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New in the Insider Basketball Playbook

3/4 Court Two Long Play

3-Man Weave Rebounding Drill

Jump to the Ball Drill

2-on-2 Competitive Give-and-Go Drill

2-on-2 Competitive Rebounding Drill

Reversal for 3

Basketball Fundamentals 101

Fundamental Basketball Skill #4 - Pivoting

The fourth of nine basic basketball fundamentals to learn and master is the skill of pivoting.  Pivoting is a skill generally learned at a young age, however, it is amazing to see how many players cannot execute a proper pivot.  There are also many players who cannot pivot with one foot as equally well as they can with the other.

Pivoting is a very important skill because it enables the basketball player to attack and/or defend himself and his position.

I have listed below 4 reasons why the skill of pivoting is important and, if performed correctly and effectively, can be quite advantageous.

1. When trapped, for instance against a press defense, the player with the ball can pivot through the double team and pass ahead or toward the basket...thereby attacking the press and creating a situation where an easy basket can be scored.
2. The pivot move can be used by players attempting to score in the post. One move, for example, is a spin move to the middle, shot fake, pivot (or step through), and layup.
3. Perimeter players can use a pivot to create space and scoring opportunities.  For example, if a defender guards an offensive player who still has an available dribble too closely and in poor defensive position, the offensive player can use a reverse pivot to pin the defender on his backside and dribble to create an open passing lane or scoring opportunity.
4. When trapped or defended closely and no dribble is available, the pivot move can allow a player to step away from the defender, thereby clearing space to make a pass to a teammate.

In pivoting from the basketball position, the emphasis and teaching points are:

• Stay low (basketball position) throughout the pivoting movement.  Do not stand upright.
• Pivot on the balls of the feet.
• Keep the hands up and elbows out to protect the ball and keep the defenders at somewhat of a distance.
• Learn both the front pivot and reverse pivot and practice pivoting with both feet
• Always return to basketball position
• More tips and pointers will be found in the drills below

1. (coming soon)

John Wooden: Thinking Like a Champion
John Wooden's 'Thinking Like a Champion' has just been reissued on DVD. In this Q & A with former UCLA great Keith Erickson recorded in 1994, Coach Wooden discusses his philosophies on life and athletics.