Kobe's Footwork
Kobe Bryant's game winning jump shot against the Toronto Raptors was a great shot indeed. Bryant drove toward the baseline and then makes a fadeaway jumper over two defenders. If you breakdown the move you will see there was more to this incredible move other than the shot.
First, there was Kobe's vision. When Kobe was able to get open to receive the ball from Pau Gasol the first thing he does is check to see where the double team was coming from. After Gasol goes away to give Bryant more space, Adrea Bargnani goes to double team Bryant. Bryant knows the double team is coming from up top and he won't be able to get to the middle of the floor. So Bryant now has to create space and go away from the double team.
Second, Kobe was able to create space out of triple threat. I teach my players to get the advantage over the opponent by getting your shoulders lower than the defender's. In this instance the defender's shoulders were lower than Bryant's on the catch. Bryant used a shoulder to shoulder rip through to protect the ball and then used his feet to get an advantage. Bryant took his right foot and stepped right between Antoine Wright's legs and used his shoulder to bump Wright's chest (I call this a "body jab"). This caused Wright to give Bryant the cushion he needed to make a play. After Bryant created space he then ripped or sweeped the ball low (below both knees) and was able to get his shoulders lower than Wrights. Bryant then gained the advantaged and was able to separate from Wright to make his fadeaway jumper for the game winner.
Drill of the Month
2 Ball Wing to Corner
Overview: Drill improves ball handling, shooting off the dribble, and shooting around screens.
Execution: Player 1 has 2 basketballs and starts at the wing. Shuffle dribble two basketballs from wing to corner to the wing and then back down to the corner. Once at the corner place the basketball in your right hand in the chair while maintaining your dribble with the left hand (diagram 1).
Speed dribble around the chair on the wing and shoot the pull up jump shot (diagram 2).
Sprint around both chairs and scoop the basketball for the jump shot in the corner. Rebound both balls and repeat. Perform drill on both sides of floor and at top of key (diagram 3).
Diagram 1 Diagram 2 Diagram 3
Variation: