In using the various perimeter moves, the focus must be on “beating” their opponent. Many young players will dribble the ball extremely well – between their legs or behind their back, for example, and yet not be able to penetrate into the keyway.

Once they have received the ball, players on the perimeter must be able to:

  • “Square up” – face the basket, with both a forward and reverse pivot;
  • “Onside step” – beginning their dribble, stepping with the foot in the direction they are moving (i.e. right foot step to move right, with right hand dribble);
  • “Crossover step” – beginning their dribble, stepping with the opposite foot to the direction they are moving (i.e. right foot step to move to their left, with left hand dribble);
  • “Shot fake” – faking a shot, and then:
    • Shooting – if the defender does not react and leaves them open
    • Onside dribble – e.g. stepping right foot to move to their right
    • Crossover dribble – e.g. stepping right foot to move to their left
  • “Drive fake” – faking a drive, and then:
    • Shooting – if the defender does, steps back
    • Onside dribble – e.g. stepping right foot to move to their right
    • Crossover dribble – e.g. stepping right foot to move to their left

“Spot Drill”

Players on the baseline spin the ball to the block, and then move after the ball to catch it. Change between:

  • Landing in a stride stop (2 count), facing basket and shooting
  • Landing in a jump stop (1 count), forward pivot and shot
  • Landing in a jump stop (1 count), reverse pivot and shot

Players in the wing position spin the ball to the elbow, move after the ball and catch it, with feet in the air. They land in either a stride stop (2 count) or jump stop (1 count), face the basket and shoot.

Players from the top start with either a shot fake or a drive fake, and then take 1-2 dribbles to the elbow for a shot. Players should use both onside and cross-over footwork.