Reverse Pivot
A pivot on the outside foot (furthest from basket) to swing away from the defender and create space.
When It's Used
When a post player catches on the block and reverse pivots for a shot or drive.
What It Creates
Creates separation by swinging the body away, opens driving lanes and shot angles.
About This Action
The reverse pivot is a fundamental offensive footwork technique, particularly effective for post players, designed to create immediate separation from a defender. When a player receives the ball in the low post, block, or short corner, they establish an 'outside' pivot foot—the foot furthest from the basket and often furthest from the primary defender. The player then swings their non-pivot foot and body away from the defender and the baseline, effectively turning their back to the basket momentarily before facing up or attacking. This action creates a wider arc of movement compared to an inside pivot, which typically involves pivoting towards the basket or baseline. This sophisticated footwork is crucial because it significantly opens up offensive angles. By swinging away from the defender, the offensive player disrupts the defender's balance and positioning, making it difficult for them to maintain tight coverage. The immediate purpose is to gain space for a clear look at the basket for a turnaround jump shot or a fadeaway, or to create a driving lane, often towards the middle of the floor or baseline, depending on the initial catch and defensive positioning. The timing is critical; it's often executed as the defender commits to denying a direct drive or is overplaying a specific side, leveraging their momentum against them. Beyond just creating space, the reverse pivot allows a post player to transition from a back-to-the-basket stance to facing up the defender, thus expanding their offensive repertoire. It connects seamlessly with other post-up moves, serving as a powerful precursor to a post-fadeaway jumper, a dribble-drive to the paint, or a drive-and-kick out. Its deliberate nature means it takes slightly longer to execute than a quick drop step or inside pivot, but the payoff is often a more substantial amount of separation, making it a valuable tool in a skilled offensive player's arsenal.