Back-to-the-Basket Moves

A basketball big man drill.

Start under the basket with your back toward the baseline. Throw the ball out to the edge of the free-throw lane, slightly higher than the block. Go and get the ball and execute an inside move. Rebound the ball and execute the same move on the opposite side. Work on the following moves: drop step, jump hook, turnaround jump shot, wheel to the middle and up and under (see below for these moves).

Drop Step

Use this when guarded high. Make a rear turn with the foot closest to your defender. Make a step toward the hoop with your non-pivot foot so you seal off the defender. Take a quick, but low dribble and point your shoulder at the basket. Bring the ball up with both hands and shoot with the hand farthest away from your defender. You can also do this without dribbling. In this case, you'll do the drop step before receiving the pass.

Jump Hook Shot

Use the jump hook when your being defended low. Use your baseline foot as the pivot foot on a rear-turn pivot. Use your non-pivot foot to step into the lane (don't step away from the basket, as this foot should point toward the sideline). Take a quick, low dribble and point your shoulder at the basket. When your non-pivot foot lands, swing your pivot into the lane with your chest facing the sideline. Jump off both feet, bring the ball up along the side of your head and release with full arm extension. Protect the ball with your non-shooting arm.

To perform the jump hook without dribbling, step into the lane with your non-pivot foot as before. Then raise your pivot foot, lift your knee high in the air and shoot just like we described above.

Wheel to the Middle

Use this basketball move when your defender has taken away your drop step move. As the defender shuts off your drop step, pivot to the middle and take a jump hook shot.

Turnaround Jump Shot

You'll use this when you're defended from behind or from either side. After receiving the pass, bring the ball to your chin. With the foot farthest from the defender, pivot using a front turn. Keep the ball above your chest as you pivot, square up and shoot a jump shot. You have make sure you get enough separation from the defender.

Up and Under

This is a good basketball move to use after your defender bites on a shot fake. Pivot using a front turn and face the basket. Keep your knees bent as you bring the ball up for a shot fake. Step through quickly with your non-pivot foot as your defender is faked out. Very quickly move the ball across your body and take a long, quick step to the hoop. You can use this with a dribble or without.