Kobe Bryant's Signature Move Tutorial

Key points

• Catch and turn to face, then read where the defender is.
• Keep the ball in the shooting pocket instead of a typical triple threat position when the defender's hands are high.
• Jab to back the defender up, then attack on the next jab when he is off rhythm.
• Elevate straight from the jab without bringing the foot back to keep the defender off balance.
• Repeat the shot over and over to become comfortable and strong.

Key points

• Against long, athletic defenders, a normal fadeaway may not create enough separation.
• Add a pump fake to keep the defender off balance and guessing.
• Raise the elbow a little more to change the shot trajectory when needed.
• If a defender is closing, slide back a little more and shoot the ball straight up.
• Practice in those situations until the adjustment becomes natural.

Common mistakes

Relying only on a fadeaway against long, athletic defenders; their length can still alter the shot.

Key points

• Feel where the defense is first, then choose the appropriate fade direction.
• Keep your eyes on the backboard target instead of watching the flight of the ball.
• Practice under the basket spinning the ball off the glass with both right and left hands.
• Try different bank shots to become comfortable with the backboard.

Common mistakes

Watching the flight of the ball instead of focusing on the backboard target.

Key points

• Mix up the rhythm and tempo of your footwork so defenders cannot sit on your moves.
• Change your fade direction based on where the defender is guarding you.
• If the defender is on your left side, do not fade straight back into his contest.
• Practice fading straight back, fading to the side, and something in between.
• Use your legs and repetition to build a consistent fadeaway rhythm.

Common mistakes

Using the same footwork with the same rhythm and tempo; defenders get used to it and sit on your moves.

Key points

• Use the perimeter shot and drive threat to set up the mid-range pull-up.
• Dip short and go hard on the drive into the pull-up.
• Stop on the correct leg and use the other leg as the control leg to stay balanced.
• Elevate straight up and finish over the top of the defender.
• Take the defender to one spot, then raise up and shoot over him.

Common mistakes

Making a weak, drifting pull-up that is not a threat; using the wrong leg as the control and ending up off balance.

Key points

• Drive at an overactive shot-blocker and show the ball so he leaves his feet.
• If the pump fake creates space, step directly through.
• Against physical defenders who stay on your body, use a left pivot and pirouette around for space.
• Once free, finish, float the ball over the help defender, or pass to an open teammate.

Common mistakes

Trying to step straight through a physical defender who stays on your body, which can draw an offensive foul.

Key points

• Hold triple threat position so the defender must respect the jump shot.
• Stay patient and read the weak-side help, attacking when the big is late.
• Bait the defender with a semi-fake and wing to get him leaning.
• Attack on an angle and dip toward the rim after beating the first defender.
• Use the rim for protection to finish on the opposite side and draw a foul for a three-point play.

Key points

• Use a V-cut to bring the defender up, get your spot, and create space.
• Catch and square up right away to establish cushion and separation.
• Read the court behind the defender because he cannot see his own help.
• Jab step to see if the defender makes a mistake.
• Attack the basket if the defender opens up with no help behind him, or raise up and shoot if help is behind.