How to Get By Defenders in Basketball: 7 Proven Moves

You're dribbling down the court, defender in your face, and you need to make a move. But what do you do? It's time to expand your offensive arsenal and learn how to get by defenders in basketball like a pro.

I've been there, feeling stuck and frustrated, watching my defender anticipate my every move. But through years of practice and studying the greats, I've discovered 7 proven moves that can help you blow by defenders and create scoring opportunities.

These aren't just any ordinary moves - they're the same techniques used by NBA stars to leave their defenders in the dust. So if you're ready to take your game to the next level, let's dive in and master the art of getting by defenders in basketball.

• Mastering Timing to Confuse Defenders
  • The Art of Delay in Dribbling
  • Rhythm Disruption Techniques
• Strategic Positioning Before Driving
  • Unpredictable Starting Positions
  • Explosive Moves from Unexpected Stances
• Embracing Physicality and Angles in Drives
  • The Power of Tight Angles
  • Protecting the Ball with Physicality
  • Creating Advantageous Angles
• Combining Tools for Effective Offense
  • Integrating Dribble Moves with Physical Play
• FAQs in Relation to How to Get by Defenders in Basketball
  • How do you get around defenders?
  • How to beat physical defenders in basketball?
  • How to get better at defending in basketball?
  • How to destroy defenders in basketball?
• Conclusion

Timing is everything in basketball. And when it comes to getting by defenders, it's all about throwing off their expectations with well-timed dribble moves. I've seen it time and again in my years of coaching and playing - the player who can keep defenders guessing with unpredictable timing is the one who consistently creates scoring opportunities.

One of the most effective ways to catch defenders off guard is by delaying your dribble moves. Hesitation is your friend here. Instead of immediately driving or crossing over when you catch the ball, take a beat. Let the defender think they have you figured out, then boom - hit them with a delayed move and blow by them. A well-timed hesitation dribble can be a defender's worst nightmare. It's like a change-up pitch in baseball - just when they're geared up for the fastball, you throw off their timing with a slower delivery.

As Jordan Lawley points out, selling the hesitation with your eyes and shoulders is key. You want the defender to fully buy into the idea that you're about to make a move, then delay it just long enough to get them leaning the wrong way. The between-the-legs dribble is another move that benefits hugely from delayed timing. Defenders are used to players immediately bringing the ball back to their strong hand after a between-the-legs dribble. By delaying that just a split second and keeping the ball on your 'weak' side a moment longer, you can get the defender to overcommit and open up a driving lane.

In addition to delays, disrupting your dribbling rhythm is another great way to keep defenders off balance. Most players have a predictable cadence to their dribble - a steady, even rhythm. Breaking that rhythm with herky-jerky motions, stutter steps, and unexpected pauses makes it incredibly difficult for defenders to time their steal attempts or anticipate your next move. One of my favorite rhythm disruptors is the 'stop-and-go' dribble. You'll take one hard dribble, then immediately pull up like you're going to shoot or pass. When the defender relaxes for just a split second, you blow by them with another hard dribble. The key is varying the speed of your dribble. Lulling defenders with a slow, steady rhythm, then suddenly exploding into a quick move. Then back to slow before another gear change. Think of it like a boxer varying the speed of his punches to keep his opponent off balance. Mixing up the rhythm of your dribble has the same effect on defenders.

Where you start your drive is just as important as how you do it. Too many players get predictable with their positioning, always starting from the same spots on the floor. The best scorers mix it up, keeping defenders guessing by initiating their attacks from a variety of positions.

One way to do this is by changing up your starting stance. We've all seen the typical 'triple threat' position - crouched low, ball at the hip, ready to shoot, pass, or drive. But sometimes, the threat is more effective when it doesn't look like a threat at all. Try starting your drive from a more upright, relaxed stance. Defenders won't be expecting a sudden, explosive move from that position. Another option is to start your drive with your back to the basket. Defenders are used to guarding players facing up, so turning and driving can catch them by surprise. The key is not to fall into positional patterns. Don't always start from the wing or the top of the key. Mix in some drives from the baseline, the elbow, even the post. The less predictable your starting position is, the harder it is for defenders to anticipate your drive.

Of course, unorthodox starting positions are only effective if you can explode out of them quickly. This is where core strength and lower body power come into play. When starting from an upright stance, you need to be able to drop into a low, explosive driving position in a split second. Strong legs and a stable core are essential for this sudden change of level. When turning and driving from a back-to-the-basket position, footwork is key. You need to be able to pivot explosively on either foot and take a strong first step toward the hoop. Drills like pivot-and-go and drop-step drives are great for developing the footwork and power needed for these explosive moves. Remember, the element of surprise is only valuable if you can capitalize on it with quick, decisive action. Unexpected positioning sets the table, but explosive movement serves the meal.

Getting by your defender is as much about angles and leverage as it is about quick moves. The best scorers understand how to use their body to create advantages and protect the ball.

When driving, the angle of your attack is crucial. Many players make the mistake of taking too wide an angle, giving the defender time to recover and cut off their path. Tight angles, on the other hand, put the defender in a tough spot. By driving directly at or just past the defender's outside foot, you force them to open up their hips and concede the direct line to the basket. This is especially effective against bigger, slower defenders. They may be able to cut off a wide angle with their length, but a tight angle neutralizes that advantage and puts them in an uncomfortable defensive position. The key is to attack the defender's outside foot and then make a quick, decisive cut towards the hoop. Any hesitation allows the defender to recover and re-establish a proper defensive position.

Of course, driving at a tight angle often means initiating contact with the defender. This is where upper body strength and ball protection come into play. When driving into contact, it's crucial to keep the ball tight to your body, ideally on your outside hip away from the defender. Your off arm should be up, creating space between you and the defender and shielding the ball. Strength training is key here. You need to be able to absorb contact and maintain control of the ball. Weak players get bumped off their path; strong players power through the contact and finish at the rim. Drills with contact pads or even just a partner pushing you with a pad as you drive can help develop this strength and ball security.

Sometimes, the best way to get a good driving angle is to create it yourself. This is where change-of-direction dribbles come into play. A quick crossover or between-the-legs dribble can get the defender leaning one way, allowing you to change direction and attack at a more advantageous angle. The key is to make the move at the right time and place. You want to catch the defender when they're a bit off-balance or out of position, then immediately attack the space they've conceded. It's also important to set up your defender with misdirection. A hard jab step one way followed by a quick dribble the other can create the angle you need. Remember, the goal isn't just to get by your defender, but to do so in a way that gives you a clear path to the basket. Attacking at sharp angles and using your body to shield the ball greatly increases your chances of finishing the play.

Timing, positioning, physicality, angles - these are all crucial tools for getting by defenders. But the true art is in how you combine them. The best scorers are masters of mixing and matching these elements, keeping defenders constantly off-balance and guessing.

A well-timed dribble move is great, but it's even better when paired with physical misdirection. A jab step or shoulder fake one way followed by a quick crossover the other can be nearly impossible to defend. Similarly, using your body to bump the defender one way before exploding the other can create the space you need to get by them. The key is to make your physical fakes and misdirections believable. Really sell the idea that you're going one way before changing direction. This requires a degree of acting ability. You need to be able to convince the defender that you're fully committed to one path before abruptly changing course. Drills that incorporate physical fakes and misdirections with dribble moves are great for developing this skill. Have a partner play close defense on you and work on using your body to create space for your dribble moves. As you get more comfortable, you can start chaining moves together. A jab step into a crossover, then a quick hesitation before exploding to the hoop. The more you can vary your sequence of moves, the tougher you'll be to defend. Remember, the goal is to keep the defender guessing, reacting to your last move while you're already setting up your next one. By seamlessly blending physical fakes with dribble moves and changes of pace, you can create an almost endless array of offensive options. This is where the true artistry of the game lies - in the creative combination of fundamental tools to produce something unique and unstoppable. Master the timing, positioning, and physicality, then mix and match them in your own unique way. That's how you elevate getting by your defender from a skill to an art form.

Mix up your speed and direction. Use quick dribbles, fake outs, and sharp cuts to throw them off balance.

Leverage body feints and protect the ball with your off arm. Getting low gives you a strength advantage too.

Stay on your toes, anticipate moves by watching the waist, and always keep between your man and the basket.

Dribble with purpose, change speeds suddenly, and master step-backs or spin moves to leave defenders grasping at air.

Getting by defenders in basketball is all about timing, positioning, and a dash of creativity. By mastering these 7 proven moves, you'll have the tools to confuse and outmaneuver even the toughest defenders.

Remember, it's not just about having a deep bag of tricks - it's about knowing when and how to use them. Combine hesitation with explosive speed, use angles to your advantage, and don't be afraid to get physical when necessary.

Most importantly, keep practicing and refining your skills. The more comfortable you become with these moves, the more instinctive they'll feel in game situations. So get in the gym, work on your craft, and soon enough, you'll be blowing by defenders and creating scoring opportunities like never before.