Fake a Difference

Misdirection is a fundamental part of basketball. For example, we may create a "set" to deceive our opponent to our intention.

By creating the "fence" for one or two plays, we create the "illusion" that the fence is the 'intentional' screen. Misdirection allows us the conceptual change to use the "shooter" as a screener or even to "slip" the screen.

Players use offensive fakes all the time. In fact, fakes are fundamental to creating separation.


They use misdirection with a change of pace or direction in hesitation/stop-and-go dribbles or "ankle-breaking" crossovers. They use foot fakes with a jab step to reposition their defenders. Good passers regularly use their eyes to "look off" or move defenders. They use pass fakes to distort zones. They use shot fakes to reposition on-ball defenders.


They set up cuts to create space and to come off screens. They fake setting a screen to slip to the basket. Sometimes they use their arms to freeze a defender into believing they're getting a lob or post entry.

Ordinary defenders underutilize fakes. Good defenders study opponents, attack, and anticipate that can lead to charges, fumbles, or traveling. Faking a double team may cause a ballhandler to pick up her dribble. A guard stunting (faking) at a post player may cause confusion. You can "play off" a player (then react quickly) looking to draw a pass for a deflection or steal.

When a post player leans back against pressure too hard, defenders may "pull the chair" causing imbalance and turnovers.

As a team and as an individual attacker or defender, study and learn how to use fakes to develop a more complete game.