Pinch Post Moves: Crossover Drive Step-Back Jump Shot
By Hal Wissel
Pinch Post Crossover Drive Step-Back Jump Shot
This drill gives you practice making a crossover drive bank jump shot from the pinch post. Start at the block on the lane and toss the ball to the pinch post (elbow). Imagine that you are closely guarded and catch the ball with your back to the basket, while making a one-two stop landing on your inside (closest to middle) foot first. Make a front turn to the middle to see the rim and your defender. Be a triple threat and a threat to shoot first. Make an aggressive drive (jab) step, keeping your weight on your pivot foot.
After the drive step, you may read your defender’s position as having the lead foot forward and hand up on the side away from your drive step. Make a crossover step past the defender’s lead foot. Keeping your weight on your pivot foot, create space away from your defender by pushing your dribble out with your outside hand (the hand away from the defender).
The step-back jump shot is used when you are closely guarded as you drive. When your defender is able to stay with you, use a control dribble. Lean your inside shoulder into the defender and then make an aggressive head and shoulder fake to straighten your defender’s legs. Create space by taking a quick step back away from your defender, and at the same time, dribble back with your outside hand.
Jump behind the ball in balance by dipping your knees (to change backward momentum to upward momentum), while aligning your shooting-side knee with the ball. Keep your head and shoulders forward to counter the tendency to lean back. Pick up the ball in front of your shooting-side knee with your shooting hand on top of the ball; your non-shooting hand should be under the ball for balance. Bring the ball straight up so your shooting hand faces the basket. Jump straight up and shoot a jump shot. Direct your head, shoulders, shooting hand, and fingers toward the basket to counter any tendency to lean your head and shoulders back on your shot. Hold your follow-through straight up until the ball goes through the net. Land in balance at the spot of your takeoff, and be ready to get back on defense if the shot is missed.
Crossover Drive Step-Back Jump Shot