Creating Space

What kind of shot would you rather take? A tightly-defended jumper or an open jumpshot or even layup? I know–that’s not a tough question. When you learn to make space for yourself, you’ll open up all kinds of chances for you to score. One thing to keep in mind is that you need to get close to make space. Don’t be afraid to make contact with your defender. Drive hard right at him and make him think you are going hard in one direction. Then quickly change direction, retreat, and take it to the hoop.

Here are a few good tips:
1. Attack hard and force your defender to turn his shoulders to keep up with you
2. Retreat dribble and jump back hard for an open jumper (use crossover or other change-of-direction moves as needed)
OR
3. If you’ve got your defender beat, continue to drive hard to the basket

Check out this great video from SuperHandles: