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How to beat your opponent in basketball
2.6.3 Beating opponents – World Association of Basketball Coaches
Creating an Advantage
There are many highly skilled players who literally seem to have the ball “on a string” but who lack the ability to beat their opponent. Whether it is getting open to receive a pass, avoiding a defender’s “block out” in order to get an offensive rebound or dribbling past a defender, winning the 1v1 contest within basketball is fundamental to success.
For example, an offensive player may use a dribble move in order to shift the defender (or get them to shift their weight in one direction). If successful, this gives the offensive player an advantage that they can “exploit” by now going past the defender in the other direction.
Accordingly, coaches must include “contested” elements even if they are within the context of a fun activity in each practice so that players can develop this necessary skill. It is as much a “mindset” as it is a physical skill.
“Foot advantage”
Whether offensively or defensively, whichever player gets their foot in front of the opponent has the preferable position. Particularly in post play, it is common to see players pushing/holding with their arms and upper body trying to get position. However, it is getting “foot advantage” that is key to winning the contest.
Taking the Advantage
“Attack the hips”
Offensively players want to get past their opponent and they best way to do this is to “attack the hips”. Many players will move to the sideway, which gives the defender the chance to recover. When the offensive player “attacks the hips” the defensive player cannot recover easily, as shown below:
Combination Moves
A skilled opponent may be able to react in time to an initial move, however the player can still beat the opponent by making a second move – combining a “fake crossover” dribble with an actual crossover. The key is to not perform the combination moves too quickly. Give the opponent time to react to the first move, and then beat them with a second move!
Changing Pace
A player that moves at the same pace all the time is much easier to defend, mostly because it is predictable. Even if they are fast enough to beat one opponent, the team can counter this by switching. However, using a change of pace is a very effective way to beat an opponent.
Often when a player slows, their opponent may relax (and move out of a good stance), and can then be beaten by quickly moving again.
Move Backwards to Go Forwards
Similar to changing pace, changing direction is also a good way to beat an opponent. In particular, when dribbling often dribbling backwards will result in the defender “lunging forwards”, which provides an opportunity to get past.
To many players keep dribbling forwards, which makes setting “traps” or “double teams” much easier.
Contact!
Basketball is a contact sport. Often contact results in a foul, however incidental contact is not called a foul. Offensive players (particularly when doing a lay-up) too often try to avoid contact, which results in being off balance and missing the shot.
Obviously, if a defender has good defensive position in front of the offensive player, the offensive player must avoid any contact. However, when attempting a lay-up (with defenders on the side), the offensive player’s focus should be on “attacking” the basket and scoring the basket, not worrying about avoiding contact.
“Walk Away from the Fight”
With older athletes it is common to see them fighting for position, particularly in post play, although it also happens when players are cutting or using screens. Sometimes it is more effective to “walk away”, almost as if you are not going to be involved in the play.
This will often result in the defender turning their concentration to being a “help” defender. Once they do this, is the perfect time to attack! The offensive player should particularly remember that if they can see the back of their opponent’s head, their opponent cannot see them!
“Reads not Rules” – “The Defender Tells You What to Do”
A common mistake with young players is that they will decide what they are going to do (e.g. pass in a 2x1 situation) well before the decision needs to be made. Where a team has set offensive rules (e.g. Player A passes to the wing and then cuts to the corner), inexperienced players will follow that rule without exception.
However, an offensive player must remember that the “defender tells them what to do”. This is an example of a player reacting to what their opponent does and coaches should be careful that they are not too strict in requiring “set plays”. For this reason, “motion” offence is the preferred offence initially with junior athletes.
6 Basketball Moves You Need to Beat Any Defender
Many players believe they need complex basketball moves to be a great ball-handler.
Instead of sticking to the basics, they want to learn the "advanced moves".
For example, the "double-crossover-spin-hesi-jumper” or the “triple-spin-back-cross-pullup”.
(yes, I made these up)
But the truth is…
By perfecting 6 fundamental basketball moves, you'll have everything you need to explode past any defender on the court.
They'll allow you to:
a. Get to the rim with ease (to create a shot for yourself or a teammate)
b. Fly past your opponent when you’re quickly bringing the ball up the court.
Below, I’ve broken down what the 6 basketball moves are and how you can use them in a game.
1. Crossover Dribble
The crossover involves bouncing the basketball in front of you from one hand to the other.
It’s most often used when a player wants to change directions and they’re not being tightly guarded by a defender who could poke the ball away.
This is the easiest basketball move for players to perform, and is the first move a player will start practicing when they first start learning how to dribble.
But don’t let the simplicity fool you…
The crossover is used by players at all levels to blow past an opponent.
Crossover Dribble Video:
2. Through the Legs Dribble
The through-the-legs basketball move involves crossing the basketball over from one hand to the other, but putting the ball between your legs.
A small difference from a regular crossover, but an important one.
When the ball is passed between the legs, the front leg offers protection from a defender reaching in and also ensures the ball is further away from the defense.
The timing and coordination needed for this move can make it difficult for young players, but it’s effective when players learn how to stay low and explode out of it.
Through the Legs Dribble Video:
3. Behind the Back Dribble
Similar to through the legs, the behind the back dribble allows players to switch the ball from one hand to the other while protecting the basketball.
With this move, the entire body protects the ball as a player wraps the ball behind them.
One of the biggest benefits of going behind the back is the ball can be passed out in front of your opposite hand which allows an offensive player to attack quickly.
So if a defender lunges in to steal the basketball while on the fast break, a quick behind the back dribble can help you protect the ball and evade the defender without breaking stride.
Behind the Back Dribble Video:
4. Hesitation Dribble
The hesitation dribble involves dribbling with speed, slowing down for a split-second, and then exploding past your defender.
It’s a straight-line basketball move often used in transition to beat a defender and attack the rim or create a shot for a teammate.
The goal with the hesitation dribble is to trick the defender into thinking you’re about to stop. This can be achieved by slightly raising your body, looking up to the rim like you’re about to shoot, looking up at a teammate, or a combination.
When a defender notices you slowing down, they’ll do the same in order to stay in good defensive position...
With the defender losing their momentum, you’ll be able to explode past them to the rim.
Hesitation Dribble Video:
5. In-and-Out Dribble
The in-and-out dribble move is designed to trick the defender into thinking you’re about to perform a regular crossover.
This is a great basketball move for players first learning the game of basketball.
Keeping the basketball in one hand, the offensive player uses a head and shoulders fake while moving the ball inside and then back out by switching the position of their hand on the ball.
It’s most commonly used in transition to get a defender to shift their weight from one direction to another which opens up a driving lane to attack.
In-and-Out Video Dribble:
6. Spin Move
The spin move is one of the most difficult basketball moves to learn, but it’s an important weapon for players to have in their dribbling repertoire.
It involves planting your inside foot and reverse-pivoting around a defender while dragging the basketball with you.
This can be a difficult move for young players to execute, but it’s quick and effective when a player has put in the work practicing it.
It’s important that players ensure their hand stays on top of the basketball. If the hand slips under, referees will whistle the dribbler for a carrying violation.
Spin Move Video:
Conclusion
A quick warning...
Don't try to overcomplicate it.
The players who try to do "too much" are the same players who will pump fake four times, dribble six times through their legs, and then dribble twice behind their back without ever making their defender move and inch.
Instead, you want to keep your basketball moves simple and effective.
Mastering the fundamentals is key.
An original way to beat a defender in basketball
Hello, dear visitors of basketball-training.org.ua (how long have I not written this phrase…). A few days ago, while playing basketball on one of the courts in Kharkov, I ran into a player who, when beating, used one very interesting trick that I myself like to use (but which had not yet been used against me until now).
It was then that I realized how effective this method can be, especially if it is performed by a player who is not as slow as me. Yes, I'm really far from the fastest player, so most of my "feints", if you can call them that, are based on using the opponent's speed against him (and a little physics, which you can still come in handy even on the basketball court).
So, today we're going to talk about the defender's supporting leg, the leg where the weight is transferred, and which we will use for our own purposes. Let's get started.
3 elements to beat successfully
First, you must get the ball in position from which you can attack the ring. Well, or your defender must think that you can do it. Everything is trite, but nevertheless, over and over again I come across the fact that the majority are either just too lazy to spend their energy on getting rid of guardianship and they ask for the ball a couple of meters from the three-point line, from where it is very problematic to threaten the ring. Or they just don't know how to open up.
Topic article: 3 easy ways to get the ball in basketball
So, your goal is to get the ball at least on the three-point line, as much as possible already inside the arc. This move will not work if you get the ball under the basket or on the edge of the three-second zone.
The second stage is to stagger the defender 2-3 times, simulating a pass. You just do a few lunges to the side, and at this point you need to concentrate on the legs of the defender: which of them is his weight on. Which leg becomes his support during the execution of your false display for the passage. Did you see?
The third point is the passage itself. If you know which foot the defender is on, where his weight is concentrated at the time of your deceptive movements, then you should know the following: he will not be able to step with this foot. In any case, for this the defender will have to shift the weight to the other foot - and even if he is very fast, these fractions of a second will be enough for you to beat him.
Yes, this technique will not work every time. Yes, you will not beat the defender with 100% probability. But by using this trick, you can buy time and create space. Another "trick" - step as close as possible to his supporting leg: even if he reacts very quickly, he will most likely break the rules.
How to defend yourself against such a technique?
No matter how interesting and promising the above trick looks, there is a defense against it and it is quite simple.
First method: block the attacker's strong side from the passage, positioning yourself at almost a 90 degree angle to it. Either close your weak side (let the player go to your strong side, or to the side where there is a safety net). This is a budget way. You save energy, but still give the attacking player more freedom of action.
The second way is to do hellish footwork. I won't tell you too much, it's better to look at the video, as Andre Iguudala shows in the video for Nike:
See the topic: Nike Signature Moves Part 1
where is your body weight now. Of the minuses - an unprepared player after 2-3 such defenses will “sit down” very much and become slow in defense.
The third option - get as close as possible to the player, even in the process of receiving the ball. Thus, the attacker will not have much time to think: on which leg is your weight concentrated, where to stagger you, etc.
Small conclusions
The method described above is suitable for a measured pace of the game, even more so for a streetball match in which there are no quick breaks and the probability of an effective 1v1 beat is much greater.
The method described above is not a panacea, but simply one of the ways to use the laws of physics and the lack of experience of the defending player.
This method is difficult to use in its pure form if you are far from the basket (1-2 meters from the three-point line) or if the defender is very active.
Defending against such a technique is quite simple, the main thing is to understand that the opponent is going to use it (most often, he looks at your feet).
And this concludes the article, I wish you successful training, success in both attacking and defensive actions and I look forward to seeing you on the pages of this site.
not all useful materials on basketball training are published on the site. You can find additional information about training, ask a question or share your success in our community on the Vkontakte social network: https://vk.com/uroki_basketbola
Maxim Gordienko
How to beat an opponent in basketball
Sovsport.ru how to develop technique in basketball in order to dribble around opponents.
Without the ability to make tricks in basketball, it is virtually impossible to beat an opponent. Breakthroughs from ring to ring without changing the trajectory of movement is an unprecedented rarity. You can reach the distance for a throw due to a well-executed combination or individual skill.
Players with deceptive feints are the key to the success of any team. And there should be more than a dozen deceptive movements in the asset.
So, how do you dribble around an opponent in basketball? The main thing is to be well oriented on the site. Especially when the player is with the ball and chooses a further direction of attack. This is both the ability to give a convenient pass to a partner, and to perform a productive throw.
All feints are achieved through long practice. They are often practiced in a one-on-one game. You can also train at home in front of the mirror, performing deceptive body movements.
You can start with a simple game under the basket to find out the most convenient basketball feints for you. Your partner stands under the ring and imitates defensive movements, and you try out various tricks, choosing the most suitable ones. It is advisable to record workouts on video so that later you can see your mistakes.
If it is not possible to train with a partner, you can use chairs and perform basketball tricks by circling them. You need to work well with your feet and imitate a jump shot.
Beginners should start by running the ball. Every basketball player started with the simplest exercises. It was they who became the basis for more complex ones.
Basic stance when dribbling: legs bent at the knees, pelvis lowered, body tilted slightly forward, shoulders turned, head raised.
While dribbling, the player must be ready to change direction, stop, pass or throw a ring at any time.
The ball is covered from the opponent with the body, shoulder, free arm. The hand that dribbles the ball regulates the force of impact, the height of the rebound and the direction of the ball. In this case, only the fingertips touch the ball, the player should not look at the ball, but only control it with peripheral vision. Partners, defenders, and referees should be in the player’s field of vision at the same time.
Deceptive moves in basketball are divided into four stages:
Even if they are fast enough to beat one opponent, the team can counter this by switching. However, using a change of pace is a very effective way to beat an opponent.
However, when attempting a lay-up (with defenders on the side), the offensive player’s focus should be on “attacking” the basket and scoring the basket, not worrying about avoiding contact.
Where a team has set offensive rules (e.g. Player A passes to the wing and then cuts to the corner), inexperienced players will follow that rule without exception.
If the hand slips under, referees will whistle the dribbler for a carrying violation.
Yes, I'm really far from the fastest player, so most of my "feints", if you can call them that, are based on using the opponent's speed against him (and a little physics, which you can still come in handy even on the basketball court). 
This move will not work if you get the ball under the basket or on the edge of the three-second zone. 
Another "trick" - step as close as possible to his supporting leg: even if he reacts very quickly, he will most likely break the rules. 
Of the minuses - an unprepared player after 2-3 such defenses will “sit down” very much and become slow in defense. 
And there should be more than a dozen deceptive movements in the asset. 
You need to work well with your feet and imitate a jump shot. 
