Master the Full Inside Pivot Spin and Shot
Great shooters don't just rely on their arms; they rely on their feet. The Full Inside Pivot Spin and Shot is a fundamental shooting drill designed to challenge your equilibrium, core stability, and footwork precision. By introducing a 360-degree rotation before the release, you force your body to regain balance instantly—simulating the physical demands of coming off a tight curl or shaking a defender in a chaotic game environment.
How to Perform This Drill
- Setup: Stand at the free-throw line with the basketball held firmly in your shooting pocket or triple-threat position.
- Anchor: Establish your pivot foot. For this progression, plant one foot firmly on the floor; this foot must not slide or lift during the rotation.
- Execute: Staying low in an athletic stance, perform a complete 360-degree spin on your pivot foot. Keep the ball tight to your body to maintain your center of gravity.
- Square Up: As you complete the full rotation, snap your non-pivot foot into the floor to stop your momentum and immediately square your shoulders to the basket.
- Focus: Locate the rim with your eyes the moment you complete your turn—target acquisition speed is critical here.
- Finish: Rise up into your shot with a smooth, fluid motion, ensuring you land in the same spot you jumped from.
- Repetition: Make five shots pivoting on your left foot, then switch and make five shots pivoting on your right foot.
Why This Drill Works
In a real game, you rarely get to shoot with your feet perfectly set and zero movement. This drill utilizes "disorientation training," forcing your vestibular system to recalibrate quickly so you can lock onto the target despite the spinning motion. It reinforces the concept of verticality, ensuring that even after high-speed lateral movement, you can transfer energy straight up into your shot rather than drifting sideways, which is a primary cause of missed jumpers.
Pro Tips
- Stay Low: Maintain a deep knee bend throughout the spin. If you stand up straight during the rotation, you lose your leverage and your shot will be flat.
- Head Snap: Use the "dancer's spot" technique. Whip your head around faster than your body to find the rim early. The sooner your eyes lock on the target, the higher your shooting percentage.
- Tight Core: Engage your abs as you spin. A loose core leads to leaning, and leaning leads to bricks. Stay vertical.
- Hold the Follow-Through: Because you are spinning, your body naturally wants to twist. Counteract this by holding your follow-through until the ball hits the rim to ensure proper alignment.