Footwork Reaction

Proper footwork can’t be emphasized enough in the game of basketball.  Not only does proper footwork put you in a better position to score, it also helps you avoid sloppy turnovers.  We start this drill by tossing the ball in front of you and catching it on a two foot jump stop at the elbow.  Landing with an on balanced two foot jump stop is critical.  This allows you to pivot on either foot and keep the defense from getting an advantage on which way to defend you.  After the jump stop, then we work on the ball fakes and the footwork of a crossover move to the hoop.  After our players get a few reps at the crossover, then we switch to a strong side move to the basket.  This move requires precise footwork so that you don’t travel and get the ball out of your hands and on the floor quickly.  The next move is just a pivot into a shot, then we progress to ball fakes and jab fakes into our shot.  But we always start with a two foot jump stop and pivot into the triple threat position.  

The second part of the drill emphasizes the same footwork, balance and reads but on the move.  The player moves back and forth elbow to elbow, then the coach tosses them a ball and tells them what to do while the ball is in the air.  The player must land on balance with a two foot jump stop, then they can react to the coaches’ instruction of shoot or drive.  The progression of the drill allows the player to warm up and emphasis certain aspects of the scoring moves that are important to their game and development.  Then the second part of the drill puts them in a situation where they need to keep the same fundamentals but with a quicker reaction.  

Go Bruins!