Basketball Fake Spin

What is a fake-spin in basketball dribbling?

After mastering the basketball spin-move (i.e. you have an effective and powerful spin move that enables you to get by your defender with a breeze.), it¡¯s time to keep you opponent guessing more.  That is, you can feign a spin move and then get by the opponent without actually performing one.  In terms of movement, it is essentially doing half a spin-move and while your back is pressing against your defender, you turn back to your originally direction instead of completing the spin.

What do I need for a fake spin in basketball dribbling?

• A tight hook on the basketball: when you perform a fake-spin, your basketball is traveling at a great velocity as if you are performing a spin-move.  Yet, the difficulty level is intensified because you have to counteract the ball¡¯s momentum swiftly.  Hence, a normal grip is not enough.  Instead, you will need a hook grip.
• Exceptional footwork: To execute the fake-spin efficaciously and smoothly, you need to take the right step at the right time.  You also have to feel comfortable performing the criss-cross motion with your legs.
• An awareness of opponent¡¯s position: Spin-move is about out-competing your defender for space and planting your feet around your defender. The fake-spin also demands the same thing
• Quick feet: Unlike doing a spin move, having great footwork is not enough for a fake-spin.  If you don¡¯t change direction quickly, your defender is going to recover and stay in front of you.

 What are the steps for performing the spin-move in basketball dribbling?

 (Assuming the player is right-handed)

1. Drive towards your defender with speed
2. When you encounter your defender, give the ball a huge bounce
3. While the ball hangs, heel-pivot* your left foot
4. Push hard with your right toe to rotate your body 180 degrees to the left
5. Swing the ball over to the left also while maintaining a hook grip
6. Now your back should be facing your defender, quickly turn your left shoulder into left shoulder
7. Essentially, you are going back to your original direction
8. Lower your body and drive into the open lane.

 What combination series of basketball moves can incorporate into the fake-spin?

• Drive ¨¤ Fake-spin (to the left) ¨¤ Eye and shoulder fake to the left ¨¤ Pull the ball to the right and forward ¨¤ Drive

 Difficulty level: intermediate

Comment: This is just the basic move to convince your defender that you are spinning one way.  Yet, you must do it sincerely and quickly.

• Drive ¨¤ Fake-spin (to the left) ¨¤ Pull the ball to the right without going forward ¨¤ Pull back ¨¤ Jump shot

 Difficulty level: upper-intermediate

Comment: This move can be executed after the previous move.  After you fake-spin, your defender will anticipate it and jump way back to block your way.  In this case, you can perform a pull-back to maximize the distance between you and your defender and then get a clean look for the Jay.

 In what situation can I use the fake-spin basketball move?

 When your defender:

• Fears your spin move

• Slower than you and have a tough time recovering

• Loves stealing the basketball

• When you are shorter and able to squeeze by him

 When the situation is like this:

• There¡¯s an open lane in the paint to spin

• When there are no picks beside your defender

• When the opposing team is playing man-on-man defense

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