BA S KE TB A L L

BASIC SKILLS
BASIC ELEMENTS OF BASKETBALL
1. THE BASKETBALL STANCE ( TRIPLE THREAT POSITION)-
THE POSITION OF AN OFFENSIVE PLAYER WHEREIN HE CAN CHOOSE EITHER TO
SHOOT, TO PASS, OR TO DRIBBLE THE BALL 
2. DRIBBLING - IS THE WAY TO PROGRESS WITH THE BALL BY AN INDIVIDUAL
PLAYER IN ORDER TO GET FREE FROM HIS OPPONENT OR TO GET IN A GOOD
PASSING OR SHOOTING POSITION. DURING A DRIBBLE, THE DRIBBLER KEEPS THE
BALL ON THE SIDE OF HIS BODY THAT IS AWAY FROM THE DEFENDER. TO DRIBBLE,
THE BALL IS PUSHED DOWN BY SPREADING THE FINGERS BY A LIGHT PRESSURE.
 ALL PLAYERS SHOULD LEARN TO DRIBBLE EQUALLY WELL WITH BOTH HANDS WITHOUT LOOKING THE BALL.

Change of Pace dribble

This dribble is one of the most common in basketball and is

used to make the defender think that the dribbler is slowing down or going to pick
up his dribble and stop, or he is looking for a teammate to pass to, but still keeping
his dribble, he explodes by the defender at top speed.

The low or control dribble

It is used whether the player is closely guarded. This type of

dribbling simply entails keeping the ball low to the floor and I
player’s full control.
The High or speed dribble

When a player is in the open court and needs to go fast as he

can with the ball, he uses the high/speed dribble. I such case
the dribbler is not closely guarded and while running fast, he
pushes the ball in front of him and lets the ball bounce at hip
level.

The Cross-over dribble

It entails dribbling with one hand, then as the dribbler get

close to his defender, pushing the ball out in front of him, over
to the other hand, exploding past him.
The Behind the back dribble

This type of dribble is used when the dribbler changes

direction in order to get loose from his opponent. The dribbler
moves the ball from one side of his body to another by
swinging it behind and across his back.

The Between the legs dribble

This dribble is a quick way to move the ball from one hand to
another between the legs when the dribbler is closely guarded
or when he wants to change direction.
The Reverse dribble

This dribble is also a type of dribbling to change direction and

to bounce the ball from one hand to another when the dribbler
is closely guarded. The dribbler rotates quickly around his
defender.
3. PASSING - PASSING THE BALL IS THE QUICKEST AND MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO
GET THE BALL FROM PLAYER TO PLAYER. THE PERFECT END RESULT OF A SERIES
OF WELL-EXECUTED PASSES WILL BE A PASS MADE TO AN OPEN TEAMMATE CLOSE
TO THE BASKET WHO JUST TAKES THE BALL AND EASILY SCORES. A GOOD ASSIST
HAS THE SAME IMPORTANCE AND ATTRACTION AS SCORING A BASKET.
Chest Pass

It is the most common pass in a game when there isn’t a

defensive player between the passer and his teammate.
Bounce Pass

It is used most often in pivot plays when the passer is passing

to a teammate guarded from behind, or in other situations
when the chest pass cannot be used.

Overhead Pass

This pass is commonly used for passing the ball into the high
and low post area, or as an outlet pass directly off a rebound
to begin a fast break, or during a throw-in.
Baseball Pass
This is a long-distance pass that is usually thrown more than
half the court length. This pass is not too accurate but is useful
in getting the ball for a fast break.

Push Pass

It is a quick pass made with one hand to a short distance. The

pass originates near the ear and relies on elbow being bent
for its power. It is either a straight or a lob pass depending on
the defensive alignment.

Behind the back Pass

This pass was once considered to be a fancy pass but has

now become a normal offensive weapon.
4. SHOOTING
- IT IS THE FINAL MOVEMENT TO COMPLETE THE OFFENSIVE ACTION IN ORDER
TO SCORE A BASKET. THE MANY GOALS SCORED ARE THE FEATURES THAT MAKE
BASKETBALL INTERESTING, ATTRACTIVE, AND EXCITING FOR THE SPECTATORS.
The Set shot

It is commonly used only when executing free throws, when

the shooter may take an unhindered shot.
The Lay-up shot

A lay-up is the first shot that should be learned. In a

competitive situation this is the one shot that the player has to
be able to make with both right and left hands.

The Underhand shot

This is a special type of the lay-up shot when the shooter after
taking his jump towards the basket extends his arm and lifts
his hand upward keeping the ball away from the defender.
The Jump shot

Of all the shots taken in basketball game, the jump shot is the
most widely used in a player’s offensive arsenal. Since it is
taken the highest point of the shooter’s vertical jump, it is a
shot that is extremely hard to block. From a long distance it is
almost the only type of shot.

The Hook shot

The hook shot is a soft and accurate shot and excellent low-
post move. When executed correctly, it is nearly impossible to
block because the shooting hand is away from the defender,
even when guarded by a taller player.

Dunking

The dunk shot was once considered a special attraction of the

tallest players. It is the most spectacular offensive move and
it is one that can boost the teammates’ spirits and quickly
demoralize the opponent.
Reverse Lay-up shot

This lay-up has the benefit of the rim and backboard to help
protect the shooter from defenders trying to block his shot
from behind. It is a good shot to use after a penetration along
the end line or when he receives the ball inside the lane with
his back to the basket.

Tapping (Tip-in)

The Tap-in is not really a shot. This move consists of only a

soft flick of the fingertips. The fingertips are positioned under the ball as it comes
off the rim and the ball is gently pushed up and tapped in the direction of the rim
or backboards. Timing and good jumping ability are needed to perform this shot.
5. BLOCKING OUT ( BOX OUT)
THE ACT OF THE PLAYER TO PREVENT HIS OPPONENT FROM GETTING INTO A GOOD
REBOUNDING POSITION
6. REBOUNDING
THE ACT OF GETTING THE BALL AFTER A MISSED SHOT. IT CAN BE OFFENSIVE
REBOUND OR DEFENSIVE REBOUND
7. FOOTWORK
A VERY IMPORTANT SKILL IN ALMOST EVERY SPORT EVENT. IT CAN BE DEVELOPED
THROUGH AGILITY TRAINING.
8. DEFENSE
PREVENTING YOUR OPPONENT FROM SCORING. IT CAN BE MAN-TO-MAN OR ZONE
DEFENSE.
THANK YOU!