you a more versatile and unpredictable ball handler. Dedicate time to drills that strengthen your weaker hand, such as dribbling and passing drills. Becoming proficient with both hands will increase your effectiveness on the court and keep defenders guessing.
Practice Game-Like Situations
While dribbling drills are important, it's also crucial to practice your ball handling in competitive, game-like situations. Put yourself in game scenarios to improve your decision-making and imagination. The more time you spend handling the ball, the more control you will have. Don't be afraid to experiment and go beyond your comfort zone to truly enhance your ball-handling skills.
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Getting past your defender
Firstly, work on your dribbling skills. Practice dribbling with both hands and focus on developing a variety of dribble moves. This will make you unpredictable and help you throw off your defender's expectations. Practice dribbling with a purpose, changing speeds suddenly, and combining this with explosive speed will help you get past your defender.
Next, the angle of your attack is crucial. Avoid taking too wide an angle when driving, as this gives your defender time to recover and cut you off. Instead, opt for tight angles, driving directly at or just past the defender's outside foot. This forces them to open up their hips, conceding the direct line to the basket. Initiating contact with the defender in this manner can be effective, especially against bigger, slower players.
Additionally, develop a quick first step. If you can get that initial step ahead of your defender, you'll have an advantage. Practice playing 1v1 with someone of a similar or better skill level, and limit yourself to 2 or 3 dribbles. This will help you develop reliable scoring moves and improve your body control.
Also, work on your ability to go either left or right. Avoid having a preferred side that you tend to favour, as this makes you predictable. Being able to go both ways effectively keeps the defender guessing and helps you create space.
Finally, keep your eyes up, watch your defender's waist, and stay on your toes. This allows you to anticipate their moves and react accordingly. Practice your craft and refine your skills through repetition, and you'll soon be blowing by defenders with ease.
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Using a hop step
The hop step, also known as the pro hop, is a powerful move that can help you gain an advantage on the court. It is a combination of the euro step and jump-stop and is used by many players in the NBA and WNBA. Here are some tips on how to use the hop step effectively:
First, it is important to understand the mechanics of the move. The hop step involves jumping off of one foot and landing on both feet simultaneously, maintaining balance and control. Keep your knees bent and stay low to improve your balance and stability. Make sure to keep your head up to maintain court awareness and coordinate with your teammates.
To practice the hop step, start by jogging slowly down the court. At random intervals or on a whistle signal, execute a jump step, driving with your leading foot into a small hop. Land on both feet at the same time, with your knees bent and your body low. This will help you prepare for the next move, whether it's shooting or passing.
When using the hop step in a game, you can catch the ball and drive to beat your defender. Use a pound dribble to pull up the ball and pull off your inside foot. Rip the ball through and protect it close to your body. Land quietly on the balls of your feet, ready to spring up towards the basket.
It is important to note that the hop step is not the same as travelling. You are allowed to jump twice—once as a hop step and the second time to shoot—but you cannot land the second jump. Make sure that when you jump, you release the ball before your feet touch the floor.
The hop step is a great addition to your offensive arsenal, making you less predictable and harder to defend. With practice and mastery of this move, you can improve your chances of getting a shot and powering through traffic.
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Frequently asked questions
Improving your ball handling, dribbling skills, and quickness with the ball are essential. Crossovers and dribbling techniques can help you get past defenders and reach the hoop. Additionally, understanding your weak side when driving and knowing your defender's strengths are crucial.
Practice is key. Use a quality basketball, such as the Wilson Evolution Game Basketball, to enhance your skills. Work on your shooting range to keep defenders guessing and respect your abilities. Being unpredictable will create more opportunities to drive to the rim.
Pick up your dribble earlier and try a floater, or bring the ball close to the ground when you pick it up. Identify the holes in the defence, typically along the baseline or in the middle of the free throw area.
The "Nash dribble" is effective when your angle to the rim is taken away. Instead of picking up your dribble, continue driving to the opposite side of the floor, confusing the defence and creating opportunities.
Be intentional with the ball during your gather. When picking up your dribble, use both hands to control the ball and create space from the defender. Fight through contact and use a hop step to elevate off both feet, even jumping into the defender's body if needed.
