Amanda Knapp
Basketball is a fast-paced, high-scoring sport that requires a combination of skill, agility, and strategy to succeed. Scoring in basketball can be challenging, especially when faced with heavy defensive traffic. However, with the right techniques and tactics, players can improve their scoring abilities and gain an edge over their opponents. From mastering the art of reading the help side and knowing when to attack to employing crafty finishing moves like the Ginobli Euro Step or the Steve Nash No-Jump Layup, there are numerous strategies that can be utilised to improve scoring in traffic basketball.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Know when to attack the hoop | Attack the basket when you think there will be late help-side rotation on defense. Look "behind" the player guarding you and pick the opportune time to attack. |
| Seek contact | Offensive players should seek out contact with defenders to gain an advantage and avoid getting blocked. |
| Use the rim | "Use the rim to protect you" by doing a reverse layup, making it harder for the shot-blocker to contest your shot. |
| Protect the ball | Keep the ball "chinned", with two hands and elbows bent, to maintain control and make it difficult for opponents to steal. |
| Use inside hand layups | The "inside hand layup" is an effective move, using the off-hand to finish, which catches the defender off guard and is hard for shot-blockers to reach. |
| Finishing moves | Use crafty finishing moves, such as the Ginobli Euro Step or the Steve Nash No-Jump Lay Up, to improve your scoring ability. |
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What You'll Learn
Attack the basket when there's late help-side rotation on defense
Attacking the basket in basketball requires a good level of court awareness. This allows players to position themselves as offensive threats and take advantage of defenders being out of position. One of the most important parts of scoring around the basket is knowing when to attack the hoop. Attacking the basket when there's late help-side rotation on defense is a great tactic to employ. Here's how to do it:
First, look "behind" the player guarding you. This is how you read the help side and pick the right time to attack. It's important not to drive into traffic when doing this. You can also use the defender's momentum against them if they recover in time. This will give you a lane to attack the basket.
Another way to take advantage of the defender's positioning is to attack in the opposite direction of the pass. For example, if the pass comes from the left, attack to the right. This works because most defenders will be on the same side of the floor as the pass, so attacking the opposite side will give you more space to work with.
When attacking the basket, it's crucial to protect the ball. Keep the ball "chinned", with two hands and elbows bent, making it difficult for defenders to steal. Also, be aware of your body positioning relative to the ball. Keep the ball on the outside or side of your body, so you are "ball strong" and ready to finish.
Additionally, seek contact with the defender. Offensive players who seek out contact are less likely to get blocked. Shot blockers are taught to stay away from the offensive player's body and challenge the ball up top. By seeking contact, you can gain an advantage and make it harder for them to block your shot.
Finally, use the rim to your advantage. One effective way to finish around the basket is to do a reverse layup. This protects you from the shot blocker and makes it difficult for them to contest your shot. You can also try an inside hand layup, which is a one-foot finish using your inside hand. This move is unexpected and can catch the defender off guard, as they may be anticipating a regular layup.
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Seek contact with the defender
Seeking contact with the defender is a key tactic in basketball, and one that can give you a real advantage when trying to score. The old coaching adage goes, "offense wants contact, defense doesn't", and this is because an offensive player who seeks contact with the defender is less likely to be blocked.
So, how do you do it? Well, as an offensive player, you have the right to attempt a shot without being impeded by the defender. This means no grabbing of the arm or wrist, and the defender must also allow you space to land after a jump shot. If they do either of these things, it's a foul. If you are defending the player with the ball and you press your trunk against them, it is also a foul.
It's important to note that there is a fine line between legal and illegal contact. Officials will use their judgment to determine this, but there are some clear rules. For example, if you extend your arm, shoulder, hip, or leg into the path of an opponent and contact occurs, you are not considered to have a legal position. Also, if you make contact with the player more than once, or with both hands, this is a foul.
To avoid committing a foul, you can use your torso, shoulders, and a little bit of forearm to create space or box out an opponent when neither of you has the ball. This is a useful tactic when rebounding, as it gives you a better chance of gaining possession.
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Use the rim to protect yourself
To score in traffic in basketball, you need to use the rim to protect yourself. This involves using your body to shield the ball from defenders while driving to the hoop. Here are some tips to help you improve your scoring ability in traffic:
Firstly, start by mastering the fundamental footwork techniques. The jab step, cross step, load step, and rocker step are all essential moves that will help you drive to the hoop more effectively. The jab step, for example, involves starting in a triple-threat position and quickly jabbing a foot toward the defender before bringing it back. This can create space between you and your defender, allowing you to drive to the hoop or execute a rocker step to get to the rim.
The triple-threat position is crucial. This is where you start with the ball just off your shooting-side hip in an athletic stance, from which you can shoot, pass, or dribble. In this position, you establish a pivot foot and a lead leg. The lead leg is the leg that is legally allowed to move, while the other foot remains planted as the pivot foot. All the footwork described is performed by the lead leg.
Now, let's discuss a specific drill to help you improve your scoring in traffic: the Mikan drill. This drill is excellent for developing your finishing skills and improving your touch around the rim. Practice putting up a lot of layups at different angles, with and without the backboard. Finishing is not just about technique; it also requires focus and feel. Strengthen your legs with exercises like lunges and squats to improve your leaping ability and hang time, which are crucial for finishing in traffic.
Additionally, work on your overall body control. Stand directly underneath the hoop and flip the ball up off the backboard, trying to spin it in. Grab the rebound and alternate hands. Pay attention to your footwork and maintain your pivot foot when you get the rebound. Repeat this drill from various angles and positions to improve your scoring ability from anywhere within 5-8 feet of the basket.
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Keep the ball chinned
Keeping the ball chinned is a fundamental skill in basketball, and it's important to master this technique to improve your game. Here's a detailed guide to help you understand and execute this move effectively:
Understanding "Keep the Ball Chinned"
The phrase "keep the ball chinned" refers to holding the basketball close to your chin while maintaining a low stance. This technique is crucial for protecting the ball from defenders and setting yourself up for various offensive moves. It's especially useful when you're in a crowded area or driving towards the basket. By keeping the ball chinned, you create a barrier that makes it challenging for defenders to reach in and steal the ball.
Executing the Technique
To execute the "keep the ball chinned" technique effectively, follow these steps:
- Catch and Control: When you receive the ball, use both hands to secure it. Bring the ball close to your chest and chin, ensuring it's compact to your body. This initial move helps you gain control and protect the ball from defenders.
- Maintain a Low Stance: Keep your body low to the ground by bending your knees. This stance makes you more agile and less likely to have the ball stolen by a defender. It also prepares you for quick movements and pivots.
- Elbow and Hand Position: Keep your shooting elbow tight to your hip, and balance the ball on your fingertips. Your non-dominant hand can be used to brace the ball and provide extra stability. This positioning ensures the ball is secure and allows for quick and precise movements.
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings: While keeping the ball chinned, it's crucial to maintain awareness of your surroundings. Keep your head up and know where the ball, your teammates, and your opponents are. This peripheral vision will help you make informed decisions about your next move.
- Utilize Fakes and Feints: To keep defenders guessing, use fakes and feints. For example, perform a quick jump stop, then chin the ball and make a half-body turn. This unpredictability can create opportunities for passing or driving to the basket.
- Practice Different Moves: Work on incorporating "keep the ball chinned" into various offensive moves. For instance, practice the sweep/rip move, where you rip the ball from one side to the other as you change direction. The half sweep/rip is another effective fake, where you fake the rip and then move to the same side.
Benefits of Keeping the Ball Chinned
By mastering the "keep the ball chinned" technique, you gain several advantages on the court:
- Ball Protection: This technique significantly reduces the risk of having the ball stolen by a defender. It creates a natural barrier and makes it challenging for opponents to reach in.
- Improved Offense: With the ball close to your chin and body, you can quickly shoot, pass, or drive to the basket. It allows for more precise and unpredictable offensive moves, keeping defenders off-balance.
- Enhanced Awareness: Keeping the ball chinned encourages you to maintain better peripheral vision. This awareness helps you spot open teammates, anticipate defensive moves, and make more effective decisions.
- Versatility: The "keep the ball chinned" position is versatile and can be used in various offensive scenarios. Whether you're driving to the basket or creating space, this technique provides a solid foundation for your next move.
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Use inside hand layups
To score in traffic in basketball, one of the most important skills to master is the layup. The layup is considered the easiest shot in basketball, as it is taken so close to the basket that you are likely to score every time. However, it is also much harder to score layups in a variety of situations, especially when there is a defender trying to block your shot.
To perform a layup, the first step a player makes as they pick up the basketball should be with their "'outside" foot (the foot closest to the sideline). For right-handed layups, this is the right foot, and for left-handed layups, it is the left foot. The second step is taken with the inside foot (closest to the middle of the court). For right-handed layups, this is the left foot. Players must be in control of their bodies as they perform their layups. They should slow down to increase their chances of scoring.
There are multiple types of layups, including the traditional layup, the zero-step layup, and the off-foot layup. The traditional layup is similar to a regular jump shot, with the player getting their hand under the ball and "shooting" it off the backboard. This is also known as the "finger roll", where players put their shooting hand under the ball with their fingers facing forward, then roll the ball off their fingertips as they extend their arm to the hoop.
The off-foot layup involves jumping off the same foot you are shooting with. For example, jumping off the right foot for a right-hand layup. This can be useful for surprising the defence. Another variation is the Euro Step, where you take your first step in one direction and then change direction with your second step. This can help you deceive your defender and create space to score.
It is important to practice your layups while being defended or off of a long pass. Playing 1-on-1 can help you practice against a chasing defender, and you can add more players to simulate help defence.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some tips to improve your scoring in traffic basketball:
- Know when to attack the hoop. Attack the basket when you anticipate late help-side rotation on defense.
- Seek contact with the defender. This will make it harder for them to block you.
- Use the rim to protect you. Try doing a reverse layup so that the shot-blocker can't contest your shot.
- Protect the ball by keeping it "chinned", with two hands and elbows bent, making it difficult for the opponent to steal.
A few effective finishing moves are:
- The Ginobli Euro Step or Side Step: Use a side step to get around the defender when they block your driving lane.
- The Steve Nash No-Jump Lay Up: Instead of jumping, use your quickness to get the ball up before the defender can recover and block your shot.
Here are a couple of tips to improve your layups:
- Use inside hand layups: This is an effective way to catch the defender off guard as they expect a regular layup.
- Practice the corner finishing drill: This will help you improve your ability to finish at the rim.
To practice scoring in traffic basketball, you can incorporate specific drills and plays into your workouts and practice sessions. Subscribe to newsletters or websites dedicated to basketball to receive new drills and tips to improve your scoring. Additionally, seek out coaching strategies and resources that can provide guidance on improving your scoring abilities.
