Fakes Within Fakes

Provided by Better Basketball
For Active.com

I often hear from players, "Coach, my fakes aren't working" Or maybe it's one particular fake that used to work, but doesn't anymore.

 

Regardless, fakes should be examined by looking at the level of experience of your opponent.

Beginner level
Fakes are wasted at this level. The emphasis should be on the correct fundamentals -- shooting when you're open, and driving with either hand when the defense is too close or out of position. No fakes are necessary, and they will often result in a travel violation. The offense needs to simply learn how to read the defender and make the appropriate move.

Intermediate level
The defender has now become aware that you're taking advantage of things like space and the angle that he's playing. Now the defender anticipates what you're going to do and is trying to stay a step ahead of you.

For example, as soon as you, the offensive player, begin to move the ball out of your shot pocket, and as soon as one of your feet begins to move, the defender is reading that you're about to drive in a particular direction. Now the defender is moving ahead of time to cut you off. When your defender is at this level of anticipation, you can begin to effectively use fakes.

Let's use a shot fake as an example. A good shot fake, like any fake, is best when simple. Start with your natural, normal motion to shoot and stop it when the defense begins to move up in anticipation of blocking your shot. Then drive. It's that simple. Start one way, take advantage of the defender's habit of anticipation, and go the other way.

Now, click over to Better Basketball, and we'll look at the advanced level of faking.