Scoring Secrets of Basketball Game

Moving without the ball
Unless you are the point guard, four-fifths of your time on the court, you will not have the basketball. Moving without the ball is an essential but often overlooked skill which scouts look in a basketball player. For them it shows you’ve got a high basketball IQ because you are able to see and make use of all the available space on the court. It also shows that you have different sides to your game. This takes you to the next level and is required if you want to become that unstoppable scorer you’ve always dreamed of. Another fundamental skill is maintaining the “basketball” or “triple threat” position. This basically involves keeping an alert stance at all times. You do this by raising your hands at chest level so you can receive a pass, keep your feet apart and the knees slightly bent for a sudden burst to change direction.

There are many ways to move without the ball that will create space for easy scoring opportunities and they are not difficult to master. Cuts, give and goes are all ways to create space without the ball to get into great scoring positions. Another important point to mention here is that you can easily add 8 or more points to your game just mastering this skill.

1. Give and Go
This employs a reverse “V” cut (which I will talk about later) in that when you have the ball in your hands, you dribble and pass out to a teammate. Take a couple of steps in the direction of the pass, then cut back in the opposite direction towards the hoop for the return pass.

2. “V” Cut
The V cut is the easiest to perfect. The premise here is to fake as though you are going towards the rim. As you get closer to the rim, stop and make a sharp explosive movement back out and towards the ball. When coupled with a quick release, this is a high percentage shot.

3. Back Cut
The back cut or back door cut is especially effective for those pesky defenders who want to deny you the ball in the first place by staying as close as possible. It’s basically selling a move towards the basketball and then pushing up the front foot back towards the basket. You most often end up with a nice easy layup or dunk.

4. “L” Cut
The “L” cut is a must have for any scorer as it gives you the option of driving to the hoop for an easy layup or getting up a shot. This move works particularly well if the defender is not too close. It is characterised by a fairly quick move in one direction and then a sudden burst of speed in the other direction. This loses defender completely and the rest is up to you. Here’s a great video on this.

5. Curl
The “Curl” is done with a teammate screening. You as the scorer need to be aware of the screen whilst at the same time masking this knowledge from your defender. Do this by moving away from the set screen so you drag your defender away and in a sharp turn burst towards the screen going round it and heading towards the ball. This guarantees a nice high percentage shot all day long.