Expert: Bret Temple - 8/26/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi, thanks for taking your time to answer this question, Pivoting is useful in moving to the basket and scoring, can you tell me in general, what is pivoting? how do you pivot, and other tips about pivoting, thanks.

ANSWER: Hi Allen,

Although my expertise is not in this area, but rather basketball rules and officiating, i'll attempt to answer your question to the best of my ability. The first step in pivoting is establishing a pivot foot. When a ball is passed to a player, before that player dribbles he/she has the ability to do one of 3 things.  1)Pass the ball to someone else.  2) dribble   3)begin pivoting left or right. Pivoting is simply taking one of your two feet and establishing a position with it. Once established you can no longer move your "Pivot Foot" or you will be called for traveling.  It allows you to move back and forth, or left or right without picking that pivot foot off the ground.  Once you dribbled the ball and you pick up your dribble, Pivoting allows you to move around without being called for traveling.  That's really it. I wouldn't say it helps you score more.  Its an effective tool used as part of the game. I hope that answers your question.  Good LUck

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks, how do you atcually move back&forth and left or right without moving your pivot foot, do you just move your body? so for example, if i had my back to a player and im posting-up, like tim duncan or shaq does, and i stop, can i pivot one of my feet to try to get around my defender? also is it legal in the nba for me to drive into the hoop but do a power hop before scoring? thanks

Answer
Pivoting is just moving side to side leaving one of your feet stationary while moving the other one. Once you establish your pivot foot, you cannot move it or change pivot feet, or your called for traveling. I'm not sure if there is a better way of explaining it, but that's the only way I can explain it. Hope it helps.