SpacingBeginnerAnimatable

Lift

When a player moves from a lower position (corner or low wing) up toward the wing or slot area as the ball handler drives.

When It's Used

When the ball handler turns the corner, the same-side corner player lifts to the wing for spacing and a kick-out option at a better angle.

What It Creates

Creates a better passing angle for the driving ball handler, maintains strong-side spacing, positions the lifter for a catch-and-shoot three.

About This Action

“Lift” is a fundamental spacing action in modern perimeter-oriented offenses, specifically designed to optimize kick-out opportunities following a strong-side dribble-drive. When a ball handler initiates a drive, particularly from the wing or slot and "turns the corner" toward the baseline or middle, the offensive player positioned in the corresponding strong-side deep corner executes a “lift.” This involves moving vertically from the deep corner up toward the wing or even the extended slot area. The timing is crucial: the lift should commence *as* the driving player commits to penetrating the paint, forcing the defense to react and providing a fleeting window for the pass. The primary purpose of the lift is multi-faceted. Firstly, it creates a significantly improved passing angle for the driving ball handler. A kick-out pass from the restricted area to a deep corner shooter often requires an acute, risky angle, potentially allowing the defense to stunt or rotate into the passing lane. By lifting to the wing or slot, the receiving player presents a more direct, straight-line target, increasing the pass's safety and speed. Secondly, this movement maintains strong-side spacing, preventing the corner player from being effectively guarded by the same defender who is helping on the drive, or from congesting the driving lane. Finally, and crucially, the lift positions the player for a high-percentage catch-and-shoot three-point attempt, often against a scrambling or recovering defender. This action is a cornerstone of the "dribble-drive offense," chaining directly from the initial drive to a high-value perimeter shot. This movement is often followed by a "fill" action from an opposite-side player, further balancing floor spacing. By moving to the wing or slot, the lifter pulls their defender out of the paint, widening the driving lane for the ball handler, or creating an easier skip pass option if the defense over-helps from the weak side. The tactical value of the lift lies in its ability to punish defensive over-commitment to the primary driver, forcing rotations and creating open looks.

Connections

Pass" class="inline-link">Kickout Pass, Catch-and-Shoot, Fill | Chain: Dribble-drive → Lift → Pass" class="inline-link">Kickout Pass → Catch-and-Shoot

Defensive Counters

Close Out, Stunt, Rotate

Common Mistakes

One of the most common errors in executing a lift is poor timing. Players often lift either too early or too late. Lifting prematurely, before the ball handler has fully committed to their drive or begun to draw help, results in the defender simply rotating with the lifter without truly compromising the defense's integrity. Conversely, lifting too late, after the drive has already collapsed the defense and the passing window has closed, leaves the ball handler with a difficult, contested pass or forces them into a tough shot. The correction lies in reading the ball handler's *first hard dribble* toward the rim or the *defender's shoulder drop* indicating commitment to the drive; the lift should initiate simultaneously, anticipating the help defense and creating the passing opportunity. Another frequent mistake involves the *extent* or *direction* of the lift. Some players will only take a small step or drift horizontally along the baseline instead of moving decisively and vertically up the court. This half-hearted movement fails to create the optimal passing angle or adequate spacing, as the defender can more easily 'stunt and recover' or simply close out from a shorter distance. Players must understand the goal is to get to the *extended wing or slot*, creating a larger buffer between themselves and the baseline, and forcing the defense to cover more ground. The correction requires deliberate, purposeful movement straight up the court, away from the paint, opening a clear passing lane and maximizing the shot quality. Defensively, the most common mistake when defending a lift is over-helping on the drive and completely abandoning the strong-side lifter. Defenders often become tunnel-visioned on the ball handler penetrating the paint, forgetting their responsibility to deny the kick-out. This leads to wide-open three-point attempts, as the recovering defender is left closing out on a shooter with momentum, often arriving late and out of control. The correction for defenders involves employing a disciplined "stunt" or "tag" on the roller/driver, then immediately recovering with urgency to their assigned strong-side perimeter player. Effective communication, calling out "help" or "recover," is critical to ensure the integrity of the perimeter defense while still providing initial resistance to the drive without conceding an open three.

When It's Used

What It Creates

About This Action

Notes