I am out of here.

I am closing this blog till I really find something interesting.
If you really want to learn about basketball here are two of the best sites that I use as my referance. They have almost all that a coach can teach you...
http://www.guidetocoachingbasketball.com/
http://www.basketball-plays-and-tips.com/

Rules regarding Stopping and Traveling

The following is taken from the National Federation of State High Schools web-site in regard to stopping and traveling rule.

The traveling rule has not changed. What has changed is the common use of the jump stop as an offensive move. Officials and coaches are having difficulty determining the difference between a legal and illegal move. The key to making this determination properly is first finding the pivot foot. Then, if the player moves a foot or the feet in any direction in excess of prescribed limits while holding the ball, a traveling violation has occurred. The limits follow:

1. A player who catches the ball with both feet on the floor may pivot, using either foot. When one foot is lifted, the other is the pivot foot.

2. A player who catches the ball while moving or dribbling may stop and establish a pivot foot as follows:
a. If both feet are off the floor and the player lands;
(1) Simultaneously on both feet, either foot may be the pivot.

(2) On one foot followed by the other, the first foot to touch is the pivot.

(3) On one foot, the player may jump off that foot and simultaneously land on both. Neither foot can be a pivot in this case.
b. If one foot is on the floor;
(1) It is the pivot when the other foot touches in a step.

(2) The player may jump off that foot and simultaneously land on both. Neither foot can be a pivot in this case.

3. After coming to a stop and establishing a pivot foot:
a. The pivot foot may be lifted, but not returned to the floor, before the ball is released on a pass or try for goal;

b. If the player jumps, neither foot may be returned to the floor before the ball is released on a pass or try for goal;

c. The pivot foot may not be lifted, before the ball is released, to start a dribble.

4. After coming to a stop when neither foot can be a pivot:

a. One or both feet may be lifted, but may not be returned to the floor, before the ball is released on a pass or try for goal;

b. Neither foot may be lifted, before the ball is released, to start a dribble."

How to Stop?

There are two ways to stop, the one-two step landing and the jump-stop.

One-two step landing

When doing this landing (after a sprint or speed dribble), one foot lands first (the back foot) and then the second foot lands. The back foot becomes the pivot foot. When stopping, let the second foot to land extend wide from the back foot for better balance.

Jump-stop

When doing the jump-stop, both feet land simultaneously. The last step should be a hop and when you land, have your weight leaning backward a little to help slow your momentum. Using this stop, you are now free to use either foot as your pivot foot.

There is confusion over the rules and what is legal and what constitutes a traveling violation. My interpretation is this... it depends on whether you already have possession of the ball or not (as in receiving a pass), and whether or not you have already used up the one-step that you are entitled to. When receiving a pass with a jump-stop, you can pivot after the jump-stop and either foot can become the pivot foot. This is especially helpful for post players. A perimeter player can catch the ball with a jump-stop, and the pivot into triple-threat position if necessary and use the non-pivot foot for executing jab-step fakes or a drive step.

Now let's take a player who already has possession of the ball on the outside. He/she makes a dribble move into the lane, picks up the dribble, takes one step, and then lands a two-footed jump-stop. So far, so good. But after landing the jump-stop, he/she cannot move either foot and has no pivot foot since the one step was already used up prior to the jump-stop. He/she could jump upward, but must either shoot or pass the ball before either foot touches the floor again.

Pivoting

When you are stationary on the court, the rules say you can move one foot around, as long as the other foot (the "pivot foot") remains planted on the floor. This is called pivoting and all players must know how to pivot. There are two types of pivots, the forward pivot and the reverse pivot (or drop-step). Pivoting is done on the ball of the foot. You do not want to become flat-footed or have your weight back on your heels. The ball of the pivot foot must be in contact with the floor at all times and must not slide sideways. When you pivot, just actually spin around on the ball of your pivot foot. If you pick up your pivot foot, or change your pivot foot to your other foot, you will be called for a traveling violation. When starting your dribble, the ball must leave your hand before you lift your pivot foot. When shooting a jump shot, you may jump and your pivot foot may lift off the floor, but you must release the ball from your hand before you land again on the floor.

In a forward pivot, the player pivots forward, while in a reverse pivot, the player pivots backward. For example, let's say the left foot is the pivot foot (usually the case for a right-handed player). Here, a forward pivot would have the player pivoting (spinning), or stepping forward in a counterclockwise motion (if looking down from above). A reverse pivot would have the player pivoting, or stepping backwards (drop-stepping) in a clockwise motion. Just the opposite would be the case if the right foot were the pivot foot.

Which foot should be my pivot foot?

Well, it could be either depending on the game situation. Outside, perimeter players most often will use their non-dominant foot as the pivot foot when facing the basket. For example, a right-handed player facing the basket will most often plant the left foot as the pivot foot and make a jab step with his/her right foot, and just the opposite would be the case for the left-handed player. Coaches vary on this, but we teach our perimeter players that if they are right-handed, the left foot should be the pivot foot, and lefties should use the right foot as the pivot foot. We believe this is simple and the most natural, athletic way for most players. Now a low-post player who has his/her back to the basket is often wise to receive the ball with both feet planted (as after a jump stop). This allows the player the option of selecting either foot for pivoting, depending on where the defender is located (for either a drop-step to baseline or a move to the lane).

You must be able to pivot forward and backward using either foot.

Pivoting drills

1. Start with the left foot as pivot foot. Pivot forward 15 times.

2. Now backward pivot (reverse pivot) 15 times.

3. Switch pivot foot. Forward pivot 15 times.

4. Backward pivot (reverse pivot) 15 times.

Pivoting Pointers

1. You must keep your head up with eyes forward.

2. Have your knees bent a little.

3. Your pivot point must not change.

4. Your pivot foot does not slide.

Triple Threat Position

Why?

You can pass, shoot or dribble from this position.

How?

1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.


2. Stagger your feet slightly, so that your left foot points into the arch of your right foot.


3. Bend your knees and crouch slightly.


4. Grasp the ball with your left hand on the side of the ball and your right hand on top.


5. Bend both elbows so they're approximately at right angles.


6. Survey the court at all times.


7. Decide what the most appropriate maneuver for your current situation is.

Tips.

1. You want to be comfortable when you're in the triple threat position.


2. If you get into the triple threat position every time you receive the ball, you don't waste excess movements deciding what to do.


3. Having three options makes it more difficult for the defender to figure out what your next move will be.

Illustration:

Offensive Stance

You always want to be in a good "basketball position" or stance. From this position, it is easier to start and stop, change direction and pace, jump, shoot, pass, catch and dribble. You should have your weight on the balls of your feet (the front part of the foot near the toes) and the feet should be shoulder width apart with the knees flexed. The head is centered above the lower body, and your hands are about chest high with your elbows bent and your arms close to your sides. When you actually have the ball on the perimeter, use the triple threat position so you are in a position to either pass, shoot or dribble.

Basketball Fundamentals - Footwork

Basketball is played on the fingertips and the balls of your feet. Everything you do involves correct footwork.