How To Get Better Footwork In Basketball

Regardless of your age or skill level, footwork is critical for basketball players. Strong footwork allows you to control your body, making it easy to fake, get into position and shoot. On offense, a good basketball player moves around screens, moves into the basket and fakes out the defender through good footwork. Defensive players use solid footwork to react quickly to the offense.

Step 1

Perfect your offensive stance. From this position, you can move quickly in any direction, jump and stop under control. Imagine an invisible line from your head to your waist, with your back straight. Keep your hands above your waist with your elbows slightly bent and close to your body. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart with your weight evenly balanced on each foot.

Step 2

Modify your offensive stance for defense. Spread your feet further apart and place one foot slightly ahead of the other. Practice switching from an offensive to a defensive stance until you can do it smoothly.

Step 3

Perform drills. Stand in the offensive stance and run in place rapidly, lifting your knees high, for about 10 seconds. Stop, and quickly and resume an offensive stance. Repeat the drill, but settle in the defensive stance at the end.

Step 4

Practice starting, stopping and turning without the ball. Concentrate on moving your feet, not handling the ball, so the movements become second nature.

Step 5

Play games such as tag with other players. Use a confined area, such as a basketball court, so the emphasis is on quick, evasive action rather than speed.

Step 6

Jump rope several times a week. Jumping rope improves fitness and makes you lighter on your feet, which improves your footwork. Start by jumping rope for 30 seconds and resting for 30 seconds, repeating until you have worked out for at least 10 minutes. Gradually increase the amount of time you spend jumping rope during each workout. Do different types of jumps, such skipping, crossing your arms in front of your chest and alternating feet.