Andrew Pace
Basketball players have different philosophies and techniques when it comes to deciding which foot to use as their pivot foot while driving. The most popular philosophy is to plant the inside foot as the pivot foot, which means that the pivot foot varies depending on the direction in which the player is moving to receive the ball. However, some coaches prefer the primary pivot philosophy, where players always use the same pivot foot regardless of direction, with right-handed players using their left foot as the pivot and vice versa. This consistency in footwork simplifies the game and allows players to develop more explosiveness in their first step, guaranteeing consistent explosiveness regardless of driving direction.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Philosophy | Primary pivot foot |
| Inside pivot foot | |
| Advantage | Consistency in footwork |
| Explosiveness | |
| Simplifying the approach | |
| Techniques | Direct drive with the direction foot |
| Direct drive with the opposite foot | |
| Crossover drive | |
| Rules | 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 |
| The pivot foot shall not be lifted before the ball is released to start a dribble | |
| A player may not touch the floor consecutively with the same foot | |
| A pivot is the legal movement in which a player who is holding a live ball on the playing court steps once or more than once in any direction with the same foot, while the other foot, called the pivot foot, is kept at its point of contact with the floor |
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What You'll Learn
The 'primary pivot' philosophy
Basketball players have different philosophies regarding which foot to use as their pivot foot when receiving a pass. One common philosophy is to plant the inside foot when receiving a pass, making it the pivot foot. This means that the pivot foot will vary depending on the direction in which the player is moving to receive the ball.
However, another philosophy, known as the "primary pivot" philosophy, advocates for establishing the same pivot foot every time, regardless of the direction of movement. For right-handed players, the left foot is the primary pivot foot, while for left-handed players, it is the right foot.
The primary pivot philosophy emphasizes simplicity and consistency in footwork. By always using the same pivot foot, players can maintain consistent footwork whether driving to the right or left. This simplicity reduces the complexity of footwork for players, making it easier to master.
Additionally, the primary pivot philosophy enhances explosiveness. Players who consistently explode off the same foot develop a more dynamic and powerful first step. This explosiveness forms the foundation for developing a potent offensive game. The repetition of using the same pivot foot enables players to master their explosive first step, providing them with a consistent advantage when driving in either direction.
Furthermore, the primary pivot philosophy helps players avoid travelling violations. Inside pivot foot players may struggle with the complexity of using different feet for pivoting, increasing their likelihood of travelling. By simplifying footwork, the primary pivot philosophy reduces the chances of players accidentally travelling and losing possession.
In conclusion, the primary pivot philosophy in basketball emphasizes the importance of consistency and simplicity in footwork. By always using the same pivot foot, players can develop a more explosive first step, maintain consistent footwork, and reduce the risk of travelling violations. This philosophy streamlines the learning process and enhances players' offensive capabilities, providing them with a reliable foundation for driving and manoeuvring effectively on the court.
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The 'inside pivot foot' philosophy
The game of basketball involves a lot of footwork, and one of the most important aspects of this is the pivot foot. There are two different philosophies regarding which foot to establish as the pivot foot when receiving a pass: the inside pivot foot philosophy and the primary pivot foot philosophy.
The inside pivot foot philosophy states that you should plant your inside foot when receiving a pass, establishing it as your pivot foot. This means that your pivot foot will vary depending on the direction you are moving to receive the ball. For example, if you are moving to your right to receive the ball, your left foot will be your pivot foot, and vice versa. This is the most commonly taught philosophy for catching the ball and establishing a pivot foot.
Using the inside foot as the pivot foot has its advantages. For example, when coming off a screen or in certain catch-and-shoot situations, using the inside pivot foot can be beneficial. Additionally, when using the inside pivot foot, players can start the shooting motion slightly before the jab foot has returned to its original shooting position, creating more space to get off a shot.
However, the inside pivot foot philosophy also has its drawbacks. It can complicate footwork, as an inside pivot foot player must learn multiple ways to drive the basketball, depending on which foot is their pivot foot. This can lead to travelling violations, as seen more often in inside pivot foot players.
In contrast, the primary pivot foot philosophy emphasizes establishing the same pivot foot every time, regardless of the direction of the cut. For right-handed players, the left foot is the primary pivot foot, and for left-handed players, the right foot is the primary pivot foot. Coaches who follow this philosophy believe that it promotes simplicity and consistency in footwork, allowing players to develop a more explosive first step.
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The importance of consistency
Consistency is vital in basketball, especially when it comes to footwork and establishing a pivot foot. By consistently using the same foot as your pivot, you simplify your footwork and make your movements more efficient and predictable for your teammates. This consistency also leads to more explosive gameplay, as you develop a more powerful first step when driving to the basket.
The primary pivot philosophy advocates for players to always use the same foot as their pivot, regardless of the direction they are moving. This approach ensures that players develop a strong and dynamic first step, enabling them to drive to the basket with more force and speed. It also reduces confusion, as players always know which foot to plant as their pivot, minimizing the risk of traveling violations.
In contrast, the inside pivot philosophy teaches players to plant their inside foot as the pivot when receiving a pass. This means that the pivot foot varies depending on the direction the player is moving. While this method is popular, it can complicate footwork and requires players to learn multiple techniques for driving to the basket.
Consistency in pivot foot choice also impacts the development of other skills. For example, players with a consistent pivot foot can focus on improving their jab and rip-and-go moves, as they have a stable foundation to work from. This consistency allows coaches to create scenarios in practice that help players develop these complementary skills more effectively.
Additionally, consistency in footwork can help players avoid common violations like traveling. Traveling occurs when a player takes more than the allowed number of steps without dribbling or changes their pivot foot. By always using the same foot as their pivot, players can reduce the risk of violating these rules and maintain smooth, legal movements on the court.
In conclusion, consistency in establishing a primary pivot foot is crucial in basketball. It simplifies footwork, leads to more explosive gameplay, reduces confusion, and helps players develop complementary skills. By focusing on consistency, players can improve their overall performance, make more dynamic moves, and avoid common violations on the court.
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Explosiveness
The primary pivot foot philosophy is a style of footwork that teaches players to establish the same pivot foot every time they receive a pass, regardless of their cutting direction. This consistency allows players to develop more explosiveness in their first step than those who use a different foot each time. The alternative is the inside pivot foot philosophy, where the pivot foot is the inside foot when receiving a pass. This means the pivot foot will be different depending on the direction the player is moving to receive the ball. This approach is considered to unnecessarily complicate footwork, requiring twice as much time and repetition to develop the same level of explosiveness as the primary pivot foot philosophy.
To improve explosiveness, players can employ a variety of drills. Agility ladders, for example, train rapid directional changes, enhancing foot speed and court adaptability. Weaving through cones with a ball in hand demands focus, sharp cuts, and quick decision-making, preparing players for in-game situations. Jump roping is another useful drill, as it improves foot coordination and balance. Additionally, box jumps are an excellent way to train the legs for high rebounds and powerful drives, while also emphasising proper landing mechanics to prevent injuries.
Players can also improve their explosiveness by studying and emulating the moves of the best scorers in the league. For example, players can study Joel Embiid's footwork and practice post-up moves with their back to the rim. By mastering footwork, players can significantly improve their overall performance on the court.
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Travelling violations
In basketball, there are two philosophies regarding which foot to use as your pivot foot when driving. The first is to plant your inside foot when receiving a pass, making it your pivot foot. This means that your pivot foot will vary depending on the direction you are moving to receive the ball. The second philosophy, referred to as "primary pivot," involves always using the same pivot foot regardless of the direction you are cutting. For right-handed players, the left foot is the primary pivot foot, while for left-handed players, it is the right foot.
Travelling is a rules violation in basketball that occurs when a player takes more steps than allowed while holding the ball. The specific number of permitted steps varies depending on the league. For example, the NBA and FIBA consider taking more than two steps without dribbling the ball to be travelling, whereas the NCAA and NFHS have stricter rules, not allowing any steps without dribbling.
A pivot is a legal movement where a player holding the ball steps once or multiple times in any direction with the same foot while keeping the other foot, called the pivot foot, in contact with the floor. The moment one foot is lifted, the other becomes the pivot foot. Lifting and returning the pivot foot to the floor, or dragging it along the floor, is considered travelling. Additionally, a player must not dribble a second time after voluntarily ending their first dribble.
There are other ways to be called for travelling besides taking too many steps. For instance, if a player jumps while holding the ball, they must pass or shoot it before either foot touches the ground again. Falling to the floor while holding the ball is also considered travelling under NCAA and NFHS rules. In the NBA, if a player is in possession of the ball on the floor and rolls over with it, it is deemed travelling, often referred to as "up and down."
The interpretation and enforcement of travelling rules have evolved over time, with critics arguing that travelling violations are sometimes overlooked in the NBA. The pace of the game and the split-second nature of decisions can make it challenging for referees to catch every travelling violation.
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Frequently asked questions
A pivot foot is the foot that a player uses to pivot when receiving a pass or ending a dribble. The pivot foot may be lifted, but not returned to the playing court, before the ball is released on a pass or try for goal.
The primary pivot philosophy teaches players to establish the same pivot foot every time they receive a pass, regardless of which direction they are cutting. If you are a right-handed player, your left foot is your primary pivot foot, and if you are a left-handed player, your right foot is your primary pivot foot.
The inside pivot foot philosophy teaches players to plant their inside foot when receiving a pass, establishing it as their pivot foot. This means that the pivot foot will be different depending on the direction the player is moving to receive the ball.
The primary pivot foot philosophy simplifies footwork and allows players to develop more explosiveness in their first step. It also cuts down on confusion regarding which foot to use when driving, which can lead to traveling violations.
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