Written By: Jared Chatham
The Art of Changing Pace in Basketball
In most sports, the term “Speed Kills” is well-known for a reason: speed often gives athletes a significant advantage. In football, track, and more, the fastest player usually excels. However, in basketball, this concept is more nuanced. While speed can be advantageous, particularly on defense most players rarely sprint for extended periods during a game. This is where the art of changing pace becomes crucial.
Understanding Change of Pace
What makes basketball exciting is the element of surprise, largely achieved through changing pace. So, how can players master this skill? Here are some strategies:
1. Dribbling Drills: Incorporate drills that require quick acceleration and deceleration. This builds the essential “stop-and-go” reaction necessary for effective gameplay.
2. Relaxation and Explosion: When setting up moves, practice staying relaxed before quickly exploding into action. This unpredictability makes ball handlers more effective.
3. Simulated Game Situations: Ensure practice drills mimic real-game conditions. This prepares players to maintain composure and make smart decisions under pressure.
Drills and Exercises to Improve Change of Pace
To effectively change pace, focus on these five essential techniques: controlled dribbling, quick bursts, hesitation moves, timing, and coordination. Here are some drills to incorporate:
Cone Drills: Use zig-zag or straight-line stop-and-go drills to develop consistency in accelerating and decelerating over short distances, essential for real game situations.
One-on-One Play: This helps players apply change-of-pace techniques against a defender, improving their ability to read and react during games.
Ball Handling: Emphasize getting into moves smoothly and then quickly transitioning out of them. Practice each move multiple times before taking a shot to build comfort and confidence.
Reaction Drills: Create scenarios where players must quickly read and respond to defensive movements, honing their decision-making skills and adaptability.
Conclusion
Change of pace is a critical skill for any professional ball handler. It keeps defenders guessing, allows players to maneuver around opponents, reduces turnovers, and creates shooting space. Remember, practicing at a consistent speed makes players predictable and prone to mistakes. By mastering the art of changing pace, you can elevate your game and keep opponents on their toes.
References
Webadmin. (2024, April 29).What is change of Pace Basketball: Revolution Basketball.
Revolution Basketball Training.
https://revolutionbasketballtraining.com/what-is-change-of-pace-basketball/#:~:text=Change%20of
Boost your game with change of Pace Speed Basketball Drills. HoopsKing. (n.d.).
https://hoopsking.com/blogs/default-blog/boost-your-game-with-change-of-pace-speed-basketball-drills?s
Changing speed – a key component of all great ballhandlers. Welcome to BREAKTHROUGH
BASKETBALL. (n.d.).
https://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/fundamentals/change-of-speed-dribble.html
