How to Do a Spin Move in Basketball

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

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With or without the ball, the spin move frees you from tight defensive pressure and gives you a chance to contribute offensively.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Facing a Defender

Step1
Approach your set defender with speed.
Step2
Plant your pivot foot 2 to 4 feet from your defender's foot.
Step3
Rotate, turning your back on your defender.
Step4
Keep the ball in your outside hand if you're dribbling. You'll want to switch hands halfway - 180 degrees - through the spin.
Step5
Continue past your defender by completing the rotation.

Back to a Defender

Step1
Gauge your defender's position by where she or he is putting pressure on your back, and use this pressure point as the axis of your spin.
Step2
Take a step backward and around your defender. This is known as a drop step.
Step3
Pivot around the foot you did the drop step with while keeping your defender on your back.
Step4
Spin around your defender so that you're now on his or her back side.
Step5
Look for the easy shot, layup or pass if you have the ball.

Tips & Warnings

  • Always spin away from, not toward, your defender.
  • Execute this move with speed to increase its effectiveness.
  • If you can keep your defender pinned to your back, then you've done a nice spin move.
  • Try not to overuse this move. If the defender knows it's coming, all she or he needs to do is take a step back when you begin to pivot to maintain position.
  • After successfully completing a spin move against a defender, create space by pivoting only halfway, then reversing your direction.
  • If you have any condition which would impair or limit your ability to engage in physical activity, please consult a physician before attempting this activity. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

Comments

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Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 3/30/2006 Your body and the ball should stay in a tight package in the spin; in as small an envelope (figure #3 suggests the ball can be at a slight distance from your torso- this is asking for trouble) as possible. The more compact the area you use to execute your move on the floor spinning past your defender, (1) the greater success you will have executing; i.e., the harder it will be for the defense to stop you. Also,
(2), in reality, the closer you are to the defender when you pivot, the harder it will be to defend (suggest 2 ft., not 4 ft.).
(3) Don't focus on the ball as you spin, that will a) slow your spin, b) make it harder to balance, and c) you need to focus on the footwork of the defender / defense ahead in your path.

Note a "Tip" clarification:
Formally, there are only 7 moves off-the-dribble in basketball. Under "*Tips" you have included reversing direction on this move halfway around as a variation of the Spin Move. This is formally another move altogether to basketball purists -- it was one of MJ's favorite moves (along with the "inside- out") and the two moves are known as the "Spin Move" and the "Fake Spin Move"; two of the original 7 basketball moves.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Spin with the ball under your right hand, once you are almost turned around, bounce it into your left hand. Make sure you don't carry. This is better if you are far from the basket and will be dribbling more. If you are right under the basket, it is better to do it the normal way.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 If you're dribbling with your right hand, pivot with your left foot and spin right (clockwise if forward is 12 o'clock).

If you're dribbling with your left hand, pivot with your right foot and spin left (counterclockwise).

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 You could also try a fake spin after you performed a successful one on the same defender. Turn halfway then dribble, then turn the other way.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 To do it quick, simply bend your knees. Remember: Don't carry the ball and don't go into the defender. You will have a nice spin move. I'm a center and I play point guard sometimes because I spin around my defender and get some open space to do things.

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eHow Article: How to Do a Spin Move in Basketball

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