In simple terms, the pivot foot is the foot that stays on the ground when a player stops and controls the ball. A player can spin or move around as long as the pivot foot doesn’t move or lose contact with the floor. Players can establish a pivot foot before or after picking up their dribble.
To legally free the pivot foot, they can shoot, pass, or dribble. When passing, a player can jump, but they must release the ball before landing. When dribbling, the ball must be released before the pivot foot leaves the ground.
Learning how to choose the correct pivot foot takes time and practice, with help from a coach.
Why Learning to Pivot is Important
Professional players at any position use pivoting to create scoring chances, evade defenders, or get into better positions. Legends like Kobe Bryant and Hakeem Olajuwon were masters of footwork, showing how effective pivoting can be for creating space or getting past defenders.
For young players, mastering pivoting helps them control their movements without committing a traveling violation. It’s also a key skill for advancing their dribbling and footwork abilities. Let’s dive deeper into these concepts.
a. Puts You in Control
Young players often struggle with inexperience and the speed of the game, which can lead to panic and mistakes, such as traveling or turnovers. When placed under pressure, they may make rushed decisions without considering the best course of action. Learning how to properly jump stop and pivot can be a game-changer in these situations. Instead of panicking, the player can stop, assess the situation, and pivot into a more favorable position. This controlled reduction in pace buys the player time to make a smart decision, whether it’s passing, shooting, or dribbling. Over time, mastering pivoting helps players improve their basketball IQ, build confidence, and develop better court awareness. This fundamental skill is essential for navigating high-pressure moments effectively and making better choices during the game.
b. Sets the Foundation for Advanced Skills
Pivoting is the foundation for many key basketball moves, and mastering it is crucial for young players. Whether performing a spin move while dribbling, faking a defender, or executing moves like an up and under or spin in the low post, pivoting is involved in all these situations. If players haven’t mastered the basics of pivoting, they won’t be able to learn these more advanced techniques effectively. Therefore, it’s essential for young players to first focus on mastering pivoting to build a strong foundation for their basketball skills and development.
Teaching Players How to Pivot
A great introductory drill for teaching pivoting to young or new players involves starting with basic stationary footwork. Here’s a simple drill to begin with:
- Standing Position: Have your players stand with the ball in both hands, knees slightly bent, and feet shoulder-width apart.
- Pivot Foot Setup: Ask them to establish their pivot foot (either the left or right foot, depending on their dominant hand).
- Pivot Movement: Instruct them to rotate 90 degrees, keeping the pivot foot planted, and turn their body around while holding the ball. Emphasize the importance of not lifting the pivot foot during the movement.
- Switching Pivot Feet: After a few repetitions, have them switch the pivot foot to practice using both feet.
Conclusion
Pivoting is often overlooked, but it’s crucial for a player’s development. Coaches may not realize that mastering pivoting early gives players a significant advantage. When players learn how to pivot properly, they can build advanced footwork skills, allowing them to play at their own pace and make smarter decisions. The quicker they master pivoting, the sooner they can advance their game. It’s the foundation for more complex moves and techniques, making it an essential first step in a player’s journey to basketball success.
