Helena Frye
Pulling the chair is a defensive move in basketball where a defender waits for an opponent with their back to the basket to make a move with the ball. Once the opponent moves, the defender moves backward, causing the opponent to lose their balance and fall or make a bad play. This technique was popularized by Pistons player Rick Mahorn, who used his forearm to execute the move effectively. While it is considered a smart and entertaining strategy, it is also seen as embarrassing for the opponent, who may fall or be called for traveling.
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What You'll Learn
How to use pulling the chair to your advantage
Pulling the chair is a smart, effective, and entertaining form of defence in basketball. It involves taking advantage of an opponent's misstep and using their momentum against them to create a highlight reel.
To pull the chair effectively, look for opportunities when your opponent is leaning against your arm. This usually happens when defending the post. When you feel your opponent's weight on your arm, quickly move your forearm, and they will lose their balance and fall. This technique is especially effective if you are a powerful, large player like Rick Mahorn, who popularized this move during his 18 seasons in the NBA.
The element of surprise is critical to the success of pulling the chair. It is a rare move, which increases its effectiveness as opponents are less likely to predict it. If you become known for using this technique, opponents may anticipate it and adjust their play to counter it.
While pulling the chair can be a successful defensive strategy, it is important to use it sparingly and only when the opportunity presents itself. It is a subtle move that can easily go unnoticed, especially if it results in a simple layup. However, when executed at the right moment, pulling the chair can be a powerful tool to disrupt your opponent's rhythm and create a memorable play.
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The rules that led to the creation of this defensive move
Pulling the chair is a defensive move in basketball that involves tricking the opponent into travelling by pretending to fall or pulling a chair from under them. While this move can be effective, it is considered risky as it often results in conceding easy buckets or dunks to the opposing team.
The rules of basketball allow for a wide variety of defensive strategies, and pulling the chair is one such tactic that has emerged over time. The key rules that come into play with this move are those regarding travelling and personal fouls. Travelling occurs when an offensive player moves illegally with the ball, and this is what the defender aims to trick their opponent into doing. However, if the defender makes contact with the opponent or their chair, it may be called a personal foul, as seen in a game where Embiid pulled the chair on Giannis and was called for a foul.
Additionally, the rules regarding blocking and charging may also come into play with this defensive move. If the defender successfully tricks the opponent into travelling, it could result in a charge being called if the defender is in a legal guarding position. On the other hand, if the defender is not in a legal guarding position, it may be called a blocking foul.
The effectiveness of pulling the chair also relies on the rules regarding possession and scoring. If the defender can force a travel, they may be able to gain possession of the ball for their team. Furthermore, if the opponent is travelling while attempting to score, any points made may not count, which could be advantageous for the defending team.
While pulling the chair can be a strategic move, it is not commonly used, as players are generally savvy to this trick. It may be more effective if used sparingly and unpredictably, as part of a broader defensive strategy.
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How pulling the chair can cause a turnover or a bad shot
Pulling the chair is a defensive move in basketball, popularised by Rick Mahorn, that can cause a turnover or a bad shot. It involves waiting for an opponent to make a move with their back to the basket, and then moving backward, causing them to lose their balance and fall. This can result in a turnover as the opponent loses possession of the ball.
The move can also create an opportunity for a bad shot, as the opponent may be forced to take an off-balance shot that they are unlikely to make. Pulling the chair is a risky move, as it can give up easy scoring opportunities for the offense if the defender fails to knock the opponent off balance. Additionally, if the offensive player is aware that the defender is using this strategy, it can be easily countered.
However, when executed successfully, pulling the chair can be an effective way to disrupt an opponent's rhythm and create turnovers or force bad shots. It is a rare move, and part of its success lies in its unpredictability. If it were more commonly used, it might become easier for offensive players to predict and counter.
Some players, like Tony Allen, have effectively used this technique to seal wins. Allen pulled the chair on Kevin Durant, showcasing its potential impact in crucial moments of the game. Pulling the chair can be a strategic option for defenders to consider, especially when facing skilled opponents who rely on their leverage to gain an advantage.
In conclusion, pulling the chair is a defensive tactic that can cause turnovers or bad shots by knocking opponents off balance. Its effectiveness relies on surprise and proper execution, as failed attempts can result in easy scoring chances for the offense.
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The players who have mastered the art of pulling the chair
Pulling the chair is an effective defensive move in basketball. When an opponent with their back to the basket moves, the defender moves backward, causing the opponent to lose balance and fall or stumble, resulting in a turnover or a bad shot. While the move has been around for decades, it is not very commonly used. This is because it is a tricky move to execute, requiring the opponent to be completely off-balance, and if the offensive player is aware that this strategy is being used, it is easy to counter.
Rick Mahorn, who played for the Bullets, Pistons, Sixers, and New Jersey Nets, is considered the gold standard of pulling the chair. Mahorn himself learned the move from NBA champion Wes Unseld, who was listed at 6 feet 7 inches tall. Mahorn's mastery of the move has led to it sometimes being called the "Rick Mahorn" or pulling a Mahorn.
Some other players who have successfully pulled the chair include Tony Allen, who used the move on Kevin Durant, and Dahntay Jones, who was signed specifically for his expertise in this move. In 2003, Pistons guard Chauncey Billups pulled the chair on the Cleveland Cavaliers' Ricky Davis. More recently, in 2023, Kings guard Davion Mitchell pulled the chair on Thunder shooting guard Josh Giddey, forcing a turnover.
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Why pulling the chair is an effective technique
Pulling the chair is an effective technique in basketball because it is a smart, subtle, and entertaining form of defence. It involves a player on defence moving backward as their opponent with the ball moves, causing the opponent to lose their balance and fall or become off-balance, resulting in a turnover or a bad shot. This technique is often used by smaller players defending larger opponents and can be very effective if executed perfectly.
For example, in a 2003 playoff game, Pistons guard Chauncey Billups pulled the chair on the Cleveland Cavaliers' Ricky Davis. This move was popularised by Rick Mahorn, who played 18 seasons in the NBA and became known for his physical style of play. Mahorn perfected this defensive technique, and it has since been dubbed the "Rick Mahorn" or "pulling a Mahorn."
Another example of its effective use was when Tony Allen pulled the chair on Kevin Durant, helping seal the win. However, pulling the chair is a risky move that can easily backfire if the opponent does not fall for it, as it gives them more space to get a shot off. Additionally, if the offensive player knows the defender uses this strategy, it can be easily countered.
Despite these risks, pulling the chair remains an effective technique in certain situations, particularly when the defender can accurately predict when the opponent is off-balance. It is an entertaining move that can throw off an opponent's game and has been used by several notable players in the NBA.
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Frequently asked questions
"Pulling the chair" is a defensive move in basketball. When playing post defence, the defender waits for their opponent to make a move with the ball, then moves backward, causing the opponent to lose their balance and fall or make a bad shot.
To do the "pulling the chair" move, wait for your opponent to make a move with the ball, then move backward. This will cause them to lose their balance.
The "pulling the chair" move is a good option when your opponent has their back to the basket and is about to make a move with the ball.
Yes, "pulling the chair" is a smart, effective, and entertaining form of defence. It has been used by players like Tony Allen, Royce O'Neale, and Jrue Holiday.
Some players consider "pulling the chair" a dirty move and don't like to use it. Additionally, if the opponent doesn't fall, they may be called for travelling, which can be embarrassing.
