Pivot foot in basketball: what is pivoting and how to pivot

01
One foot anchors the turn.
A pivot lets a player turn around an established foot while holding the ball. Which foot can become the pivot depends on the catch and landing. The legal options differ from a player still moving through a gather.
02
Stop, face, pass.
Use a controlled stop, establish the pivot and turn to a partner before passing. Repeat in both directions. Begin without pressure so the player can feel the difference between rotating around a foot and sliding it across the floor.
03
Check the release.
For NBA footwork, use the linked traveling guide before adding a dribble or a jump. A practice instruction such as “keep one foot down” is a useful cue, but it is not the complete rule for every passing, shooting or landing situation.

Pivot footin basketball