(English) This simple activity is a good way to practice “stride stop” shooting footwork. Players stand on the baseline with a ball and spin the ball to approximately the “low block”. They move after it, catch it with feet in the air and land in a stride stop.

The first foot to land should be the “inside foot” (closest to the basket) and:

• land on the heel and turn the foot to point at the basket;
• bend the knee to drop their weight down (and stop forward movement or over-rotation).

As the second foot lands the player should immediately jump into their shot. This is an explosive movement. By practicing on both sides of the basket the players will develop the skill to pivot on either foot.

(English) An activity to practice “jump stop” footwork is to have the shooter start at the wing. As their team mate dribbles into the key, the shooter moves sideways to their shooting position. As the pass is thrown to them they jump-slightly forward, catch the ball in the air and as they land they immediately shoot.

The player should move to a position that is within their shooting range.

(English) Players also need to be able to shoot off the dribble. When they dribble in the opposite direction of their pivot foot, they should be able to shoot with only one dribble.

Here the right foot is the pivot foot so the players takes the first step with their left foot. As this foot lands, the dribble should also hit the floor. After the dribble the player catches the ball (with feet in the air) and either stops in a stride stop (shown) or jump stop to shoot.

(English) If the player dribbles in the direction of their pivot foot, they may need to take two dribbles, because their first step is across their body. Again, here is shown a stride stop.

(English) When cutting off a screen the offensive player must step past the screen with the foot that is closest to the screen. This has the effect of “sealing” the defender so that they cannot squeeze past the screener.