Core Habits

• Eyes up → read help & advantage early.
• Ball stays below the waist for control.
• Wide base — hips behind the ball.
• Use fingertips → ball should “float,” not slap.
• Protect using hip + off-arm shield.

Common Mistakes

• Standing tall → losing leverage.
• Dribbling high in traffic → can’t change speed.
• Picking up early → pressure wins.

Pace Change Principles

• Rise shoulders → signal “slow” → freeze defenders.
• Accelerate when defenders lift their hips.
• Eyes sell — look away from your attack lane.
• More speed changes than direction changes.

Common Mistakes

• Going fast the entire possession → predictable.
• Attacking without reading posture first.
• No pause before acceleration → no deception.

Lane Shift Principles

• Attack defender’s lead foot to force a hip turn.
• Explode through the new lane — not sideways.
• Use low shoulders → win leverage on the drive.
• Change of direction sets up change of pace (combo).

Common Mistakes

• Crossing too wide → ball exposed.
• Sideways movement → no downhill threat.
• No hip drop → defender stays balanced.

Pressure Escape Tools

• Hip-to-hip → keep ball on far side.
• Pound dribble → reset rhythm to attack again.
• Stop-and-replace → change angle quickly.
• Back-up dribble → create space to re-attack.

Common Mistakes

• Exposing ball to pressure side.
• Picking up the dribble too early.
• Retreating too far → offense resets.

Timing Principles

• Late pick-up wins coverage.
• Foot→ball rhythm creates power.
• Collect ball outside defender’s reach.
• Attack the rim line — not wide angles.

Common Mistakes

• Picking up too early → defender recovers.
• Ball low during gather → slap steals.
• No stride advantage → stuck in traffic.

Half-Spin Move

Tactical Purpose

Sell full spin to shift hips, while staying downhill facing the rim.

Step-by-Step Mechanics

• Attack downhill to force defender into slide.
• Initiate shoulder rotation like full spin.
• Plant and snap back to original attack lane.

Footwork & Body Cues

• Eyes stay on rim → not back to defender.
• Lead shoulder sells turn → quick re-open.

When to Use

• Defender jumps to cut spin middle.
• Help side is late to rotate.

Primary Counter

• If defender stays in front → full spin finish.

Common Mistakes

• No downhill threat → defender never bites.
• Turning back fully → lose vision.

Euro Step Dribble Entry

Tactical Purpose

Change angle late to avoid rim protector and shield ball.

Step-by-Step Mechanics

• Drive to force rim protector commit.
• Long step left → powerful step right (or vice-versa).
• Ball protected across frame.

Footwork & Body Cues

• Sell early direction with hips.
• Eyes up → read help defender’s feet.

When to Use

• Shot-blocker loads up middle.
• Help defender must choose one lane.

Primary Counter

• If cut off → Euro into floater.

Common Mistakes

• Ball exposed on first step.
• Two slow steps → charge call.

Probe / Pace Dribble

Tactical Purpose

Manipulate coverage and control tempo while still hunting advantage.

Step-by-Step Mechanics

• Drive into paint under control.
• Straddle dribble to maintain options.
• Read weak side tags before committing.

Footwork & Body Cues

• Shoulders neutral → defender unsure.
• Eyes scan second level defenders.

When to Use

• Reading ball screens.
• Gap closes but not fully sealed.

Primary Counter

• Stop & pivot → re-attack downhill.

Common Mistakes

• Probe with no plan → turnover risk.
• Overdribble → help recovers.

Step-Back Dribble

Tactical Purpose

Create cushion for jumper when defender crowds.

Step-by-Step Mechanics

• Drive first → force defensive retreat.
• Plant and push back diagonally.
• Rise immediately into shot pocket.

Footwork & Body Cues

• Hips sit low → load power leg.
• Eyes on rim to lock into rhythm.

When to Use

• Late clock iso.
• Defender chest pressure.

Primary Counter

• If defender contests → step-through drive.

Common Mistakes

• Leaning back → short shot.
• Not creating enough initial drive threat.

Side-Step Escape Dribble

Tactical Purpose

Beat closeouts by maintaining rhythm while creating shooting angle.

Step-by-Step Mechanics

• Attack closeout foot inside.
• Push lateral step away from contest.
• Square hips quickly into jumper.

Footwork & Body Cues

• Shoulders stay squared to rim on rise.
• Eyes up → defender reacts late.

When to Use

• Hand in face contest.
• Chase defender on closeout.

Primary Counter

• If defender slides with — pump & go.

Common Mistakes

• Off-balance landing → drift shot.
• Slow ball pick-up → block risk.

Body-Bump → Step-Back Combo

Tactical Purpose

Use controlled contact to create instant separation for the jumper.

Step-by-Step Mechanics

• Drive into defender’s chest.
• Absorb contact → load plant foot.
• Explode diagonally back to clean shooting lane.

Footwork & Body Cues

• Shoulder-to-chest contact on drive.
• Land balanced → vertical rise into shot.

When to Use

• Downhill drive vs bigger defender.
• Late game isolation.

Primary Counter

• If defender flops → long step-through finish.

Common Mistakes

• Lean back too far → off-balance shot.
• No aggressive contact → defender stays tight.

Hang Dribble

Tactical Purpose

Freeze defender mid-slide to open drive or shot lane.

Step-by-Step Mechanics

• Lift the ball slightly to pause rhythm.
• Eyes + shoulders rise to sell shot.
• Explode opposite defender lean.

Footwork & Body Cues

• Stay balanced — no hopping back.
• Hesi timing matched to defender’s footwork.

When to Use

• Mismatch isolation.
• Defender trying to cut off drive angle.

Primary Counter

• If defender sags → direct shot.

Common Mistakes

• Ball held too high → swipe risk.
• No sudden acceleration → defender recovers.

Drop Crossover

Tactical Purpose

Load defender to one side, then snap downhill opposite.

Step-by-Step Mechanics

• Attack with inside foot forward in drop stance.
• Sell same-side drive → quick cross.
• Explode through hips into space.

Footwork & Body Cues

• Drop stance wide → force decision.
• Eyes show rim early.

When to Use

• Hard closeouts.
• Defender shows high hands.

Primary Counter

• If defender slides → spin downhill.

Common Mistakes

• Feet too narrow → can’t explode.
• Slow cross → defender times recovery.

Kill / Retreat Dribble

Tactical Purpose

Turn pressure into space to create a better attack window.

Step-by-Step Mechanics

• Retreat back under control.
• Eyes up → read recovery angle.
• Re-attack before help resets.

Footwork & Body Cues

• Stay low while backing up.
• Defender momentum becomes your advantage.

When to Use

• Defender crowding.
• Trap or hedge on screen.

Primary Counter

• If defender stops → shoot or blow-by.

Common Mistakes

• Backing up too far → offense resets.
• Dribbling without reading help.

Behind-Back → Cross Combo

Tactical Purpose

Remove pressure hand then snap defender hips opposite.

Step-by-Step Mechanics

• Initiate tight behind-the-back protection.
• Snap into crossover immediately.
• Explosive push step through space.

Footwork & Body Cues

• Shoulders sell behind angle.
• Stay low → avoid rising between moves.

When to Use

• Reaching defenders.
• Side pressure on ball.

Primary Counter

• If lane sealed → into step-back.

Common Mistakes

• Two dribble reset → defender recovers.
• Ball exposed behind body.

Pound Dribble Series

Purpose

Develop powerful ball control and strong handle positioning.

Execution

• Pound ball aggressively at knee level.
• Eyes up → keep shoulders relaxed.
• Alternate hands after each set.

Coaching Cues

• Stay low → hips beneath shoulders.
• Ball hits same spot each dribble.

Progressions

• Wide stance → narrow stance
• Forward lean → retreat lean

Common Errors

• Ball drifting → sloppy handle.
• Head drops → bad decision visibility.

Tight Crossovers

Purpose

Quick direction change with strong hand-to-hand efficiency.

Execution

• Low bounce → keep ball close to hipline.
• Push floor with outside foot.
• Eyes on defender’s chest.

Coaching Cues

• Sharp snap → no arc in dribble.
• Stay in attack stance.

Progressions

• Add hesi into cross.
• Add jab + cross.

Common Errors

• Ball too wide = poke-away risk.
• Player rises → slower exit step.

Tween / Behind Rhythm Flow

Purpose

Build efficiency and fluidity chaining protective moves.

Execution

• Tween → behind → repeat continuously.
• Keep ball beneath thigh line.
• Eyes stay up for court reads.

Coaching Cues

• No drifting — ball stays tight to hips.
• Same speed → no pauses.

Progressions

• Add crossover exit after 3 cycles.
• Add snatch read trigger.

Common Errors

• Wide circles → slow reads.
• Head drop → turnover risk.

Attack Cross-to-Drive

Purpose

Sell one drive angle → instantly change hips and explode opposite.

Execution

• Push dribble strong to one side.
• Hard cross → outside leg pushes into drive lane.
• Eyes read defender hip and top foot.

Coaching Cues

• Fast hands → fast feet.
• Low shoulders to win first step.

Progressions

• Add step-back if cut off.
• Add floater if helper steps up.

Common Errors

• Dribble too wide → reach foul risk.
• Standing upright → slow exit.

In-and-Out → Cross Separation

Purpose

Use fake crossover to freeze, then snap change of direction.

Execution

• Sell crossover body language (eyes + shoulders).
• In-out same hand → immediate hard cross.
• Explode through hips to lane.

Coaching Cues

• Don’t rise between moves.
• Hands quick, feet quicker.

Progressions

• Cross → floater finish.
• Cross → snatch if defender recovers.

Common Errors

• Weak in-out fake → defender never bites.
• Ball too high → turnover risk.

Spin Combo Launcher

Purpose

Beat chest pressure by sealing defender behind on contact.

Execution

• Drive into contact first.
• Pivot foot stays grounded → rotate tight.
• Finish with strong downhill push step.

Coaching Cues

• Shoulders protect ball.
• Spin out fast — don’t admire the move.

Progressions

• Spin → step-through finish.
• Spin → kickout read if help collapses.

Common Errors

• Ball floats high mid-spin.
• Over-rotating → lose angle.

Defender Hip Read

Purpose

Use the defender’s hip angle to determine drive direction.

Execution

• Attack downhill at defender chest.
• Read top foot → attack opposite angle.
• Finish through hips not around them.

Coaching Cues

• Eyes on belt buckle.
• Low shoulder wins leverage.

Read Cues

• If hips turn → cross.
• If hips stay square → speed finish.

Common Errors

• Reacting too late → blocked shot.
• No early downhill pressure.

Gap Attack Timing

Purpose

Attack gaps before help completes rotation.

Execution

• Land on two → eyes on weakside tag.
• Explode before help arrives.
• Finish directly through open lane.

Coaching Cues

• Decision in two dribbles.
• First step long and low.

Read Cues

• If help stunts → kick opposite.
• If help late → layup or floater.

Common Errors

• Picking up dribble too early.
• Driving into coverage instead of space.

Closeout Read Drive

Purpose

Beat closing defenders by attacking their momentum.

Execution

• Catch ready → eyes up.
• Attack opposite hand of closeout.
• Explode off first step into space.

Coaching Cues

• Read hand up → immediate drive.
• Foot-to-floor = quick advantage.

Read Cues

• High hand → rip baseline.
• Chopped feet → shoot rhythm J.

Common Errors

• Waiting on closeout → advantage lost.
• Hesitating before first step.

Reaction Combo Finish

Purpose

Link combo to finishing read based on live defender response.

Execution

• Start with go-to combo (your best).
• Read helper → finish accordingly.
• Stay balanced through contact.

Coaching Cues

• Feet under hips → control.
• Attack rim line or stop-on-dime J.

Read Cues

• Low man helps → pass or floater.
• On-ball beaten → sprint finish.

Common Errors

• Predetermined move → defender wins read.
• Off-balance gather.

1 — Speed to Space

• Push ball outside frame to increase stride length.
• Keep dribble hip-level — never low + slow.
• Read rim line directly — no wasted lateral steps.

When to Use

• Defender runs behind or back-pedals.
• No “early wall” from rim protector.

Common Mistakes

• Ball too far outside → swipe steals.
• Slow gather → chased down.

2 — Shoulder Check Attack

• Get shoulder level under defender’s arm.
• Drive low hip into their outside hip.
• Protect the ball with body — not spin.

When to Use

• Defender opens hips too much on one side.
• You step ahead by half a stride.

Counters

• Shot blocker steps → inside-hand extend finish.

3 — Angle Takeaway

• Hard fake toward help → explode opposite.
• In-out dribble manipulates foot angles.

When to Use

• Defender cheats one direction.
• Middle lane narrow but open.

4 — Euro / Long Two-Steps

• Stride change avoids direct chest contact.
• Float gather into long step separation.

Counters

• Big jumps late → step-through or floater angle.

Common Mistakes

• Steps too slow → charge risk.

1 — Rim Line Decision

• Attack the straight line from ball to rim.
• Keep chest below defender’s shoulder.
• Finish through their hip — not away from it.

Common Mistakes

• Fading wide → rim protector recovers.
• Picking up too early → contact wins.

2 — Help Depth Read

• See low man’s feet — inside arc or outside?
• If feet above arc → finish with power.
• If feet inside arc early → drive to draw + kick.

Counters

• Fake gather → float past rotation.

3 — Hip Angle Reject

• Hard shoulder feint to force hip turn.
• Explode opposite before hips flip back.

When to Use

• Defender shades strong hand.

4 — Drop Coverage

• Use big as a wall to shield your gather.
• Float shot as long as big retreats.

Progression

• Read big’s depth → pocket or take space.

5 — Switch Attack

• Attack slow feet downhill.
• Space teammates out of help.

Counters

• Big helps late → dump behind.

6 — ICE/Blue Reject

• Dive inside screen shoulder.
• Free hips to attack middle.

Common Mistake

• Taking sideline pressure into trap.

7 — 2v1 Decisions

• Drive to force single defender’s commitment.
• If they step to ball → pass immediately.

Film Cue

• Ball handler should score or assist.

8 — 3v2 Middle Attack

• Attack middle defender’s chest.
• Finish if both wings covered.

Common Mistake

• Settling for contested pull-ups.

9 — 1v1 Hips & Shoulders

• Beat hips → win the angle → finish strong.

When to Use

• Defender recovering from behind or side.