Good footwork and strong ball-handling allows you to break down your man and score at will. The most difficult players to guard in basketball are those who can create their own shots and seemingly score any time they want. Using proper footwork such as the jab step to set up your opponent and deceptive ball-handling moves, you can get your opponent to think you are going one way before breaking him down and changing directions, blowing by him for a wide open shot.
Step 1
Force your defender to react to you by using a shot fake. If you are a good shooter, your defender will have to honor your shot fake by raising his hands to contest the shot. While he is off-balance, with his hands in the air, put the ball on the floor and penetrate past him for an easier shot.
Step 2
Jab step to get your defender moving in the wrong direction. If you want to go left, make a hard jab step with your right foot, forcing your defender to react in that direction. If you want to go right, jab step with your left foot before crossing over. Sell your jab steps by swinging the ball in the direction of your step, giving the appearance you are preparing to put the ball on the floor and dribble. If your defender does not honor your initial jab step, jab step in the same direction again, only this time put the ball on the floor and drive by your man for a layup.
Step 3
Use your ball-handling skills to quickly change directions. Pick a side of the floor to go to and dribble hard in that direction, forcing your defender to scramble and over-commit to cutting you off. Just as your defender is preparing to cut you off, change directions by using a cross-over dribble, spin dribble or a behind-the-back dribble to create separation from your man. Keep your defender scrambling by continually changing directions to create space for an open jump shot.
Step 4
Be aggressive. Put the pressure on your man by committing to a move and going hard and making him stop you. Sell your fakes and be prepared to attack your opponent's weaknesses. If he plays off of you, hit the open jump shot, and if he crowds you to take away the shot, put the ball on the floor and get to the rim.
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