Amanda Knapp
The pivot foot is a fundamental concept in basketball, and players who master it early gain a significant advantage. It is the foot that remains in contact with the floor while a stationary player controls the ball. The player can spin or change position as long as the pivot foot does not move from its initial spot. Once the pivot foot is established, players can free it without travelling by shooting, passing, or dribbling. Recognising a player's pivot foot is key to correctly calling travelling, one of the most challenging violations to identify during a game.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | The pivot foot is the foot that remains in contact with the floor while a player controls the ball while stopped. |
| Determining the pivot foot | When both feet are off the playing court and the player lands on both feet, either may be the pivot foot. When the player lands on one foot followed by the other, the first foot to touch shall be the pivot foot. |
| Pivoting rules | A player can move their second foot in any direction as long as the pivot foot stays on the floor. The pivot foot is counted as Step 1. |
| Changing the pivot foot | Once a pivot foot is established, a player cannot choose a new pivot foot unless they lose possession. |
| Avoiding traveling violations | The pivot foot may be lifted, but not returned to the playing court, before the ball is released on a pass or try for a goal. |
| Drills | Players can practice pivoting 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise, maintaining the same height throughout the movement. |
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What You'll Learn
The importance of pivoting in basketball
Pivoting is an essential skill in basketball, and players should master it as early as possible. It is a fundamental building block for learning more advanced dribbling and footwork skills. The pivot foot is the foot that remains in contact with the floor while a player controls the ball while stopped. The player can spin or change position, provided their pivot foot does not move from its initial position or lose contact with the floor.
The ability to pivot correctly allows players to stop, survey the situation, pivot into a favourable position, and pass the ball safely. This controlled reduction of pace gives players valuable time to make the correct decision and helps them develop their basketball IQ. Pivoting is also crucial for referees, as recognising and calling travelling violations is one of the most challenging aspects of officiating a game.
To pivot correctly, a player must first establish their pivot foot. This is done by landing simultaneously on both feet, in which case either foot can be the pivot; landing on one foot first, in which case the first foot to touch the floor is the pivot; or landing on one foot and jumping off it to land simultaneously on both feet, in which case neither foot is the pivot. Once the pivot foot is established, players can move their other foot in any direction, as long as the pivot foot remains on the floor.
Pivoting rules can vary slightly depending on the basketball organisation. For example, the NCAA and NFHS do not allow players to take two steps without dribbling the ball, while the NBA and FIBA allow two steps. However, the basic principle of pivoting remains the same across all organisations: the pivot foot must stay in contact with the floor, and players cannot switch their pivot foot without losing possession.
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How to establish a pivot foot
Establishing a pivot foot is a fundamental skill in basketball, and one that players should master early on. The pivot foot is the foot that remains in contact with the floor while a stationary player controls the ball. The player can spin or change position, but the pivot foot must not move from its initial spot or lose contact with the floor.
There are two types of pivots: the forward pivot and the reverse pivot (or drop-step). The forward pivot is a clockwise spin or step forward, and the reverse pivot is an anti-clockwise spin or step backward. The pivot foot is usually the player's non-dominant foot. So, a right-handed player will naturally use their left foot as the pivot foot, and vice versa for left-handed players. However, the optimal pivot foot can change depending on the situation, so players should practice pivoting on both feet.
To establish a pivot foot, the first foot to touch the floor after catching the ball becomes the pivot foot. If both feet touch the floor at the same time, either can be the pivot foot. A player can also jump off one foot and land on both feet, but in this case, neither can be the pivot foot. Once the pivot foot is established, the player can move their other foot as many times as they like, but the ball must leave their hands before they lift their pivot foot to dribble.
If a player moves their established pivot foot without releasing the ball, it is deemed a travelling violation.
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Rules around pivoting and travelling
Pivoting is a fundamental skill in basketball that players should master as early as possible. It is the act of keeping one foot (the pivot foot) in contact with the floor while the player controls the ball in a stationary position. The player can spin or change position, as long as the pivot foot does not move from its initial spot 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, there are three legal ways to free it without travelling: passing, shooting, or dribbling. When passing, players with an established pivot foot may jump before releasing the ball, but only if neither foot touches the ground again before the pass is made.
Travelling is a violation of the rules of basketball, where a player takes more than a predefined number of steps while holding the ball. The number of allowed steps differs depending on the league. For example, the NBA and FIBA leagues allow two steps without the ball being dribbled, while the NCAA and NFHS leagues do not allow any steps.
A player can avoid travelling by establishing their pivot foot correctly and using a jump stop when necessary. If a player raises their pivot foot, they must pass or shoot before that foot returns to the floor. If the player is still holding the ball when the pivot foot touches the floor again, it is considered travelling.
Referees must be able to identify the pivot foot of a player to correctly call travelling. This can be challenging due to the speed and agility of players.
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Drills to improve pivoting skills
Pivoting is a fundamental skill in basketball that can give players a huge advantage in the game. It is the basic building block for learning more advanced dribbling and footwork skills. Here are some drills that can help players improve their pivoting skills:
Partner Pass and Pivot Drill
This is a great drill to teach players footwork and passing. It is suitable for beginners and can also be used as a warm-up drill for more experienced players. In this drill, partners line up on the sideline. The first player in line has a ball and dribbles 10-20 feet, jump-stops, and executes the prescribed pivot (e.g., front pivot). You can specify any footwork combination, such as bounce, chest, or overhead passes. Start with basic pivots first and slowly add more advanced pivots as players get comfortable.
Front and Inside Pivot Drill
In this drill, players will learn how to execute a front pivot and an inside pivot. They will make a full 180-degree pivot while maintaining good balance and then make the pass. It is important to keep knees bent and in a good athletic position during all pivots.
Reverse Pivot Drill
This drill will help players understand the difference between a front pivot and a reverse pivot. In a front pivot, the toes lead the way, while in a reverse pivot, the heel leads. After performing each move, players should freeze in a "statue" position to help them remember the correct footwork and build their muscle memory.
Passing Tag
Passing Tag is a fun and engaging way to teach players about pivoting while passing. Players are instructed to pivot in the direction of the pass and protect the ball from defenders. This drill helps players understand how to pivot in a game situation and keeps things enjoyable while learning.
Spin Toss and Catch Drill
This drill helps players develop both feet, which is critical to keeping defenders guessing. Start on the right side of the court outside the three-point arc with your back to the basket. Spin toss the ball to yourself and catch it with both feet in the air, landing evenly. Plant your left foot as your pivot foot and then reverse pivot, bringing your right leg around so you're facing the basket. Take one dribble and hit a pull-up jump shot. Repeat this drill on the opposite side of the court, using your right foot as the pivot foot.
Remember, the key to successful pivoting is to step with your foot and not just swing around with the top half of your body. With practice and patience, players will be pivoting like pros and developing their basketball IQ.
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How to pivot with either foot
Pivoting is a fundamental skill in basketball, allowing players to control their movement and positioning while holding the ball. The pivot foot is the foot that remains in contact with the floor while the player controls the ball in a stationary position. The player can spin or change their position as long as the pivot foot stays in the same place.
To pivot with either foot, you must first establish your pivot foot. This can be done in several ways:
- If you land with both feet simultaneously, either foot can be the pivot foot.
- If you land on one foot first, that foot becomes the pivot foot.
- If you jump off one foot and land on both feet simultaneously, neither foot can be the pivot foot.
Once the pivot foot is established, you can move your other foot in any direction, as long as the pivot foot stays on the floor. You can also jump off the second foot, but if you do, you must pass or shoot before the pivot foot touches the floor again.
It's important to note that the optimal pivot foot depends on the situation, so it's recommended to practice pivoting on both feet. Right-handed players may find it more natural to use their left foot as the pivot foot, and vice versa for left-handed players.
Pivoting is a crucial skill for young players to master as it allows them to slow down the pace of the game, make better decisions, and avoid committing travelling violations.
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Frequently asked questions
A pivot foot is the foot that remains in contact with the floor while a player controls the ball while stopped. The player can spin or change position as long as their pivot foot does not move from its initial position or lose contact with the floor.
A pivot foot can be established before dribbling or after picking up the dribble. When both feet are off the playing court and the player lands on both feet, either can be the pivot foot. If the player lands on one foot first, that foot becomes the pivot foot.
Once a pivot foot is established, there are three legal ways to free it without traveling: passing, dribbling, or shooting. A player can jump before passing the ball as long as they release it before either of their feet touch the ground again.
