Plus Sign Pivots
This is one of the best ways to learn proper pivoting. Find two lines on the court that form perfect 90-degree angles that look a like giant extended (+) plus sign. Place the left pivot foot on the floor at the center of where the lines cross. Then get the body into the ready stance with the heels up. Practice this while holding the basketball in a triple-threat or chin-and-protect position. Be mindful to keep both elbows up to protect not only the ball, but to also help keep defenders from bodying up and crowding the offensive player. Failure to keep the elbows high allows the defender to force the offensive player to step backward and lose balance. That allows the defender to get close enough to swipe the ball away.
Initially, practice just getting into the ready stance with a slightly wider base and establishing balance with the left foot (the pivot foot) on the center of the plus sign. Once comfortable, begin pivoting by moving the right foot and shoulder forward together until they reach the same horizontal line from where the pivot foot (left foot) is anchored.
The most important part of the movement is to keep the pivot foot on the floor while turning on the plus sign. If the foot is not still in the same exact spot when you touch the right foot to the horizontal line, the pivot was done incorrectly. After that, simply reverse the right shoulder and foot back to their original placement. Switch and pivot on the right foot as well to learn and strengthen both legs.
These two movements are commonly referred to as an outside or front pivot and the inside or reverse pivot. Practicing 25 to 50 inside and outside pivots not only teaches great skills development, but is also a great warm-up activity. Practice 100 or more on each foot and it becomes an excellent strength and conditioning activity. Practicing 300 or more can take a player's game to the next level.
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