3 Deadly Spin Move Combinations To Add To Your Bag

Ready to turn defenders into lunch meat? Add these creative spin move combinations to your bag today! A spin move is one of the most effective and efficient ways to get around your defender while driving to the hoop. And when you pair with a counter move, it’s lethal. So let’s take a look the spin combo moves NBA players from legend Michael Jordan through to 2018 NBA Most Valuable Player, James Harden, use regularly.

Obviously, the basis of each of these moves – the first part – is a spin. So let’s quickly review that in case you’re not familiar. These are fairly advanced basketball moves, so be sure to be comfortable with the spin first before progressing onto these.

Here’s how to do a spin move in basketball:

First watch this video so you have a visual in your head. Then read these directions:

1. Start by dribbling the ball with either hand – let’s say your right hand.
2. Plant your opposite foot on the ground, and use it to pivot your body in the direction you want to go. Basically your foot is a hinge on a door, and you are the door.
3. For these moves, you’re going to want to take a nice wide step on your spin, because you’re trying to create lots of separation. In other situations, for instance in a fast break type of situation, it makes more sense to be narrower on the spin.
4. Anyhow, as you pivot, use your right hand to spin the ball around your body, keeping it close to your body as you turn.
5. The key is that after the dribble as you spin, if you want to keep dribbling (rather than collect the ball and shoot), you should end with the ball in your left hand. If you leave it in your original hand it’s easier for the defender to steal it away.
6. As you complete the spin, think about moving your shoulders around as quickly as possible and staying low to the ground – the key is to be as fast as a turning top!
7. Explode out of the move in the direction you want to go, keeping your body low to give your leverage against the defense.

Discover spin move combinations you need to know

Let’s take a look at three spin move combinations you can start using right away. Do a walk through on each of these, taking your time and paying attention to the details and the way it feels. Then go game speed through each, unit you score wit each three times in a row. Finally add in some defense, and play only using these moves to see who can get to 5 points first.

1. Spin + fade away

This is one of Kobe Bryant’s signature moves, and can be done anywhere on the court. It’s a great move if you have an aggressive and fast defender because it unexpectedly creates space as you move backwards. We like to use it a lot because we don’t like a lot of contact, and this move tends to help avoid that. For this move – it’s exactly as it sounds – you’re combining a spin move with a fade away jump shot. Here’s how you do it:

1. As you pivot on your spin, rather than dribble, pick up the ball and bring it with you. Let’s say you’re beginning with the ball in your right hand and spinning to the left.
2. As you complete the spin, plant your right foot and push off of it backwards to get into your shooting motion.
3. As you jump, rock back, and fade away from the basket to create space between you and your defender.

We’re not working on the Michael Jordan pop, but check out skills trainer Drew Hanlen demonstrating it, because coming out of the pop, he shows you the exact fadeaway shot you’re going to take. We’re just getting into it off a spin instead of a pop.

You might find it most helpful to work on the fadeaway first, and then combine it with the spin move after you’ve mastered it a few times.

Here you can see Kobe putting the full spin to fadeaway in action.

2. Spin + shot fake + reverse pivot

This move is most helpful in the paint but can be done anywhere. The reverse pivot allows you to surprise your defense by changing direction, back the way you came and towards the baseline, all while protecting the ball from your defender.

Watch this video #3 to see what you’re about to do! Here’s how to do it:

1. Basically you’re going to spin, and pick up the ball on your spin.
2. As you finish your spin lift the ball over your head in a shooting motion to fake that you’re rising up into a shot right away.
3. While you show the ball up, keep your hips down, as that’s going to help you be quick for the next part of the move.
4. Instead of shooting, rip the ball and your body back around towards the direction you came from and in towards the basket in one step.
5. Shoot off your step.

Again here’s the master of pivots Kobe demonstrating a reverse pivot (obviously he’s not doing it off a spin):

3. Spin pump fake extended step

This move is most helpful in the paint. This is basically the same start of the move you just did, but instead of the reverse after the pump fake, you’re going to step through towards the basket in the direction you’re already fading. The shot fake is going to get your defender up in the air like popcorn, and you’ll be able to cut your body under them for the step through and shot.

Watch this video see how to do the extension part of the move!

Here’s how to do it:

1. Spin, and pick up the ball on your spin.
2. As you finish your spin lift the ball over your head in a shooting motion to fake that you’re rising up into a shot right away.
3. While you show the ball up, keep your hips down, as that’s going to help you be quick for the next part of the move.
4. Instead of shooting, keep your shoulders low and take one step under and past your defender. Here’s WNBA player Satou Sabally demonstrating the step through part of this move.
5. Shoot off your step.

Try these effective spin move combinations in basketball today

Now you’re ready to get big buckets using the spin moves the pros use. Up next, learn how to calm your nerves before big games or work on your handles to keep your spin speedy and under control.