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…the more likely another defender will come to steal the ball. The post player will often take a hook shot once they have moved closer to the ball. They should be trying to get position in relation to the defender’s feet. The post player may also “hesitate” on their dribble…

…able to defend the player. A common mistake though is to make the shot fake: Too fast – moving into their next move before the defender has had time to react to the fake. Too small – not lifting the ball above their head (which becomes obvious to the defender!)….

When the offensive player drives baseline, they may come from behind the backboard. Here the reverse lay-up is shot with the back to the baseline and releasing the ball above their head. When the offensive player drives in front of the basket, the reverse lay-up may be shot with back…

…dribbler will look for an opportunity to “split” the two defenders (i.e. dribble between them). The dribbler, pushes the ball between the defenders and then moves their body through the gap. Another opportunity to “split” defenders is when a help defender comes across to stop dribble penetration. The offensive player…

…change direction and then returning to the original direction. A change of direction is often most effective when it follows a retreat dribble, taking advantage if the defender lunges forward. A second technique (most commonly used when moving across the court) is to turn and face the direction they are…

Step Back Move (off the Dribble) The “step back” move is used by a player with the ball to create space for their shot. It is generally performed by a player that is dribbling “side-on” to the basket and then steps away from the basket to create the space….

…drag the ball across. After they have finished the reverse pivot and are moving in the new direction, they change hands. A common mistake is to reverse pivot, but to change hands immediately. This usually means that the ball is unprotected as it is not “dragged” across as they step….

The player steps toward their target and throws the pass across their body, twisting their body so that their chest faces the target as the ball is released. Young players will often start a long pass at their hip and their hand underneath the ball and then throw it…

A post catch is again an example where one hand is behind the ball (the “target” hand) and the other hand is often holding position. As the ball hits their target hand, the post player quickly moves the other hand to get two hands on the ball. This style…

There will be many times in a game where a ball is passed to a player who must be ready to shoot immediately. The most common examples are: (a) Catching a pass on the perimeter after the ball has been penetrated into the key; (b) Catching the ball when coming…

…towards the perimeter. If the defender “trails” (running behind the cutter) then the cutter should curl back into the keyway. Footwork – Forward Pivot Players need to be able to execute different types of footwork, coming off the “turn out” cut. First, they must be able to do a “forward”…

…cut. It is most effective when the defender is trailing the cutter and the passer is ahead of the cutter. The cutter will often curl and dribble to the basket. Commonly, a screen is set at the elbow on a horizontal cut. Staggered screens may also be set at both…

It is often difficult in team practice sessions to improve the skills and techniques of each individual athlete and this is often best done in an individual session with the athlete or in small groups of 3 or 4 athletes. Some coaches will set aside some team practice sessions…