The best basketball players aren't always those who are simply blessed with height, speed and leaping ability. While such natural gifts certainly help, the ability to excel at basketball, like any sports, relies heavily on how well versed you are in some of the sport's fundamental moves. Learning and developing a variety of different moves will expand your bag of tricks and make you a difficult match-up for opposing players.
Crossover Dribble
Any decent players can dribble the ball, but only a select few have the ability to do what's come to be known as "break ankles" -- change direction so quickly and deceptively that the defender is left in the dust. The crossover dribble has long been a facet of basketball, but was made popular by NBA star Allen Iverson in the 1990s.
Begin by dribbling normally with the ball on one side of your body. Step toward that side as if you're going to drive in that direction before quickly dribbling the ball across your body. The more you sell this move by leaning into the initial dribble, the more likely your defender will be fooled.
Hook Shot
The hook shot, popularized by old-school hoopsters like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, has become something of a lost art. But when used correctly, especially by big men possessing a size or positioning advantage over their defenders, it can be lethal.
First, back down your defender as close to the basket as possible; the hook shot isn't meant to be taken from more than 8 feet away from the basket. Fake as though you're going to turn one way, and then swivel the other way, with the ball in your shooting hand. As you turn, lift your arm above your head and begin to sweep it overhand toward the basket, flicking your wrist to release the ball when you've reached peak height on your jump.
Pump Fake
The idea of a pump fake is to make your defender think you're about to take a jumpshot. If you sell the pump fake effectively, it will leave her flat-footed and open up a path for you to dribble to the basket.
Get the ball in triple-threat position, which means you're in an athletic stance-- knees bent and your weight resting on your toes, prepared to shoot, dribble or pass. Bend your knees and lift the ball as you would when shooting. But as you see the defender begin to move toward you, pull the ball back down and head for the basket.
Box Out
Battles for defensive rebounds are determined by who wants the ball most and who has the best position more than by size and jumping ability. Boxing out an opponent is a primary facet of this. When you see the ball leave the shooter's hand, locate your opponent and get between him and the basket. Bend at the knees with your bottom out, and back into him, pushing him away from the basket to heighten your chances of snagging a missed shot.
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