Kristian Ferrell
Basketball moves are individual actions used by players to pass defenders, gain access to the basket, or pass to a teammate to score. Some of the most common basketball moves include the crossover, through-the-legs, behind-the-back dribble, hesitation dribble, in-and-out dribble, pump fake, jump stop, Euro step, and the putback jam. While there are thousands of basketball moves, perfecting the basics is more effective than attempting complex moves.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Passing technique | Touch pass, baseball pass, jump pass |
| Dribbling technique | Crossover, Through-the-legs, Behind-the-back, Hesitation dribble, In-and-out dribble |
| Shooting technique | Pump fake, Jump shot, Layup, Slam dunk, Putback jam, Bank shot, Swish, Fadeaway, Floater, Step back |
| Footwork | Front pivot, Step through, Drop step, Spin move |
| Other | Jump stop, Pro-hop, Euro step, No-look pass, Alley-oop, Pick |
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What You'll Learn
The crossover
To perform a successful crossover, the ball-handler should first indicate that they are headed in one direction, through a simple head fake or a step in that intended direction. This movement should be sold convincingly, with a lean in the intended direction, to encourage the defender to move with them. Once the defender has committed to following the ball-handler, the crossover can be executed by bouncing the ball back over to the other hand, allowing the ball-handler to change direction and move past the defender. This move is most effective when performed with speed, as the quick change in direction can throw the defender off balance and allow the ball-handler to drive to the basket or create a passing lane to a teammate.
There are several variations of the crossover that can be used to keep defenders guessing and further develop the move. For example, Tim Hardaway, a 5-time NBA All-Star, was known for setting up his defender by performing a quick power dribble between his legs, followed by a quick crossover in the other direction. This forced the defender to change direction twice, making it difficult to recover and stop Hardaway's progress. Other variations include the through-the-legs crossover, where the ball is passed between the legs before the crossover, and the behind-the-back crossover, where the ball is switched from hand to hand behind the player's back.
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Pump fake
A pump fake, also known as a shot fake, is a feigned attempt to pass or shoot the ball. It is a fundamental move in basketball, used to cause defenders to jump (known in basketball slang as "lifting" the defender) or be shifted off-balance. It is most commonly used in the low post area, where a player is much more likely to have their shot blocked.
To perform a pump fake, you must first establish yourself as a credible scoring threat. The move is most effective when used in situations where the defender is close enough to be deceived by the fake, such as when you have the ball in a shooting position or when you are driving towards the defender.
When executing the pump fake, it is important to remain under control and not overcommit to the fake. Pay attention to how the defender reacts, and adjust your plan accordingly. If the defender bites on the fake and jumps or lunges towards you, you can take the shot if you have a clear look, dribble past the defender, or make a quick pass to an open teammate.
Mastering the pump fake requires practice and repetition. Focus on improving your timing, footwork, and deception in various game-like situations to become more comfortable and effective with the move. Keep in mind that while the pump fake is a simple move, it is a powerful tool that has been used by many top basketball players to dominate their opponents.
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Euro step
The Euro step is an offensive basketball move that was developed in European basketball. To perform the Euro step, the player with the ball takes long steps at an angle toward the basket while picking up their dribble or landing in a "jump stop" position. The player then takes a second step or side step in the opposite direction to create space from the defender for an open layup or dunk.
The Euro step is a creative way to use the two steps allowed by basketball rules to complete a layup or dunk after picking up a dribble. The move is meant to fake out a defender by making them think the player with the ball is heading to the basket in one direction, only to quickly change direction and head to the basket in the opposite direction. This creates space between the ball handler and the defender, making it easier to make a layup.
To perform the Euro step, it is important to start with the ball outside the three-point arc. Before driving to the basket, create a path with an initial setup move. If you are in a stationary "triple-threat" position, you can disorient your defender with a hard jab step that feigns a drive in the direction of the step. If you have already begun your dribble, you can mirror the same misdirection with a low crossover dribble.
When executing the Euro step, it is important to slow down and allow the defender to slide themselves out of the play before attempting a layup or shot. Some players struggle with the Euro step because they are unable to "sell" the fake when they take the first step in their layup. To counter this, the movement of the head and body can be exaggerated to force the defender to shift.
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Through the legs
The through-the-legs basketball move is a variation of the crossover dribble, which involves bouncing the basketball in front of you from one hand to the other. To perform the through-the-legs move, you start by getting into a basic dribbling stance with your knees slightly bent and your head and chest pointed straight ahead. You then bounce the ball with the pads of your fingers on your dominant hand in front of you at knee height. As you take a diagonal step forward with your opposite foot, shift the ball to the side so that only your thumb is on top. Then, push the ball between your open legs so that it bounces underneath you and comes up behind you. Move your opposite hand behind you to receive the ball.
The through-the-legs move is a great way to keep the ball out of a defender's grasp. When the ball is passed between the legs, the front leg makes it difficult for the defender to reach in and ensures the ball is further away from them. It is important to note that the timing and coordination needed for this move can make it difficult for young players. Therefore, it is crucial to practice and perfect the fundamentals of dribbling before attempting more advanced moves.
To improve your through-the-legs dribble, you can try some drills. Start by standing with your feet about shoulder-width apart while holding the basketball. Then, move your left foot about a step ahead of your right foot. This will help you develop your wrist action and finger pad control. Additionally, you can practice dribbling the ball in place, focusing on keeping your balance and shifting your weight to prepare for movement.
The through-the-legs dribble can be combined with other dribble moves to create scoring opportunities. For example, it can be followed by a behind-the-back dribble, where you move the ball from one hand to the other by bouncing it behind your back. This combination allows an offensive player to quickly attack the basket and can help protect the ball from a defender trying to steal it.
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Hesitation dribble
The hesitation dribble is a basketball move used to trick the defender into thinking you're about to stop, allowing you to then explode past them. This move involves dribbling with speed, then slowing down for a split second before accelerating again. To perform this move, you can slightly raise your body, look up to the rim as if you're about to shoot, or look up at a teammate. This causes the defender to also slow down, losing their momentum, which creates an opportunity for you to accelerate past them.
The hesitation dribble is a great way to throw off the defender's timing and is often used in transition to beat a defender and attack the rim or create a shot for a teammate. It is important to note that while fancy moves like the hesitation dribble are useful, perfecting the basics of dribbling, shooting, and passing is crucial to becoming a great basketball player.
To perform a successful hesitation dribble, it is important to change speeds to keep your defender off balance. If you only dribble at one or two speeds, the defender can more easily adjust to your pace. Staying low with your hips down helps you stay in a position to explode past the defender. You can also show a tiny lift in the hips to fake them out.
Depending on the defender's position, keeping the ball out to the side shields it from their reach. If they overplay the ball, you can simply cross it over to the other hand and drive past. Looking up also helps sell the fake, as defenders tend to lift their body up when they see you look up, anticipating that you will slow down, shoot, or pass.
Practicing dribbling with both hands is essential to mastering moves like the hesitation dribble. It enables you to move freely in either direction and makes it more challenging for defenders to guard you. While moves like the hesitation dribble can be effective, it is also important not to overcomplicate things. Focusing on mastering the fundamentals and keeping your moves simple and effective will benefit your overall performance on the court.
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Frequently asked questions
Some basic basketball moves include the crossover, the through-the-legs, and the behind-the-back dribble. The crossover involves bouncing the basketball in front of you from one hand to the other and is used to change direction. The through-the-legs and behind-the-back dribble are similar moves that allow players to switch the ball from one hand to the other while protecting it with their body.
Some more advanced basketball moves include the Euro step, the pump fake, and the jump pass. The Euro step is a multi-step motion where the dribbler picks up the ball, takes a step in one direction, then quickly takes a second step in the other direction before attempting a layup. The pump fake is a feigned jump shot attempt used to cause defenders to jump or be shifted off-balance. The jump pass is a pass performed while the passer's feet are off the floor, which can confuse defenders into thinking the passer is shooting instead of passing.
Some basketball moves that don't involve dribbling include the jump stop, the step-through, and the drop step. The jump stop involves taking a small step and landing on both feet simultaneously, allowing the player to pivot using either foot. The step-through is used to create space and beat the defense. The drop step is used to clear space on the perimeter and reposition your hips when attacking the basket.
