How to Attack the Basket in Basketball

Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James are famous basketball players who are well known for their ability to attack the basket. Attacking the basket not only gives you the opportunity to score points but opens up your teammates to become involved in the game. Learning how to effectively move toward the basket is an important element of basketball for both young and experienced players.

Instructions

    • 1

      Begin with the ball outside of the painted area near your basket. Many teams call their plays while the point guard dribbles the ball outside of the three-point line. Starting with the ball here will put you into position to attack the basket.

    • 2

      Dribble to your right or left. Depending on your skills, you will either have to move with the ball in your dominant hand or dribble with your off hand.

    • 3

      Use basketball moves such as the crossover dribble, jab step and shot fake to create space between yourself and the defender assigned to guard you. Creating space allows you to either shoot the ball effectively or make a pass to an open teammate.

    • 4

      Shoot the ball or pass to an open teammate. Your decision depends on how the defense responds to your movement towards the basket. Defenders will either collapse towards you, leaving teammates open, or stay with their assignments, giving you room to shoot the ball.