One-On-One Basketball Moves

Outside Live-Ball Moves
Many times you will receive a pass on the court and find that, although you are guarded, you are the closest one to the basket. It's now up to you to make a move with the ball so you can get off your shot. This is where you get to add your personal offensive touch. Being able to execute more than one of the following individual moves with the ball will greatly help you get free for your shot. Practice them when you're alone, using different fakes and varied speeds.

When you practice these moves, be sure that you turn, face the basket, and assume proper basketball position: your feet a shoulder's width apart and pointed toward the basket, your knees are flexed, and your shoulders are facing the basket. If you are right handed, keep the ball on your right side. If you are left handed, keep it on your left side.

The Drive
The drive, a quick move past the defender toward the hoop, is one of the most basic of all offensive basketball moves. If you are able to drive well, then you can get past your man and successfully penetrate the defense. Once you are close to the hoop you can then go for the shot yourself, possibly getting fouled; or, you can dish off to a teammate who can get an uncontested lay-up or a short- range jump shot.
Don't overuse the drive. What happens in a game when you continually look for the drive is that your defensive man automatically starts to back up once you have the ball. He knows what you want to do. By backing off, he denies you the first step to the hoop. This takes away any advantage that you had over him with the drive.

When this happens, a player has to bring out the best offensive weapon there is to get the drive back: the OUTSIDE shot. If the defense is laying off you to keep you from driving, then go for your jumper. After you make two or three of them, the defense will be forced to move back in close to keep you honest. Then you got your man right where you want him. He's more vulnerable than ever to your quickness, and you can use your drive again.

It's important to protect the ball with your body when you are driving. Do this by turning your trunk as much as possible to prevent any steals. For a drive to the basket, quickness and control are great assets to have. Practice your drive like this:

1. Face up and be square with the basket. Keep low, knees flexed, and in a good basketball offensive position.

2. With the ball in your hands, work on pushing off on your back foot and taking that first long step to the hoop.

3. Put the ball down hard on the floor, before you pick up your pivot foot.

Do this often. Once this first quick step starts to come naturally, you are on your way to becoming a dangerous driver. When you do commit yourself to going up for the shot, after the drive, concentrate on making the shot. It's going to be congested as you move to the hoop. Other players will pop out to pick you up. Concentrate on making the shot! Look to pass only if you can't get your shot off, or if you can spot a teammate in a better scoring position.

[read other Step]