Andrew Pace
In basketball, pivoting is a fundamental skill that enables players to change direction while maintaining their dribble, protecting the ball from defenders, and creating space to shoot or pass effectively. The technique involves keeping one foot, known as the pivot foot, firmly planted on the floor while moving the other foot in any direction, allowing for agile manoeuvres without incurring a travelling violation. The choice of the pivot foot depends on the player's handedness and game situation, with right-handed players often using their left foot as the pivot and vice versa. Pivoting is a crucial aspect of basketball, providing players with the ability to adapt, create opportunities, and execute strategic plays on the court.
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The pivot foot
When teaching young players how to pivot, it is important to focus on footwork. Players should pretend that there is a nail in the big toe of their pivot foot, allowing the heel to come up but keeping the toe on the ground. The pivot foot can be either the left or right foot, and players should practice pivoting with both. During a pivot, the ball of the pivot foot must remain in contact with the floor and must not slide sideways. If the pivot foot is lifted completely, it is called a travelling violation.
The choice of which foot to use as the pivot foot depends on the game situation and the player's dominant hand. Typically, right-handed players will use their left foot as the pivot foot, while left-handed players will use their right foot. However, low-post players who have their back to the basket may choose to receive the ball with both feet planted, allowing them to select either foot for pivoting based on the defender's position.
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How to pivot
Pivoting is an essential skill in basketball, allowing players to change direction, protect the ball, and shoot or pass quickly. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to pivot:
Footwork
The first step to learning how to pivot is understanding footwork. One foot, known as the "pivot foot", stays firmly planted on the floor while the other foot can move in any direction, ideally 180 degrees. The ball of the pivot foot must always be in contact with the floor, and players should pretend there is a nail on the big toe of this foot to avoid lifting it. The pivot foot can be either the left or right foot, and players should practice using both.
Types of Pivots
There are two main types of pivots: the forward pivot and the reverse pivot (or drop-step). In a front pivot, the toes lead the movement, while in a reverse pivot, the heel leads. Outside players often use their non-dominant foot as the pivot foot when facing the basket, while low-post players with their back to the basket may receive the ball with both feet planted.
Drills and Practice
Beginners can start practicing pivots without a ball, focusing on slow and deliberate movements. They can then gradually increase speed and add a ball as they become more comfortable. Drills such as "Passing Tag" can help players practice pivoting while passing and protecting the ball. Players should also practice game situations, pivoting after catching the ball or before making a pass. It is important to maintain proper positioning and balance, keeping the eyes up and protecting the basketball.
Rules and Techniques
When pivoting, players must keep their head up with eyes forward and knees slightly bent. The pivot point must not change, and players should avoid becoming flat-footed or having their weight back on their heels. When shooting a jump shot, the pivot foot may lift off the floor, but the ball must be released before landing back on the floor. Additionally, when starting a dribble, the ball must leave the hand before lifting the pivot foot.
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Pivoting and dribbling
When a player dribbles, they must ensure that their pivot foot, which is the first foot to touch the floor, remains firmly planted while the other foot can move in any direction to create space or avoid defenders. This movement should ideally be 180 degrees, and players are taught to imagine that their big toe on the pivot foot is nailed to the floor, allowing the heel to lift but not the toe.
The choice of pivot foot is determined by the player's movement. If a player is airborne and lands on both feet simultaneously, they can choose either foot as the pivot, but the pivot foot must then stay in place until the ball is released on a pass or shot. If a player lands on one foot first, only that foot can be the pivot. In the case of both feet being off the court, a player can jump off one foot and land simultaneously on both feet, but neither can then be the pivot foot.
Pivoting is crucial as it allows players to change direction, protect the ball, and quickly shoot or pass. It is an essential skill to practice, and coaches should simulate game-time scenarios to help players understand its importance.
It is important to note that lifting the pivot foot before dribbling, taking multiple steps, or shuffling the feet can result in a violation called travelling, where the ball is turned over to the opposing team.
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Types of pivots
There are two main types of pivots in basketball: the forward pivot and the reverse pivot (also known as the drop step). The forward pivot involves the player stepping or spinning forward, while the reverse pivot involves the player stepping or pivoting backward.
The choice of which foot to use as the pivot foot depends on the game situation and the player's dominant hand. For example, a right-handed player facing the basket will typically plant their left foot as the pivot foot and make a jab step with their right foot. The reverse would be the case for a left-handed player.
When a player catches the ball in the air, the first foot to touch the floor becomes the pivot foot. If the player catches the ball with one foot already on the ground, that foot becomes the pivot foot. If the player is standing with both feet on the ground, they can choose which foot to pivot on, but they cannot then switch to the other foot.
The pivot foot must remain planted on the floor, with the ball of the foot in contact with the floor at all times. The other foot can move in any direction, ideally 180 degrees, to create space or avoid defenders.
It is important to note that the rules regarding pivoting and travelling violations have evolved over time and may vary between different leagues and regions.
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The pivot position
When a player is stationary on the court, they can move one foot in any direction as long as the other foot, known as the "pivot foot", remains planted on the floor. This is called pivoting and is an essential skill for all basketball players to master. The pivot foot can be either the left or right foot, depending on the game situation and the player's dominant hand. For example, a right-handed player will typically use their left foot as the pivot foot, while a left-handed player will use their right foot.
There are two types of pivots: the forward pivot and the reverse pivot (or drop-step). In a forward pivot, the player spins or steps forward, while in a reverse pivot, the player pivots or steps backward. It is important to note that the ball of the pivot foot must remain in contact with the floor at all times and must not slide sideways. If the pivot foot is lifted, it is called a travelling violation.
Teaching players how to pivot effectively starts with footwork. One technique is to instruct players to pretend there is a nail in the big toe of their pivot foot, allowing the heel to come up but keeping the big toe on the floor. Visual aids, such as cones or markers, can also help players understand the footwork and movement involved in pivoting.
By pivoting, players can change direction while maintaining their dribble, protect the ball from defenders, and quickly shoot or pass. Practising pivoting in game-time scenarios, such as pivoting after catching the ball or before making a pass, can help players improve their skills.
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Frequently asked questions
A pivot in basketball is a move that allows players to change direction while maintaining their dribble, protecting the ball from defenders, and setting up plays for passing or shooting.
To pivot, you keep one foot (the "pivot foot") planted on the floor while moving the other foot in any direction. The ball of the pivot foot should remain in contact with the floor at all times, and the heel can come up, but the big toe must not move.
In a forward pivot, the player pivots or steps forward, while in a reverse pivot (or drop-step), the player pivots or steps backward. The choice between a forward and reverse pivot depends on the game situation and the player's dominant hand.
Pivoting is useful when you need to change direction, protect the ball, or set up a pass or shot. During practice, simulate game-time scenarios to get comfortable with pivoting, such as pivoting after catching the ball or before making a pass.
