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Basketball moves

Basketball moves are generally individual actions used by players in basketball to pass by defenders to gain access to the basket or to get a clean pass to a teammate.

Dribbling

Dribbling is moving while bouncing the ball.

Wraparound

In the wraparound, the ballhandler dribbles the ball behind his/her back, switching it to his/her other hand. This move can be used when the defender attempts a steal, allowing the ballhandler to begin moving forward as the defense move in. A streetball move with the same name involves swinging the ball around the opponent's body.

Spin move

In a spin move, the ballhandler spins his/her body to change the direction and put his body between the ball and the defender. The spin move can be used while dribbling (when it is also called a reverse pivot) or in a post position, where it is often used many times during a game. The move can also leave the ballhandler somewhat disoriented, or to be surprised by a defender after losing eye contact.

Crossover Dribble

In a crossover dribble, the ballhandler changes pace to confuse or freeze a defender. The move is often performed by street players. In the professional league, players like Allen Iverson, Jason Williams, and Tim Hardaway are known to use this move in order to generate an easy layup or jump shot. This move is most effective in open-court situations, where it is easy to shake or "juke" the defender with a simple crossover. If done properly, the defender will be caught off guard, being unable to change directions. Sometimes, the defender falls down; this is called an ankle breaker

Behind the Back Dribble

A basic move in which the ballhandler simply bounces the ball behind the back to the opposite hand, but note that the ball is not intended to go around the body as in the basic 'wraparound.' This move is used in order to avoid an easy strip, to 'stall', or to 'pick.' It can be used to avoid an easy strip as to be an alternative to bounce the ball in front of you for a tricky crossover. To stall means to overlook what can be setup on the court while still maintaining control over the ball. A pick is virtually the same as a stall but a pick is continuous; meaning that the ball is bounced back and forth behind the back-a pick may also be performed between the legs. The best choice as to use this move would be in the case of unavailability to outrun your defender and/or drive the ball closer to the hoop due to the lack of space between the ballhandler and defender.

Passes

Bounce pass

The bounce pass is a very effective and fundamental type of passing technique. This pass is when the player passes the ball to a teammate by bouncing the ball off the floor with a large amount of energy. A successful bounce pass can easily result in an assist because a bounce pass is harder for defenders to intercept. At the same time, a bounce pass may still be intercepted due to its slower speed. Thus, a player is required to use his or her best judgment when he decides whether or not to throw such a pass. The move has to be executed perfectly because a bounce pass just in front of the defender will result in a turnover or a hard catch for the receiver of the pass.

Chest pass

This pass is performed best by stepping towards your target with one foot, then pushing the ball out towards their chest with two hands while turning the hands over, ending with the thumbs pointing down. It is best used in the open court and on the perimeter.

Overhead pass

An overhead pass is another fundamental passing technique. It is used by snapping the ball over the head, like a soccer throw-in.

Baseball pass

The baseball pass is a pass where the passer throws the ball with one hand, as it were a baseball or a football. It is infrequently used, mainly only to set up last second plays off a baseline inbound.

Jump pass

A jump pass is a pass performed while the passing player's feet are off the floor. When done intentionally, it can sometimes confuse the defender, causing him to believe that the passer is shooting instead of passing. However, it at times is done as a result of the player having their shooting lane blocked and often leads to the player turning the ball over to the opposing team. This kind of pass is strongly discouraged in all levels of basketball, as it leaves the offensive player very vulnerable to turnovers.

Blind pass

Also known as a no-look pass, the blind pass is performed when a player looks in one direction but passes the ball to his target in another direction. Blind passes are risky and infrequently attempted, but when done correctly, can confuse the defense. The no-look pass has been popularized by players such as Pete Maravich, Isiah Thomas, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Jason Kidd, and Steve Nash.

Behind-the-back

Behind-the-back passes are passes dealt to a target behind the passer's back. Usually done to confuse the defender, behind the back passes can either be bounced off the floor or passed directly to a teammate's chest. However, most behind-the-back passes are direct. Earl Monroe was famous for this move. Steve Nash uses this move often, and Chris Webber is famed for using this move down in the paint.

Elbow pass

Introduced to much hype by Jason Williams, the Elbow Pass is one of the most difficult trick passes to execute. The Elbow Pass serves as a devastating compliment to the Behind-the-Back pass and can be used with varying no-look elements. Most effective on a fast-break, the Elbow Pass entails what appears to the defender as a simple Behind-the-Back pass, but as the ball crosses the passer's back, the passer hits it with his elbow, redirecting the ball back toward the side it started on and hopefully leaving the defender(s) flatfooted. Williams was able to pull off this pass at a full sprint during a Rookie All-Star game, but most amateurs have trouble hitting the ball with their elbow while standing still.

Two person game

Give and go

"Give and Go" is an offensive play that involves passing the ball (give) and then running (go) to an open spot to receive the ball back, usually near the basket, for an easy score. This play can be effective when the defender pays too much attention to the ball instead of the player who moves after passing the ball.

Pick and roll

"Pick and Roll" is an offensive play in which a player stops to screen (block) a defender for the teammate handling the ball and then slips behind the defender to accept a pass as the handler makes a move towards the basket. In the NBA, John Stockton and Karl Malone of the Utah Jazz are the quintessential pick and roll tandem and used this play to great effect in the 1990s. Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire of the Phoenix Suns are currently among the best pick and roll tandems.

Back door

A back door play is when a player without the ball gets behind the defense and receives a pass for an easy score. This can be executed if the defenders are unaware of the open space behind them. Also, when a defender overcommits on defense (e.g. tries to steal or deny a pass), they are vulnerable to a backdoor play. Most notably used by Pete Carril's team at Princeton University.

Shots

Layups

A layup in basketball is a two point attempt made by leaping from below, laying the ball up near the basket, and using one hand to tip the ball over the rim and into the basket (layin) or to bank it off the backboard and into the basket (layup). The motion and one-handed reach distinguish it from a jump shot. The layup is considered the most basic shot in basketball.

An undefended layup is usually a high percentage shot. The main obstacle is getting near the rim and avoiding blocks by taller defenders who usually stand near the basket. Common layup strategies are to create space, releasing the ball from different spots or use an alternate hand. A player tall enough to reach over the rim might choose to perform a more spectacular and higher percentage slam dunk (dropping or throwing the ball from above the rim) instead.

To play a safer layup, you can hold it with two hands, that way it is harder to block and you take two steps so that distinguishes it from the jump shot.

As the game has evolved through the years, so has the layup. Several different versions of the layup are around today. Layups can be broadly categorized into two types: the underarm and the overarm. The underarm layup involves using most of the wrist and the fingers to 'lay' the ball into the basket or off the board. The underarm layup is more commonly known as the finger roll. Notable current NBA players who rely heavily on the underarm finger roll are Mike Bibby of Atlanta, and Allen Iverson of Detroit.

Finger-rolls today have many forms, including the Around the World which involves a complete circle around the player before the layup and a variety of faking in the approach to the rim. A classic example is a play by Jason Williams (currently of Miami) during his time with Sacramento, in which Williams brings the ball behind his back with his right hand, in a fake of a back pass, and then brings it front again with the same hand for the finish (reminiscent of Bob Cousy who pioneered the move).

The other layup is the overhand shot, similar to a jump shot but from a considerably close range. Overhand layups almost always involved the action of the backboard. Players like Scottie Pippen (formerly from Chicago) and Karl Malone (formerly Utah) have used this move to great effect.

Finger roll

A finger roll is performed when a player holds the ball with one hand during a layup and then lifts his fingers, rolling the ball into the basket. The rolling motion provides the ball with a soft touch, and the ball will roll around the rim and then drop into the basket. Former San Antonio Spurs guard "The Iceman" George Gervin was known for having one of the best finger rolls in the game along with Lakers center Wilt Chamberlain. Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen are other notable practitioners, while current NBA star Jason Kidd is renowned for his smooth finger rolls as well.

Tear drop

The tear drop, also called a runner or a floater, is usually performed by undersized players (mainly point guards). A player usually starts the layup procedure from a distance further away from the basket. The ball is generally released earlier and in a higher arch then the normal layup. The ball is usually away before the taller defender has the chance to block it. The purpose of this basketball move is to make the defender miss the timing to block the shooter as the ball is released from the hand one tempo faster. It is so named because the ball drops down from the high point of the arch like a falling tear drop. Gary Payton and John Stockton of the Utah Jazz during their primes in the early-to-mid 90s were considered to have the best tear drops in the game. Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs frequently uses the tear drop and with great success. Ben Gordon of the Chicago Bulls, Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets and Chris Duhon of the New York Knicks are currently known for the tear drop move. It is also used by Adam Morrison of the Charlotte Bobcats organization.

Power stop/drive

Power drive is a continuation move in which a player stops dribbling and makes a huge leap forward, in the meantime securing the ball from the dribbling hand to both hands, then making a layup. The move is generally used as a layup because the huge movement coming from the forward leap provides the momentum for the player to jump forward for a layup. The move is a great way to squeeze the player under the basket for a fast layup.

Bank shot

A bank shot in basketball is a shot that relies on the ball bouncing off the backboard and into the basket. It is frequently used for mid-range jump shots from an angle (usually at the elbow) and layups. It is not commonly used for long-range shots or shots from the middle. The purpose of using the backboard is to try to hit the backboard at an angle, thus slowing the speed of the ball and increasing its chances of falling into the hoop. Another term for a bank shot is "off the glass". NBA players known for using the bank shot often are Sam Jones, Tim Duncan, Dwyane Wade, Scottie Pippen, and Tony Parker.

Putback and tip-in

A putback describes a situation where a player secures an offensive rebound then immediately scores a basket. If the player secures the rebound while in the air, to be considered a putback the player can land on the ground before shooting, but cannot dribble before taking the shot. If the player does not secure the rebound but instead taps the ball into the basket, it is considered a tip-in. There is a point where a putback and a tip-in are a matter of subjective difference (eg, a one-handed rebound in the air followed by a score before touching the ground). A putback jam is a spectacular alternative to the tip-in where the ball is slam-dunked off the rebound in the same motion. Kenyon Martin is one of the perfectors of the putback jam.

Triple threat position and related moves

Triple threat is the position when a player facing a defender receives a pass but has not dribbled yet. The offensive player's feet are slightly wider than shoulder width and slightly on the balls of his feet, his knees flexed, with both hands on the basketball in front of him or almost resting on his thigh, presenting the defender with an opponent able to move in any direction. One foot is held as the pivot and the other slightly ahead. From this, the player can choose from three options: to jump-shoot, to dribble (drive) past the defender or to pass it to a teammate. There are also options to get the defender out of his defensive stance by using jab steps and pump fakes.

Jab step

Jab step is performed when a player holds onto the ball before dribbling while his non-pivot leg performs a routine jabbing. This move is used to test defender's defensive weaknesses and stance. A combination of the pump fake, the drive, the shot and the crossover drive can be performed along with the jab step to lure the opponent out of his defense. Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony is well-known for taking the jab step, as was 13-year pro Kiki Vandeweghe. When he does this, the defender falls off from his defensive stance, creating a space between him and the defender, allowing him to take a quick mid-range jumper, a three-pointer, or a drive "to the lane".

Pump fake

A pump fake is a feigned attempt at a jump shot, restrained before the feet leave the ground. The pump fake is a fundamental move in basketball, used to cause defenders to jump (known in basketball slang as "lifting" the defender), or be shifted off-balance. Its main applications are in the low post area, where a player is much more likely to have his or her shot blocked. On the perimeter, it is useful in creating open lanes to the basket by "showing" the ball enough to entice a defender to attempt to block or steal it, allowing the dribbler to penetrate easily. Paul Pierce is an excellent example of this, and often gains extra free throw attempts due to his skill in ball faking. J.J. Redick of Duke University and now the Orlando Magic was also a great pump-faker, which he used to draw fouls as well as create space between him and the flying defender for his forte, three-point shooting.

Drawing contact

An offensive move intended to produce a foul call on the defensive player. A typical strategy is to drive into a defensive player whose feet are not stationary. When the two players make bodily contact, a blocking foul can be called on the defensive player. If the defensive player has a set position (ie, both feet are stationary and arms are not in a downward motion) the contact can result in a charging foul against the offensive player (this is known as taking the charge for the fouled defensive player).

Post up, related moves and shots

To "post up" is to establish a position in the low post, the area near the basket below the foul line, usually in order to take advantage of a smaller defender. The offensive player usually faces away from the basket, so that his body can protect the ball from the defender. From this position, options such as spinning or backing down the defender to close in to the basket for better scoring opportunities become available to him.

Up and under

The up and under is a move consisting of two parts, a shot fake (the up) and a step-through (the under). First the player with the ball fakes a shot by thrusting the ball above his head as if to take a shot, then when the defender jumps in an attempt to block the shot, the offensive player steps by him and attempts a clear, unguarded shot.

Generally used by post players, Kevin McHale was considered a master of this move.^[1]

Mason Rocca making a hook shot for Eldo Napoli, 2006

Hook shot

The hook shot is one of the most effective inside moves, but it is also quite difficult to execute. A hook shot begins when the player puts his body between the ball and the opponent. He then releases the ball towards the basket with his outside hand in a "hook" motion. The hook shot and variations such as the jump-hook and skyhook are effective because they are very difficult for the defender to block, although it is harder to hit the shot with precision. The advantage hook shot offers is the space between the offensive player and his defender. This extra space can reduce or eliminate the advantages enjoyed by a taller defender. The hook shot is most often used by post players because it is difficult to make the shot from a distance. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar became the NBA's all time leading scorer by using his almost indefensible skyhook.

Turnaround jump shot

When a player posts up, in order to shoot he has to turn around to face the basket. This can be done by turning in the air, timing the jump shot when the defender is not likely to jump and challenge the shot. Players such as Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Kevin Garnett are well known for this move.

Fade away

A fade away shot is variation on a set jump shot in which the shooter attempts his shot leaning backward, creating the effect of "fading away" from his defender. This makes it more difficult for the defender to contest the shot. The fadeaway usually has less range than a regular jump shot, because the ball has backwards momentum due to its inertia, making it somewhat tougher to project the ball over long distances. Michael Jordan, Dirk Nowitzki, Karl Malone, Steve Nash and Kobe Bryant are famous for their use of the fadeaway. Wilt Chamberlain was criticized for his frequent use of the fadeaway jumper, since the follow-through usually carries the shooter away from the basket and out of rebounding position.

Drop step

Also called a "reverse pivot", the drop step is a move in which the player posting up takes a back step on the side of a defender behind him and spins to that side to gain leverage. Afterwards he can shoot, pass, or drive to the basket.

Double pivot

The double pivot also called the "MJ move" by NBA athletic trainer David Thorpe,^[1] is a move termed by Thorpe for a special move executed by Michael Jordan (MJ).^[1] Thorpe describes the move as follows, "Michael Jordan, for a time the best back-to-the-basket player in the game, used to fake a shot while moving in one direction, then instead of stepping in the opposite direction when his defender bit on the fake, Jordan would pivot again in the same direction as he was moving and finish right at the rim."^[1]