How to Pump Fake in Basketball

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

Difficulty: Easy

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.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Tired of Being Tired? Fight Fatigue and Try FRS for FREE!

[ethant87]

on 12/10/2007 Keep your eyes on the basket- it helps a LOT to sell the fake. If you're focused on the spot on the floor thay you want to go to after the fake, he won't buy it. Do everything you'd do in a normal shot, just stop it short and drive.

[TASTE]

on 1/7/2007 Always make sure you never take a first step to early after u pump fake. Fake the shot and then when your oppenent has reached their highest jump peak...explode to the basket

on 11/22/2005 If you want to make it look real, as soon as the opponent checks the ball - fake! This makes it look like you're really eager to score. Your opponent will jump for the ball and you can just go around him. This is useful when playing against gullible people.

on 11/22/2005 Also try to over-exaggerate your fake...Sometimes it really works and embarrasses the other player, too. Take a good look around you before you shoot, or a hand in your face will obstruct your view. I learned it the hard way.

on 11/22/2005 When you fake, bring the ball over your head so the defender really thinks you're going to shoot. Then draw the foul by jumping into the defender or drive around and shoot a floater in the lane. It will only work if you have a super quick first step.