Search Results

…struggle with the release of their shot, which we traditionally teach as a “snap” (where the wrist bends and fingers point down). Instead, around the basket, players may find it easier to release the ball with their fingers pointing up and their wrist finishing straight. This type of release (a…

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…

…it may allow defenders to intercept it. The position of the defender’s head is often important as it will affect the defender’s balance. In defending a ball screen, the screener’s defender may move into the path of the dribbler. Whether this is simply a “show” or a double team, the…

…back to one side of the floor and may not be able to see both opponents and team mates. The best way to introduce the use of these skills is to have players practice in contested situations, whether that is 1v1 or with more players. Young players often use the…

…that the shot will be short of the basket. Players may also use a step back move to put the defender at a disadvantage. As they land on their back foot they keep the dribble alive, but lift their shoulders and head, as if they are stopping. If the defender…

…they can see behind them, before stepping. A reverse spin is often a cue for defenders to trap (“double team”) and the offensive player needs to see whether or not that is happening. As the player takes their reverse pivot, they pull the ball across their body in one motion,…

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 by…

…catch works well when the post player is using their upper body to “seal” a defender and moving their hands too early would allow the defender to move to intercept the pass. A general guide for the passer is to pass away from the defender’s head as this will minimise…

…off a screen. Hands Initially players are taught to catch the ball with two hands behind the ball, however this is not the correct grip for shooting. A shooter’s catch is where the player’s shooting hand is behind the ball and their other hand is on the side of the…

…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”…

2 performs a “horizontal” cut from one side of the court to the other side. On catching the ball, players need to be able to reverse pivot in order to face the basket. The player can then attack to either side. An attack to the baseline side must attack the…

…defenders are playing a full court zone defence, 1 passes to whichever player gets open (here 2). 2 passes to 3, who dribbles at x2 to commit them to defending. 3 then passes to 1 who steps onto the court on the side opposite where the ball was initially passed….