How to Pump Fake in Basketball

Simulate a shot so your defender loses proper defensive positioning by jumping for the block.

Instructions

1. Square your body to the basket.

2. Hold the ball in the triple-threat position. (See related eHow, "How to Utilize the Triple-Threat Position in Basketball.")

3. Begin your shooting motion.

4. Simultaneously, start to unbend your knees, straighten from your crouch, jerk your head back a bit, and raise the ball to the height of your sternum. Do the move quickly. If you do a motion quickly and somewhat jerkily, the defender is more likely to fall for the fake.

5. Sell the move so the defender bites.

6. Shoot the ball once your defender is out of position.

Tips & Warnings

• If you get your defender to leave her or his feet, expect to be fouled when you shoot. Indeed, lean into the airborne defender if you want to draw a foul.

• Try not to use the pump fake when you're close to the basket. By the time you sell the fake and are ready to shoot, another defender will have collapsed on you.

• Make the fake look as real as possible to confuse the defender.

• This is a great maneuver to use once you've established you can shoot an outside jump shot. Defenders will be more likely to try to block the shot.

• If you have any condition that 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.